Panama Hotel stop along the tour of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District organized by the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Thank you to everybody who attended, supported, and remotely cheered us on at the 2013 National Conference that JANM hosted in Seattle this past July!
Since the conclusion of the conference, we have been receiving a steady stream of really nice comments from people who attended, letting us know more about the experiences they had. We have also been posting conference articles, conference photos and videos, and conference reflections. You can access it all via our brand new Conference Highlights page!
And thank you to all who have supported us at the past conferences, including museum friends in Los Angeles, Little Rock, and Denver. It’s through projects like this that we have a real chance to work closely with JANM members and supporters from around the nation.
For that, we are truly grateful!
The Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee carried in the colors to kick off the Opening General Session.The Hirami family came from across the nation to attend the conference!Cartoonist Stan Sakai with super fans Daniel and Ben Klosterman.Students from University of Washington participate in a bilingual panel entitled, “We Didn’t Marry the War.”Tom Ikeda, Karen Korematsu, Judge Mary Schroeder, Kathryn Bannai, Lorraine Bannai, and Secretary Norm Mineta.Dr. Kimura, JANM President/CEO, and author Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston.A few of the organizers of the unforgettable Bainbridge Island bus tour.
For the past year and a half, JANM’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center has captured more than 25 first-person accounts of individuals whose lives illuminate the astonishing diversity of the Japanese experience in America.
With the support of NITTO TIRES U.S.A. Inc. and its visionary President, Tomo Mizutani, the Watase Media Arts Center staff has been enabled to videotape extensive interviews with Nisei, Japanese-speaking Kibei, Hapa, and post-WWII “Shin Issei.” Their stories have revealed many new historical insights and several previously unexpressed personal perspectives on the World War II era and beyond.
From the little known early Yamato colony of Japanese in Florida where Sumi (Fukushima) Hughes’ parents settled to the challenges faced by Hamako (Amano) Schneider, one of the first Japanese war brides to be admitted to the U.S. following World War II, the project has uncovered many aspects of history that have remained unfamiliar to the public.
Photographed in Hi-Definition video by the Media Arts Center’s videographers Akira Boch and Evan Kodani, each interview is transcribed, translated when necessary, and digitally archived for eventual use in documentaries, exhibitions, and ongoing JANM educational projects such as the Discover Nikkei website and the Museum’s YouTube channel, janmdotorg. The project also involved follow ups with interviewees and their families to gather, identify, and scan photo albums, documents, and other supplementary resource material.
After viewing the completed two-to-three hour interviews and assessing the available supplementary photographs and other visuals, the Media Arts staff—with assistance from Japanese staff member Yoko Nishimura of the Discover Nikkei project—edited selected interviews into a 30-minute documentary, Unexpected Journeys, that interweaves short autobiographical profiles with narration, graphics, and music by accomplished composer and musician, Dave Iwataki. To make these stories accessible to as wide an audience as possible the video includes both English and Japanese narration and subtitling to reach both English and Japanese-speaking audiences.
On Saturday, November 2, several of the interviewees and their families will attend a special premiere public screening presented in JANM’s Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Democracy Forum and will be able to meet fellow project participants, staff, sponsors, and other special guests. Light refreshments to follow program.
Lloyd Inui
FILM SCREENING Unexpected Journeys: Remarkable Stories of Japanese in America
Saturday, November 2, 2013 • 2PM FREE & open to the public!
This program is sponsored by Nitto Tire and produced by the National Museum’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center.
Check out the updated Watase Media Arts Center pages online: janm.org/mediaarts
Shoppers at the Kokoro Craft Boutique are busy hopping from one booth to another.
On Saturday, October 5, 2013, the Friends of the Museum hosted the Kokoro Craft Boutique at JANM. The boutique showcased and sold a wide variety of unique, artisan-quality items.
Shoppers enjoy the wide variety of crafts at the 2013 Kokoro Craft Boutique.
The 2013 Kokoro Craft Boutique was a huge success. Over 1,300 shoppers visited the boutique! There were 50 Vendors with beautiful, creative, and unique crafts, including Giant Robot merchandise, cultural T-shirts, 3-D & bronze art, vendor-designed jewelry, handbags, tote bags, clothing, scarves, pottery, original artwork, and more!
All shoppers appreciated the perks as they shopped. By spending $10 or more at the Boutique, shoppers received free admission to the Museum’s exhibitions for that day, and a 10% discount during the month of October at participating Little Tokyo restaurants!
Yuujou Taiko gave a powerful performance on the Plaza.
