BCA- Retired minister Rev. Yoshiaki Takemura of Hansville, Washington, contributed a collection of some 50 items for the recent exhibition entitled Amerika ni watatta nihonjin to sensou no jidai (The Japanese immigration to America and the WWII-era) being held March 16, 2010 – April 3, 2011 at the National Museum of Japanese History in Chiba Prefecture. The exhibit which told of the 130-year history of the Japanese in America displayed photos, texts, and other artifacts including letters and personal belongings portraying the lifestyle of the pioneers.

 

The Takemura collection includes pictures of the Issei (first generation), as well as various Japanese texts such as Buddhist service books that were handmade and used in the Japanese American internment camps during WWII, telling of the hardships that were experienced. Many of the Issei’s that were in contact with Takemura had left these and such articles with him in hopes that the history’s torch would be passed on to later generations. Takemura commented “The lives of the Issei were often filled with much suffering for they had to make many sacrifices. I believe that in having the visitors see the exhibit and taking a first-hand look at the history that has been left for us, the pioneers will feel that their efforts have been well-rewarded.”

 

The Japanese American Issei Pioneer Museum is located in Hansville, Washington, and is open to the public (free admission). Please refer to the museum’s website at http://www.japaneseamericanisseipioneermuseum.com/ for more information.

 

 

(Excerpt from Hongwanji Journal, May 20, 2010)