Return and Remembrance: a Pilgrimage to the Portland Assembly Center Volume 18 Fall 2017 | Issue 1 Semiannual

Return and Remembrance: A Pilgrimage to the Portland Assembly Center volume 18 fall 2017 | issue 1 semiannual

The event closed with a proces- sional of the Remember Us community tag project that had the On May 6, 2017 approximately Senator Ron Wyden was in names of every internee at the 700 people returned to the site attendance to give his remarks Portland Assembly Center written of the Portland Assembly Center, and commitment to make sure on tags similar to those worn by now the Portland Expo Center, to that atrocities like what hap- all the internees. The tags were honor and remember the victims pened in 1942 never happen tied to a rope to create a stirring of Executive Order 9066. From again. He also presented the work of art that wound its way May to September, 1942, nearly official Congressional Record he through the crowd and onstage, 3,700 people lived there in ani- submitted in Washington DC on accompanied by the powerful mal stalls before being moved to May 2, recognizing the 75th An- sounds of Unit Souzou.

Photograph © 2017 Rich Iwasaki permanent camps where they niversary of Executive Order 9066 continued to be subjected to on- and our event. He graciously We wish to give special thanks to going violations of their civil and made beautiful gold embossed the Portland Expo Center for their tremen- human rights. copies of the Congressional Re- dous support and cooperation; our Sus- cord for all the victims of EO9066 taining Sponsor, the Japanese Ancestral The event featured perfor- who were on hand at the event. Society of Portland; Supporting Sponsors, mances by the Minidoka Swing Oregon Historical Society and Metro; Band, Unit Souzou, a presenta- Another memorable highlight Contributing Sponsors, Eisaku “Ace” Hiro- tion by Oregon Poet Laureate was the reading of Governor mura and Shiuko Sakai; and Community Lawson Inada with actors and Brown’s proclamation that is- Sponsor, Janice Okamoto and Family. In community members dressed sued a formal apology “to the addition, we wish to thank the Portland in period clothing, and moving Japanese American community JACL for their partnership and hard work speeches and recollections by in Oregon and to all Oregonians co-presenting the event, Dale Gronso keynote speaker Dale Minami, for failing to defend the civil and for his in-kind services designing the print George Nakata, Jim Tsugawa, human rights of its citizens and program and collateral materials, and Weston Koyama. In addition, legal residents in 1942,” along Chisao Hata for the incredible oral history interviews of internees with resolve to never let what Remember Us tag project and were shared to paint a picture of happened to the Japanese performance and the tremendous work life in the space where people community, happen to any- and dedication of the organizing com- were seated. Mini exhibits featur- one again. Metro President Tom mittee and volunteers that made the ing historic photographs of the Hughes was on hand to read the event possible. Portland Assembly Center were proclamation and Jagjit Nagra, setup throughout the cavern- a field representative from Sena- Volunteers in 1940s period clothing stand ous space to again, help people tor Jeff Merkley’s office read a behind artist Chisao Hata (fifth from right) as they recreate the day Portland’s Japanese imagine what existed there dur- letter from the Senator honoring American community were forced to leave ing that dark period in history. the day. Nihonmachi due to Executive Order 9066. page 2 a message from o.n.e.’s executive director surrounding communities missing Japantownand a placetoseePortland’s west? Whatifthere wasn’t and thePacificNorth- munity beganinPortland Japanese Americancom- about howandwhere the place forpeopletolearn What ifthere wasno our doorspermanently. imagine ifwehadtoclose sure was temporary,but zation. Thistimeourclo- - cial impactontheorgani hardship andhadfinan- It definitelypresented a our temporaryclosing. calls andinquiriesabout ceived manyconcerned floor aboveus. We re- being donetothe2nd galleries from remodeling falling intoourofficesand five weeksduetodebris museum for to closethe were forced when we challenge quite a presented This spring OREGON NIKKEI ENDOWMENT State ofOregon forincarcerating City ofPortlandandfrom the apologyfrom boththe a formal A calltoactionlikerequesting as acalltoactiontoday. and eventsremindusofthepast, world today. Ourexhibits, programs to fightfearandprejudiceinour a reminderofhowwemuststand ments ofresilience,courageand what oncewas.Theyare state- remembrances orvestigesof can HistoricalPlazaare notjust ter andtheJapaneseAmeri- The Oregon NikkeiLegacyCen- help ensure thefuture? cally connectwiththispastto And howwouldpeopleauthenti- interpret thisimportanthistory? and historicaldocumentsthat place topreserve theartifacts their faces?Whatifthere wasno thestoriesbehind and learn importantly, heartheirvoices women andchildren? Ormore incarceration ofinnocentmen, the forced removal andmass executive order thatresulted in justices ofanunconstitutional firsthandaboutthein- learn What ifthere wasnoplaceto that disappeared overnight? $125 per person ($50 tax deductible) ($50tax $125 perperson Oregon Nikkei Endowment RSVP byRSVP Thursday, September 28th 1849 SW SalmonStreet inPortland Wednesday, October 4,2017 Cocktails 5:30 Cocktails 2017 AnnualBanquet Multnomah AthleticClub Business Attire PM Dinner6:30 OREGON NIKKEIENDOWMENT PM

and Representative Brian Clem Inspiring Action Award: Carol Suzuki Tofu:Ota Paving the Way Award Shiuko HeartoftheCommunityAward Sakai: Honoring: music group, TheSlants American and founder oftheallAsian Simon Tam, Author, Musician,Activist Featuring Keynote Speaker: —Lynn FuchigamiParks needed andgreatly appreciated! Your donation,inanyamountis the future oftheorganization. keep ourdoorsopenandensure We dependonyoursupportto or givingafinancialcontribution. Friend of Oregon Nikkei Endowment support through becominga to thishistory,pleaseshowyour of havingamuseumdedicated of ourworkandtheimportance If yourecognize theimportance justice forall,notsome. committed tostandtodayfor its mistakesofthepastandis Oregon’s leadershiprecognizes response, wewere assured that their Anniversary ofEO9066.With event commemoratingthe75th andRemembrance our Return tion thatwasread onMay6that Brown issuingasimilarproclama- Yasui Kate DayandGovernor tion withanapologyonMinoru Wheeler reading aproclama- request resulted inMayorTed to neverletithappenagain.Our long overdue, andwithapledge a gesture ofgreat significance, and legalresidents duringWWII, its JapaneseAmericancitizens

Kate Brown, and the City of Portland, signed by Mayor Ted Wheeler The decisions and actions by many political agents community leaders at the time led to unconstitutional incarceration of many thousands of local people of Japanese descent. It took 75 years, but those affected by EO9066 finally got their overduethousands of local people Japanese descent. It took 75 years, but those affected apology. These proclamations serve as official apologies for the lack of political leadership at local and state levels during World War II. Proclamations from the State of Oregon, signed by Governor

page 3 This year’s Minoru Yasui Minoru Yasui along Day, March 28th, was with the display of his celebrated at City Hall Presidential Medal of with a proclamation Freedom. The program read by Portland’s Mayor opened with a film clip Ted Wheeler, that issued from the documentary an “official apology to about Min that was pro- its Japanese American duced by his daughter community for failing Holly Yasui, who was also to defend the civil and in attendance. human rights of its citizens and legal resi- Guest speakers included dents in 1942.” City of Portland Photograph courtesy of Kay Endo Photograph courtesy of Kay Commissioner Nick Fish, The event was presented Jessica Asai, Civil Rights by Oregon Nikkei Endow- Minoru Yasui Day Investigator at Oregon ment and the Minoru Ya- Health & Science Universi- sui Legacy Project, and was Honoring an Oregon ty, Dante James, Director of co-sponsored by the ACLU the Office of Equity and Hu- Oregon, Oregon Asian Pacific Civil Rights Hero man Rights, City of Portland, American Bar Association and and Jann Carson, Associate the Portland JACL. Director, ACLU Oregon. The pro- Human Rights, served as Master gram concluded with a dramatic Jeff Selby, from the City of of Ceremonies for the event that reading of words of Min Yasui, by Portland’s Office of Equity and included an exhibit about actor Heath Hyun Houghton.

In memory of Rose Kasahara Betty Jean Harry In memory of Nobi Ishida memorial Art & Teri Iwasaki Peter & Karen Koida Les McNeil & Ellen Iwasaki Scott Tomioka Frank & Lois Hasebe Rich Iwasaki tribute In memory of Mary Fujii Diane Kanegae In memory of Tex Irinaga &gifts November 1, 2016 In memory of Macie Brightman Kim Stone & Robert Maeda Kenneth Irinaga to july 31, 2017 Chizuko Nakao Judith Elliott Jere & Roy Okada Dana Kakishita Toshi & Ed Abbott Kay Endo Joyce Olsen Alfred S. Nakao In memory of Arthur Iwasaki Gerald Ching Ed & Aya Fujii George Sakai Albert Abe Ed & Aya Fujii Robert Fujii Keith Sakai In memory of Roberta Ando Marie Gruber Susie Jinx Fujii Leslie Sakai William Sumio Naito Dick & Judy Elliott Frank & Lois Hasebe Becki Fujii & Peter Patricelli Mitzi Simmons & Toni Yagami Anne Naito-Campbell Jill Fluvog Nancy Hirata Craig & Carolyn Hondo Emi Somekawa Lynn Fuchigami Robert & Susan Iboshi Ellen Iwasaki Bette Yada In memory of Bill Koida Mae & Kay Soga and George Miyuki Irinaga George & Amy Kanegae Masako Yada & Sara Yada Ronald & Linda Iwasaki Ronald & Linda Iwasaki Alice A. Kida & Haru Furukawa Families In honor of Doug Parks & Lilly Irinaga Hideki Iwata Mary Komachi In memory of Henry Sakai Miyuki Irinaga Noriko Iwata Robert MacLauchlan George & Riyoko Migaki Lynn Fuchigami’s wedding Sho & Loen Dozono John & Amy Iwasaki D.I. Johnson Don & Diana Matsuda In memory of Marilyn Sholian Les & Cole McNeil & Ellen Iwasaki Fude Kagawa Kenneth Nakao Mr. Donald Sayrizi Gina & Frank Taylor Rich Iwasaki Eiichi & Iyoko Katsuyoshi Patty Quan Mitchell Kodama Ronald & Linda Iwasaki Melvin & Kathleen Lee Carrie Saito

Krista Jellison Dorothy Loo Ted Spear In honor of Aimee Yogi In memory of Nobi Masuoka Vincenza Scarpaci Charles Joachim Taka Mizote Martha & Peter Stiven, Lee Fah Ronald & Linda Iwasaki Louise Kashino Takisaki Calvin & Kay Nakao and Doug & Nancy Fah Alfred S. Nakao In honor of Dr. & Mrs. Mary Komachi Mitsuye Nakao Jean Takashima Elsie Onishi Homer Yasui & in honor of Mitzi Kondo John & Sandra Nakashimada George & Rose Tamiyasu Nami Sasaki Trust Dr. & Mrs. Toshio Fujikura Michiko Kornhauser Mark & Lea Nakauchi Lewis & Jean Tomita Janet Thibault Anonymous Don & Kiyo Maekawa Joanne Onaga Eldena & Kerry VanderZanden Kathleen Walsh Kiyono Maekawa Rose Sorensen In memory of George Katagiri Mari Jo Takeoka Beth Zetter In honor of Marianne Matsumoto Enoch & Carolyn Kanaya Mathias Uchiyama Dr. Connie Masuoka Terry & Kelly Mishiro Sam Uchiyama In memory of Ami Kinoshita Carol Sommers Taka Mizote Rose Kasahara In memory of Pamela White Joan Mylnar Harry & Kazuko Morioka In honor of Emily Wilson Samuel Naito Shintaro & Fusako Yoshida In memory of Patricia Ballinger Peter Wilson Kenneth Nakao In memory of Joe & Toby Onchi Carrie Saito Tami Fujii In memory of Clarence Ikeda In honor of Sumiko Kimura Marilyn & Jeff Sholian Betty Jean Harry Laura Douglass Schaefer Kay Fujita & Nochi Yumikura Rose Sorensen Michiko Kornhauser Tom & Mole Schaefer The Iwata and Feest Families Kristine Kimura Kazuko Sunamoto Mary Komachi Ernest Takeda In memory of Shizuko In memory of Sherry Muramatsu In honor of Tom Fujii’s Linda Tamura & Michael J. Lee “Susie” Sakai Margie Kawasaki Ogawa 88th birthday Susan Boulot Alice Tanaka In memory of Sammy Iwata Kathy Kato Ed & Aya Fujii Bruce & Florence Terami The Iwata Family George & Riyoko Migaki

Ken, Dinah & Gayle Teramura Mary Komachi Esther Onishi In memory of Masako Hinatsu In honor of James Tsugawa Diana Hinatsu Yoji & Martha Matsushima Lance & Arlynn Tsugawa In memory of In memory of Sumi Murakami Michelle Davis Masako Yada George Kasahara Vernon & Nancy Beck In memory of Minoru Yasui Albert Kasahara Dick & Judy Elliott Holly Yasui

page 4 exhibit news Our current exhibition, July 29 through October 15, 2017 Dancing in Joy and Remembrance American Obon: American Obon: Dancing in Joy and Remembrance opened on July 29th to coincide with the summer Obon celebration, an eagerly awaited event for Nikkei communities throughout North America. While Obon is a memorial observance it is also a joyous occasion with cultural perfor- mances, food booths, games and most notably, the bon odori, circle dance. Our exhibition traces the history of this beloved dance tradition in North America with archival photographs, au- dio, and rare video footage on loan from Visual Communications in Los Angeles, dance scholar Linda Akiyama, and the Buddhist Churches of America.

The bon odori tradition was brought to America by Yoshio Iwanaga (1900-1950) a Japanese Buddhist minister who moved to California in 1930. Known for his “light feet”, Iwanaga taught obon dances in California, Toyo Miyatake, Nisei Week, Oregon, Washington and Brit- Los Angeles, California, 1934 ish Columbia. He established a bon odori ritual for the American obon festival. The continued Sahomi Tachibana, attended the Los Angeles Nisei Week, color popularity of this beloved tradi- opening reception on July 29th. photos of dancers in Minidoka tion is due in large part to his concentration camp during WW pioneering activities. American Obon includes every- II; to contemporary photographs thing from rare home movie of bon odori dancers dressed as Wynn Kiyama, guest curator for footage of dancers at the 1934 Elvis. It is not to be missed. the exhibition, has done exten- sive research on the bon odori tradition, collecting photographs, rare footage and songs from up and down the west coast. He worked with Linda Akiyama who wrote her thesis on Reverend Iwanaga and he also interviewed Iwanaga’s family members.

Portland’s bon-odori tradition is Mark Amba, represented with photographs Obon Jivers, from the Frank C. Hirahara Nisei Week Parade, Los Angeles, collection and the Oregonian California, 2015 archives. One of Portland’s most beloved dance instructors,

