“Echoes of Incarceration: How Camp Memories Shape Generations

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM on July 31 at Paris Las Vegas hotel, 3644 Last Vegas Blvd. in Las Vegas, NV

Description

“The Kizuna Project has spent two years documenting the oral histories of Japanese Americans and their descendants in Tucson who experienced incarceration during World War II, as well as those who lived under martial law in Hawaii. Through this work, we have discovered a remarkable pattern: many descendants of those incarcerated pursued careers and life paths directly shaped by their parents’ wartime experiences, becoming advocates, organizers, and leaders in ways that honored and responded to that difficult history. This presentation will share powerful video excerpts from these oral histories, allowing attendees to hear firsthand how one generation’s trauma and resilience influenced the next generation’s choices and commitments. More importantly, we will pose a critical question to today’s younger generation: Will you carry forward your grandparents’ legacy? If so, how will you honor their experiences and apply the lessons of incarceration to the challenges facing our community today? This session invites reflection, dialogue, and a call to action for ensuring that the stories and values of the incarcerated generation continue to guide and inspire Japanese American communities for years to come.”

SAJCC Tucsonans Carolyn Sugiyama Classen (Editor) and James Tokishi (videographer) and Phoenicians/camp descendants Kathy Nakagawa (ASU Professor) and Fred Yamashita (AFL-CIO Executive Director) will be on the panel, moderated by Tucsonan Arlene Kaneko Watkins, co-founder of The Kizuna Project.

Info on The Kizuna Project: https://kizunaproject.org/

Info on JACL National Convention: https://jacl.org/2026-national-convention