GalleryIn our gallery you will find press releases, pictures, descriptions, and articles from the New England
JACL's past events and activism on behalf of civil rights.Event: December 8, 2022Tabemasho! Let's Eat!: A Conversation with Author Gil Asakawa
On December 8, 2022, the New England JACL held its first hybrid in-person and virtual event
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in partnership with the U.S.-Japan Council and
MIT Japan Program/MISITI Japan. The evening featured author Gil Asakawa discussing his book
"Tabemasho! Let's Eat!" that chronicles the history of Japanese food in America. His presentation
was followed by a conversation with cookbook author and food writer Debra Samuels about the
role of Japanese Americans in U.S. food history. At the end of the event, Gil Asakawa signed his
book for attendees.
Event: February-March 2022"Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II": Smithsonian Poster Exhibition
and Programs Above: Museum of Work & Culture Exhibition Poster; Margie Yamamoto and David Sakura
speaking during their talk; Images from David Sakura's presentation, including a 1979 New
England JACL Day of Remembrance Flyer and a 1980 Redress Movement Meeting in
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
For Day of Remembrance 2022, the New England JACL partnered with Museum of Work &
Culture in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, for a two month long poster exhibition with online
programming. This included two talks on the incarceration of Japanese Americans during
World War II. The first was "Executive Order 9066 and Its Legacies," which featured a
discussion with Ken Nomiyama and Jim McIlwain. The second was "Family Memories:
A Conversation About Camp & Its Aftermath," which was a discussion with David Sakura
and Margie Yamamoto. The Museum of Work & Culture hosted the Smithsonian's
traveling exhibition "Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II," which
included posters telling the story from Japanese American incarceration during World War
II to the Redress Movement when Japanese Americans demanded an apology from the
U.S. government.
Event: January 12, 2022Margie Yamamoto's "Justice Denied" Talk at the Waltham Public Library
NEJACL Co-President Margie Yamamoto was invited to speak about her family's experience
duringthe incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. To watch the recording:
YouTubePress: March 24, 2020Paul Watanabe's Apperance on WBUR to Discuss Anti-Asian American Racism
NEJACL member and UMass Boston professor Paul Watanabe was interviewed about recent
increases of anti-Asian American racism and violence. Click here to listen to the interview:
https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/24/asian-american-experience-in-massachusettsEvent: February 27, 20212021 Day of Remembrance: Japanese American Redress: Then and Now with Peter Kiang Above: Peter Kiang shows an image from South Boston during World War II illustrating the
racism faced by Japanese Americans. Over 40 people attended the virtual talk on the
importance of New England JACL members in the redress movement.
The 2021 Day of Remembrance was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It
featured UMass Boston professor of Asian American Studies Peter Kiang, who gave
a talk about the redress movement in New England and its implications for current fights
to address historic injustices, including bill H.R. 40, which would provide reparations to
African Americans for the government's role in slavery and discrimination. UMass Boston
professor Paul Watanabe and civil rights attorney Paul Uyehara. Peter Kiang's related
publication can be found in the Asian American Law Journal here.
To watch the recording of the 2021 NEJACL Day of Remembrance:
YouTubeDownload .MOVDownload .MP4
To view Jane Monari's performance of "Don't Fence Me In," which was shown at the end
of the program:
YouTubeEvent: January 23, 2021Cooking Class with Debra Samuels: Okonomiyaki
On January 23, 2021, the NEJACL held a virtual Japanese Cooking Class with cookbook author
and food writer Debra Samuels. Over 30 NEJACL members and friends learned to cook the
Japanese dish okonomiyaki from scratch. Participants were given a list of ingredients to purchase
in advance and a recipe. Debra then led the group step-by-step in the process. This led to the
participants enjoying great food, conversation, and company during a difficult period of
social distancing related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event: June 6-7, 2020Tsuru for Solidarity: Tsuru Rising Virtual Protest to Close the Camps
Japanese Americans from across the country had organized a protest called Tsuru for Solidarity
in Washington, D.C. on June 5-7, 2020 to close the unjust immigrant detention centers and camps
across the country. They planned to bring 125,000 paper cranes, or tsuru, as expressions of
solidarity with immigrant and refugee communities that are under attack today. The 125,000
cranes represented the members of our community who were rounded up and incarcerated
in U.S. concentration camps during World War II, including both Japanese Americans and
Japanese Latin Americans.