page 5 thank you to our donors november 1, 2016 to july 31, 2017

PACESETTERS ($5000+) Kevin & Karen Oyama Ken & Betty Kinoshita Mathias Uchiyama Lisa Minakami Jill Fluvog The Collins Foundation Kathryn Tanaka Yoichi Kitayama Sam Uchiyama & Matthew Kertesz Kathryn Fuerstenau Rich Iwasaki Lewis & Jean Tomita Wynn & Traci Kiyama Barbara & Dick Uyesugi Taro & Wanda Miura Susie Jinx Fujii Brian & Sera Kimura Shintaro & Fusako Yoshida Bishop Zuigaku Kodachi Kaneko Wagar Martha Miyasaki Lisa Fujiwara Mitchell Kodama Nami Koida David, Bobbi & Mari Walker Megumi Moskowitz Mae & Kay Soga and George The Lamb-Baldwin PATRONS ($100-249) Peter & Karen Koida Marleen & Roger Wallingford Steven & Dorothy Murata & Haru Furukawa Families Foundation Toshi & Ed Abbott Gordon Kondo Dale Watanabe Joan Mylnar Nancy Furumasu Oregon Heritage American Baptist Mitzi Kondo Neil Watanabe Jim Nagae Lawson Fusao Inada Commission Churches USA Michiko Kornhauser Tatsu & Ruth Watanabe Neil Nakadate Joyce & Ray Gee Shiuko Sakai Winston & Jan Asai Edna & Richard Koyama Pamela White Brian Nakamura Lynn Geis Schwab Charitable Kim Blair Harol Koyama Debra Whitecotton Harry & Betty Nakamura Tamara Gilbert Margaret Brady Kathleen Kuba Russell & Sylvia Yamada Noriko Namba Tamie Goranson DONORS ($1,000-4,999) Albert Chan Chip & Setsy Larouche Judy Yamauchi Tatsuro Ogisu Michael Griggs Cynthia Basye Chevron Matching Thomas & Jane Light Cherie Yokota Jere & Roy Okada Joshua Hetrick Lynn Fuchigami Parks Employee Funds Carole & Kent Lindell-Ross Bob Yokoyama David & Sylvia Otani Diana Hinatsu Eisaku & Alice Hiromura Gerald Ching Dorothy Loo Roy & Tracey Yotsuuye Kimberly Poust Pat Hiromura-Gilman James & Nancy Iwasaki Wing Choy Kim Stone & Robert Maeda Betty H. Young Patty Quan Leslie & Chizu Hunter Ronald & Linda Iwasaki Chris Dart Don & Kiyo Maekawa Marian Rauch Thuy Huyen Japanese Ancestral Society Martin Doern, Xcel Energy Kiyono Maekawa SPONSORS ($50-99) Harriet Rebuldela Rose Ikata of Portland Kaori & Sean Donohue Jean Matsumoto Albert Abe Yukiji Saito Kurtis Inouye Michael Kawata Robert & Noriko Dozono Marianne Matsumoto Miyoko Abufadil Roy Sakaguchi Mike Iseri Meyer Memorial Trust Joy & Jon Duerr Yoji & Martha Matsushima Diane Ando Harder George Sakai Grace Ishikawa Henry & Eulia Mishima Chester Earls James & Peggy Mita Teruko Arima Keith Sakai Christi Iwasaki Millicent Naito Dick & Judy Elliott Alan Momohara Vernon & Nancy Beck Leslie Sakai Paul Iwasaki Samuel & Marsha Naito Kay Endo John & Nancy Murakami Macie Brightman Nami Sasaki Trust Hideki Iwata Gail Nakata & Paul Feldman Fossil Group Scott Muramatsu Judy Briney Sharon Sessions Diane Jensen David J. Pollock Ed & Aya Fujii Sherry Muramatsu Nancy Clayton Charles & Lan Shibue D.I. Johnson Tom & Mole Schaefer Robert Fujii Lawrence & Pamila Naito Sara DeLuca Yoshiaki Shimizu Ryuko Kakishita John & June Schumann Tom Fujii Alfred S. Nakao Joi Doi Mitzi Simmons George & Amy Kanegae Lily Tamura Robert Fujimoto Calvin & Kay Nakao Lynne & Donald Dravis Snooze, an A.M. Eatery Albert Kasahara James Tsugawa William Fujimoto Kenneth Nakao Margo & Malcolm Erickson Nancy Soga Tetsuden & Cecilia Kashima Vanguard Charitable Kay Fujita Mitsuye Nakao Jenny Evers Carol Sommers Kathy Kato Frank & Janet Fujitani George & Keiko Nakata Yasuko Fields Kenji Spielman Robert Katsuno BENEFACTORS ($500-999) Jennifer Fujitani Mark & Lea Nakauchi Tami Fujii David Sprunger Jerry Koike Eric Ballinger Keiko Gilbert Mark Namba Becki Fujii & Peter Patricelli Mika Sunago Tom & Janet Kometani & Corina Hughes Marie Gruber Rita Narimatsu Inoway Karen Fujimoto Matti Suzuki Leland Kurisu Susan Cowles Don Hachiya Yasuaki Ninomiya & Gary Okino Frank Hrubant Irwin Lavenberg Susan Endecott Marcia Hara Misako Oda Harris Lori & Ray Fukunaga & Sahomi Tachibana Melvin & Kathleen Lee Lynn & Scott Grannan Michael F. Hayakawa Joyce Olsen Patricia Gilkerson Raynette Yoshida Charmaine Lindsay Dan Hinatsu Dawn Hayami Yoshi Ono Timothy Graves & Ted Takamura Robert MacLauchlan Sally Hinatsu & Dave Kendall Diana Hinatsu Joanne Oshiro Janet Hamada Linda Tamura Don & Diana Matsuda Kenneth Irinaga Nancy Hirata & Wells Matthews Yone Hara & Michael J. Lee Jane Maynard Joji Kappes Ronald & Joann Hiromura Eileen Ota Beth Harrington Nadia & Clyde Tanita Jenny Merrill Dale Kawata Michael Hosokawa Charles & Carol Betty Jean Harry Sandra Tashima Hank & Susan Mishima Peggy Nagae Robert & Susan Iboshi Ouchi Brunner Chisao Hata Jean Tateishi Terry & Kelly Mishiro Anne Naito-Campbell Sumi Ikeda Hatsumi Y. Park Brandon Higa Ken, Dinah Wayne Miya Masuko Oyama Kyoko Ikeno Amy Peterson Steve Hinatsu & Gayle Teramura Ken Miyasako Dorothy Sato Robert & Racheal Inouye Jacqueline Peterson Loomis Mae Hirata Janet Thibault Marlene Moro Holly Yasui Intel Corporation Carolyn & William Saiget Judy Hittle Frances Toyooka Tokuko Murdoch Rachel Yasui Lilly Irinaga Carrie Saito George Hoashi Lance & Arlynn Tsugawa Amy Nakano U.S. Bank Foundation Tosh Ishida Ken & Bea Saito Carol Hodgson Ernest & Ruth Ann Tsukuda John Shoun & Grace Ishikawa Ken Sakai Craig & Carolyn Hondo Robert Tsutsumi & Sandra Nakashimada GOLD PATRONS ($250-499) Tatsuo Ito Stephanie Sakauye Thomas & Andrea Uehara Patty Namba Roberta Ando Bob Iwasaki George & Janice Sakurai Michelle Houseman Eldena Rose A. Namba Barbara Bellus Jana Iwasaki Ben Sato Linda & Mike Ignowski & Kerry VanderZanden Martha Neumann Susan Boulot John & Amy Iwasaki Diane Sayrizi Yosh & Heidi Inahara Kathleen Walsh Susan Okada Sho & Loen Dozono Les McNeil & Ellen Iwasaki Rosamonde Schurr Miyuki Irinaga Betty Walters Agnes Okamoto Sean Egusa Hisa Iwata Anne Shimojima Michael & Janice Ishii Beti ann Wantroba Elsie Onishi Eugene Freund JACL Portland Chapter Ryo Shohara Noriko Iwata Alice Watanabe Etsu Osaki Yuka Fujikura Krista Jellison Marilyn Sholian May Kambara Janice & Hideki Watanabe Jeremy Ota Hisashi Fujinaka Janelle Jimerson Rose Sorensen Diane Kanegae May Watari Frances Sumida Palk Frank & Lois Hasebe Charles Joachim Ted Spear Chiyo Kato Lore Wintergreen Carole Remme Sumie Ishida Mary Anne Joyce Hiroko Stacey Arlene Kimura Masako Yada Fumi Saito Ken & Katie Kawazoe & Catha Loomis Patricia Stanton Randy Kiyokawa Takako Yamaguchi Vincenza Scarpaci Kiyoko Kimura Fude Kagawa Anna Stickel Mary Komachi Miyuki Yoshida Deborah Schauffler Kristine Kimura Robert Kagawa Martha & Peter Stiven Kim Kono & Randy Choy Kyoko Zuch Kane & Rose Senda Connie Masuoka Karen Kajiwara William & Ida Sugahiro Shigeo & Mary Kuroye Sonia Sheck Mako Hayashi-Mayfield Dana Kakishita Jerry & JoAnn Sumoge Sylvia Lee SUPPORTERS (up to $49) Emi Somekawa & Stan Mayfield Mark & Janet Kakishita Theresa Sumoge Mariko Locke Atsuko Akagi Linda Sorensen George & Riyoko Migaki Enoch & Carolyn Kanaya George & Rose Tamiyasu Jacqueline Mandell Ruth Akiyama Nancie Stout Misao Minagi Lynn Kanaya Paul & Laura Tamura Jeff Matsumoto Anonymous Marcia Strong Taka Mizote Robert Kaneko Alice Tanaka Hiroshi Charles Lani Arakaki-Schadt Michelle Sugahiro Kenneth Nitta Rose Kasahara Metta Tanikawa & Janie Matsushima Shunji Asari Kazuko Sunamoto Yoshio & Sawako Oda Louise Kashino Takisaki Gina & Frank Taylor Takako McKellar Patricia Ballinger Barbara Surovell Janice Okamoto Terry Katayama Bruce & Florence Terami Rebecca Melcher Jo Ann Burch Karen Takao Joanne Onaga Eiichi & Iyoko Katsuyoshi Dinah Teramura Annie Migaki Sharon Carrell Jean Takashima Oregon Buddhist Temple Alice A. Kida Janet Toyooka Thibault Guenevere Millius Ilze Choi Emi Takayama Ota Family Tofu Joni Kimoto & Rod Reeves Kim Tsuchimoto Michelle Davis Ernest Takeda

