San José State University’s Day of Remembrance is an annual event that commemorates the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. It is a moment for reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to justice and community.

SCHEDULE

COFFEE & PASTRIES (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM)  Student Union Theater Courtyard

PLENARY Session: Leadership and Taiko Beats (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM)  Student Union Theater

The plenary session will open with a powerful San Jose Taiko performance, setting the stage for an inspiring program.

LIGHT LUNCH (11:30 AM - 12:15 PM)  Student Union Theater Courtyard

BREAKOUT Sessions (12:15 PM - 1:30 PM)

Breakout Session #1: Building Community: Leadership, Legacy, and Cultivating the Next Generation  Student Union Theater

Moderator: Dr. Yvonne Kwan, SJSU Asian American Studies

Panelists: Jen Masuda, Wisa Uemura, Vanessa Hatakeyama

This session features three Japanese American women leaders—executive directors of key San Jose Japantown organizations—discussing the importance of intentional leadership, trust-building, and sustaining community spaces for future generations.

Breakout Session #2: Building Bridges: The Role of Intergenerational Dialogue in Healing and Advocacy  Student Union, Meeting Room 3 (Second Floor)

Moderator: Mayor Ellen Kamei, Mountain View

Panelists: Tom Izu, Dan Kubo, Chris Kubo, Kendal Hearney, and Antonio Kobe Lopez

This session highlights how intergenerational dialogue fosters healing, activism, and education. Panelists will explore how past experiences shape future advocacy and how initiatives like the Never Again is Now! Mural Project connect history to the present.

Breakout Session #3: Legacies: Dance, Remembrance, and Resilience  Student Union, Meeting Room 4 (Second Floor)

Speaker: Yayoi Kambara, KAMBARA+

Artist and choreographer Yayoi Kambara will present 二度と (NI DO TO), an XR pilgrimage inspired by IKKAI means once: a transplanted pilgrimage. This session explores the intersection of dance, history, and personal storytelling as a means of preserving community resilience.

We hope you will join us in honoring this significant day and supporting our speakers. Your presence and engagement help strengthen our collective remembrance and advocacy for justice.