The public program “Kenjinkai: Past, Present, and Future” was held on March 28, 2009 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California.

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.

Representatives from four local Kenjinkai groups—Hiroken, Kagoshima Heritage Club, Mie Kenjinkai, and the Yamaguchi Kenjinkai—talked about their personal experiences with the Kenjinkai and explored what the Kenjinkai means to younger generations and what needs to change in order for these associations to continue to exist in the future.

Following the four presentations, Professor Lane R. Hirabayashi moderated a discussion and Q&A. The program also included brief remarks by Consul Hiroshi Furusawa and cultural performances by past Kenjinkai Kyogikai scholarship winners.

This program was organized by the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California and the Japanese American National Museum in collaboration with the Hiroshima Kenjinkai, Kagoshima Heritage Club, Mie Kenjinkai, and Yamaguchi Kenjinkai.

A light reception following the program was 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.

The program was part of an ongoing series presented by Discover Nikkei.