KATAROU HISTORIES 2013
What is Katarou Histories?
Katarou Histories is a program designed to engage Nikkei high school youth, college students, and adults in the preservation of Japanese American history in the Greater Los Angeles region through the sharing of personal, family, and regional stories. Katarou, meaning “let’s share stories” in Japanese, is the primary goal of this program. In retelling the story of Japanese Americans to our intergenerational community, we foster dialogue, teach the value of history, encourage collaboration, and consequently help to build a stronger community for the future.
Japanese Americans, even within the larger API community, are sometimes perceived to be the epitome of the model minority. Census data depict Japanese Americans as successful, educated, and assimilated Americans. However, beyond the numbers, there lies a heartbreaking history of discrimination, isolation, and racism, which irreversibly impacted the behavior of early Japanese Americans.
As Yonsei, Gosei, Shin-Issei, and Shin-Nisei become further removed from these histories, it becomes critical for youth to learn the sacrifices and successes of those who laid the roots for present day Japanese American community.
Simultaneously, in the collaborative space of Katarou Histories, older Issei, Nisei, and Sansei become familiar with issues affecting Japanese American youth today, looking beyond the scars of World War II.
Together, participants produce a “final project,” addressing historical preservation through stories. In the long term, this program creates a sustainable community by nurturing the youth to take a proactive role in preserving the legacy of the Japanese Americans.
- See the Katarou Histories Video Teaser!
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2013 Schedule
Katarou Histories runs for 10-weeks in the summer during June ~ August.
Click on the word logo to download a paper registration form.
Online Registration is available at the bottom of the page
| San Fernando Valley | South Bay | |
| Days |
Thursdays June 13, 20, 27 |
Tuesdays June 11, 18 |
| Times | 6 - 9 PM | 6 - 9 PM |
| Location | San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima CA 91311 |
Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute |
- Session 1: identity
What does it mean to be male, female, young, old, Japanese American, an Asian American? We conclude with an emphasis on “Japanese American identit(ies)”and why this aspect of our identity is important for our community.
- Session 2: community
In this session, we work together to define “community” and to create a community space within the program. We pair a youth with an adult participant and together, they write collective poetry.
- Session 3: Asian American / JA history
Session 3 introduces key events in Asian American history and allows participants to place their family history into the larger Asian American narrative.
- Session 4: Regional JA history
Session 4 is a region-specific history lesson that highlights how their region’s Japanese American community developed.
- Session 5: Oral- History How-To Session
- Session 6: final project preparation
- Session 7- 9: final project working sessions
- Culmination: An celebration party for the participants to share with their family, friends, and the community their final projects. This year, we will combine the two program's culminations for one giant culmination party! Don't miss it!
