JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM MOURNS THE PASSING OF U.S. SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE

The Japanese American National Museum mourns the loss this week of an exceptional leader and friend, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Distinguished World War II veteran, Medal of Honor recipient, and true public servant, Senator Inouye was a long standing champion for civil rights and social justice. He served as leader and advisor to many institutions across the country, including the Japanese American National Museum.

As one of the key founders of the Japanese American National Museum, Senator Inouye served as the National Museum’s long-time Chairman of the Board of Governors before transitioning to Chairman Emeritus. Senator Inouye’s commitment to the principles of democracy and the Constitution influenced the formation of the Museum and its mission “to promote understanding and appreciation for America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American story.”

Through the years, Senator Inouye was a guiding presence at the National Museum including the National Museum’s Board meetings, annual Gala Dinners, National Conferences, and even a Staff and Volunteer Talent Showcase where all were once treated to special performance by Senator Inouye playing the piano. No matter the occasion, he always took the time to say “Hello” and share a story. Senator Inouye made each person feel valued.

“We, along with the rest of the nation, are deeply saddened by this loss,” said Dr. G.W. (Greg) Kimura, President/CEO of the Japanese American National Museum. “Sen. Daniel K. Inouye is irreplaceable. He embodies the very best of our community and our nation. He fought with valor and distinction on the battlefield and was a tireless supporter for all Americans. On behalf of the National Museum’s Board, staff, and volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to Irene Hirano Inouye and their family.”

Before his political career, Inouye was a highly-decorated veteran from the heroic 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He earned numerous commendations for his service as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, including two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star Medal, and the Distinguished Service Cross which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor awarded by President Clinton in 2000. Following World War II, Inouye earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1950 from the University of Hawai`i and his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1952. Upon his return to Hawai`i, he became Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. In 1954, Inouye was elected to the legislature of the Territory of Hawai`i, and served as the majority leader until he was elected to the Territory’s Senate in 1958.

His public service continued the day Hawai`i became the 50th state in 1959 as the state’s first U.S. Congressman. Re-elected in 1960, he went on to be elected U.S. Senator for the State of Hawai`i in 1962, where he served continuously until his death. Senator Inouye was a member on the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973 and 1974, chaired the Senate Democratic Central American Study Group, and chaired the Senate Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to Iran and the Nicaraguan Opposition. He also chaired the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the Senate Committee on Defense Appropriations.

Senator Inouye was the first American of Japanese ancestry elected in either House of Congress. At the time of his death, he was the second longest-serving senator in United States history and, as President pro tempore, the highest-ranking Asian American U.S. official, third in line to the President. Senator Inouye also played a significant role in one of the nation’s most important pieces of legislation, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, in which the U.S. Government officially apologized and offered redress to the survivors of the 120,000 Japanese Americans unjustly incarcerated during World War II.

Senator Inouye held a particular love for education, especially cherishing youth. Through his signature Bid for Education program at the Japanese American National Museum—which provides free bus transportation and admission for K-12 students from Title I schools—tens of thousands of underserved students each year learn about America’s history, as well as the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Additionally, Senator Inouye led the creation of the Museum’s most recent initiative, the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, which promotes greater civic understanding and democratic principles with its core exhibition, Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We, the People”?, which presents a diverse group of individuals who fought for equal rights for America during World War II.

Throughout his life, Senator Inouye cultivated many relationships that bridged diverse communities, nationally and internationally. He, in particular, played a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.–Japan ties through his support of the U.S.-Japan Council led by Irene Hirano Inouye, who also served as the President and CEO of the National Museum for 20 years

Senator Inouye’s humble and gracious manner, as well as his many accomplishments and awards, will be fondly remembered. “When I accepted the role of Chairman,” said Gordon Yamate, Chairman of the National Museum’s Board of Trustees, “I asked Senator Inouye for some advice. He simply replied, ‘Don’t ever forget to tell the story.’ We all knew what that meant, and this institution will never forget.”

The Japanese American National Museum has a special memory book to share their memories about Senator Inouye and extend their condolences. For more information, contact 213.625.0414. Condolences for Senator Inouye can also be sent directly to his office at: Office of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, 722 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, or through the U.S.-Japan Council office at condolences@usjapancouncil.org.

About the Japanese American National Museum The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to a better understanding and appreciation for America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American story. Since its incorporation in 1985, JANM has grown into an internationally-recognized institution, producing award-winning art and history exhibitions, educational programs, documentaries, and curricula. The National Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate museum and accredited by the Association of American Museums. In 2010, the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services was awarded to JANM, the second California museum to be so recognized.

Read a 2008 statement by Senator Inouye about the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 >>

Watch video clips from a 2001 interview with Senator Inouye >>