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Upcoming Events
BIJAC's mission
"To preserve the history and culture of Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island and support education and community outreach that fosters a deep appreciation for diversity, justice, and the need for vigilant protection of our civil and constitutional rights."
News
- 24 Oct
In Memory of Rick Nakata
Read moreRichard Douglas Nakata died on October 16, 2023 from complications from liver cancer at St. Michael’s Hospital. He was 70 years old and lived on
- 19 Sep
MIS Veteran Photo Tribute
Read moreIn Conjunction with the 10 Year Anniversary, the National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) is Launching a National Campaign to Honor Nisei Veterans of the
- 06 Aug
In Memory of Jonathan Kodama
Read moreIt is with great sadness that the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community says ‘goodbye’ to Jonathan “Jon” Mark Kodama. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to
- 06 Jun
In Memory of Yoshimitsu Suyematsu
Read moreYosh Suyematsu of Ontario, OR passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023. Please join the Suyematsu family in remembrance and honor of his 95 years
- 06 Jun
Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Awarded to BIJAEMA
Read moreThe Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA) is one step closer to making the final phase of the Exclusion Memorial a reality. BIJAEMA
- 06 Jun
In Memory of Peg Chapman
Read moreTo BIJAC friends, We are deeply saddened to announce the May 21 passing of Peg Chapman, founding office manager of Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School from
- 05 Jun
Tune in to the New “beyond generations” Podcast
Read morePodcast "beyond generations" focuses on the Japanese American Incarceration during WWII. This four-episode podcast mini-series is produced and hosted by Monica, an international student from Japan
- 02 Apr
Representative Kilmer Seeks Progress Report on NPS Appropriations
Read moreThe future of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial rests, in part, with the fortunes of its partnership with the National Park Service and
- Darrell Kunitomi holds a photograph of his Uncle Ted Fujioka, who was 19 when he died in combat in World War II. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)28 Mar
Forced to live in horse stalls. How one of America’s worst injustices played out at Santa Anita.
Read moreThe Los Angeles Times recently featured this front page article recounting the experience of the Japanese Americans who were first relocated to the horse stables
- 03 Mar
Watch “A Matter of Loyalty” at BIMA
Read moreFor those of you who were not able to attend in person, you may now view “A Matter of Loyalty” here. 2022 Washington State Book
- 27 Jan
In Memory of: Sharon Nobue Harris
Read moreA Tribute to Sharon Harris Sharon Nobue Harris passed away December 30, 2022. She leaves behind her husband Dave, son Cory (Karen), daughter Shannon (Tal
- 24 Dec
BIJAEMA Hails Passage of Japanese American Confinement Education Act
Read moreDecember 24, 2022 Bainbridge Island, WA – The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association commends Congress for passing a 2023 spending bill that includes
- 02 Dec
‘We Are Minidoka’ matching challenge from the Masto Foundation!
Read moreDear Bainbridge Island, We need your help. The Masto Foundation has generously offered to donate an additional $10,000 in addition to their already pledged $50,000
- 10 Oct
Project Names Every Japanese American Incarcerated During WWII
Read moreFor as much as we casually quote the figure 120,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWI, government rosters at the time were notoriously incomplete and riddled
- 26 Sep
Online Exhibition: Wakaji Matsumoto–An Artist in Two Worlds
Read moreNow featured on the Japanese American National Museum website, Wakaji Matsumoto, An Artist in Two Worlds: Los Angeles and Hiroshima, 1917-1944, is an online photographic
- Credit: Associated Press25 Sep
San Diego Apologizes Rescinds Support for WWII
Read moreSeptember 20, 2022 The San Diego City Council rescinded Tuesday a resolution it had passed 80 years ago in support of the incarceration of Japanese
- 01 Jul
In Memoriam: Teruko “Terry” Marlatt
Read moreTeruko “Terry” Marlatt passed away peacefully on May 10, 2022, age 95, in Reno, NV. Terry was born on Bainbridge Island, Washington, on February 21,
- 14 Jun
Satoru Sakuma: October 28, 1925 – May 17, 2022
Read moreMarch 30th, 2022 was a very special day. As a volunteer helping to organize the extensive media coverage at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion
- 09 Apr
Watch the 80th Anniversary Video
Read moreView the Ceremony hosted at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on March 30, 2022 Watch the 80th Anniversary presentation in its entirety, featuring
- 31 Mar
“80 Years of Healing”
Read moreHayashidas were joined by Sakumas, Nakatas, Nagatanis, Kitamotos, and so many of the names we recognize from the carvings in the Exclusion Memorial Wall. Bainbridge
About Us
In April 1945, the first members of Bainbridge Island's Japanese American community returned from the WWII internment camps. In all, over half the pre-war Nikkei population returned. In April 1952 these Nikkei formed the Bainbridge Island Japanese Community Club to sponsor social events and provide community support.
Learn moreCurrently, BIJAC hosts three traditional events that honor our history, promote community connections, and celebrate our culture. These events serve as joyful reunions for survivors and long-time community supporters, and as fun and educational events for folks who are new to BIJAC. Explore Mochi Tsuki, Day of Remembrance, and our Summer Picnic.
Learn moreDocents, mochi-makers, planners, origami artists, and storytellers...we want you! Are you nisei, sansei, Nihonjin, or just interested in participating in BIJAC projects? Check our calendar and join us the second Wednesday of each month at the Bainbridge Island Historical Musuem. Or contact us for more information: info@bijac.org.
Learn more
Comments(2)
In Memoriam: Victor Takemoto - BIJAC says:
January 2, 2022 at 7:23 pm[…] oral history can be found on http://www.bijac.org The Bainbridge Island Japanese Community website. He is also on the Densho […]
In Memoriam: Matsue Nishimori Watanabe - BIJAC says:
March 31, 2022 at 10:31 am[…] passed away on January 22, 2022 at the age of 94. BIJAC is grateful for her contribution to the oral histories and will always remember her fondly. She will be […]