November 17, 2012 - May 12, 2013
Coming Home: Voices of Return and Resettlement, 1945-1965 traces the reestablishment of the Japanese American community in Oregon after World War II and examines the injustices of war-time relocation. The Coming Home exhibition has been woven from personal stories of return and resettlement by Nikkei — men, women, and children of Japanese descent — forced from their Oregon farms and homes and incarcerated as "enemies" during World War II. Most were American citizens. Many had lost everything. Determination and memories of place, family and community guided them home.

For those that chose to return, what kind of homecoming did they face? How did they reestablish themselves, their community, homes, families and businesses in a still unwelcoming America?

On display through May 12, 2013, the videos, photographs, oral histories, and artifacts gathered for Coming Home feature the unique stories of nine community members. Modeled after a program at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, their firsthand accounts speak to the uniqueness of being Japanese and living in Oregon, the establishment of families and livelihoods, the catastrophe of internment, fighting for civil rights and civic engagement.

Oregon Nikkei Endowment
121 NW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503-224-1458
www.oregonnikkei.org