Beyond the Fence by Mieko Anne Walden

Beyond the Fence by Mieko Anne Walden

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Classes & Events

BEYOND the FENCE, a memoir reading by Mieko Anne Walden

Saturday, November 9th, 1 pm – new date

For many years, Mieko has been writing about her experiences of being adopted from an Okinawan orphanage as a child by an American family who eventually brought her to the U.S. when she was eight. Her writings include nostalgic memories of Okinawa of the 1960s, sad memories of parting with a grandmother, confused memories of being adopted by an American family that provided material comfort but forced her to give up all of her connections to Okinawa, and unspeakable memories of abuse by the people she should have trusted the most.

Mieko’s first reading at J-Sei was in October 2022. Because of the overwhelming interest in hearing more stories, Mieko will be sharing additional excerpts from her memoir-in-progress about her childhood in Okinawa and adapting to her life as an adoptee in the U.S.!

Using writing as a tool to share her personal story, Mieko has discovered courage, healing, and support. We invite you to join us as she shares her deeply personal and moving story.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Memoir 6/2” in the subject line.

J-Sei’s Harvest Lunch 2024

J-Sei’s Harvest Lunch 2024

by | Oct 26, 2024 | Classes & Events

J-Sei’s Harvest Luncheon

Friday, November 15th – To-Go  – now CLOSED

A special harvest lunch by Chef Yuji Ishikata, the J-Sei kitchen crew and volunteers will be available for pick-up only.  The harvest lunch will feature: roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, spring mix salad, and dessert.

We are grateful for the many hands that plant, grow, harvest, prepare and deliver the foods that sustain us.  We are thankful for your health, nourishment, and connection to J-Sei.

RSVP today.  Suggested donation: $12.

To Order – now Closed 11/13

To reserve your lunch To-Go, please complete the online payment below or send a check to J-Sei, 1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608

If you have any questions, call (510) 654-4000 or email tara@j-sei.org

 

One Fighting Irishman: Wayne M. Collins and Tule Lake

One Fighting Irishman: Wayne M. Collins and Tule Lake

by | Oct 25, 2024 | Classes & Events, Other News

One Fighting Irishman: Wayne M. Collins and the Tule Lake

A Film Screening and Talk with filmmaker Sharon Yamato

Saturday, November 16, 2 pm (New date)

Watch the dynamic film, ONE FIGHTING IRISHMAN, on vigilant attorney Wayne M. Collins who spent decades restoring rights to Japanese Americans forced to give up their citizenship during WWII.  Hear from filmmaker Sharon Yamato joined in conversation with Stan Yogi, on the making of the film and the stories she uncovered of the lives impacted by Collins crusade.

The 30-minute documentary tells the story of attorney Wayne M. Collins who rescued more than 5,500 people from being deported to a country upon which many of them had never stepped foot. At a time when wartime hysteria and racist hatred of American citizens of Japanese ancestry was sweeping the country, one attorney stood above the rest to fiercely defend the Constitutional rights of those the government considered the worst of the lot—those accused of being disloyal. If you are an individual or descendant who was aided by the efforts of Wayne M. Collins, we would like to hear from you.

RSVP for this free hybrid event.  Limited seating available.

Berkeley Shoreline, The North Basin Strip

Berkeley Shoreline, The North Basin Strip

by | Oct 24, 2024 | Classes & Events, Featured, Other News

J-Sei Engages in Park Planning 
NORTH BASIN STRIP – Berkeley Shoreline

Thursday, December 12, 6:00 pm (via ZOOM)

YOUR VOICE MATTERS.  Join us as we explore the North Basin Strip, an area along the Berkeley Shoreline proposed for development by the Eastshore State Park. The North Basin Strip is the portion of the McLaughlin Eastshore State Park located south of the Gilman Sports Fields in Berkeley. It is approximately 20 acres and includes 2,800 linear feet of shoreline.

Come meet Christine Hikido, J-Sei’s representative in the New Voices Program. Christine has worked for nonprofits across the Bay Area and currently works as a grants specialist at RYSE Youth Center in Richmond. She recently finished UC Berkeley’s Master of City Planning program and is interested in getting more involved in the local community and the park planning process.

Please RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “J-Sei at North Basin” for a ZOOM link.  Help us get outdoors, get involved, and envision a place along the shoreline for all to enjoy.

 

 

 

TOPAZ STORIES 2024

TOPAZ STORIES 2024

by | Oct 24, 2024 | Classes & Events, Featured, Other News

TOPAZ STORIES

While a few of the stories in this exhibit were displayed in the Utah State Capitol in 2022, all are being exhibited in California for the first time. The stories provide intensely personal accounts of the forced removal; daily camp life; the dispersal of the Japanese American community through the resettlement program; the heroism of Nisei soldiers with families incarcerated behind barbed wire; the challenges of returning to California after the War; and the impact of the camp experience on survivors and subsequent generations, decades later.

The exhibit and events are presented by the Topaz Stories team and Friends of Topaz Museum, with support from J-Sei.

Program Schedule

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 – Children of Topaz: Stories and Art, a kid-oriented program (adults
are welcome!) with Dana Shew and special guests, held  in conjunction with J-Sei’s
annual “Family Day.”

Thursday, Oct. 3 – Dispersed: The WWII Scattering of the Japanese American Community.
stories by Jun Dairiki, Jean Hibino, Mitsi Nakamizo Fuchigami, and Joseph Nishimura

Sunday, Oct. 13 – The Lost Sketches of Topaz: Ella Honderich’s Topaz Years by Ella’s
granddaughter, Cynthia Wright

Thursday, Nov. 7 – Soldiers’ Stories by Eugene Takei, Tracy Takayanagi Hui, and Ruth Sasaki
(2-3:30 pm).

Saturday, Nov. 23 – Wartime Friends and Allies of Japanese Americans, stories by Frank
Kami, Jonathan Hirabayashi, Doris Yagi, and Jon Yatabe and Ruth Sasaki (2-3:30 pm).

Thursday, Dec. 5 – Return to California: Stories of Postwar Resettlement by Kazuko Iwahashi, Michi Mukai, Harue Minamoto, and Meri Mitsuyoshi (2-3:30 pm).