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/

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Otome Games from April 13 to May 15, 2026 at Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

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The Art of Ikebana: Ping Wei workshop on May 16 at Tucson Botanical Gardens

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TRO Concert on May 31 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Chiurch

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Obon Festival & service at AZ Buddhist Temple in Phoenix on June 6 and 7; plusTucson Howakai Jodo shinshu Sangha gatherings on Wednesdays at Ada Peirce McCormick Bldg.

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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.

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Japanese cultural performances and activities at Tucson Meet Yourself festival on October 16 to 18 at Jacome Plaza

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TaikoLoco Intensive by Odaiko Sonora on Nov. 5 to 9 at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory