Screenings to be held at 12PM and 2PM.

Composed of Japanese American soldiers who were trained as linguists, the MIS were essential in helping the U.S. achieve victory in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Many of the soldiers fighting and translating on the frontlines were Nisei who had previously been incarcerated with their families in U.S. concentration camps.

Q&A with MIS veteran Hitoshi Sameshima to follow 2PM screening.

Purchase the DVD from the Museum Store >>

Screenings will be held at 2PM and 3PM.:

This documentary tells the true World War II story of Stanley Hayami, a talented young teenager caught between his dreams of becoming an artist and his duty to his country. Based on Stanley’s diary and letters archived at the Japanese American National Museum, this coming-of-age tale chronicles Stanley’s life behind barbed wire and as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The film captures this young man’s humor and imagination through endearing cartoons and witty observations that provide a firsthand look at the indignity of incarceration and the tragedy of war.

Q&A with filmmaker and family to follow 3PM screening.

Co-directors: Ann Kaneko and Sharon Yamato
Producer/Writer: Joanne Oppenheim
Special Guest: Dawn Hayami

View the online collection guide for the Stanley Hayami Diary in JANM’s archives >>

Screenings will be held at 12PM and 2PM.

Originally released by MGM in 1951, Go For Broke! tells the story of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Join us for a viewing of this classic film.

Searchlight Serenade focuses on the proliferation of big bands in detention centers and camps throughout the West during World War II. Nisei quickly organized dance bands when they were removed to the fairgrounds and racetracks that were converted into temporary detention centers, and re-organized them once they were moved to the more permanent detention camps in desolate areas of the country. In all, twenty bands were created and thrived in 13 detention centers and camps from 1942 to 1945.

Swing music played a vital role as escape, as therapy, and as a connection to the outside American world. Playing and appreciating such a totally American art form was an aspect of their American identity that could not be denied within the confines of the camps or the denial of their civil rights.

KEET-TV producers Claire Reynolds and Sam Greene collaborated with artist Amy Uyeki, to tell the stories of former internees who played music in the camps through interviews and archival footage interspersed with segments of Ms. Uyeki's twelve-minute animated short. Created from original woodcuts and drawings, the animation is inspired by actual events and accounts of some of the musicians and singers she interviewed.

With help from advisor and musician, George Yoshida, the Searchlight team was able to locate former bandmembers in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Yuba City and Portland. The interviews with 9 musicians and singers from the camps, many of whom are still performing, form the basis of this moving documentary, and their poignant stories and ebullient spirits remind viewers that art and music can be an incredible force of healing and positive energy in a difficult environment.

A Gold Medal winner at the 38th Annual Student Academy Awards, Hiro is a short documentary explores the life of Hiroshi ‘Hiro’ Hoshizaki. A retired grandfather of six, Hiro was incarcerated at the Heart Mountain Relocation during his adolescence. As we follow him on his own journey to confront the events and memories of his past, we learn of his incarceration and the traumatic repercussions this experience has had on him and his family. Q&A with filmmaker to follow.