JAMSJ NEWSLETTERS
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JANUARY 2003 NEWSLETTER
"1942: Luggage from Home to Camp" Since starting 1942: Luggage From Home to Camp, the Japanese American Museum of San Jose's (JAMsj) California Civil Liberties Public Education Program (CCLPEP) project in June, Sunnyvale artist Flo Oy Wong has interviewed six San Jose area internees to document their memories of what they carried from their homes to internment camps during World War II. Project participants, Lola Abe, Elsie Honda, Dave Sakai, Eiichi Sakauye, Misao Shiotsuka, and Esau Shimizu shared their stories about packing for camp. Their touching stories will be featured in a display of community-donated suitcases that were actually used at Poston, Heart Mountain, Topaz, and other camps. Ranging in age from 77 to 91, participants reviewed their personal internment histories, documents, and family photo albums as they prepared for their interview with Ms. Oy Wong. Dave Sakai, 85, was an accounting student at San Jose State College at the time of his internment. Prior to camp, he worked as a translator for non English-speaking Issei during registration at San Jose State College. When he departed for Santa Anita Assembly Center and eventually Heart Mountain, he took journals, pens, and postcards with him, along with his other possessions. He remembers using the suitcase as a tabletop to play cards with his friends on the train. Elsie Mayeda Honda, 77, was born and reared in Richmond, California. Because she and her family lived in a sensitive area -- a neighborhood near Standard Oil and the shipyard -- they were pre-evacuated and stayed in the home of Mr. Murakami before leaving for Tanforan and Topaz. Elsie remembers taking three dresses that her sister, Maria, an accomplished dressmaker, sewed for her. She also took a new testament with her. Dave and Elsie's stories will soon be trans-formed into art suitcase pieces to be displayed with those of the other project participants in a JAMsj exhibit, scheduled for opening in July 2003. An accompanying catalog and a public symposium will further enhance the exhibit.
JAMsj supplemented the project with an Applied Materials Excellence in the Arts grant. Steering Committee members Joe Yasutake, Ken Iwagaki, and Jimi Yamaichi have been meeting with Ms. Oy Wong on a regular basis to design and implement 1942: Luggage From Home to Camp, a visual project of memory, respect, and healing.
Volunteer Orientation Slated for Feb. 9 Barbara Sakakihara, JAMsj's Volunteer Coordinator, invites all museum volunteers to attend a Volunteer Orientation/Docent Training session on Sunday, February 9, 11:30 am -1:00 pm at the Museum. This event will give volunteers an opportunity to meet other volunteers and learn about ways to help with the many facets of the museum. 2003 promises to be an exciting year for the Museum. "Bring a friend or tell someone else about the meeting," urges Barbara. Questions? Call the Museum at (408) 294-3138. Volunteers planning to attend, please call the Museum at (408) 294-3138 to RSVP attendance or for further information. Museum Unveils New CYS Exhibit JAMsj's latest exhibit traces the history and activities of a still very vital 40-year-old organization known as the San Jose Japanese Community Youth Service (CYS). This group began in the early 1960's to provide opportunities for community youth to participate in a wide range of athletic activities. At the time, such an organization was desirable because of the smaller stature of the Sansei, as well as the need to provide a venue where Nikkei youth could develop together. With respect to this inculcation of Japanese American culture in the younger generation, many years earlier the Issei had similar hopes for their Nisei children. At that time, parents encouraged their children to attend Nihon gakko and take Judo lessons. Over the years, CYS has grown and supported a variety of innovative activities such as an exchange program of local Nikkei baseball teams with those from Hawaii. One year, San Jose families would host the Islanders and the next year the reverse would take place. Similar to other Japanese American organizations, close social ties and an interest in the common good were critical factors in the group's success. Also, as in other Nikkei organizations, the necessary fundraising had a community-oriented flavor. The exhibit captures this by showing a large number of people pitching in pancake breakfasts, family potluck dinners, and benefit Japanese movies. Bobbie Ueunten and Joyce Katayama curated the exhibit. They were able to bring together a large number of photographs of the group's activities over four decades. Most of these had been previously buried in old family photo boxes. Museum hours are from 11:00 am-3:00 pm T-F and 11:00 am-2:00 pm on Sun. JAMsj is located at 535 N. 5th St. in San Jose's Japantown. Call (408) 294-3138 for further information. Boutique Attracts Serious Shoppers A bright morning greeted shoppers to JAMsj's annual Winter Boutique on November 16th. Members arrived before 9:00 a.m. to take advantage of the "Members-Only Early Bird Entry." Forty-eight friends and supporters joined the Museum that morning, in order to take advantage of the early entry privileges before the 10:00 a.m. opening to the general public. Just as the members, old and new, added a festive tone early in the day, vendors generously donated items for the raffle that always adds to the afternoon excitement. JAMsj thanks the following vendors for their door prize donations: Daniel Aoki & Cynthia Ige, Danielle Fujii, Danny Itatani, Dennis Fujimoto, Donna Tojo, Eileen Tabata Fitzpatrick, Emi Tabuchi, Emiko Fukushima, Grace Kawakami, Gwen Chung, Hisako Koga, Joy Imai, Julie Kawakami, Karolyn Fujimoto, Kim Hata, Laura Hishina, Masao Uehara, Michele Yamaguma, Nakako Crump, Noe & Mary Yamabe, Richard Hattori, Sharon Ito, Shirley Inokuchi, Shizu Okino, Steve Kotake, Toshiko Beeman, Wendy Wakayama, West Valley JACL Senior Club. Local merchants and other donors also generously donated raffle items, which tempted members and supporters to buy raffle tickets. "Arigato" to Aki's Bakery, Amy's Beauty Salon, Calaveras Shell Car Wash, Cupertino Florist, Dobashi Market, Joyce Yuri Oyama, Kazoo Restaurant, Kubota/Gombei Restaurants, Kyoto Palace, Minato Restaurant, Nichi Bei Bussan, Nikaku Japanese Arts, Okayama Restaurant, Onishi Florist, Sakamoto Plants, Santo Market, Shuei-Do Manju Shop, Sun-Pac. Special thanks to the anonymous donor of the Jerry Rice autographed football. The donation heightened raffle interest and excitement. The JAMsj Food Booth was a popular stopping place for shoppers. By mid-morning, the sushi packages were totally sold out; and by early afternoon, so were nearly all food items. There was a sense of satisfaction as shoppers walked out with their bags full of choice items and their stomachs full of sushi, ohagi and manju. It was a great day for JAMsj, its members and supporters as the Boutique ended and darkness descended. Visitors Have Computer Access JAMsj visitors have access to the Internet via the "Public Access Computer" located in the Library. This computer is part of the JAMsj local area network connected to a "snappy" DSL line. Researchers can access other websites for additional information and data, such as the National Japanese American Museum or the National Japanese American Historical Society. Thanks to the expertise of Mimune Tsukamoto and Art Muto, the network was connected and is available to interested persons. The DSL line can be temperamental when there is a power failure; it is advisable to call ahead to make sure everything is up and running. Santa Clara County Office of Education Launches "Operation Graduate" Designed to honor veterans and Japanese American citizens who were unable to finish high school due to military service or internment during WWII and the Korean War, "Operation Graduate" provides qualifying individuals with an opportunity to receive belated diplomas and additional recognition for their service to our country. Diplomas may be awarded to any individual who left high school to serve in the US military during the period of September 16, 1940 through December 31, 1946 (WWII) or the period of June 25, 1950 through January 31, 1955 (Korean War). Proof of military service and discharge must be provided. For Japanese American citizens who were prevented from completing high school due to internment, eligibility for receiving a diploma requires proof of having been interned in a relocation camp during the period of September 16, 1940 and December 31, 1946. All applicants must have attended a high school during the periods of 1937-1940 or 1946-1950. Diplomas may be awarded posthumously to honorees' next-of-kin. To apply, call Santa Clara County Office of Education's Communication Services Department at (408) 453-6514; visit the department located at 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose; or visit www.sccoe.org for additional information and applications. Yokohama Teacher Conducts Research Noriko Murai, an elementary school teacher in Yokohama City, Japan, visited California in November as part of a research grant to learn about multicultural education in the U.S. She discovered JAMsj's website and made arrangements for an interview. Ms. Murai interviewed Aggie Idemoto, JAMsj Board member, who recently retired from Oak Grove School District, where she was Assistant Superintendent. Joyce Oyama, board member, served as interpreter. "I noticed six years ago, that we (in Japan) were not prepared for our immigrant students from South America," said Mrs. Murai. She teaches students in the International Class, a pullout program. She was most curious to know JAMsj's role in promoting multicultural understanding, other community resources, processes for textbook selection, discrimination, "Teaching Tolerance," and gangs. During the interview, she learned, for the first time, about the injustices of the Japanese Peruvians' incarceration at Crystal City, Texas. When asked what lessons she has learned from the U.S., she responded: "I was impressed the most about the passion for education in order to enhance every child's possibility." She felt encouraged by the excellent role models she met. She promised a brief English translation of her report upon completion. Students Tour JAMsj, Japantown After a field trip to the museum and Japan Town, students from Medaka no Gakko in Mt. View wrote thank you letters. The following are a few examples of their reflections:
