JAMsj is pleased to host a special screening of Blossoms and Thorns, followed by a Q&A session with filmmaker Ken Kokka and a discussion with Hiroji Kariya and Jim Nakano. Kariya and Nakano are local Japanese Americans from the cut-flower industry whose own stories are similar to those featured in the film. The discussion will be moderated by two-time Emmy award nominee and local NBC Bay Area reporter, George Kiriyama.

Blossoms and Thorns is a short documentary featuring Ruby Adachi Hiramoto, Flora Ninomiya, and Tom Oishi, all members of the Japanese American flower-growing community in Richmond, California. Uprooted by the federal government and forcibly removed from their homes and businesses, these growers spent the duration of WWII in barren desert internment camps. Through personal interviews, they recount the struggle, dismay, and resiliency of the families who returned to the floral industry and the changing Richmond neighborhood.

 Their stories are all too familiar to Japanese Americans. Special guests Kariya and Nakano will share their own family stories with the audience, from starting the family business to the injustice and impact of WWII and to their post-war struggle and eventual success in rebuilding the family business.

Cost: Free with admission to the museum (non-members, $5; students and seniors over age 65, $3; JAMsj members and children under 12, free).
Seating is limited. Reserve your spot today by contacting PublicPrograms@jamsj.org or calling (408) 294-3138.