Japanese American Living Legacy

I am a Japanese American historian, and at the same time, I am a Japanese historian. Though I am specialized in the Japanese society in the modern period, I also know something about Japan during the pre-modern period.

I went to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) the other day. Due to their renovation project, they closed the Japanese art exhibition, which was a great disappointment to me; however, I enjoyed their exhibitions.

Today, I would like to share one of the artifacts that are displayed at LACMA’s exhibition focusing on the history and development of Buddhism. It was so unfortunate that I was unable to show you the works of Munakata; however, I hope that this will be more interesting to you.

So, I would like to introduce this small statue of Vaiśravaṇa. It is called “Bishamonten” in Japanese. It is one of the best-known deities of Buddhism. Locally, it is one of the seven deities bringing fortune and happiness in Japan. It is also a symbol of Kenshin Uyesugi, a well-known Samurai during the late medieval period. Furthermore, multiple Buddhist temples in Japan are famous for worshipping “Bishamonten.” This includes the Daikyo-ji Temple of Katsushika, downtown Tokyo. For those who know something about the films in Japan, Daikyo-ji is known as “Shibamata Taishakuten” and is the place where the stories of Tora-san, a popular fictional character performed by Kiyoshi Atsumi, one of the greatest comedians in Japan, took place.

I am hoping that fortune and happiness will be brought to those who see this post.

Taka Go
Email: [email protected]

I like visiting different museum exhibitions. While I am visiting Southern California, I went to Pasadena to see the JANM’s temporary exhibition, titled “Cruising J-town.” I would like to share some of the photos that I took there.

Taka Go
Email: [email protected]

I would like to share some photos of the Eastern California Museum’s Manzanar exhibition. When you viiat Manzanar, please do not forget to stop by ECM.

Taka Go
Email: [email protected]

I would like to share additional photos of Manzanar during the Government shutdown.

Taka Go
Email: [email protected]

Hello,

This is Taka (Takamichi) Go, a board member of Japanese American Living Legacy (JALL). I am currently working hard to revitalize JALL. If you would like to contact JALL, please send me an email.

Taka Go
(Languages: English, Nihongo)

Email:

[email protected]

Mailing Address:

6-5-43 East Kamariya
Room #202
Yokohama 2360042
Japan

Telephone:

+81 09061534158

Live Music by Japanese American Jazz Musician!

Mr. Richard Ihara
At Cedar Creek Inn in Brea, Southern California

Taka Go
Contact info: [email protected]

This large drawing is a possession of the Eastern California Museum, one of the museums to focus on Manzanar. In the drawing, a young Samurai fights against a monk soldier. It is based on a famous story of a son of a famous Samurai clan in Japan.

I totally understand that Japanese Americans are an American people. For them, both American history and the mainstream American culture matter more than any other thing. However, it is still important for them to show some interest in the history and culture of Japan.

Going back to the drawing's details, the Samurai boy later played an important role in establishing the Kamakura Shogunate. However, his life ended with a tragic death in Koromo-gawa of Hiraizumi, currently a part of Iwate Prefecture.

So, for Japanese Americans, when you find some Japanese American-related things or stories, try to find some connections with Japanese history and culture.

Taka Go
Contact info: [email protected]

I am going to share some images of Manzanar’s chicken ranch. The National Park Services has been putting a lot of energy into re-building the barracks, a mess hall, gardens, the fire station. and other facilities for sports. In addition, I would strongly encourage visitors to find something outside of what you usually see. The chicken ranch, along with the military net factory and the reservoir, tell more about why Manzanar matters to Japanese Americans.

Taka Go
Contact info: [email protected]

When you visit Manzanar, do not just visit there. Try visit Eastern California Museum, which provides an interesting exhibition about the wartime experiences of Japanese Americans. The museum is located a few miles north of Manzanar, about 10 minutes by car. The museum not only focuses on Manzanar but also sheds lights to the local history of the Eastern Sierra region. A cute taxidermy of bobcat warmly welcomes you there!

Taka Go
Contact info: [email protected]