FOUNDING PRESIDENT BRUCE KAJI TO SPEAK AT VENICE JCC OCT. 31

Bruce Kaji, the Founding President of the Japanese American National Museum, will relate stories from his autobiography, Jive Bomber: A Sentimental Journey, as part of the National Museum’s Members’ Appreciation Event set for the Venice Japanese Community Center on Sunday, October 31, beginning at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Kaji, who was born in Boyle Heights, was attending Roosevelt High School when World War II began. He and his family were held in Manzanar, about 200 miles north of Los Angeles. It was while in Manzanar that Kaji, who played the trombone, became part of the Jive Bombers, a camp dance band. Kaji joined the Military Intelligence Service and served overseas in Japan during the Occupation and in the Philippines. When he returned to civilian life, he attended college through the GI Bill and eventually became an accountant.

Later, Bruce branched out and became a real estate developer with his brother-in-law, Taul Watanabe. He then was named the head of Merit Savings & Loan, which led to his ongoing involvement in the fortunes of Little Tokyo. In pursuing the idea of a creating a major development in Little Tokyo, Kaji also included a personal dream: building a museum dedicated to the story of Japanese Americans. When Bruce merged his dream with a group of World War II veterans, the Japanese American National Museum was born, officially incorporating in 1985.

These stories and others are included in the book, which was written in collaboration with writer Sharon Yamato. Kaji is donating the sales from the book to the National Museum, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary since its incorporation this year. The book will be available for sale at the event and Kaji will sign books after he speaks. This program is part of the 25th Anniversary programming.

The National Museum has been organizing a series of Members’ Appreciation Events and holding them around Southern California to make it easier for members to participate. Current members who attend receive a free gift. National Museum President & CEO Akemi Kikumura Yano will provide an update of the institution’s activities and light refreshments will be available.

Anyone wishing to attend should call the Japanese American National Museum at (213) 830-5646. The Venice Japanese Community Center is located at 12448 Braddock Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90066.