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the protest moved digitally. During Tsuru Rising, thousands
of JACL members (including many New England members) participated in the two days of virtual
events, which involved speakers, panels, community forums, music and arts performances, healing
circles, and tsuru fold ins. The New England JACL folded hundreds of tsuru (paper cranes) as part
of their annual Day of Remembrance and then sent them to be combined with the hundreds of
thousands of other tsuru collected for the protest.
Event: February 29, 2020Day of Remembrance 2020: Activities and Speakers in Support of Tsuru for Solidarity
and National Pilgrimage to Close the Camps
On February 29, 2020, the New England JACL held the annual Day of Remembrance
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The program was in support of the
Tsuru for Solidarity Movement and its National Pilgrimage to Close the Camps. Guest speakers
and panel members included Carl Takei, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU's Trone Center for
Justice and Equality and co-chair of Tsuru for Solidarity, Margie Yamamoto, NEJACL Co-President,
Adriana Lafaille, ACLU Staff Attorney, and Paul Watanabe, Professor of Political Science and
Director of the Institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
The panel was moderated by Ken Oye, Professor of Political Science at MIT and NEJACL
Co-President, and included an important discussion of the parallelism between the incarceration
of Japanese Americans during World War II and federal prison camps for migrants/refugees today.
Following the speakers, the audience folded over 1,000 tsuru (origami cranes) to be sent with the
New England delegation during their march on Washington (June 5-7). The goal is to fold over
120,000 cranes, representing the over 120,000 Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated
during World War II.
For more information on the march, please go here: Tsuru for Solidarity.
To receive information and updates about joining the New England delegation, please e-mail
website@nejacl.org with "March List" in subject.
Event: February 19, 2019Day of Remembrance 2019: The Collective Power of Rhythm: Rebuilding the
Japanese American Identity
On February 19, 2019, the New England JACL held the annual Day of Remembrance
at Harvard University, which was organized by NEJACL member Erika Ninoyu. In the
program, guest speakers explored the role of taiko drumming as a source of
transformative change to redefine identity and recognize the power of rhythm
and social patterns to produce a unified, collective force to enact social change.
Speakers included Dr. Yutaka Kobayashi (discussing his experience as an
incarcerated Japanese American during WWII), Kanoko Kamata on social
movements (Harvard Weatherhead Center), Karen Young of The Genki Spark.
There were also performances by The Genki Spark and Odaiko New England.
Event: October 28, 2018"The Ito Sisters" Film Viewing and Post-Performance Discussion
The New England JACL co-sponsored the showing of the The Ito Sisters at the 2018
Boston Asian American Film Festival. The film tells the story of one family's history
as Japanese American farm laborers struggling to eke out a living in the midst of a
powerful anti-Japanese movement in the early 20th century. The viewing was
followed by a Q&A with the film's director Antonia Grace Glenn. Following the event,
members of the New England JACL had dinner with the director at China Pearl
Restaurant in Boston's Chinatown.
Pictured (from left to right; back row to front): Evelyn Nakano Glenn, Margie Yamamoto,
Janet Gee, Steve Nishino, Ken Oye, Mark Hopkins, and Antonia Grace Glenn.
Event: December 17, 2017"Hold These Truths: A Play About Gordon Hirabayashi"
and Post-Performance Discussion
On December 17th, members of the New England JACL attended a Lyric Stage Opera
performance of "Hold These Truths: A Play About Gordon Hirabayashi" featuring Michael
Hisamoto, directed by Benny Sato Ambush, and written by Jeanne Sakata. The performance
was followed by a panel discussion on the Japanese incarceration andthe Hirabayashi case
that included NEJACL co-president Margie Yamamoto, NEJACL members Paul Watanabe and
Yutaka Watanabe, and actors Michael Hisamoto and Khloe Alice Lin.
Event: May 18, 2017Sus Ito's "Before They Were Heroes" Reception
In the spring of 2017, the Transit Gallery at Harvard Medical School was the first location to
host the Japanese American National Museum's traveling exhibit "Before They Were Heroes,"
which displayed the photography of New England JACL member Susumu (Sus) Ito. On
Wednesday, May 18 the NEJACL co-sponsored an opening and reception that included
presentations by several speakers, including Sus Ito's grandson Justin Ito-Adler and son-in-law
James Ito-Adler, NEJACL members Paul Watanabe, James T. McIlwain, and Margie Yamamoto.
Afterward, guests guests examined Sus Ito's photographs of the celebrated 442nd Regimental
Combat Team and experienced a taiko drumming performance by the Genki Spark.