Yuujou Taiko’s performance on the Plaza drew a very large crowd. Their talent and enthusiasm captivated an audience who didn’t seem to mind standing in 93-degree weather!
Thank you to all who came to shop and support the Museum. The Friends of the Museum will be able to donate a generous amount to the Museum’s Educational programs.
Watch JANM’s Events Calendar next year for the date of the 2014 Kokoro Craft Boutique!
Check out these photos from the 5th Annual Kokoro Craft Boutique:
Preparing for a busy day at the Boutique.
The shopping begins!
Adrienne Lee sells “Color Conscious” jewelry at the Boutique.
Crystal Agena displays beautiful accessories from “Aloha Inspired”.
From charms to jewelry, Daniel Aoki sells Clayvision’s unique and affordable gifts.
June Berk manages Fugetsu Do’s sweet booth!
Karolyn Fujimoto sells her wonderful designs at the Boutique.
Every corner of JANM is filled with booths!
Yuujou Taiko perform on the Plaza.
Kaz Ota sets up an extensive display of clay pottery.
Marisela Delgado represents “La Petite Deer”, with a colorful booth.
The Friends of the Museum, including Tachi, Grace, Sande, Janet, and Nobi, organized a wonderful boutique this year!
Photos by Tsuneo Takasugi, Richard Murakami, and Russell Kitagawa.
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Don’t miss exciting events like this at JANM! Stay updated on all our events by visiting janm.org/events or “liking” our JANM Facebook page!
The Japanese American National Museum is pleased to support East West Players as a community partner for The Nisei Widows Club: How Tomi Got her Groove Back.
The third installment of The Nisei Widows Club comic trilogy follows the lives of a group of widowed Nisei (second generation) women who only have each other in the face of loss and the search for love in their golden years. Tomi loses her only son to a heart attack at the early age of 45, and the other widows gather around her during this time of grief. Hilarity ensues when they embark on an unforgettable trip to Hawaii, which unleashes the cougar in all of them at a hula retreat.
“The ‘Nisei Widows Club’ have really struck a humorous chord with the community, even though the story centers around loss,” says Tim Dang, Producing Artistic Director of East West Players. “This newest story will feature even more laughter demonstrating the strength of these senior citizen women in times of adversity.”
The production brings back the original four “Nisei Widows”—Takayo Fischer as Sumi, Emily Kuroda as Hana, June Kyoko Lu as Betty, Jeanne Sakata as Tomi. EWP introduces Tui Asau as the object of their desire—Kimo the hula teacher.
Traci Kato-Kiriyama and Johnny Kwon give powerful performances in “Our American Voice”
JANM has a long history of partnership with East West Players—from hosting play readings presented by EWP, to our current collaboration, Our American Voice, a two-person show exploring six diverse stories of Asian Pacific Americans that is performed inside the exhibition gallery in conjunction with the I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story exhibition which was created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.
This dynamic gallery performance stars Traci Kato-Kiriyama and Johnny Kwon portraying both historic and fictional characters, including Gordon Hirabayashi, Katherine Cheung (the first licensed Asian American female aviator), and poet Carlos Bulosan.
If you haven’t seen it already, you have one last chance to see Our American Voice this Saturday, October 26 at 1PM! Be sure to check out the exhibition, I Want the Wide American Earth, before it closes on Sunday, October 27.
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WORLD PREMIERE The Nisei Widows Club: How Tomi Got Her Groove Back
By Betty Tokudani
Directed by Amy Hill
November 7 – December 8, 2013
Preview Performances:
Thursday, November 7 – November 9 at 8pm
Sunday, November 10 at 2pm
All preview seats are $21, $16 for students.
Regular Performances:
November 14 – November 29: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
November 30 – December 8: Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm
David Henry Hwang Theater
at the Union Center of the Arts
120 Judge John Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012.
JANM will be in your neighborhood (well, on Oahu) this coming Saturday, October 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. for a Member & Donor Appreciation Reception.
This event is FREE—our Board of Trustees and Board of Governors are hosting this event in order to meet our supporters who live in Hawaii. Appetizers will be served, along with hosted parking, and a hosted bar.
We are grateful for your support, and we welcome this opportunity to greet members of our JANM family.
If you haven’t already RSVP’d, it’s not too late! Just let us know by emailing memberevents@janm.org or calling Alison Wong at 213.830.5657.
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Member & Donor Appreciation Reception
Saturday, October 26, 2013
4PM – 6PM
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
2454 S. Beretania Street, #101
Honolulu, Hawaii
On Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 2:00PM, JANM will present a special screening of The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i. Produced by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i, The Untold Story is the first full-length documentary to chronicle the internment experience of Japanese Americans in Hawai`i.
