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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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  • Silencing History: Protecting Truth in Public Spaces and Museums

    Sep 15, 2025

    Across the country, National Park Service sites are becoming ground zero in a growing battle over historical memory. Signs with QR codes invite the public to report “negative” or “unpatriotic” portrayals of American history. On the surface, these codes claim to ensure “accuracy.” But for communities like Japanese Americans, who have fought for decades to have the truth of their incarceration recognized, this devel...

  • Cruising J-Town Mini-Meet: Street Racers Reunion

    Sep 13, 2025

    Grab a cup of coffee and join the street racing and import tuner scene reunion that’s part of JANM’s exhibition, Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community. This event will showcase a selection of a dozen cars that reflect the merging of two scenes that many Japanese Americans and Asian Americans participated in from the 1970s through the 2000s.Please note that cars must be invited to join the main ev...

  • Democracy Center to Host the Smithsonian’s National Conversation on Race March 28

    Mar 12, 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. Speakers will explore models for equitable recovery from LA wildfires.LOS ANGELES, CA – The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) will once again host the Smithsonian’s Nation...

  • Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III to Speak at JANM on March 14, 2025

    Mar 10, 2025

    WHAT: The Irene Hirano Inouye Distinguished Lecture Series is a signature series centered on the leadership values and principles that inspired Irene Hirano Inouye to empower community, uplift women, and build bridges between the US and Japan. The inaugural lecture features Lonnie G. Bunch III, 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in conversation with Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary for Special Project...

  • Two-Day Workshop: Wonderful World of Washi

    Jun 22, 2024

    Two-Day Workshop: Wonderful World of Washi Saturday, June 22: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, June 29: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Explore the wonderful world of washi in this two-part workshop. Learn how to cover a variety of wooden beads with delicate washi (traditional Japanese paper) and create original jewelry by arranging them on beading wire alongside commercial beads. Bring a willingness to learn and leave with a stun...

  • 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...