American Sutra: A Story of Faith and Freedom in the Second World War by Duncan Williams

FREE

Duncan Ryuken Williams, a Soto Zen Buddhist priest and Director of the USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture, will speak about his new book, American Sutra: A Story of Faith and Freedom During the Second World War (Harvard University Press, February 2019), about the Japanese American Buddhist experience in the WWII incarceration camps.

Williams will explore questions of faith, identity, and resilience in the face of dislocation, loss, and uncertainty. He will also focus on the importance of upholding bedrock American values—religious freedom, tolerance, social and racial justice, and civil liberties—in our historical moment. His presentation will be followed by comments and discussion with Brian Niiya (Content Director, Densho), Naomi Hirahara (award-winning author and historian), and Valerie Matsumoto (UCLA Aratani Chair on the Japanese American Incarceration, Redress, and Community).

Reception and book signing will follow. This program is free, but RSVPs are recommended using the link below.

Presented in partnership with USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture.

American Sutra will be available for purchase at the program and at the JANM Store in mid/late March.

In the Tateuchi Democracy Forum