Event: May 13, 2017Brookline Sakura Matsuri
On May 13th, the New England JACL sponsored a table at the Brookline Sakura Matsuri (Cherry
Blossom Festival) where people could create their own sakura tree craft. There were also multiple
taiko group performances, Japanese food, and Bon Odori dancing.
Event: February 25, 2017Day of Remembrance: National Security & Civil Liberties 1942 & 2017
On February 25, 2017, the New England JACL held the annual Day of Remembrance
at the MIT Starr Forum. After an invocation by Hoda Elsharkawi (MIT Muslim Chaplain),
Kenneth Oye (Professor of Political Science, MIT, and NEJACL Co-President) moderated
a panel discussion that included Nadeem Mazen (Cambridge City Council), Barbara J.
Dougan (Civil Rights Director of the Council on American Islamic Relations), Shannon
Al-Wakeel (Executive Director, Muslim Justice League and Board, Mass ACLU), Gautam
Mukunda (Assistant Professor, Harvard Business School, expert on presidency) and Paul
Watanabe (Director UMass Institute for Asian American Studies, NEJACL member). This
event was co-sponsored by the MIT Center for International Studies, the Asian American
Studies Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Asian American Resource
Workshop, and Council on American-Islamic Relations, Massachusetts.
Click here to watch a video of the panel: https://youtu.be/5IdSVsx4mi8Event: May 18, 2016Asian American Journalists Association AAPI Month Event
The New England JACL joined the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islanders Month by co-sponsoring an event
that brought together Boston's top Asian American leaders for an evening of open
discussion. Pictured above, from left, are Tommy Chang, Boston's first Asian
American Superintendent of Schools, Michelle Wu, the first Asian American Boston
City Council President, and Dan Koh, the first Asian American Chief of Staff for a
Boston mayor. This event on May 18th attracted a standing room crowd of more
than 270 people.
For a partial transcript of the panel, see this Boston Globe article.
Event: February 2016Day or Remembrance: Kimi Maeda's "Bend" New England Tour
In February 2016, the New England JACL sponsored Kimi Maeda's New
England Tour of her performance of Bend, which tells the true story of two
men interned in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II:
Maeda's father, an Asian Art historian who suffered from dementia at the end
of his life, and the subject of his research, Isamu Noguchi, a half-Japanese-
half-American sculptor.
February 19: University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
February 21: Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
February 22: Marlboro College, Marlboro, Vermont
February 23: Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
February 24: Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
February 25: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
February 26 & 27: Puppet Showplace Theater, Brookline, Massachusetts
(The New England JACL hosted a reception at the final performance)
Event: November 7, 2015The Japanese American Incarceration: Constitutional Vigilance in Times of Crisis
(Teacher Professional Development Workshop)
On November 7, 2015, the New England JACL co-hosted with the Boston
University School of Education the professional development workshop
"The Japanese American Incarceration: Constitutional Vigilance in Times
of Crisis." Over 40 social studies teachers, representing schools from the
Berkshires to Boston, attended the full day workshop at the BU School of
Education. The workshop provided teachers with a historical background
of the Japanese American incarceration during World War II, connections
to current events and other communities, and the ongoing lessons of
discrimination, civil liberties, and justice. Participants discussed how these
topics cross over into the classroom, and were provided with curricular
materials to support the teaching of Japanese American incarceration
in their classrooms. The highlight of the workshop was a panel discussion
featuring Japanese Americans sharing their personal experiences in the camps.
Event: October 17, 2015Covering the Game: Asian Americans in Sports Media
The New England JACL co-sponsored with the Asian American Journalists Association
the event "Covering the Game: Asian Americans in Sports Media," held at New England
Sports Network's studios in Watertown, Massachusetts. This event included a
panel discussion including Fluto Shinzawa (hockey reporter, Boston Globe), Gary
Striewski (anchor/reporter, NESN), Ben Watanabe, (digital content editor, NESN),
Al Young, (media consultant), and moderator Daigo Fujiwara (former informational
graphics artist, Boston Globe). The talk was followed by a tour of the NESN studios
and a hot dog lunch.
Press: January 1, 2015Sus Ito Among 442nd Regiment Veterans Honored at 2015 Rose Parade
Members of the 442nd Regiment, including Sus Ito, are honored at the 2015 Rose Parade in
Pasadena, California.
