This event is a partnership between the Kennedy Library, Boston Lyric Opera, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Japan Society of Boston.

Join Japanese American artists, scholars, and advocates for a discussion about the lasting cultural legacy of the United States’ forced mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Moderated by artist and advocate Nina Yoshida Nelsen, the evening will share firsthand accounts and family stories of individuals who endured this historic violation of civil rights, while also shining a light on the creativity and community they nurtured during and after incarceration. Panelists Paul Chihara (composer), Erin Aoyama (historian), and Michael Sakamoto(choreographer) will also give voice to the many ways that incarcerated individuals and their descendants have grappled with this legacy in opera, music, dance, drama, and other forms of cultural expression. The evening will include "Songs from Camp" performed by composer Douglas Sumi with Nina Yoshida Nelsen, and audience Q&A.