This continuing exhibit presents a moving historical overview of Japanese
American communities, beginning with the early days of the Issei pioneers (first
generation Japanese Americans) through the World War II incarceration, to the
present. This exhibition features objects, documents, photographs, and one of
the Museum's largest artifacts: a barracks from the concentration camps at Heart
Mountain, Wyoming.
2001 Calendar of Events:
First Quarter: January-February-March 2001
Major events:
1. Oshogatsu: New Year Family Celebration
January 7, 1-4p.m.
Celebrate the New Year at the National Museum with family and
friends by enjoying a fun-filled, festive afternoon learning about Japanese
American New Year "good luck" traditions. Discover unique foods such as ozoni, a
special New Year soup filled with mochi (pounded rice cakes) that ensures good
luck throughout the year. While you're there, enjoy the tales of renowned
storyteller Nanci Nishimura and Argyle Bunny. You'll also have the chance to
join a variety of workshops and decorate a "tree of cranes." Don't miss out on
other New Year activities planned throughout Little Tokyo. Bring your friends -
admission is free!
2. Children's Concert in Historic Sites
January 27, 1:30p.m.
Kids and adults alike are invited to explore the richness of
Japanese American history with a special Children's Concerts in Historic Sites
event. Sponsored by The Da Camera Society of Mount St. Mary's College and
coinciding with the exhibition Allen Say's Journey: The Art and Words of a
Children's Book Author, the concert features stories and music from the Japanese
American tradition. Storyteller Denise Iketani and the Taiko ensemble
Japanese Festival Sounds, led by drummer Johnny Mori, team up for a high-energy,
richly visual performance. Kids leave with Japanese American sweets and a
special toy!
Concert is recommended for children age 4 and above. Tickets ($18 for
adults, $12 for children, $48 for a family package of two adults and two
children) also admit you to the National Museum on the day of the concert and
can be purchased by calling 310.954. 4300.
3. Little Tokyo Walking Tour
February 10, 10-11:30a.m.
The Little Tokyo community in Los Angeles was once the
residential, business, and cultural center of the largest Japanese American
community in the United States until World War II. Relive history and
learn about present day Little Tokyo with National Museum Docent, Bill
Shishima on this historical walking tour through the Museum's
neighborhood. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. Members
$5, non-members $11 includes National Museum admission.
4. 2nd Sunday for Families
Art on the Courtyard: Explore, Imagine, Create
February 11, 1-4p.m.
Join the National Museum for a Sunday of Art on our Children's
Courtyard to celebrate the upcoming exhibition Henry Sugimoto: Painting an
American Experience. Learn about different techniques such as pastels, print
making, water colors, and mixed medium collage used by this important American
artist. Try your hand at one or all of these techniques at a variety of
art stations on our Children's Courtyard - you'll even have the chance to paint
your own experiences on a large wall mural. Music and taiko performances will
accompany you! Invite your friends - admission is free!
5. Day of Remembrance - Community Event
February 17, 2-4p.m.
Day of Remembrance (DOR), the community's annual commemoration
of President Roosevelt's signing of EO 9066 and the World War II exclusion and
internment of Japanese Americans and Japanese Latin Americans, will be held at
the Japanese American National Museum. The 2001 DOR marks the 20th
Anniversary of the Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress (NCRR), formerly known as
the National Coalition for Redress & Reparation. The National Museum,
the Pacific Southwest District JACL, and other community organizations
join with NCRR in reflecting upon the 20+ year journey for redress and justice,
and the continuing efforts for a vibrant and strong community.
6. An Afternoon with the Nishikawa Ensemble
February 24, 4-5:30p.m.
Featuring a special presentation of To-shihun (Tu Tze-chun): A
Musical Drama narrated by George Takei
Co-Sponsored by Yamaha Corporation of America and the
Japanese American
National Museum
Join us for a performance by the Nishikawa Ensemble, an
acclaimed Japanese chamber music group. Led by Kohei Nishikawa, one of
Japan's most accomplished players of both Japanese and western flutes, the group
will perform a program that uniquely incorporates both traditional Japanese
instruments such as the shinobe, nokkan, biwa, with Western instruments such as
the flute and piano. Thirteen year-old Yamaha student, Jonathan Takahashi,
will also perform his original composition with Mr. Nishikawa.
The second half of the concert will feature the musical drama, To-shishun
(Tu Tze-chun), an ancient fable of one man's journey to personal
happiness. Narrated by actor George Takei, this gripping tale will unfold
against a live soundtrack performed by the Nishikawa ensemble. Please call
213.625.0414 for reservations. Members $5, non-members $8, includes National
Museum admission. Seating is limited.
7. "A Sentimental Journey," Japanese American National Museum 2001 Annual
Dinner & Silent Auction
March 3
At the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, California
8. 2nd Sunday for Families
How Does Your Garden Grow?
March 11, 1-4p.m.
Whether you plant pansies or petunias, roses or radishes, this
month's Second Sunday is filled with hands-on workshops and demonstrations that
will introduce the joys of gardening to children and adults alike. Gardeners and
artists will share how color, texture and light can work together to produce
wonderful results. Come dressed in your gardening gear and create your own
garden! This program highlights the National Museum's display For a Greener
Tomorrow: Japanese American Gardeners in Southern California.
Admission is free!
For more information, please call 213.830.5659.
9. Gardening 101: A Day with Professional Gardeners
March 17, 10a.m.-4p.m.
Do you look longingly at the beautiful garden photographs in
magazines? Are you ever overwhelmed when you visit a nursery? Confused
about which plants thrive in sunlight and which do not? And, how do you get rid
of those pests? Experts, including representatives from the Southern California
Gardeners' Federation will cover a range of gardening topics from plant
selection and lawn care to landscape design and container gardening will gather
at the Museum to help you solve your gardening problems. In conjunction with For
a Greener Tomorrow: Japanese American Gardeners in Southern California currently
on display, the Museum will host an interesting and informative day of question
and answer roundtable discussions.
Please call 213.625.0414 for reservations. Members $15, non-members $20 in
advance, $25 at door, includes National Museum admission.
10. After America...After Japan
Film screening and discussion
March 18, 1-3p.m.
After America...After Japan will examine the challenges
and triumphs experienced by Americans who have lived in Japan and Japanese who
have lived in America. Based on the underestimated power of culture, how
have these individuals been changed by their experiences in each country?
Can it be said that their lives and personalities are now a blending of two
cultural identities, neither completely American nor completely
Japanese?
Regge Life, the film's executive producer/director conducted more than 300
interviews with individuals from both countries who continue to face challenges
in determining their new cultural identity. Life has also produced two
other widely acclaimed documentaries "Struggle and Success: The African-American
Experience in Japan" and "Doubles: Japan and America's Intercultural
Children". Both were broadcast nationwide on NHK and PBS nationwide.
Life will lead a discussion of his film following the screening.
11. Premiere of "Henry Sugimoto: Painting an American Experience"
March 24, 12p.m.-5p.m.
The new exhibition "Henry Sugimoto: Painting an American
Experience" opens at the National Museum