Event: November 3, 2014"To Be Takei" Screening at the Boston Asian American Film Festival
New England JACLer Sus Ito and actor George Takei at the Boston Asian American Film
Festival (BAAFF) on November 3, 2014. NEJACL was one of the co-presenters for a
screening of "To Be Takei," a documentary about Takei's life, from his work on "Star Trek,"
to his more recent advocacy for marriage equality and civil rights. BAAFF is sponsored
by the Asian American Resource Workshop.
Event: July 9-12, 2014JACL National Convention, San José, California
New England JACL was well represented at the JACL National Convention held July 9 through
12 in San José, California. Pictured above with the newly re-elected National JACL President
David Lin (second from left) are Kota Mizutani, a student at Brown University and JACL's Eastern
District Council Youth Representative; President Lin; Ken Oye, New England JACL
co-president and NE JACL delegate; and Sarah Purdy, a student at McGill University (Montréal)
and NE JACL delegate.
Press: June 14, 2014Kyoto Kondo Featured in Wellesley Weston Magazine
NEJACL member and artist Kyoto Kondo is featured in June's issue of WellesleyWeston Magazine.
Click here to read the article: http://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/issue/305082/155Press: February 21, 2014Sus Ito and the 442nd Regiment Visit the White House
Members of the 442nd Regiment, including Sus Ito, visit the White House and meet with
President Barack Obama.
Press: May 23, 2013Professor Paul Watanabe Receives the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished ServicePaul Watanabe is a member of the New England JACL. Congratulations
on this prestigious award.
With 35 years of distinguished service at all levels of his university, community,
and nation, Professor Watanabe is a "most deserving recipient of this award."
He was a founding director of the Asian American Studies Institute and currently
serves as its director, as well as chair of the Political Science Department.
He was an early director of the university honors program and currently teaches
an honors course on the Japanese internment. He has worked with the Asian
American Studies Program to win the U.S. Department of Education designation
as an Asian American-, Native American-, and Pacific Islander-serving institution,
making UMass Boston the only institution with this designation in the northeast.
In addition, he helped to win a major five-year grant to bolster services for students
from these underserved populations. Beyond his university service, he is currently
the chair of the U.S. Census Bureau's National Advisory Committee on Racial,
Ethnic, and Other Populations; is president of the Board of Directors of the Nisei
Student Relocation Commemorative Fund; is on the Board of Directors of the
American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts; and has served on numerous
other boards. Professor Watanabe has also spent years fostering positive,
proactive U.S.-Japan relations, including with Chukyo University, and facilitating
communications with many Japanese consulates. Irene Inouye, president of the
U.S.-Japan Council, praised his leadership role, especially when he served as a
member of the Japanese American Leadership delegation to Japan. Professor
Watanabe is also a widely-respected and frequently consulted public intellectual
who comments regularly on the American political process and Asian American
issues via local and national television, radio, newspapers, and news magazines.
His service both on campus and to local, national, and international communities
is service that has increased the visibility and prestige of our university.
Press: December 20, 2012Remembrance of Daniel Inouye: Paul Watanabehttp://cognoscenti.wbur.org/2012/12/20/daniel-inouye-paul-watanabe
On December 20th, Paul Watanabe eulogized Senator Daniel Inouye for WBUR. He writes,
"Too many of today's politicians lack basic competence, vision and decency. Too few are
inspired by a fundamental commitment to the common good. With Senator Inouye's passing
this deficit becomes deeper at a time when the nation can ill afford it. Hopefully others will
step forward to fill his very large shoes. 'Aloha' senator."
Event: September 25, 2012Colors of Confinement: Book Talk with Eric Muller
On September 25th, the New England JACL co-sponsored with the Institute for Asian American
Studies the event "Colors of Confinement," which was a talk at UMass Boston by Eric Muller.
Eric Muller is the Dan K. Moore Distinguished Professor in Jurisprudence and Ethics at the
University of North Carolina and his recently released book showcases a collection of color
photographs taken by Bill Manbo (1908-1992) while incarcerated in the Japanese American
internment camp at Heart Mountain in Wyoming.
Event: May 12, 2012Brookline Sakura Matsuri
On May 12th, the New England JACL sponsored a table at the Brookline Sakura Matsuri (Cherry
Blossom Festival) where people could test their Japanese-American trivia. There were multiple
taiko group performances, Japanese food, and Bon Odori dancing. The Consulate General of
Japan presented Brookline High with two cherry trees from the Washington, D.C.