page 6 Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center’s first 2017 donation was this collection of carvings from Amy Barnhart. The carvings were gifted to Amy’s grandmother and aunt when they left Gila River Camp at the end of World War II. Correction: In the Autumn 2016 newsletter, The family spent many years trying to find a The Frank C. Hirahara collection was incorrectly listed as good home for the carvings before learning a Donor ($1,000–4,999). The entry should be listed as about O.N.L.C. this February. Mrs. Frank C. Hirahara. The carvings—47 birds and one sailfish— were made in the Gila River Camp in Mari Jo Takeoka Dale Gronso Marie Reykalin Linda Talwalkar Mako Hayashi-Mayfield Diane Sayrizi Arizona (1942-1945) from scrap wood and Lynn Tamiyasu-Lee Sumi Ikeda Marilyn Sholian materials. The artist is unknown, but their Sally Timm Joyce Iliff & Deanne Balzer Nancy Soga Heidi Tolentino Rich Iwasaki Hiroko Stacey talent is readily apparent. Scott Tomioka Anne Jaqua Candace Strohm Cindy & Randy Walker Sharon Jones Robert Sunamoto Peter Wilson Kathy Kato Marleen Wallingford Due to rust and the caustic nature of the Jacki Wolf Joni Kimoto Cherie Yokota framing material, the carvings and the cloth Bette Yada Michiko Kornhauser Miyuki Yoshida Yoshie Yamada Shigeo & Mary Kuroye Minnie Young they were pinned on were separated from Beth Zetter Irwin Lavenberg the wood frame they came in. Once conser- John Masciocchi IN-KIND DONORS Connie Masuoka vation is complete, we will rehouse the pins Pete Andrusko/Andrusko Group Don Matsuda Note: We make every in the frame and display them at the mu- John Becker & Dianne Rodway Colleen Naemura effort to keep accurate Bodhi Arts Imports Colleen Niyamura records. Please help us seum. This is one more beautiful example of Danie’le Colonna Jere Okada camp art and the spirit of gaman. We are Paulette Crawshaw Ota Family Tofu to correct any errors by Lynn Geis Rodney A. Reeves calling 503.224.1458. honored to have this as part of our collection.

