Videos

Irene Hirano Inouye was appointed Executive Director of the Japanese American National Museum in 1988, as it was preparing to restore the former Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple as the museum’s first home. She also oversaw the construction and opening of the museum’s current Pavilion building in 1999, and led JANM through its early establishment until her departure in 2009. She is currently President of the U.S.–Japan Council. She was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Irene Hirano Inouye was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In her accepting her award, she reflected on the early days of the museum and the many individuals who worked to make it a success.

Bruce T. Kaji was Chairman and President of Merit Savings Bank when he led a group of local businessmen seeking to create a museum in the 1980s. He recruited volunteers and persuaded public officials to support the cause of building the Japanese American National Museum. His ability to bring people together was integral to the founding of the institution and set the tone of collaboration that continues to be a hallmark of the museum. Kaji was presented with the Legacy Award.

Bruce T. Kaji was presented with the Legacy Award. He spoke on stage about building the museum and its importance for future generations.

Tom Ikeda is the founding Executive Director of Densho, which uses digital technology to preserve and make accessible primary source materials on the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. Densho presents these materials and related resources for their historic value and as a means of exploring issues of democracy, intolerance, wartime hysteria, civil rights and the responsibilities of citizenship in our increasingly global society. Ikeda was presented with the Founders’ Award.

Tom Ikeda was presented with the Founders’ Award. In accepting his award, he spoke about the creation of Densho and the continuing relevance of the work of JANM and Densho today.

JANM President and CEO Ann Burroughs spoke about the current exhibitions Instructions to All Persons: Reflections on Executive Order 9066 and New Frontiers: The Many Worlds of George Takei, and why the work of the museum is so vital.