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Issei Memorial Project

Minidoka Internment National Monument

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Issei Memorial

Update! Preliminary Memorial concepts available for comment

The Friends of Minidoka recognize the unique contributions of the Issei, the first generation Japanese in American, that enabled future Nikkei generations to live full and productive lives in here in the United States. Their determination and strength established a firm foothold in America even in the face of racism, adversity and wartime hysteria.

The Issei survived and overcame the hardships of immigration, the Great Depression, bombing of Pearl Harbor, World War II incarceration and the return to their homes after the war. In many cases they returned to communities that continued to openly resist them. In the face of discrimination they rebuilt dignified lives under undignified conditions for the sake of their children, the Nisei, and future generations.

In their memory and in their honor, the Friends of Minidoka has embarked on establishing an Issei Memorial at the Minidoka Internment National Monument, the former site of the Minidoka Relocation Center in Idaho. The memorial is currently in the early planning stages and will likely occupy approximately eight acres next to the canal.

Vision Statement And Story Piece
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The Issei Memorial Project Banner
The banner will be used at events as a promotional, fund raising and informational piece. The banner contains the names of approximately 3,800 Issei interned in Minidoka from 1942 to 1945.

View banner (pdf)

The list of names conveys a compelling message about the incredible magnitude of the internment and its effects on the Issei. Recognizing this powerful message, the Committee made the decision to include the approx 3,800 Issei names in the design for the Memorial. The Committee also agreed that the design must actualize the spirit and content of the Issei Memorial Vision Statement.

Project Background
Jerry Arai, an architect on the Friends of Minidoka board of directors, was appointed FOM Issei Memorial Committee Chair. The idea of the Issei Memorial was first publicly discussed at the 2004 Minidoka Pilgrimage, where he led discussions about the Memorial, soliciting thoughts and ideas from former internees, their family members, and other interested persons.

In 2006, the Issei Memorial Committee grew in size and began taking steps towards developing a vision, creating a project plan, and planning for continued input from concerned individuals at the 2006 Minidoka Pilgrimage. Larry Matsuda was appointed co-chair at this time.

Design Process
As the process has moved forward, other agencies and groups were formally invited to join the Committee. In preparation for the 2006 Minidoka Pilgrimage, the Committee contacted artists, community members, architects, and others to develop preliminary sketches and conceptual designs. The sketches will be presented at the Pilgrimage during a planning workshop where facilitators will gather input to be considered for the development of the design.

View Memorial Concepts

Design concepts that emerge from the discussions will be given to a selected designer, artist and/or architect to be developed into at least two design directions. After a period of public review and comments, one design or a hybrid design will be selected to for construction.

Issei Memorial Committee Members
Jerry Arai, co-chair
Larry Matsuda, co-chair
Frank Kitamoto
Lisa Doi Ferrier
Alan Momohara
May Namba
Bill Vaughn

If you wish to contribute to the Issei Memorial at the Minidoka Internment National Monument please contact Larry Matsuda at matsudl@seattleu.edu, 206-296-5829, or Jerry Arai at acarai@comcast.net.