page 7 There’s an APP for That A New Tour of the Portland Assembly Center 2017 marks 75 years since Those who are interested can The second stop shows events President Roosevelt access the tour by download- leading up to the removal of that issued Executive Order ing the Aurasma application on community and their arrival at 9066 authorizing the their phone or tablet, creating an the assembly center. Stops three removal of Japanese account, searching for and fol- and four describe life inside the Americans from the West lowing the [O.N.E.] Aurasma ac- Assembly Center. The final stop

education news education Coast. In the summer of count, and scanning any [O.N.E.] tells of the departure from the 1942, many Nikkei from logo. Access to the tour can also center to the Minidoka and Heart Portland, northern Oregon be found by following this link, Mountain camps, and ends with and central Washington http://auras.ma/s/cNpsU. Once an interview with Valeri Otani and were held at the Portland you have opened the link, photo of her art installation at Assembly Center, now follow the directions on the right, the Max Light Rail stop at the site of the Portland Expo and then scan the O.N.E. logo. Portland Expo Center. Center. Prior to serving You will now have links to O.N.E.’s as a detention center for Public Auras. Colin Takeo, an intern at ONLC, Japanese Americans, and Heather Rees, a project that facility had been the The five tour stops include seg- consultant, helped to create the Pacific International Live- ments of interviews of people Portland Assembly Center Tour. stock and Exposition Cen- who were detained at the as- The project was part of the Digital ter. In that large eleven- sembly center, historic photo- Citizenship & Japanese American acre space, livestock were graphs, documents, and maps. History project funded by the housed in corrals. The Stop number one provides Collins Foundation. facility’s central arena was background on the Japanese used for livestock shows American community that ex- —Cynthia Basye and rodeos. isted in Portland prior to 1942.

This year’s Cherry Blossom Cherry Blossom months in advance to find out Bazaar, our highly anticipated the date, as she was booking her 5th annual rummage sale of Bazaar Continues vacation for the coming year Japanese collectibles, was held and didn’t want to miss the sale! the weekend of March 11th–12th to Shine and was once again a wonderful Special thanks to the Portland success. “Treasures” of all kinds Chinatown History Foundation were snatched up by people for donating their wonderful that queued up before the doors space for the event and for the opened---dishware, artwork, tremendous leadership of the ikebana supplies, dolls, kimono event Co-Chairs, Jere Okada, and yukata were just a few of the Marilyn Sholian and Cherie Yo- categories of items that filled the kota. Thanks again to their efforts, large space, whose use was gen- the hard work of our dedicated erously donated by the Portland volunteers, and the generosity of Chinatown History Foundation. donors that dropped off boxes and car loads of items, the event The popular fundraising event has was again a successful fundraiser, something for every age, taste grossing close to $9,000 proving and budget. It has become so true the saying that one person’s popular, one person even called junk is another person’s treasure!

page 8 This letter is in response to the article and photograph featured in our autumn newsletter, “A Long Journey”, about the suitcase found on the side of the road and returned to its owner’s family.

