2025 Kakehashi Project Trip Applications Available Now!

This year's Winter Kakehashi Project Trip will run from December 10 to 17, 2025. This year's cohort will comprise 48 participants who will travel to Japan to deepen their understanding of Japan's economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics, and diplomatic policies through people-to-people exchanges. Participants are expected to play an active and important role in the future of U.S.-Japan relations. We will also be accepting applications for two chaperones! 

New ICE Detention Center at Fort Bliss Dishonors Japanese American History

August 28, 2025 - Last week, it was announced that a new ICE detention center had opened at Fort Bliss, an active U.S. military base once used as an internment camp for first-generation Japanese immigrants. With a capacity to hold up to 5,000 detainees, Fort Bliss is now the largest immigration detention facility in the country. The decision by the administration to use a former internment site as a detention center is a disgrace to the memory and legacy of the more than 125,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans unjustly imprisoned during World War II.

USC Shinso Ito Center - The Alien Enemies Act of 1798: Understanding 1941 and 2025

This panel will address how this act was applied to and impacted the Japanese American wartime community, ramifications of the current administration’s approaches, the status of the court cases challenging the administration’s use of AEA, and the amicus brief that was filed on behalf of descendants of Issei men who were imprisoned when the AEA was invoked in World War II. The speakers also will discuss how to accurately and effectively speak about the lessons from history when communities, especially those of color, live under the specter and reality of arrest, detention, and deportation.

This is a hybrid event. Please click here to register for the Zoom link. In-person event RSVP link is forthcoming.       

September 6: Nakayoshi Curry Lunch Fundraiser - Monterey JACL

September 7: Third Act Film Screening and Discussion in Chicago

THIRD ACT FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION Sunday, Sept 7 | 2-4 PM
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, 1601 N CLARK ST
Tickets $10 

September 28: Japanese Fall Festival - Aki Matsuri 2025 with NMJACL

AKI MATSURI 2025 | Japanese Fall Festival returns this year with a bang or better yet a BOOOM! Our headline performance features San Jose Taiko, the world-renowned ensemble that has electrified audiences across the globe with their heart-pounding beats and dynamic stage presence!
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Grab your tickets early for this one HERE
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We are now accepting Vendors, Performers, and Volunteers for the 2025 event. Learn more on NMJACL.org/ 

October 4: Mochi Ice Cream Social & Mid Autumn Moon Festival Celebration with SD JACL

Join the SDCHM Young Professionals Advisory Council and the San Diego JACL for an afternoon of networking, celebration, and dessert at the San Diego Chinese Heritage Museum. Mooncakes, boba, and mochi ice cream will be served!

Our Debt of Gratitude - Seeking Stories!

Upcoming Events!

September 12 & 13: Japanese Film Festival Arizona

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