Densho

This year, Densho turns 30. Executive Director Naomi Ostwald Kawamura reflects on the organization’s past, present, and future, honoring the community that built Densho and addressing the urgent work of protecting public history in an increasingly divided moment.

Read Tom Ikeda's reflections on Densho's origins and his advice for the next generation of Japanese American history stewards — full article at densho.org/catalyst/we-ar…

This conversation is part of our new "We Are Densho" series, which highlights the people—our staff, board members, supporters, partners, and community members—who have made Densho what it is today.

As Densho celebrates its 30th anniversary, we wanted to speak with the person who helped start it all: founding executive director Tom Ikeda.

“For 30 years, Densho has honored memory, history, and community through stories of Japanese American resilience. The next 30 years, we’ll deepen learning, expand accessibility, and inspire generations to remember.” Sincerely, Densho Staff

In honor of Densho’s 30th anniversary, we wanted to share a special message from our staff. These are 30 words reflecting our mission and symbolically representing our 30 years of existence. This statement captures our commitment to the past, present, and future.

He remained in Congress until 1992, and then, after a ten year absence, returned in 2002 to serve three more terms. Dymally demonstrates the importance of allyship and solidarity in movements for justice.

Long cognizant of the Japanese American incarceration story, he was an early supporter of Redress, introducing early redress bills in 1982 at the behest of the National Coalition for Redress & Reparations.

Today, we’re celebrating what would’ve been Mervyn Dymally’s 100th birthday and his contributions to the Japanese American community.

Learn more about Bruce Kaji in our 2026 Nisei Notables article at densho.org/catalyst Photo courtesy of Kaji & Associates.

On Kaji’s 100th birthday, we honor his life and the impact he had on the Japanese American community, and thank him for sharing his testimony with Densho. If you’d like to learn more about his life, watch his complete interview in Densho’s Visual History Collection.

Today, we’re celebrating what would have been Bruce Kaji’s 100th birthday. We remember him for his contributions to the Japanese American community, particularly co-founding the Japanese American National Museum and serving as its initial board president.