Panel discussion & cultural performances
Light reception to follow
Free with Museum admission

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Since the Japanese began migrating to this country, Kenjinkai (Japanese Prefectural Associations) have played important roles for new immigrants in assimilating into the larger society. They have also introduced Japanese culture and traditions to their broader American communities.

Join members from four local Kenjinkai groups (Hiroken, Kagoshima Heritage Club, Mie Kenjinkai, Yamaguchi Kenjinkai) for a presentation and discussion moderated by Professor Lane R. Hirabayashi exploring what the Kenjinkai mean to younger generations and what needs to change in order for these associations to continue to exist in the future.

Program to also include cultural performances by past Kenjinkai Kyogikai scholarship winners. Deputy Consul General Yoshimasa Tezuka has been invited as a special guest.

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LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE, SO RSVP required to 213.625.0414 ext. 2227 or rsvp@janm.org (Subject: Kenjinkai, March 28).**Please indicate the names of all guests attending.**

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PROGRAM (2-4pm)
1. Welcome/introduction – Japanese American National Museum

2. Greeting from Deputy Consul General, Yoshimasa Tezuka

3. General Kenjinkai overview video

4. Panel discussion about the future of Kenjinkai
* Panelists
: 1) Margaret Miyauchi (Kagoshima Heritage Club)
2) Arlene Nakamura (Yamaguchi Kenjinkai)
3) Dean Hara (Mie Kenjinkai)
4) Ken Mukai (Hiroken)

* Moderator:
Lane Ryo Hirabayashi, (George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair of Japanese American Internment, Redress, and Community, Asian American Studies Department, University of California, Los Angeles)

5. Q & A

6. Cultural performances by former Kenjinkai Kyogikai scholorship recipients
1) Koto by Stephanie Miyauchi Chung
2) Martial arts demonstration by Ashley Arashiro
3) Traditional Japanese dance by Trisha Asao

7. Closing remarks – Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai

***Light Reception*** (4 - 5 pm)
Featuring a performance by Kokoro taiko.

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This program is organized by the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California and the Japanese American National Museum in collaboration with Hiroken - Hiroshima Kenjinkai, Kagoshima Heritage Club - Kagoshima Kenjinkai, Mie Kenjinkai, and Yamaguchi Kenjinkai.

Reception is sponsored by Lane R. Hirabayashi, George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair of Japanese American Internment, Redress, and Community, Asian American Studies Department, University of California, Los Angeles.

This program is part of a series presented by Discover Nikkei, a project of the National Museum. Discover Nikkei is made possible through the generous support of The Nippon Foundation.