Press: November 10, 2011Susumu Ito's Appearance on CNN
The above is video from Sus Ito's appearance on CNN, where he discusses his experiences in
World War II (Note: Click on the black CNN box to access the video). For more information:
Susumu Ito @ CNN.comEvent: September 10, 2011Book Talk with Debra Samuels
Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln, Massachusetts
(Photos by Mark Hopkins)
On September 10th, the New England JACL hosted a book talk with Debra Samuels. Over 50
people attended Debra's book talk that focused on her new book My Japanese Table: A Lifetime
of Cooking with Friends and Family. Afterward, attendees created their own obento from food
prepared by NEJACL members earlier in the day.
Event: May 25, 2011The Chef's Table
Daikanyama, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
On May 25th, New England JACL co-sponsored with New Asian Recipes the inaugural
"The Chef's Table" event. It was well attended and everyone enjoyed the amazing cuisine
of Miyabi Zen, a type of Kaiseki-ryori. This was followed by a brief talk with the chef
Daisuke Shimizu, a native of Japan, who discussed among other things the inspiration
he found in his mother's cooking. For the full menu click here.
Event: April 2, 2011The Crisis in Japan
Wellesley Friends Meeting, Wellesley, Massachusetts
On April 2nd, Ken Oye, MIT Associate Professor of Political Science and
Engineering Systems, spoke about Japan's earthquake and tsunami, as well
as recent events in Fukushima, and the long-term effects on politics and economics
in the region.
Press: March 15, 2011Ken Oye's Appearance at the MIT Starr Forum
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
The above is video from Ken Oye's panel appearance at the MIT Starr Forum
about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the impact on their nuclear power
plants.
Event: February 12, 2011Day of Remembrance 2011 Featuring the film 442nd: Live With Honor, Die
With Dignity and a Conversation with Sus Ito
Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
On February 12th, the New England JACL observed the Day of Remembrance by watching the film
442nd: Live With Honor, Die With Dignity followed by a conversation with Sus Ito, member of the
442nd. This event was co-sponsored with the Asian American Center at Tufts University.
Event: November 7, 2009Race, Ethnicity and the 2010 Census: Categorizing and Counting
University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts
On November 7th, the JACL co-sponsored a panel on "Race, Ethnicity and the 2010
Census: Categorizing and Counting." The panel featured Paul Watanabe as speaker
and Melissa Nobles as commentator. Norman Eng from the US Census supplied
details on outreach program and Sus Ito closed with reflections on national origins
and race over the past six decades. The panel engaged on points of controversy and
historical interest related to the US census count. For a full summary, download here.
Event: November 15, 2008My Life as an Alien: Tales of an Asian American Expatriate in Asia, A talk by Paul Niwa
Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
On November 15th, Paul Niwa, journalist and journalism professor at Emerson
College, spoke about life as an Asian American in Asia. Niwa helped launch
NBC Asia Evening News" and produced CNBC's "Today's Business" and "This
Morning's Business."
Event: August 10, 2008Bento and Baseball
Middlesex Community College and Edward A. LeLacheur Park, Lowell, Massachusetts
In August of 2008, the New England JACL held the Bento and Baseball event. This
included lunch, the viewing of the film American Pastime about the role of baseball
in the Topaz Internment Camp at Middlesex Community College, followed by a
Lowell Spinners (Red Sox Affiliate) minor league baseball game. The day was a
great success and there were many new faces thanks to the efforts of a NEJACL
members Tom Laughlin, who was our host at Middlesex Community College, and
Steve Nishino, who organized the event.
Event: July 18, 2008Law and Disorder in Times of War: Security, Surveillance and Civil Liberties
JFK Library, Boston, Massachusetts
(from left to right, Paul Watanabe, Glenn Kumekawa, Mari Oye, May Takayanagi,
and Taka Takayanagi)
In July of 2008, a group of NEJACL members spoke about the internment and other
issues in a panel on "Law and Disorder in Times of War: Security, Surveillance and
Civil Liberties" at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.
Press: May 7, 2008Resolution Affirming Support for the Human Rights of DetaineesFull Text of the Resolution [PDF]
The New England JACL sponsored a passed resolution at the 2008 JACL National
Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. This resolution pertained to human rights of
individuals detained by the government of the United States. Copies of this resolution
have been sent by the JACL to the President, Vice President, Attorney General, and
majority and minority leaders of Congress.
