CHANDLER, Ariz. – On Nov. 1, the Chandler Museum will be partnering with the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) to offer a full day event in honor of the 125,284 persons of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated without due process during World War II.
This event will take place at the Chandler Museum from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Highlights of the day’s programming include:
- Taiko Drumming Performance by Ken Koshio
- 9:30-10 a.m.
- Common Ground: Reading the Shared Landscape of Gila River as a Story of Hope and Resilience (Lecture) by Adrian Mulligan
- 11 a.m. to noon
- Tending History: Remembering the Japanese American Flower Farms of Phoenix (Lecture) by Kathy Nakagawa
- 2-3 p.m.
The Ireichō, currently on tour from the JANM and presented in partnership with the Irei Project, is a mobile monument containing the first comprehensive listing of over 125,000 persons of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated without due process during WWII.
“Each individual act of stamping a name in the Ireichō becomes part of this ever-growing monument. By bringing the book to various corners of our nation we come closer to honoring each and every incarceree,” said Duncan Ryuken Williams, founder of the Irei Project and director of the USC Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture.
Visitors with appointments will be able to stamp the book in remembrance. Walk-ins will be accommodated as time allows. You can get information on book stamping appointments online.
View the full list of the day’s lectures, presentations and activities online.
This event is presented in conjunction with Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River, which will be on view through Jan. 25, 2026, at Chandler Museum. Chandler Museum, 300 S Chandler Village Drive. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.; closed Monday. Free admission.
Find more information on the exhibitions and programming online at Chandler Museum or by calling 480-782-2717.
Media contact:
Rebecca Vega
Chandler Museum
480-782-2879