Ancient ties and connections across generations are explored in these reflections on ancestry.

Executive Order 9066 required all Japanese on the West Coast to be incarcerated in camps, surrounded by barbed wire and gun towers. This short film shows the early life of the first baby born in Amache, Colorado.

Chronicles of a Sansei Rocker is the perspective of Harry Manaka, writing his memoirs for his children and grand children during the Covid pandemic. His book Chronicles of a Sansei Rocker became an overwhelming best seller post Covid within the Japanese American community now in its sixth printing. The book transports the lives of thousands of Japanese American dance party goers during the coming of age during an era ravaged by the controversial Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam war. The popularity of this book has spawned a resurrection of a few of the author’s original band members after 50 years to perform in a series of nostalgic concerts these past couple of years to sellout performances.

Documentary of a Japanese immigrant’s journey to Vancouver, Canada and the French front lines of WWI

In January 2024 Fran celebrated her 92nd birthday and June 2023 she was hospitalized. She had gallstones removed, was diagnosed with Sepsis, and found herself approaching a life and death situation. She was told most people with this condition do not survive. Admitted again to the ER in July 31, 2023 she was she has also developed jaundice and in August 2023 she had an emergency hernia surgery a life and death health issue. However, despite all of her ailments, Fran remain positive and continue to be active enjoying the gift of life, have faith and be joyful.

A story about a Japanese American family history in the city of Gardena, California and how after decades the roots are still strong within the family as well as with a longtime family favorite manju shop located in the same city of Gardena.

As a child, Parker Dean loved to paint. This passion remained with him throughout his life. He had a successful career but it left him with no time for his art. See how he made decisions in his life that brought joy to both him and his community

In Japanese culture, love is expressed in subtle ways. Upon reflection, a son expresses his gratitude and love for his father without words.

A daughter embarks on a journey to unravel her mother’s past in China, igniting a collaborative project to pen her mother’s life story. Amidst challenges, they confront the mother’s harrowing past of hunger and abuse, yet celebrate her resilience and triumphs. From adversity to prosperity in America, her indomitable spirit inspires the family’s next generations.

In this remembrance of Los Angeles-based activist Jim Matsuoka, watch his powerful testimony at the 1981 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians hearings.

Music is a common ground we all share. For fifty years Alan Furutani and the groups Visions and Fujazz have provided a common language for our community. Emerging out of the Asian American Movement his music had root elements in the spirit of Coltrane, the heart of Laura Nyro and would add the samba of Brazil.

The film, “Special Camp,” gives a brief history of it’s inception and celebrates its 50th year of camp!

Many Chinese family immigration stories are entwined within the United States exclusion era. Some of the laws almost entirely banned Chinese from entering the country. Wing and Young Shee Leong implemented complicated measures in order to start their life in the United States. Their story was a secret until now.

Carry On was a garage band in Los Angeles during the Asian American dance era 1965-1985. The era was a right of passage and undoubtedly the best times of our lives. Carry On was the most popular band of the era. They performed at hundreds of dances held at dance halls and ballrooms. This is their story.