Event: February 24, 2008Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Internment Camps (1942 - 1946) Exhibit
University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
In February of 2008, the New England JACL visited the William Benton Museum
of Art at the University of Connecticut's exhibit on the Art of Gaman -
Art and Crafts from the Internment Camps. Members toured the exhibit,
which encouraged conversations about internment and injustice. This was followed
by a viewing of a few short films about the internment camps.
Activism: June 25, 2007Mari Oye (New England JACL member) Confronts George W. Bush on Torture and
Civil Rights Violations
(Photo courtesy of WBZ Television/CBS)
For a PowerPoint Presentation: PowerPoint on Mari OyePlease note: Depending on your Internet speed, this presentation may take a
few minutes to load. You can either click on the link above to open in your browser
or you may download it by using these instructions: Macintosh users control click
the link above and "download linked file" and Windows users right click the link
above and "save target as".
The above is a video from Mari Oye's appearance on Democracy Now.
The clip begins at 47:32. For more information: Democracy Now - July 3, 2007
Here is a link to the Nichi Bei Times article: Nichi Bei Times Article
Here is a link to the Asian Pacific Forum Interview: Asian Pacific Forum Interview
Here is a link to the New York Times article: New York Times Article
Here is a link to the Boston Globe article: Boston Globe Article
Press: March 24, 2020
Paul Watanabe's Apperance on WBUR to Discuss Anti-Asian American Racism
On January 23, 2021, the NEJACL held a virtual Japanese Cooking Class with cookbook author
and food writer 
On February 29, 2020, the New England JACL held the annual Day of Remembrance
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The program was in support of the
On February 19, 2019, the New England JACL held the annual Day of Remembrance
at Harvard University, which was organized by NEJACL member Erika Ninoyu. In the
program, guest speakers explored the role of taiko drumming as a source of
transformative change to redefine identity and recognize the power of rhythm
and social patterns to produce a unified, collective force to enact social change.
Speakers included Dr. Yutaka Kobayashi (discussing his experience as an
incarcerated Japanese American during WWII), Kanoko Kamata on social
movements (Harvard Weatherhead Center), Karen Young of The Genki Spark.
There were also performances by The Genki Spark and Odaiko New England.
Event: October 28, 2018
"The Ito Sisters" Film Viewing and Post-Performance Discussion
The New England JACL co-sponsored the showing of the 
On December 17th, members of the New England JACL attended a Lyric Stage Opera
performance of "Hold These Truths: A Play About Gordon Hirabayashi" featuring Michael
Hisamoto, directed by Benny Sato Ambush, and written by Jeanne Sakata. The performance
was followed by a panel discussion on the Japanese incarceration andthe Hirabayashi case
that included NEJACL co-president Margie Yamamoto, NEJACL members Paul Watanabe and
Yutaka Watanabe, and actors Michael Hisamoto and Khloe Alice Lin.
Event: May 18, 2017
Sus Ito's "Before They Were Heroes" Reception
In the spring of 2017, the Transit Gallery at Harvard Medical School was the first location to
host the Japanese American National Museum's traveling exhibit "Before They Were Heroes,"
which displayed the photography of New England JACL member Susumu (Sus) Ito. On
Wednesday, May 18 the NEJACL co-sponsored an opening and reception that included
presentations by several speakers, including Sus Ito's grandson Justin Ito-Adler and son-in-law
James Ito-Adler, NEJACL members Paul Watanabe, James T. McIlwain, and Margie Yamamoto.
Afterward, guests guests examined Sus Ito's photographs of the celebrated 442nd Regimental
Combat Team and experienced a taiko drumming performance by the Genki Spark.
Event: May 13, 2017
Brookline Sakura Matsuri
On May 13th, the New England JACL sponsored a table at the Brookline Sakura Matsuri (Cherry
Blossom Festival) where people could create their own sakura tree craft. There were also multiple
taiko group performances, Japanese food, and Bon Odori dancing.
Event: February 25, 2017
Day of Remembrance: National Security & Civil Liberties 1942 & 2017
On February 25, 2017, the New England JACL held the annual Day of Remembrance
at the 
Event: May 18, 2016
Asian American Journalists Association AAPI Month Event
The New England JACL joined the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islanders Month by co-sponsoring an event
that brought together Boston's top Asian American leaders for an evening of open
discussion. Pictured above, from left, are Tommy Chang, Boston's first Asian
American Superintendent of Schools, Michelle Wu, the first Asian American Boston
City Council President, and Dan Koh, the first Asian American Chief of Staff for a
Boston mayor. This event on May 18th attracted a standing room crowd of more
than 270 people.
