The Great Unknown: Japanese American Sketches is a collection of biographical portraits of extraordinary but unheralded figures in Japanese American history—men and women who made remarkable contributions in the arts, literature, law, sports, and other fields.

Recovering and celebrating the stories of noteworthy Issei and Nisei and their supporters, the book highlights the diverse experiences and substantial cultural, political, and intellectual contributions of Japanese Americans throughout the country and over multiple decades. Included in these pages are Ayako Ishigaki, Issei feminist and peace activist; Milton Ozaki, mystery writer; Bill Hosokawa, journalist; Wat Misaka, basketball star; Gyo Fujikawa, children’s book artist and author; and Ina Sugihara, interracial activist, to name just a few examples.

Join author and historian Greg Robinson for a discussion of how he came to write the book and how the book functions as an alternative history that shows the unexpected diversity of Japanese American lives. The larger themes of civil rights and making connections among varied groups of people will also be covered.

This program is free for Museum members and free with general admission for non-members. Please purchase admission at the front desk prior to the event. RSVPs are strongly encouraged using this online form. 

This book is available at the JANM Store.