Return to the Valley: KTEH Documentary Highlights Farming, Fishing After nearly 18 months of work, the KTEH documentary, Return to the Valley, is nearing completion. This one hour PBS film, featuring the Japanese American community after WWII, tells the story of the Nisei generation and their struggles to rebuild after being released from incarceration. KTEH has worked closely with JAMsj from the beginning. The production crew taped the preview trailer at JAMsj last year (broadcast in February and May 2002 as part of the KTEH Evening of Remembrance programs) and returned in December 2002 to tape interviews with other community participants. Some highlights of Return to the Valley include stories about strawberry farming in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Valleys, the experiences of Monterey fishermen and cannery workers, and the region's gradual change from agriculture to high tech manufacturing. The interview participants represent a wide range of diversity. Two of the interviewees, retired farmer, Phillip Kobashi of Gilroy (age 99) and Mrs. Inada of San Jose (age 101), are Issei. They provide important insight into the resettlement experience. As part of the Return to the Valley educational component, a new JAMsj website (www.jamsj.org) was created. Please visit the website often to see the updates. The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, the Community Foundation of Silicon Valley, the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, and Sakata Ranches of Watsonville have provided funding for Return to the Valley. KTEH hopes to broadcast the documentary during Spring 2003 on Channel 54 (cable Channel 10 in most areas) and KCAH Channel 25 in Watsonville. KTEH will also host free community premieres in San Jose, Watsonville, Monterey, Gilroy/Morgan Hill, and Salinas. Watch for schedules, which will be announced. Community Congress Informs and Solicits Input for Japantown Plans After months of planning by the San Jose Japantown Ad Hoc Committee, a very successful 1st Community Congress was held October 5, 2002, at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. The purpose for the event was to introduce SB307, a bill sponsored by Sen. John Vasconcellos and signed into law by Gov. Davis. SB307 aims to ensure the preservation of the state's only three remaining Japantowns -- those in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. The 1st Community Congress was the start of community participation in the initial planning process to preserve San Jose's Japantown. Approximately 80 participants at the event heard Sen. Vasconcellos describe the intent of the initiative. Joe Yasutake, temporary chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, gave an overview of the provisions of the initiative and the implications for Japantown. Finally, San Jose City Council member, Cindy Chavez, provided an overview of past City programs aimed at enhancing Japantown area development. Participants then rotated through three breakout sessions to learn about and respond to: 1) a city-planned Gateway to Japantown, 2) the guiding principles for Japantown development, and 3) community services. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to provide input and indicated their desire to return for the 2nd Community Congress:
Let your voice be heard. Join your friends and neighbors at this important event. If you have questions, call Joe Yasutake, (408) 923-2883. Grants, Gifts Enhance JAMsj Projects It takes a community to nurture a museum. And the community's individual and corporate donors have rallied to support JAMsj's mission of preserving the history and culture of the valley. Union Bank awarded JAMsj a $2500 grant to support the upcoming 1942: Luggage from Home to Camp exhibit. This exhibit, designed by nationally-recognized artist Flo Oy Wong, will feature the personal stories of local WWII incarcerees told through the medium of the suitcases they took with them to camp. These suitcases will contain their remembrances as well as the items and other memorabilia that the incarcerees chose to take as well as bring back. Through the efforts of Museum Director/Curator Jimi Yamaichi, the current garage will be remodeled to display the suitcases in a setting that will resemble a typical barracks room. JAMsj Advisory Board member, Tomoko Hazeley, was instrumental in securing these funds. The California Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, an Applied Materials in the Arts Grant: A Program of the Arts Council of Silicon Valley and individual contributors are also supporting the development of this major exhibit, which will ultimately travel throughout the country. Sony Electronics has generously donated a new MiniDV camcorder and wide-angle lens to JAMsj. This $2500, state-of-the-art, digital, "prosumer" camera will allow the Museum to permanently capture and preserve visual histories, as well as many of the events JAMsj hosts and co-sponsors. Eventually, the camera will help make information more readily available on the Museum's website. Thanks to Judy Yasutake for her critical work on this effort. The Museum has benefited from the powerful laptop computer that was recently donated by Hewlett-Packard, through the efforts of May Matsuzaki. This allows various computer-related tasks to be accomplished throughout the Museum as well as off-site. The museum's long-range mission is becoming a reality, thanks to the combined efforts of the community's generous giving. Museum Supporters Continue to Give