It is with tremendous gratitude 16380. This was the number that internment. It wasn’t until they that I write this letter of thanks was on the suitcase that was were in their early 80’s that they to the ONLC and Jane Comer- recovered along Killingsworth St. started sharing information with ford for the return of my great- by Jane Comerford. The writing me regarding their experience. grandfather’s suitcase that he on the suitcase is certainly in my The suitcase that was found is packed to Tule Lake internment grandfather’s hand, as Hide- such a powerful tool in telling my camp. My great grandfather, hiko never learned how to write family story. It is a story of immi- Hidehiko Morioka, was Issei gen- in English. My grandfather was gration, civil rights, racism, per- eration and immigrated to the recently married when Execu- severance, and great sadness. It Hood River area in the late 1890s tive Order 9066 was authorized was a suitcase that was packed from Haga, Japan, in Okayama and he was issued family number with dreams, pride, uncertainty, prefecture. He came to this 16381. The entire Morioka family and hope. Executive Order 9066 country as a bachelor, and it is was relocated from The Dalles, had a huge impact on my family believed that he had no inten- OR to the Portland Assembly that is still felt to this day. The suit- tion of staying in the U.S. his entire Center, then sent to Tule Lake. case is a reminder of the incred- life. He started out working for From there, my grandfather, ible sacrifice that my family went the railroad and eventually mar- Harry, joined the US Army to get through to be here in this country. ried Fuku (Ikemoto) Morioka. They out of internment camp while the They gave everything they had, had 4 children…my grandfather, rest of the Morioka’s were sent to and by some means, this small Takeshi “Harry”..twin sisters, Yo- Minidoka in Idaho. suitcase survived as a reminder of shiko and Toshiko, and Ken. They the struggle for freedom. settled in The Dalles, Oregon and Harry eventually entered the worked a small farm owned by Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Upon return, the suitcase has the Seufert family close to where and was stationed in Japan in been put to use in Central The Dalles dam is now located. 1945-46 after the surrender. Oregon. It was on display at My grandfather, Harry, would I always thought it ironic that he a 4th–5th grade “storyline” on drive their produce, mainly veg- had to go all the way to Japan Japanese American internment etables and fruit, into Portland to own a camera, carry a gun, at Kenwood Elementary School every weekend along the old and explore the countryside in Bend, Oregon. It is currently scenic highway. Like most Issei (while Hidehiko and the rest of part of the High Desert Museum’s and Nisei, they worked long, ex- the family in the US was behind WWII exhibit that runs through hausting days. The family made barbed wire)! He was able to lo- September 2017. This suitcase has only one trip back to Japan in cate and provide aid to the rela- come full circle and has finally 1929. They went to visit with rela- tives that were still living in Japan. found its way home. It is helping tives and the twins, Yoshiko and tell a story that my grandparents Toshiko, remained in Japan for After WWII, my family returned could hardly share. For that, my their education until 1938. to The Dalles, Oregon. Hidehiko family is forever grateful for the enjoyed fishing and gardening return of this precious item. With the onset of WWII and and was known for his roses. My Executive Order 9066, the family grandfather, Harry, started his own was reduced to a number. business, “Harry’s Radio and TV”. Sincerely, Hidehiko’s family number was My grandparents never discussed Eric Ballinger

page 9 Colin Takeo

Tell us a little bit about yourself. generations’ ability to confront Tell us about your studies and racism. Before working on the time in Japan. mobile tour app, I had a little experience with iMovie. I knew how I recently graduated from Univer- to record voiceovers, research sity of Oregon with degrees in his- the narrative that we wanted tory and music. My time in Japan to tell, but everything else was has been for tourism and to visit completely new. I learned how family, so it has yet to be directly to use new programs, edit pho- tied to my studies. In the future, tos, and craft a narrative through my trips to Japan will be for aca- video. We also had to learn how demic and travel purposes, but a video tour would work at such

volunteer spotlight volunteer I need to improve my Japanese an expansive site like the Port- before that. land Expo Center where over 3,700 Japanese Americans were You have been spending a lot incarcerated during the summer of time volunteering at O.N.E. of 1942 prior to them being sent What inspired you to become to internment camps. involved? How would you encourage oth- I wanted to use my degree im- ers to become involved with mediately in a way that could O.N.E. and other organizations? help the community I came from. What advice would you give oth- I am interested in exploring my ers that are thinking about volun- own identity and its relation to teering? other Japanese Americans since my father is Japanese and my I think that there may be other mother is Caucasian. Interning at people like me who feel par- the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center ticularly compelled right now has been a very nice melding of to engage with their ancestry all of those things. and with the history of civil rights. Volunteering at O.N.E. is one way What has been a highlight about to do that. Consider what skills your involvement with O.N.E.? you have already and what you Please tell us about working with want to learn or improve about our Educational Manager Cyn- yourself, and see how that can thia and the mobile tour app that be applied at O.N.E. Just about utilizes augmented reality that any skill or viewpoint is helpful. you are working on. What did you learn in the process? Please let us know anything else that you wish to include in the One highlight so far has been el- spotlight. There are many ways to volunteer ementary school groups that tour at Oregon Nikkei Endowment. We the museum. The students have I want to thank the staff at O.N.E. are always looking for docents, been very engaged. Seeing for making me feel welcomed. tour guides and front office help, them puzzle over the material in They are all super rad. I also want along with volunteers for special the Yellow Terror exhibit, material to thank them for the wonder- projects and events. Contact us that is difficult for people of any ful work they do, especially the at [email protected] or call age to understand, has made work that takes place behind the us for ways you can volunteer. me more confident about future scenes.

page 10 Welcome to new and renewing Opening Exhibition Friends of Oregon Nikkei Endowment Only the Oaks Remain; the Story of the november 1, 2016 to july 31, 2017 Tuna Canyon Detention Station

All Friends of O.N.E. receive free admission to the Oregon October 22, 2017 through January 8, 2018 Nikkei Legacy Center all year long, a 10% discount on gift shop purchases, a subscription to the newsletter, and Omiyage Holiday Giftshop Kickoff special invitations to event openings and programs. There is sure to be a category just right for you! Friday evening, November 17, 2017 For more details call 503.224.1458

