Discover Nikkei presents....
Kenjinkai: Past, Present, and Future

Panel discussion and cultural performances
Light reception to follow

Free with Museum admission

Since the Japanese began migrating to this country, Kenjinkai (Japanese Prefectural Associations) have played important roles for new immigrants in assimilating into the larger society. They have also introduced Japanese culture and traditions to their broader American communities.

Join members from four local Kenjinkai groups (Hiroken, Kagoshima Heritage Club, Mie Kenjinkai, Yamaguchi Kenjinkai) for a presentation and discussion moderated by Professor Lane R. Hirabayashi exploring what the Kenjinkai mean to younger generations and what needs to change in order for these associations to continue to exist in the future.

Program to also include cultural performances by past Kenjinkai Kyogikai scholarship winners. Consul Hiroshi Furusawa will also briefly speak.

RSVP required to 213.625.0414 ext. 2227 or rsvp@janm.org (Subject: Kenjinkai, March 28).
**Please indicate the names of all guests attending.

Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

PROGRAM (2-4pm)

1. Welcome/introduction – Japanese American National Museum

2. Greeting on behalf of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles - Consul Hiroshi Furusawa

3. General Kenjinkai overview video

4. Panel discussion about the future of Kenjinkai
* Panelists:
1) Margaret Miyauchi (Kagoshima Heritage Club)
2) Arlene Nakamura (Yamaguchi Kenjinkai)
3) Dean Hara (Mie Kenjinkai)
4) Ken Mukai (Hiroken)

* Moderator:
Lane Ryo Hirabayashi, (George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair of Japanese American Internment, Redress, and Community, Asian American Studies Department, University of California, Los Angeles)

5. Q & A

6. Cultural performances by former Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai scholorship recipients
1) Koto by Stephanie Miyauchi Chung
2) Martial arts demonstration by Ashley Arashiro
3) Traditional Japanese dance by Trisha Asao

7. Closing remarks – Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai President, Mack M. Miyazaki

***Light Reception*** (4 - 5 pm)
Featuring a performance by Kokoro taiko.

This program is organized by the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai) and the Japanese American National Museum in collaboration with Hiroken - Hiroshima Kenjinkai, Kagoshima Heritage Club - Kagoshima Kenjinkai, Mie Kenjinkai, and Yamaguchi Kenjinkai.

Reception is sponsored by Lane R. Hirabayashi, George & Sakaye Aratani Endowed Chair of Japanese American Internment, Redress, and Community, Asian American Studies Department, University of California, Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Mie Kenjinkai and Yamaguchi Kenjinkai