Regional Meeting for National Parks Service - Japanese American Confinement Sites Grants
December 1, 2009
Chicago JACL Office, 5415 N. Clark St

From the National Parks Service newsletter: In preparation for the Fiscal Year 2010 appropriation and the next grant cycle, we would like to hear your thoughts on this first year of the grant program. We encourage you to provide your comments on the components of the grant program that you would like to see continued, and any apsects of the grant program that you would like to see changed.

JASC Holiday Delight/ Kodomo Matsuri
Saturday, December 5, 2009
4427 N. Clark St.

Begin celebrating your holiday season by joining us at our annual Holiday Delight sale. Do some great holiday shopping and satisfy your hunger and sweet-tooth by enjoying sushi, teriyaki kabobs, teriyaki burgers and homemade baked goods. Kodomo Matsuri (children's festival) will entertain the kids and treat them to a visit from Santa himself.

Japan America Society 23rd Annual Fundraiser and Bonenkai
Thursday, December 20, 2009
Mid-America Club, 200 E. Randolph Dr., 80th Floor

The Japan America Society will host its 23rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser & Bonenkai on December 10, 2009 at the Mid-America Club, in downtown Chicago. With over 250 in attendance each year, this event is truly a celebration of goodwill and close friendships between our Japanese and American members.

Day of Rememberance
February 21, 2010
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.

Every year the Japanese American community in the Chicago area comes together to commemorate the 1942 signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of some 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II.  This event, called the Day of Remembrance, will take place on Sunday, February 21, 2010, at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark Street), starting at 2 pm. 

The program for the 2010 Day of Remembrance focuses on stories and their power to heal.  Award-winning monologist Alton Takiyama-Chung will present his original one-man performance piece, “Heroes,” which follows two brothers in their journey from basic training to the battlegrounds of Europe with the all-Japanese American 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team.  In the process, they learn about courage, honor, teamwork, and the reality of war. 

Raised in Hawaii and based in the Pacific Northwest, Alton Takiyama-Chung has built a repertoire ranging from traditional Asian folktales to stories of the Japanese American experience.  He has performed for audiences throughout the US and abroad.  His narratives are notable for their sensitivity, passion, and respect, demonstrating his belief that “through story, we can find bridges to understanding, compassion for ourselves and others, and appreciation for our differences.” 

The Day of Remembrance is jointly sponsored by the Chicago Japanese American Council, the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, the Japanese American Citizens League – Chicago Chapter, and the Japanese American Service Committee.  The program is free and open to the public.