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Closed for Renovations

JANM’s Pavilion is closed for renovation and will reopen in late 2026. While the museum and store are closed, join us for programs and events on our Little Tokyo campus, throughout Southern California, and beyond. 

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  • Defining Courage at Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles

    Feb 19, 2026

    Defining Courage is a journey into the legacy of the Nisei Soldier—Japanese Americans who served in the segregated units of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Produced and narrated by ABC7-Los Angeles news anchor and filmmaker David Ono, Defining Courage honors the greatest fighting units in American military history. Featuri...

  • The Democracy Center presents “Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity” from August 21–23

    Aug 06, 2025

    Editors please note: JANM’s Pavilion is closed for renovation; programs will continue on the JANM campus and at other locations at janm.org/OnTheGo. LOS ANGELES, CA – The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese National Museum (JANM) presents Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity from Thursday, August 21, through Saturday, August 23, 2025,...

  • “Cruising J-Town” VIP Opening Reception

    Jul 30, 2025

    Celebrate the opening of JANM’s new exhibition, Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community with a special opening reception.Cruising J-Town tells the stories of influential figures and everyday car lovers alike who have played vital roles in countless car scenes—from hot rods and lowriders to the import craze and drift racing.Get a first look at the five classic cars that anchor the exhibition: George ...

  • 2025 Benefit & Online Auction

    Thank you to everyone who joined us in person or via livestream for JANM’s 2025 Benefit! On behalf of the Board, staff, and volunteers, thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who helped make our hybrid fundraiser such a success. Your generous support and faith in our mission means so much to us. Thank you for lifting us up with your generosity and unwavering commitment to JANM.

  • JANM to Relaunch the Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy on December 1, 2023

    Nov 15, 2023

    LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) will relaunch the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy as the Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) on Friday, December 1, 2023. The relaunch will include remarks by James E. Herr, director of the Democracy Center, and Bill T Fujioka, chair of the JANM Board of Trustees. Musical performances wil...

  • JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM TO FEATURE ARTWORK OF CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR ALLEN SAY

    Jun 15, 2000

    Allen Say’s Journey: The Art and Words of a Children’s Book Author, the first retrospective exhibition of the art of award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Allen Say, will open on Friday, July 28 at the Japanese American National Museum. This comprehensive survey dedicated to the art of Allen Say will feature fifty-five original watercolor paintings and pen-and-ink drawings, including works from Say’s...

  • Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo—JANM Store

    Purchase items related to the “Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo” exhibition from the JANM Store.

  • History

    Japanese immigration to Hawai‘i began in 1868—more than 140 years ago. From Tokyo and Yokohama, seekers of fortune and adventure responded eagerly to the recruiters sent by the sugar industry in Hawai‘i who promised a wage of four dollars a month, plus food, lodging and medical expenses, with boat passage to the Islands and back after the fulfillment of three-year contracts. In reality, those who came to the Is...

  • Textured Lives - Barbara Kawakami Collection

    The Barbara Kawakami Collection at the Japanese American National Museum is the most significant collection of Issei (first generation Japanese) immigration and plantation clothing in the world. It is an extensive collection of textiles and other artifacts from late 19th century through the 20th century gathered by author and scholar Barbara Kawakami primarily in Hawai‘i. Hawaii-based author, expert storyteller an...

  • Boyle Heights—Audio Diaries Project

    Through the Audio Diaries project, a teen examines the wartime removal of Japanese Americans from her Boyle Heights neighborhood. The following is an edited transcription of an audio program created by a high school senior in a school near East Los Angeles. A total of 25 students from Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School participated in the Japanese American National Museum’s Audio Diaries project, produced in co...