For a partial transcript of the panel, see this Boston Globe 
In February 2016, the New England JACL sponsored Kimi Maeda's New
England Tour of her performance of 
On November 7, 2015, the New England JACL co-hosted with the Boston
University School of Education the professional development workshop
"The Japanese American Incarceration: Constitutional Vigilance in Times
of Crisis." Over 40 social studies teachers, representing schools from the
Berkshires to Boston, attended the full day workshop at the BU School of
Education. The workshop provided teachers with a historical background
of the Japanese American incarceration during World War II, connections
to current events and other communities, and the ongoing lessons of
discrimination, civil liberties, and justice. Participants discussed how these
topics cross over into the classroom, and were provided with curricular
materials to support the teaching of Japanese American incarceration
in their classrooms. The highlight of the workshop was a panel discussion
featuring Japanese Americans sharing their personal experiences in the camps.
Event: October 17, 2015
Covering the Game: Asian Americans in Sports Media
The New England JACL co-sponsored with the 
New England JACLer Sus Ito and actor George Takei at the Boston Asian American Film
Festival (BAAFF) on November 3, 2014. NEJACL was one of the co-presenters for a
screening of "To Be Takei," a documentary about Takei's life, from his work on "Star Trek,"
to his more recent advocacy for marriage equality and civil rights. BAAFF is sponsored
by the Asian American Resource Workshop.
Event: July 9-12, 2014
JACL National Convention, San José, California
New England JACL was well represented at the JACL National Convention held July 9 through
12 in San José, California. Pictured above with the newly re-elected National JACL President
David Lin (second from left) are Kota Mizutani, a student at Brown University and JACL's Eastern
District Council Youth Representative; President Lin; Ken Oye, New England JACL
co-president and NE JACL delegate; and Sarah Purdy, a student at McGill University (Montréal)
and NE JACL delegate.
Press: June 14, 2014
Kyoto Kondo Featured in Wellesley Weston Magazine
NEJACL member and artist Kyoto Kondo is featured in June's issue of WellesleyWeston Magazine.
Click here to read the article: 
With 35 years of distinguished service at all levels of his university, community,
and nation, Professor Watanabe is a "most deserving recipient of this award."
He was a founding director of the Asian American Studies Institute and currently
serves as its director, as well as chair of the Political Science Department.
He was an early director of the university honors program and currently teaches
an honors course on the Japanese internment. He has worked with the Asian
American Studies Program to win the U.S. Department of Education designation
as an Asian American-, Native American-, and Pacific Islander-serving institution,
making UMass Boston the only institution with this designation in the northeast.
In addition, he helped to win a major five-year grant to bolster services for students
from these underserved populations. Beyond his university service, he is currently
the chair of the U.S. Census Bureau's National Advisory Committee on Racial,
Ethnic, and Other Populations; is president of the Board of Directors of the Nisei
Student Relocation Commemorative Fund; is on the Board of Directors of the
American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts; and has served on numerous
other boards. Professor Watanabe has also spent years fostering positive,
proactive U.S.-Japan relations, including with Chukyo University, and facilitating
communications with many Japanese consulates. Irene Inouye, president of the
U.S.-Japan Council, praised his leadership role, especially when he served as a
member of the Japanese American Leadership delegation to Japan. Professor
Watanabe is also a widely-respected and frequently consulted public intellectual
who comments regularly on the American political process and Asian American
issues via local and national television, radio, newspapers, and news magazines.
His service both on campus and to local, national, and international communities
is service that has increased the visibility and prestige of our university.
Press: December 20, 2012
Remembrance of Daniel Inouye: Paul Watanabe
On September 25th, the New England JACL co-sponsored with the Institute for Asian American
Studies the event "Colors of Confinement," which was a talk at UMass Boston by Eric Muller.
Eric Muller is the Dan K. Moore Distinguished Professor in Jurisprudence and Ethics at the
University of North Carolina and his recently released book showcases a collection of color
photographs taken by Bill Manbo (1908-1992) while incarcerated in the Japanese American
internment camp at Heart Mountain in Wyoming.
