August 23, 2025 Day of Action: Protect Every Park

Join the National Parks Conservancy Association (NPCA) and partners for a national day of action to protect National Parks sites across the nation. Events within the Japanese American community are currently being planned. Please keep an eye out for event details in the next few days via email and social media. In the meantime, find event details and learn more below. 

A Reflection on the 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasak

On August 6th, 1945, the United States dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, killing an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 individuals instantly. Just three days after this atrocity, on August 9th, a second bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki, where an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 individuals were killed on impact. 

Take Action Against the Alien Enemies Act!

Learn more about the Alien Enemies Act, the new JACL Alien Enemies Act Fund, hear stories of people who were subjected to the AEA in WWII, and more at our Alien Enemies Act landing page.  Click the button below or visit jacl.org/alien-enemies-act

2025 Legacy Fund Grants Available Now

Are you a chapter in good standing and thinking about furthering the mission and fulfilling the vision of the JACL? If so, apply for a 2025 Legacy Fund Grant today and use it as seed money to execute a multi-generational project or activity where your chapter (or district) can take a leadership role in local programming.

To learn more, please visit the JACL National Legacy Fund Grant page here or click below. Applications are due by Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:59 pm Hawaiian Standard Time. 

Upcoming Events!

August 17: Nikkei Community Picnic in Portland, OR

August 30: Intergenerational Conversations: Ripples of the Past

Saturday, August 30, 2025 | Midwest Buddhist Temple (435 W Menomonee St, Chicago IL 60614)

Intergenerational Conversations: Ripples of the Past is a JACL Chicago and Nikkei Uprising program that brings Chicago-area Nikkei (people of Japanese ancestry) together to connect and process the trauma of WWII forced displacement and incarceration through personal story sharing. It was created to bridge the gap in programming for the community’s need for containers to reflect on and heal from the generational impact of incarceration.

For more information, visit https://jaclchicago.org/programs/intergenerational-conversations.

2026 Japanese American Leadership Delegation Applications Now Open! 

The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American leaders from across the U.S. to travel to Japan to engage with Japanese leaders in the business, government, academic, non-profit and cultural sectors. The trip also allows Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding of multicultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans. Upon their return, delegates collaborate with JALD alumni, the local consulates, the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and local and national community organizations to continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.

Upcoming Events!

August 14: Tsuru for Solidarity - Voices in Solidarity 

Tsuru for Solidarity (TFS) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Virtual Fundraiser and Community Celebration and the locations of in-person Watch Parties. TFS is also excited to introduce the MCs for this year’s program!

Please join us in welcoming Brynn Saito and Brandon Shimoda, two incredible poets and friends of Tsuru who bring deep heartfelt commitment to our shared work for justice. The Gate of Memory, edited by Saito and Shimoda, is a groundbreaking poetry anthology by descendants of WWII-incarcerated individuals, exploring intergenerational trauma and the enduring impact of mass incarceration in the U.S. and Canada. A selection of the poems will be read by descendants as the hosts highlight the resistance and liberation work of TFS campaigns and national partners. 

TFS will also honor this year’s recipients of the Tsuru Leadership and Activism Award! 

In addition, an empowering Nikkei singer/activist will be announced soon! Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to be in community with you.

August 16: Gardena Valley JCI Car Show and Screening of "Japanese American Legacy on Wheels"

“Japanese American Legacy on Wheels”

Produced by Sansei Legacy, Directed by Mitchell Matsumura

ANNUAL GVJCI CAR SHOW

Saturday, August 16, 2025

ENTRY FEE: $10 TILL AUGUST 15TH,

GENERAL ADMISSION: $15

Special screening with Q&A with Director 1pm-2pm Main Hall

Continuous viewing 10am-3pm Nisei Veterans Memorial Hall (no sound)

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI)

1964 W. 162nd Street

Gardena, CA 90247

August 20: Navigating Today's Business Immigration Landscape Webinar with USJC

This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the current business immigration landscape—what is evolving, what remains consistent, and what employers should closely monitor. USJC member Lisa Tashiro, a leading expert in the field, will examine how recent policy changes affect companies hiring Japanese talent or managing global workforces. They will also provide strategies for navigating the complexities of an ever-shifting regulatory environment. Given the dynamic nature of immigration policy, the session will focus on the most up-to-date and relevant developments.

Date: August 20, 2025 (US) / August 21, 2025 (Japan)

Time: 7pm-8:15pm ET / 8am-9:15am JT

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Please mention your affiliation with JACL when registering!

August 24: The Incredible History of Nikkei Farmers in the Sacramento+ Region Hosted by KanshaHistory.org

2025 Crystal City Pilgrimage

The Crystal City Pilgrimage Committee has opened registration for the 2025 pilgrimage taking place October 9-12 in Texas. This year’s Pilgrimage theme is “Crystal City Rising - Neighbors Not Enemies.” In addition to learning about the unique history and stories of survivors of the Crystal City Concentration Camp, this year’s Pilgrimage will frame many of our programs through the lens of present-day attacks on immigrant communities. The event will include a visit to the site of the former prison camp in Crystal City, and a multi-day educational conference taking place in San Antonio.  

2025 Poston Pilgrimage