One of our founding Council members on our Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition, retired UA Professor Min Yanagihashi has just published a new book entitled “The Japanese American Experience: Change & Continuity” by Liberty Hill Publishing. Min is a Nisei (2nd generation) from Honolulu, Hawaii and taught at the University of Arizona in their East Asian Studies Dept.
In this book, Min captures our Japanese American experience as immigrants, the racism during World War II of being relocated into mass internment camps, the hard work & determination to reach economic success thereafter, the strong values taught to our descendants like me (Sansei, 3rd generation).
Dr. Min Yanagihashi
Read this book to find out more about our Japanese American struggles & strengths. It is now available through barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. Description of book from Amazon:
“Immigration and racism are contentious issues in many societies. This book deals, in part, with these two controversies through the experiences of the Japanese Americans. No other second-generation ethnic group is given the kind of recognition achieved by the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans). But it was a perilous journey, fraught with endless discrimination, questioning of loyalty, and even confinement in concentration camps. Yet they were able to achieve remarkable success in politics and made significant advances in American society. Although thoroughly assimilated, they kept alive their rich cultural heritage. America is a country with diverse cultures, and this diversity is to be celebrated and not feared, for herein lies the strength of America. The narrative begins with a historical perspective and ends with an observer-participant view of recent events. This is a story that needs to be told. “
“The year 2022 marks the 350th death anniversary of Zen Master Yinyuan Longqi (隱元隆琦 1592-1673, Ingen Ryūki in Japanese). Special ceremonies and events will be held in both Japan and China to honor this great Zen master. In North America, the Center for Buddhist Studies, College of Humanities at the University of Arizona is organizing a series of commemorative events which will run for one year beginning May 3, 2022. These events will present and explore the extraordinary life of Zen Master Yinyuan and the great achievements of the Huangbo 黃檗 Chan tradition (known as the Ōbaku school of Zen Buddhism in Japan) that Yinyuan pioneered in China and Japan. These events highlight the intersection between religion, art, and culture in China and Japan and will be presented in both online and offline formats. Activities will include an online exhibition of works of art related to the Ōbaku tradition, academic lectures, musical performances, and tea-related events.”
Lecture series starting on Oct. 24, location will be Old Main,Silver & Sage Room, 1200 E. University Blvd. (or UA Main Library, 1500 E. University Blvd.) or via zoom.
“The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu (translated literally as “hot water for tea”), is a cherished ritual involving the preparation and presentation of powdered green tea in a highly stylized manner.
A host and a guest, wearing traditional Japanese kimono specific to the ceremony, will demonstrate how tea has been prepared, served, and enjoyed in Japan since the 12th century.
“Take in the simple and elegant sounds of traditional Japanese music, the perfect addition to a calm night in our Garden’s evening shadows. Our Cultural Director, Paul Amiel, and several special guests on Japanese instruments will guide you through an experience of the heart and soul of Japanese traditional music. This concert is the perfect chance to experience an all around introduction to not only Japanese instruments, but traditional songs spanning from ancient to modern day. https://www.facebook.com/events/853242022310977/853242028977643/?ref=newsfeed”
Tucson Desert Art Museum Contact: Krista Stoker 520-202-3888 520-771-2293 (Mobile) mail@tucsondart.org
MUSEUM EXHIBITION OPENING IN OCTOBER 2022 EXPLORES JAPANESE INTERNMENT CAMPS IN ARIZONA. “Opening October 12th in the Tucson Desert Art Museum, “Citizen/Enemy: Japanese American Internment” confronts an uncomfortable period in American history. The 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor left America in a state of paranoia and uncertainty. Concern was voiced that American citizens of Japanese descent would have sympathies for the enemy-at-war Japan and could transmit critical information regarding the war effort to the enemy.
This paranoia, coupled with economic pressures, led to the 1942 Executive Order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt which enabled the US government to relocate people of Japanese descent to internment camps. Approximately 120,000 persons were relocated and spent the duration of the war in poorly designed, makeshift camps, some of which were in Arizona. When relocated, people could bring only what they could carry. They were forced to board up their homes and leave their farms and jobs for an indefinite time. “Citizen/Enemy” describes the tragedy of this political action and the resulting repercussions for Japanese Americans. Large-scale images from noted photographer Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee and others memorialize this period and offer a guide for reflection in the exhibition. Although some reparations were eventually paid to Japanese Americans,
they were never fully compensated for their economic losses or the loss in dignity and freedom that citizens felt during this time. Many lost their farms, homes, and livelihoods completely due to the internment.
“As we, as a Nation, review current immigration policies and challenges to curriculum in our education system for our youth, this exhibition provides a timely reminder that sometimes history is uncomfortable to view, but that we can always learn from our past.” Rhonda Smith, the Director of the Museum states. “Our Museum asks guests to visualize history through art. This exhibition uses large photographs, installations, and historical documents to encourage our guests to do just that: imagine that they were forced to endure what happened during this time to Japanese Americans.” Citizen/Enemy: Japanese American Internment opens October 12th
and continues through March 25, 2023.
An event is planned for the Day of Remembrance in February 2023.
About Us: Tucson Desert Art Museum, 501(c)(3) organization that opened in November 2013, presents thought-provoking exhibitions that explore the art, history, and cultures of the Southwest and surrounding regions. The museum showcases a world-class permanent collection of Native American textiles, western art, and artifacts, as well as special yearly exhibitions. The facility includes a Southwestern art gallery and gift shop and plenty of dedicated parking. The Museum offers guided tours of the permanent collection and special exhibitions for schools, seniors, and community groups.”
Museum admission is $10.00/adults, $8.00/seniors, and $6.00/students. Address: Tucson Desert Art Museum: 7000 East Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM
Carolyn’s note: This civil rights exhibit opens Oct. 12 and will continue to March 25, 2023. Stay tuned for info on the Day of Remembrance event marking 81st anniversary of when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the infamous E.O. 9066 which caused this relocation of Japanese Americans civilians, 2/3 of whom were US Citizens, 1/4 were children. E.O. 9066 was signed on Feb. 19, 1942.