Event: May 12, 2012
Brookline Sakura Matsuri
On May 12th, the New England JACL sponsored a table at the Brookline Sakura Matsuri (Cherry
Blossom Festival) where people could test their Japanese-American trivia. There were multiple
taiko group performances, Japanese food, and Bon Odori dancing. The Consulate General of
Japan presented Brookline High with two cherry trees from the Washington, D.C.
Press: November 10, 2011
Susumu Ito's Appearance on CNN
The above is video from Sus Ito's appearance on CNN, where he discusses his experiences in
World War II (Note: Click on the black CNN box to access the video). For more information:
(Photos by Mark Hopkins)
On September 10th, the New England JACL hosted a book talk with Debra Samuels. Over 50
people attended Debra's book talk that focused on her new book My Japanese Table: A Lifetime
of Cooking with Friends and Family. Afterward, attendees created their own obento from food
prepared by NEJACL members earlier in the day.
Event: May 25, 2011
The Chef's Table
Daikanyama, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
On May 25th, New England JACL co-sponsored with New Asian Recipes the inaugural
"The Chef's Table" event. It was well attended and everyone enjoyed the amazing cuisine
of Miyabi Zen, a type of Kaiseki-ryori. This was followed by a brief talk with the chef
Daisuke Shimizu, a native of Japan, who discussed among other things the inspiration
he found in his mother's cooking. For the full menu 
On April 2nd, Ken Oye, MIT Associate Professor of Political Science and
Engineering Systems, spoke about Japan's earthquake and tsunami, as well
as recent events in Fukushima, and the long-term effects on politics and economics
in the region.
Press: March 15, 2011
Ken Oye's Appearance at the MIT Starr Forum
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
The above is video from Ken Oye's panel appearance at the MIT Starr Forum
about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the impact on their nuclear power
plants.
Event: February 12, 2011
Day of Remembrance 2011 Featuring the film 442nd: Live With Honor, Die
With Dignity and a Conversation with Sus Ito
Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
On February 12th, the New England JACL observed the Day of Remembrance by watching the film
442nd: Live With Honor, Die With Dignity followed by a conversation with Sus Ito, member of the
442nd. This event was co-sponsored with the Asian American Center at Tufts University.
Event: November 7, 2009
Race, Ethnicity and the 2010 Census: Categorizing and Counting
University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts
On November 7th, the JACL co-sponsored a panel on "Race, Ethnicity and the 2010
Census: Categorizing and Counting." The panel featured Paul Watanabe as speaker
and Melissa Nobles as commentator. Norman Eng from the US Census supplied
details on outreach program and Sus Ito closed with reflections on national origins
and race over the past six decades. The panel engaged on points of controversy and
historical interest related to the US census count. For a full summary, 
On November 15th, Paul Niwa, journalist and journalism professor at Emerson
College, spoke about life as an Asian American in Asia. Niwa helped launch
NBC Asia Evening News" and produced CNBC's "Today's Business" and "This
Morning's Business."
Event: August 10, 2008
Bento and Baseball
Middlesex Community College and Edward A. LeLacheur Park, Lowell, Massachusetts
In August of 2008, the New England JACL held the Bento and Baseball event. This
included lunch, the viewing of the film American Pastime about the role of baseball
in the Topaz Internment Camp at Middlesex Community College, followed by a
Lowell Spinners (Red Sox Affiliate) minor league baseball game. The day was a
great success and there were many new faces thanks to the efforts of a NEJACL
members Tom Laughlin, who was our host at Middlesex Community College, and
Steve Nishino, who organized the event.
Event: July 18, 2008
Law and Disorder in Times of War: Security, Surveillance and Civil Liberties
JFK Library, Boston, Massachusetts
(from left to right, Paul Watanabe, Glenn Kumekawa, Mari Oye, May Takayanagi,
and Taka Takayanagi)
In July of 2008, a group of NEJACL members spoke about the internment and other
issues in a panel on "Law and Disorder in Times of War: Security, Surveillance and
Civil Liberties" at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.
Press: May 7, 2008
Resolution Affirming Support for the Human Rights of Detainees
In February of 2008, the New England JACL visited the William Benton Museum
of Art at the University of Connecticut's exhibit on the Art of Gaman -
Art and Crafts from the Internment Camps. Members toured the exhibit,
which encouraged conversations about internment and injustice. This was followed
by a viewing of a few short films about the internment camps.
Activism: June 25, 2007
Mari Oye (New England JACL member) Confronts George W. Bush on Torture and
Civil Rights Violations
(Photo courtesy of WBZ Television/CBS)
For a PowerPoint Presentation: 