*Japanese American Museum of San Jose presents Grand Opening Celebration (2 Days)NEW

JAMsj to Celebrate Grand Opening on October 16 and 17
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) will celebrate the reopening of its all-new building on the weekend of October 16 and 17. "We are excited about this long-awaited 'rebirth' of JAMsj" exclaimed Aggie Idemoto, president.

The opening ceremony on Saturday, October 16, at 1:00 pm, will feature entertainment by San Jose Taiko; a blessing by board member, Reverend Byron Ishiwata; and an opportunity for the public to view old and new exhibits. In addition to JAMsj's rebirth, the day will honor Jimi Yamaichi's culturally-important 88th birthday. Mr. Yamaichi, who wears multiple JAMsj hats, is a cofounder, curator, historian, and construction manager.

Sunday, October 17, will feature "Camp Days" traveling exhibit artist, Chizuko (Chiz) Judy Sugita DeQueiroz, from Irvine, California. The public is invited to a free event at 1:00 pm, when Chiz tells her riveting story about life as a WWII incarceree. At 2:30 pm, she will conduct a watercolor demonstration for students in Grades 3-12. While there is no charge for this activity, space is limited; thus registration is required for the watercolor demonstration. Call (408) 294-3138 to register.

Chiz, who recently retired from teaching in Southern California, was nine years old when she and her family were uprooted from their home and incarcerated at Poston, Arizona, one of ten concentration camps. Years later, Chiz became an artist. Haunted by her past, she began to reconstruct her childhood camp experience through interviews with older siblings, relatives, and friends. She then expressed her feelings and insights in a series of vivid watercolors. In 2004, she published "Camp Days 1942-1945," a best-selling book at JAMsj events. Come and see Chiz's art work, which will be exhibited until April 30.

Questions? Contact Aggie Idemoto, JAMsj Education Director, at (408) 268-4440
or aggie@jamsj.org