Within 48 hours of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawai`i authorities arrested several hundred local residents—targeting Buddhist priests, Japanese language-school officials, newspaper editors, and business and community leaders. In total, more than 2,000 men and women of Japanese ancestry were arrested, detained, and interned at 13 different confinement sites located in Hawai`i. There was no evidence of espionage or sabotage, and no charges were ever filed against them. The Untold Story chronicles their story through oral histories, documents, interviews, and reenactments.
“While people have heard of places like Manzanar and Tule Lake, the sites where Japanese Americans were incarcerated on the mainland, few people are familiar with places like Honouliuli, Kalaheo Stockade, or that Japanese Americans were held at the Kilauea Military Camp during WWII,” said Carole Hayashino, president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i.
“Our film, The Untold Story, helps to ensure that the experience of over 2,000 persons of Japanese ancestry in Hawai`i who were picked up and imprisoned simply because of their ancestry is not forgotten.”
Don’t miss this special film screening and the Q&A session with the filmmakers afterwards!
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Visit the Discover Nikkei website for an insightful behind-the-scenes article on The Untold Story written by the director, Ryan Kawamoto:
Meet Lela Lee, author and artist of the web comic book series Angry Little Girls, at the Japanese American National Museum!
Lela Lee, cultural phenom and entrepreneur, was just an undergraduate at UC Berkeley when she decided to let off some steam by creating the character of Kim, a no-nonsense, surly, and vocal Asian American female.
Through her characters of Kim, Deborah, Maria, Wanda, Xyla, Pat, and Bruce, Lela delivers biting comebacks from the mouths of those who are usually on the receiving end of sexist or racist comments.
Meet the author who skewers pop culture and stereotypes in all her books, short films, comic book series, and merchandise. Take advantage of your chance to hear her in person.
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EXCLUSIVE FOR JANM MEMBERS ONLY!
Meet and Greet with Lela Lee
Saturday, October 19th • 1 PM
Intimate dessert reception with Lela Lee for JANM members. Please RSVP at specialevents@janm.org or 213.830.5657.
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FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
A Conversation with Lela Lee
Saturday, October 19th • 2 PM
The author and artist will discuss her comics. Free with paid Museum admission.
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Kim, the original Angry Asian Girl, is available in a plush doll!
Need a gift for a special angry girl?
Lela Lee’s Angry Little Girls books are available through our award-winning Museum Store—Angry Little Girls, Still Angry Little Girls, Angry Little Girls in Love, and Fairy Tales for Angry Little Girls are sure to strike a humorous chord!
These programs are presented in conjunction with Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986 on view at JANM through February 9, 2014. For more information about this exhibition and related public programs, visit janm.org/marvels-monsters.
Join us for a special Carlos Bulosan centenary celebration at JANM!
“The Writer is Also a Citizen,” is a FREE event, and will take place on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2PM in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum.
Carlos Bulosan (1913-1956) was a poet, novelist, essayist, fiction writer, and labor organizer who left the Philippines at age 17 to look for work in the U.S. What he found was racism, low-paying jobs, and a brilliant and unexpected literary career.
In conjunction with the closing of the exhibition, I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story, whose title is taken from one of Bulosan’s poems, five Filipino-American writers—including poet Barbara Jane Reyes (Diwata, For the City That Nearly Broke Me) and playwright and novelist Noël Alumit (Letters to Montgomery Clift)—will read from Bulosan’s diverse body of work and from their own in celebration of the centenary of this seminal writer, worker, and citizen. Also featuring Rachelle Cruz, Giovanni Ortega, and Chris Santiago.
Carlos Bulosan
Don’t miss this celebration of Carlos Bulosan’s legacy, and the closing of the exhibition,I Want the Wide American Earth.
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If you haven’t seen the exhibition already, I Want the Wide American will close on October 27, 2013, so be sure to catch it before then!
Also, if you haven’t had a chance to watch Our American Voice, the special two-person performance presented in collaboration with East West Players, the final two performances will be on Saturday, October 19 & Saturday, October 26 at 1PM. One of the six stories included is an excerpt from ALLOSby Giovanni Ortega which presents the story of Carlos Bulosan.
In this play, Hannah receives a FedEx box with two things: a 100% bona-fide-heart’s-desire-level wish and a suicide note. Hannah tracks the package back to Seoul, where her grandmother recently jumped from the roof of her retirement home onto the wrong side of the Demilitarized Zone. They’ll need North Korea’s permission to retrieve the body, but Kim Jong Il just kicked the bucket, and things in the DMZ are even stranger then they seem.
