Densho Catalyst | August 4, 2025
Returning to Minidoka: Reckoning with the Past and Reflecting the on the Present. by Jennifer Noji
One experience in particular allowed me to connect with my ancestors and our shared history in a deep and profound way. In yet another moment of immense privilege and honor, I accompanied a small group led by Glenn Mitsui and Nancy Ukai to the middle of a cornfield growing on Minidoka’s historic grounds. In particular, we navigated to an area near the historic site of the Minidoka camp cemetery. In this sacred place, Glenn and Nancy held a ceremony honoring all those who had been laid to rest there.
Nichi Bei News | July 31, 2025
Dancing with ancestors, survivors at the Minidoka Pilgrimage. by Sharon Yamato
Many agreed that one of the most moving events of the pilgrimage was that night’s festive program as pilgrims of all generations were given the unique opportunity to participate in Bon Odori around the luminous Wakasa Spirit Stone. The Wakasa Spirit Stone was originally conceived by Ukai to pay homage to the recently unearthed memorial stone that was constructed during wartime to honor the death of James Wakasa who was killed by a guard at the Topaz incarceration site. The handmade washi paper-covered lantern was constructed by survivors and descendants and illuminated with still and moving pictures curated by artist Glenn Mitsui.
Nichi Bei News| February 5, 2026
Artistic films capture emotional beats of wartime incarceration.
Three films interpreting the wartime experience of Japanese Americans employ distinctly different methods to convey what had happened during World War II, but all of them are united in passing on a valuable lesson for future generations.
Nichi Bei News | March 5, 2026
SFSU DOR shines light on former incarcererated students.
San Francisco State University students and community members gathered at the Ruth Asawa Garden of Remembrance on campus on Feb. 19 to commemorate the annual Day of Remembrance. They used the Wakasa Spirit Stone lantern to honor the 19 former students of Japanese descent who were incarcerated during World War II.
Nichi Bei News | July 31, 2025
Ancestral spirits come alive on sacred ground. by Sharon Yamato
I had the privilege of being among a small group attending the Minidoka Pilgrimage granted permission to witness the lighting of the Wakasa Spirit Stone on the very ground on which ur ancestors were buried. Its well-traveled base had already gathered hallowed dust and dirt on its journey from former sites at Topaz, Tule Lake, and Manzanar, and now made its way to the area that once served as the Minidoka cemetery. In uniting with sacred land, the lantern that held our history was creating new memories.
Nichi Bei News | February 27, 2025
Tree of Remembrance installation shines light on past incarceration wrongdoings.
Short video clips of James Wakasa’s story are projected on a makeshift Wakasa Memorial Monument made out of washi paper at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.
The “Tree of Remembrance” exhibit, which was held Feb. 20-24, shines a light on the dark chapter in American history.
Pacific Citizen | May 16, 2025
Wakasa Memorial Committee Holds Night Ceremony at Manzanar Pilgrimage.
The tribute was held to remember two Nisei incarcerees killed during the 1942 Manzanar Uprising.
Golden Gate XPress | February 20, 2026
Community gathers for Day of Remembrance to honor incarcerated Japanese Americans. by Seamus Geoghegan and Amin Faramarz
Descendants of San Francisco State University students forced into concentration camps gathered with current students and faculty yesterday in the Ruth Asawa Garden of Remembrance on campus to commemorate the detention of Japanese Americans across the country.