When we first embarked upon this project in 2005, one of our goals was to learn more about the Japanese American experience in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah so that we could share lesser-known parts of history with teachers and students. At the heart of the project is the idea that through these specific experiences, the broader American experience becomes clearer.

In fact, we often say that through this project, we are trying to "problematize history." By showing that history is relevant to the present and chock full of exceptions to what is written in textbooks, we hope to reach those who believe that history is boring.

So through this project, we hear a number of interesting and quirky stories related to these five states and beyond. These stories are about the past, about the present, and (perhaps some of the most inspiring are) about the future. When I hear these stories or read these articles, I get so excited that I tell other people; and they tell me that I should write them down.

With that, here you go!

Allyson Nakamoto, Project Director