Stories are important. They have the capacity to reflect, unite and mobilize a community. They can inspire and they can teach. Life is the Treasure: Okinawan Memories of WWII are a collection of riveting historical stories of astounding integrity, courage and selflessness. Brought to vivid life by award-winning storyteller Alton Chung, these stories share the experiences of Nisei, Okinawans, and Hawaii Okinawans during WWII.Story Telling Performance: June 18, 2011 at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco

A Nisei born in Hawaii and raised in Okinawa. Takejiro Higa returns to Hawaii just before the U.S. enters WWII. He joins the Military Intelligence Service and must help plan the invasion of the island where he grew up. He undertakes the dangerous task of cave-flushing, coaxing Japanese soldiers and Okinawan civilians out of deep tunnels. Through it all, he never loses his deep compassion for the land and people of his childhood.

Hear the story of Minoru Teruya, who was born in Hawaii, raised in Okinawa, and forced to choose between two countries.
There is also the story of the Himeyuri, the Okinawan high school girls who served as nurse’s aides during the Battle of Okinawa.
Pigs from the Sea is the story of how after WWII, the devastated people of Okinawa receive a life-saving gift of Aloha from the people of Hawaii.
These powerful stories bring to life incredible heroes to inspire and guide a new generation.
For more information, visit altongchung.com and pigsfromthesea.com

ABOUT ALTON CHUNG
Alton Chung is an internationally known, award-winning storyteller. He grew up with the stories, superstitions and magic of the Hawaiian Islands. This combined with his Japanese and Korean roots, gives him a unique perspective to tell cultural tales and personal stories with a deep sense of reverence and authenticity. Not only does he breathe life into traditional Asian folktales with sensitivity and deep connection, but he can also touch into the fire of ancient Hawaiian legends and tell them with passion and respect. Alton also enjoys telling true stories of the Japanese-Americans during WWII, but his true passion is telling ghost stories. Visit Alton's website at www.altonchung.com

Due to some of the graphic imagery we suggest children be ten or older. However, it is up to parent’s discretion.

Time: Performance starts at 7 PM.
To purchase tickets please call the National Japanese American Historical Society
(415)921-5007 or email njahs@njahs.org.

Ticket Prices:
General Admission: $12.00
NJAHS and BCSF member rate: $10.00
Senior and Youth Tickets: $5.00

Get your tickets at Brown Paper Tickets Online!