If Hannah and the Dread Gazebo sounds like your kind of show, don’t miss this FREE reading at 7:30PM on Thursday, October 17th!
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About the Playwright: Jiehae Park is a playwright and performer in NYC. She is the 2013-14 Princess Grace Playwriting Fellow, as well as a current Dramatists Guild Fellow and member of the Soho Rep Writer-Director Lab. Her second full-length, HANNAH AND THE DREAD GAZEBO, won the 2013 Leah Ryan Prize for Emerging Women Writers and was developed at the Bay Area Playwrights Festival and Ojai Playwrights Conference. The script was also a finalist for the O’Neill Playwrights Conference and Abingdon’s Chris Wolk Award. Her first play (and undergraduate thesis), HAPPY MOON DAY, HOLLY WOO, was a finalist for the Wolk Award and placed third in the East West Players/Irvine Foundation’s GOT LAUGHS competition. She served two years as co-artistic director of title3, a Los Angeles company dedicated to new works by women, and has been a mentor for the O’Neill’s Young Playwrights Festival. Proud member: Ma Yi Writers Lab, AEA, SAG-AFTRA. As a performer: NYTW, La Jolla Playhouse, Collection of Shiny Objects, Studio Theatre 2ndStage (DC), Young Playwrights Theatre (DC), REDCAT (LA). MFA (acting), UCSD/La Jolla Playhouse and BA (general theater shenanigans), Amherst College.
About the Director: Jennifer Chang‘s recent work includes Lady Windermere’s Fan (LA Weekly Pick of the Week), Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them (Ovation Nomination: Best Ensemble), and will be directing Fortinbras by Lee Blessing at the USC School of Dramatic Arts in the Spring of 2014. She is a founding member and Co-Artistic Director for the award-winning Chalk Repertory Theatre (Ovation Award, Best of LA 2013 – LA Weekly). As an actor, she has been on stages across the US, from our local EWP and South Coast Rep to theatres in New York City, Minneapolis, Philadelphia etc. She has appeared in numerous national commercials, Indie Films, and TV shows like Two and a Half Men, Parenthood, NCIS:LA, Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, amongst others. Jennifer Chang received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and her MFA from the UCSD/La Jolla Playhouse program.
Jennifer Chang is also the director for Our American Voice, the special two-person show exploring six diverse stories of Asian Pacific Americans. Performed within the I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story exhibition gallery space, it is presented in partnership with East West Players. Free with Museum admission.
Only 2 more chances to see this show: Saturday, October 19 & Saturday, October 26. Both begin at 1pm and are approximately 45 minutes.
Young Nisei soldier who entered the Army before the war and his mother pose in their strawberry field in Northern California shortly before incarceration. Image credit: National Archives
The Nisei soldiers who fought in World War II embodied a particular set of values, passed down from generation to generation. Giri—sense of duty. Gambare—perseverance. And of course, go for broke—give it your all.
Go For Broke chronicles the resilience and bravery of these young men both on and off the battlefield. Japanese American soldiers fought in eight brutal campaigns across Europe, receiving thousands of medals for heroism even while suffering an astronomical casualty rate. Thousands more joined the Military Intelligence Service and operated throughout the Pacific Theater as language and intelligence specialists. Yet their battles were not finished when the war ended. The Nisei veterans returned to fight pervasive racism back home—and proved just as successful in this arena. With their help, hundreds of anti-Asian laws were struck down.
First displayed at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York, Go For Broke shows how instrumental these soldiers were in the Japanese American fight for justice both overseas and at home. The photographs in this exhibition are supplemented by a special Guide by Cell audio tour, with narration by curator Eric Saul and Nisei veterans.
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To celebrate the opening of this exhibition, we invite all JANM Members for a special preview of the exhibition before it opens to the public.
Member Preview Sunday, November 10th • 2-4PM
Members are invited to join us for an exclusive preview of Go For Broke with curator Eric Saul. To RSVP, contact specialevents@janm.org or 213.625-0414 ext. 2222 by Wednesday, November 6.
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Join us also for this special public program on December 7th presented in partnership with the Go For Broke National Educational Center:
The Military Intelligence Service (M.I.S.) in Occupied Japan Saturday, December 7th • 2PM
M.I.S. veterans, Edwin Nakasone, Bruce Kaji, and Hitoshi Sameshima, will discuss their roles in the rebuilding of Japan after the end of World War II. The MIS was a US military unit mostly comprised of Japanese American Nisei who provided translation, interpretation, and interrogation services during World War II. Presented as part of the Tateuchi Public Program Series.
