The late journalist James “Jimmie” Omura was among the fiercest opponents of the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. In his sharply written columns, Omura called out leaders in the Nikkei community for what he saw as their complicity with the US government’s unjust and unconstitutional policies. Among the first Nikkei to seek governmental redress and reparations for wartime violations of civil liberties and human rights, Omura paid dearly for his bravery; he was shunned by the Nikkei community and excluded from the standard narrative of Japanese American wartime incarceration until later in life. 

In this vividly written memoir, scheduled for release on August 28, Omura provides an account of his early years and attempts to correct the ”cockeyed history to which Japanese America has been exposed.” The book is edited and includes an introduction by historian Arthur A. Hansen, who will discuss the book and his friendship with Omura, and features contributions from activists and writers Frank Chin, Yosh Kuromiya, and Frank Abe.

This program is free for Museum members and included with general admission for non-members. Please purchase admission at the front desk at the main building prior to the event. RSVPs are strongly encouraged using this online form as reserved guests will be given priority entry.