DISCOVER LA'S JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States entered World War II. There were concerns that Japanese-Americans could pose a threat stateside. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, leading to the incarceration of Japanese-Americans believed to be dangerous, forcing citizens into camps with inadequate facilities. The internment camps were a dark part of American history, violating many American and human rights. However, after the facilities were finally closed in 1946, it was unclear who was detained. The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) helps preserve this important part of history. Suggested read: James Patrick Dempsey: Former US Soldier Arrested
Exploring the Japanese American National Museum Exhibitions and Archives
The creation of the Japanese American National Museum came about decades after the harsh treatment the people it represents were subjected to during WWII. Within its walls, you’ll find a host of exhibitions, archives, artifacts, art, and much more. The goal of JANM is multi-faceted. However, preserving these stories and honoring the community remains in the focus of the facility. There are events for both members and non-members, traveling exhibits that go to other museums, and more. The National Japanese American Museum, however, isn’t just about internment camps and continues to celebrate the community as a whole. This includes rotating exhibitions found at JANM which tell the stories before WWII of settling in America, rebuilding the community after WWII, the redress movement, and modern Japanese-American culture. Again, the exact exhibitions available at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles vary. Here are a few examples of what you can expect to see at JANM:
Common Ground
An ongoing exhibit featuring a variety of pictures, objects, and documents from JANM that showcases everything from the Issei (first generation) through the redress movement, including artifacts from the Heart Mountain concentration camp.
The Interactive StoryFile of Lawson Iichiro Sakai
In 2019, Nisei Army Veteran Lawson Iichiro Sakai created a StoryFile to help preserve Japanese-American history for future generations. He answered over 1,000 questions and visitors can ask him questions and hold conversations in the museum as a result.
Giant Robot Biennale 5
Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot, has been collaborating with the Japanese American National Museum since 2007 for the ever-changing art exhibit Giant Robot Biennale. Modern-day pop culture is on full display through a variety of mediums through a collection that continues to evolve. Related read: Veteran’s Guide to the Korean War Memorial
Irei: National Monument for the WWII Japanese American Incarceration
An exciting monument at the Japanese American National Museum is tracking and commemorating those in concentration camps across America during WWII. The Irei: National Monument for the WWII Japanese American Incarceration features three parts and so far, the first is on display, featuring a book listing over 125,000 names. Collecting the names is in part due to the efforts and errors recognized by Duncan Ryūken Williams. A team of researchers had their hand in creating the book, Ireichō. Additionally, the second part of the monument, the Ireizō, is a website that lets visitors search for additional information about each prisoner. Finally, the third part of the monument is the Ireihi. This is a portion that includes the Japanese American National Museum. It also extends to incarceration sites with light installations found throughout. It took the team over three years to make this happen. Inspiration came from stone Buddhist monuments known as Ireitōs built by prisoners at camps in Califonia and Colorado. Wooden pillars known as sobata have the names of each prisoner, and line the walls of the Ireichō. The exhibit has already drawn tens of thousands of visitors and will be in the Japanese American National Museum until December 1, 2024.
Building the Japanese American National Museum in LA
JANM opened to the public in May 1992, despite disruptions throughout Los Angeles due to civil unrest stemming from the first Rodney King trial. The museum's focus is on documenting and presenting the Japanese-American experience from the participants' perspective. It continues its legacy through public programs, school tours, and media presentations, which have earned acclaim. Although closed on Mondays and many major national holidays, JANM continues to preserve this incredibly important part of history for the Asian community and Americans as a whole. There are many exhibits and events available. While many don’t require purchasing tickets in advance, it’s a good idea to ensure access. You can book tickets to the Japanese American National Museum on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the final entry at 4:00 pm. JAMN is also open on Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the last entry at 7:00 pm. Read next: USS John L. Canley Christened in Honor of Black MOH Recipient