SUSTAINER Chet Earls Kathleen Kuba FAMILY INDIVIDUAL Leslie & Chizu Hunter SENIOR Eisaku & Alice Hiromura Susan Endecott Chip & Setsy Larouche Lynne & Donald Dravis Tamara Gilbert Sumi Ikeda Atsuko Akagi Ronald & Linda Iwasaki Eugene Freund Carole & Kent Lindell-Ross Margo Erickson Janet Hamada Fude Kagawa Teruko Arima Brian Kimura Tom Fujii Misao Minagi Lori & Ray Fukunaga Diana Hinatsu Arlene Kimura Ilze Choi Henry Mishima Frank & Janet Fujitani Taka Mizote Lynn & Scott Grannan Mike Iseri Irwin Lavenberg Nancy Tanaka Clayton Gail Nakata Jennifer Fujitani Yasuaki Ninomiya Robert & Racheal Inouye Robert Katsuno Charmaine Lindsay Joyce Gee & Paul Feldman Keiko Gilbert Joyce Olsen Shoun & Grace Ishikawa Dale Kawata Jean Matsumoto Michael Griggs Shigeo & May Oka Don Hachiya Charles & Carol Mary Anne Joyce Kim Stone & Robert Maeda Steven Murata Henry Kawata Jere Okada Michael F. Hayakawa Ouchi Brunner & Catha Loomis Patty Namba Jeremy Ota Jerry S. Koike David J. Pollock Mako Hayashi-Mayfield Hatsumi Y. Park Kim Kono & Randy Choy Theresa Sumoge David & Sylvia Otani Edna & Richard Koyama & Stan Mayfield Carrie Saito Shigeo & Mary Kuroye Sandra Tashima Kathryn Tanaka Don Maekawa BENEFACTOR Sally Hinatsu Ken & Loree Sakai Jeff Matsumoto Jean Tateishi Betty Walters Jane Maynard Susan Cowles & Dave Kendall Diane Sayrizi Ernest & Ruth Ann Tsukuda Dinah Teramura Alice Watanabe Wayne Miya Sean Egusa Rita N. Inoway Patricia Stanton Andrea Uehara Marlene Moro Dan Hinatsu Janelle Jimerson William & Ida Sugahiro Janice & Hideki Watanabe SENIOR PLUS TEACHER Tokuko Murdoch Michael Kawata Karen Kajiwara Jerry & JoAnn Sumoge Lani Arakaki-Schadt Marc Duncan Martha Neumann Mark & Janet Kakishita Kim Tsuchimoto INDIVIDUAL PLUS Shunji Asari Oregon Episcopal School, Carole Remme PATRON Robert Kaneko Judy Yamauchi Marcia Hara Patricia Ballinger Lower School Library Ken & Bea Saito Roberta Ando Terry & Esther Katayama Beth Harrington Kay Endo Naomi Yamamoto Barbara Surovell Albert Chan Joni Kimoto & Rod Reeves FAMILY PLUS Brian Nakamura Lynn Geis Frances Toyooka Wing Choy Karen Kimura Brandon Higa Harriet Rebuldela Tamie Goranson STUDENT Chris Dart Yoichi Kitayama Yoshi Ono Dale Watanabe Chisao Hata Amy Nakano Joy Duerr Wynn & Traci Kiyama Takako Yamaguchi George Hoashi

Yes, i want to join ! My support will help ensure that the history, art and culture of the Nikkei are preserved and shared with the community for generations to come. Have you considered putting Oregon Nikkei Endowment Individual $35 (Students and Seniors $20) Individual Plus $60 (Students and Seniors $35) Add One Guest for Each Visit into your will? Family $60 Two Adults and Children in the Household Family Plus $80 Add One Guest for Each Visit Patron $100 All Privileges Listed Above Plus Two One-Time Complimentary Guest Passes Benefactor $500 All Patron Privileges Plus Two Additional Guest Passes Sustainer $1,000 All Benefactor Privileges Plus Two Additional Guest Passes (6 Total), VIP Tour of ONLC for Up to 12 Persons (By Appointment)

Check Enclosed (Please make payable to O.N.E.) My Company Will Match My Gift

Visa | MasterCard | AmericanExpress | Discover Expiration CVV#

Signature

Name Partner Name

Address City | State | Zip

Phone E-mail You can help reduce the cost of postage and the amount of paper we use by electing to receive your future newsletters from us electronically. Please indicate choice when you sign up as a new or renewing Friend of Oregon Nikkei Endowment. Send Newsletters by E-mail Regular Mail Mail to: 121 NW 2nd Avenue | Portland, Oregon 97209

page 11 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 3482

121 NW 2nd Avenue Portland, Oregon 97209

Change Service requested

Mission board of directors Advisory Council The mission of Oregon Nikkei Endowment Connie Masuoka, DMD, President Sho Dozono is to preserve and honor the history and Sean Egusa, Vice President Jean Matsumoto culture of the Japanese Americans in the Betty Jean Harry, Secretary Jacqueline Peterson-Loomis Northwest, to educate the public about Chisao Hata June Schumann the Japanese American experience dur- Jana Iwasaki Linda Tamura ing World War II, and to advocate for the Rich Iwasaki

protection of civil rights for all. Brian Kimura Photograph © 2017 Rich Iwasaki Curtis Suyematsu staff The Oregon Nikkei Endowment newslet- Lynn Fuchigami Parks ter is published to inform the Japanese Executive Director American community, its friends, support- Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM to 3 PM Lucy Capehart ers, and the general public of its ongoing Sunday 12 PM to 3 PM Director of Collections and Exhibits work in promoting an appreciation of Closed Monday James Rodgers the culture and historic legacy passed Project Coordinator on to us by our immigrant forebears. Adults: $5 Seniors (62+) and Students: $3 Cynthia Basye Children Under 12 and Education Manager Friends of O.N.E.: Free Kiyo Endecott Office Manager Telephone: 503.224.1458 E-mail: [email protected] Website: oregonnikkei.org Photographs © 2017 Rich Iwasaki

Participants with musical accompaniment by Wynn Kiyama on taiko, practice an Obon dance at the Japanese American Historical Plaza after the opening of the museum’s newest exhibit, American Obon: Dancing in Joy and Remembrance.