All events posted by Editor Carolyn Sugiyama Classen
Only selected flyers/photos posted here, for further info on events go to our SAJCC website Calendar:
http://www.southernazjapan.org/calendar/
_______________
Dino-rigami (origami) workshops at various Pima County libraries over the summer 2026
Go to SAJCC calendar for dates of May 27 (Sam Lena), June 12 (Nanini), June 17 (Richard Elias-Mission), June 18 (Sahuarita), June 24 (Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr), June 25 (Murphy-Wilmot), June 26 (Martha Cooper), June 30 (Southwest), July 21 (Oro Valley), and July 30 (Valencia).
___________________
Tucson Howakai Jodo shinshu Sangha gatherings on Wednesdays at Ada Peirce McCormick Bldg.
____________
Story Clay Studio on July 27 to 30 at Pan Asian Community Alliance office
________________
The Kizuna Project of Tucson panel discussion at JACL National Convention in Las Vegas, NV on July 31, 2026
“Echoes of Incarceration: How Camp Memories Shape Generations
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM on July 31
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.
_____________
Mega Mania at PCC Downtown on August 1
_____________________
Hiroshima Day commemoration at Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson on August 2
__________________
Memorial service for SAJCC Founder/1st Director Ross Iwamoto on August 15 at Christ the King Episcopal Church. Ross passed away on June 19, 2026.
____________________
Musician Takuya Nakamura in concert with SoundQuest festival at La Rosa on August 30
_________________
Yume Japanese Gardens re-opening on October 10
________________
Japanese cultural performances and activities at Tucson Meet Yourself festival on October 16 to 18 at Jacome Plaza
———————
TaikoLoco Intensive by Odaiko Sonora on Nov. 5 to 9 at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
