Japanese American Points of Light
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington
Northwest Nikkei Museum
Completed 2023
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In June of 2023, the Northwest Nikkei Museum (NNM) supported the completion of the “Japanese American Points of Light - Emerging From Darkness Into Light” project, made possible through the Kip Tokuda Memorial Washington Civil Liberties Public Education Program. Named after former State Legislator Kip Tokuda, this Civil Liberties Program seeks to establish a legacy of remembrance regarding the forced incarceration of the Japanese American community during World War II. |
"Portrait of Kip Tokuda" (2023) Lauren Iida, hand-cut paper, ink
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Through artwork created by kirie artist Lauren Iida and biographies written by Lawrence Matsuda, the NNM co-curators will design the posters and provide all of the resources for the project, including a curriculum guide on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website. |
"Portrait of Cherry Kinoshita" (2023) Lauren Iida, hand-cut paper, ink
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This project highlights twelve notable Japanese Americans who have made a significant impact on their community, to be shared across Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Highlighted individuals include Genji Mihara, Roger Shimomura, Aki Kurose, Mary Matsuda Gruenewald, and William Nakamura. A selection process of involved conversations and community outreach ensured that the project highlights a wide variety of leaders and other notable individuals. Each poster includes kirie art and biographical information, in addition to a written curriculum for classrooms, which outlines and directs learning objectives for the posters.
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"Portrait of Genji Mihara" (2023) Lauren Iida, hand-cut paper, ink
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