For more information on how you can donate to JAMsj, click here. back to top Exhibit Captions Now in Two Languages JAMsj sends heartfelt thanks to Yu-Ai Kai's Ishizue group for translating exhibit captions into Japanese. Ishizue, also known as the South Bay Community Network, means "foundation." These volunteers provide information and support for those whose primary language is Japanese. Applause, applause for the diligent translators: Seiko Edwards, Chie Galu, Yasuko Furuta, Rumi Okunio, and their organizer, Noriko Kumoi-Ray. Participants consider the translation project a learning experience, expressing that "All of us have learned a lot about the Japanese Americans' hardships that they went through. We are pleased to have helped with the translations." Calendar of Events
Wanted: New or Used JAMsj is seeking donations to enhance the Museum's technology. Can you help? Needed:
Dr. Tsukasa Matsueda to Speak on Issei Legacy Feb. 22 at Yu-Ai Kai On February 22, 2003, 2:00 p.m. at the Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 N. 4th St., Dr. Tsukasa Matsueda will speak on Issei, The Shadow Generation and its impact on the subsequent Nikkei generation. Dr. Matsueda recounts that the Issei suffered severe hardships, discrimination, and scorn in the early days after immigration to the U.S., and yet managed to succeed to such a degree that in 1984, President Reagan praised the Japanese Americans for helping preserve the American Dream by living up to the "bedrock values of America." Believing that the "bedrock values" were not so much "of America," but more those brought by the Issei from Japan, Dr. Matsueda identifies the Issei values which guided them: community spirit, cooperation, tolerance, religious faith, sacred worth of human life, fiscal responsibility, among others. He further believes that these moral values were passed on to the successful Nisei generation, accounting for their success as well. His engaging discussion will be of great interest to the Nisei, Sansei, and subsequent Nikkei generations, pointing out the powerful legacy that the Issei left behind. Questions? Call Joe Yasutake, (408) 923-2883. "Okasan and Me" Promotes Language, Cultural Awareness for Tots Cynthia Konda, mother of 2-year old Zachary Yuki, speaks Japanese and wanted her son to be bilingual as well. "Language is culture," states Ms. Konda, "and I wanted my son to be aware of and appreciate his Japanese heritage." With that passion, Ms. Konda went about searching for a program for her son, but could not find one. She was unrelenting in her determination and launched "Okasan and Me," a language and culture program for 2-5 year olds. The first 6-week session begins January 15. The curriculum involves a language-rich environment filled with listening and speaking activities. For those able to associate sounds with symbols, reading and writing are introduced." Cultural activities focus on music and art, with lessons taught by professional sensei (teachers) who volunteer their time and talents. The importance of the role of parents is stressed, and they are required to accompany their child throughout the session. The purpose for Okasan and Me is to help parents learn and to provide opportunities for children to learn through developmentally appropriate play. Parent/child teams interact side-by-side, with a class size limit of 15 children. Ms. Konda hopes to involve those Sansei and Yonsei (3rd and 4th generation Japanese Americans), whose only Japanese cultural experience has been the annual Obon Festival. Aggie Idemoto, JAMsj board member, sees the program as a "jump start toward the mission of the museum. Children's healthy self esteem and pride in their culture are natural outcomes," she observes. While there is no fee, donations are encouraged, all of which are donated to JAMsj. Classes are held Wednesday afternoons, 3:30-4:30 pm. at JAMsj. The next session, which already has a waiting list, begins March 19. To register, call Cynthia Konda at (408) 275-8035. Membership Drive Continues The Winter Boutique, membership, and donations fund the Museum's operation. Membership entitles one to newsletters, announcements, special rates at some events, and early entry to the Boutique. Join now, by downloading the form and mailing it, along with a check (payable to JAMsj), to JAMsj Membership, 535 N. 5th St., San Jose, CA, 95112. |