NATIONAL MUSEUM RECOGNIZES ORIGINAL FOUNDERS AT 2010 ANNUAL GALA DINNER

The Japanese American National Museum marked its 25th Anniversary since its incorporation in 1985 at its 2010 Annual Gala Dinner, "25 Years & Beyond: Celebrating the Spirit of Our Community", with special recognition going to the original founders of the institution in activities at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel before almost 1,100 supporters.

Founding President Bruce Kaji spoke on behalf of the early volunteers, who represented two separate groups that came together to form the Museum. Kaji, who headed a Little Tokyo enterprise to build a museum as part of a new development, mentioned the names of those who signed the incorporation papers, including Col. Young Oak Kim, Y.B. "Buddy" Mamiya, George Aratani and Toy Kanegai, among others. Kim and Mamiya led a group of World War II veterans who were intent on preserving the stories of Japanese American military service.

He also acknowledged the contributions of then-California State Senator Art Torres and City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency manager Cooke Sunoo, who, respectively, gained the Museum its first major grant and access to the former Buddhist temple building, which would become its first public site. During the stage presentation, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry represented the city, while Grant Sunoo represented his father. Chip Mamiya stood in for his late father and Manabi Hirasaki, Sam Fujikawa and Hitoshi Sameshima represented the late Col. Kim and all the veterans. Nancy Araki, the Museum’s first staff member, was also recognized for her more than 25 years of service.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ernest Doizaki and President and CEO Akemi Kikumura Yano welcomed everyone and thanked the many long-time supporters, board members, and volunteers representing the different regions of the country who have helped build and maintain the institution. The Honorable Norman Mineta, former Secretary of Transportation and Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Governors, observed that the institution had come along way since it was located in a warehouse. "When I look at the Museum’s history and think back to those days, I am amazed as each exhibition, each personal visit reflects the Museum’s goal: to educate through the sharing of the Nikkei experience. The Museum’s guiding principles come from its Vision statement, which says in part, 'We believe that our work will transform lives, create a more just America and, ultimately, a better world.' "

The 2010 National Museum’s gala dinner, the institution’s largest single fundraiser each year, was led by the two Signature Sponsors: Dr. Paul I. and Hisako Terasaki, and Union Bank/Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. Diamond Sponsors include The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Dr. William G. and Carol Ouchi, and Prudential. Presenting Sponsor Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., as it has done for the last few years, donated a 2010 Lexus RX 450h as the grand prize of an opportunity drawing, which helped raise over $125,000.

The annual Bid for Education, kicked off by U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye and former National Museum President and CEO Irene Hirano Inouye, raised close to $140,000. The Bid hopes to bring more students to the Museum and train more teachers locally and nationally. Prof. Mitch Maki enlisted his daughter Lane to help encourage the auction.

Senator Inouye and former Secretary Mineta were the Honorary Dinner Co-Chairs. The Dinner Committee Co-Chairs were Tracey Doi, Chief Financial Officer, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and George Tanaka, Senior Vice President and Division Head, Union Bank. Master of the ceremonies for the evening was Frank Buckley, co-anchor of KTLA's Emmy Award-winning signature broadcast, the KTLA Morning News.

Doi acknowledged Toyota’s partnership with the National Museum "to develop diversity education curriculum and engage teachers across the nation. That’s why Toyota has extended our grant for another $400,000 over the next four years. This Museum has a clear connection to our past, paying tribute to our Issei and Nisei, while leading us into the future, recognizing the evolution of multi-racial families and the new look of America. Because to understand and believe in democracy, we must embrace and appreciate diversity."

The Japanese American National Museum kicked off its 25th Anniversary year with its annual Oshogatsu Family Festival and Charter Members’ Appreciation Tea in January, with over 2,000 people attending. More programs are scheduled for the summer, including the Heart Mountain Barracks Project public program set for August 7 and its 12th Annual Summer Festival on August 14.