From the Director: Tom Ikeda

December is a time I pause to reflect on the year. One thing that stands out is how fortunate I am to work with such a hard working, intelligent staff. This group has the ability to take on difficult "never been done" projects that require in-depth planning, challenging problem solving, and long hours. They also work well together, chipping in when someone's workload increases and enjoying a laugh when an event is over.

Please join me in thanking the Densho staff for the incredible service they do for the community!

Megan Asaka, Interviewer and Researcher
Geoff Froh, Technical Manager
Dana Hoshide, Production Manager
Naoko Magasis, Special Events Manager
Virginia Yamada, Office Administrator

From the Archive

War Hysteria: Pearl Harbor and the Media

Today marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. For many Japanese Americans, it is a painful reminder of the ease with which constitutional rights gave way to racism and fear. The attack unleashed an unprecedented level of anti-Japanese sentiment throughout the country. Newspapers rushed to print sensational headlines of spying and subversion, while journalists and public officials often made no distinction between Japanese Americans and Imperial Japanese soldiers. This hysteria had very real consequences, not only for the Japanese American community, but for U.S. society as a whole. >> more

Densho Events

Sushi & Sake Festival Breaks Attendance Records!

Attendance records were broken as over 1,400 participants converged at the Seattle Westin Hotel to celebrate the Fifth Annual Sushi & Sake Festival. Attendees were treated to 20 different pieces of sushi, a variety of tasty appetizers and desserts, and a wide range of premium sake and Japanese beer. Tom Ikeda, Executive Director commented, "This was the most successful Sushi & Sake Festival and the first year that all the pieces - great food and drink, decorations, entertainment, and a lot of fun people - came together at the same time!" The event raised over $90,000 for Densho. For more information, go to www.densho.org/sushi.

Book Reading with Karen Ishizuka

Over 80 people gathered on Saturday, December 2nd at the Theatre Off Jackson to hear Karen Ishizuka discuss her book, Lost and Found: Reclaiming the Japanese American Incarceration. Karen wove personal stories, historical references, and thought-provoking analysis to create a moving, yet informative, presentation. Karen was proceeded by Professor Roger Daniels, who placed Lost and Found within a larger historical context of literature about the Japanese American WWII incarceration. An audio recording of the event is available for download. >> more

Volunteer Opportunities

Camp Newspapers

Densho is currently working on an exciting and unprecedented project to scan, digitize and make available to the public all ten War Relocation Authority camp newspapers. Volunteers are needed to help transcribe article titles a minimum of 8 hours per week. Must have access to a computer with Microsoft Word. Typing skills and attention to detail a plus. If interested, please contact Megan Asaka at megan.asaka@densho.org.

Donor Spotlight

Thank you 4Culture!

During 2006, 4Culture, the Cultural Development Authority of King County provided funding to Densho with two grants. The first $3,500 grant allowed Densho to conduct an in-depth life history interview with a Japanese American World War II veteran. The second $10,000 grant was for general operating support of Densho's educational efforts. Funds from both grants came from the 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax Fund. For more information about 4Culture, go to www.4culture.org