Photographer Shane Sato and coauthor Robert Horsting discuss their book highlighting 81 Japanese American World War II veterans.

Photographer Shane Sato and coauthor Robert Horsting are proud to talk about their book “The Go For Broke Spirit.” Over 15 years in the making, the portraits and accompanying stories bring out the emotions and the turmoil of prejudice and fear after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Shane’s photography truly captures these men in an artistic range of emotions, touching on what they must have felt at the time…sadness, turmoil, fear, strength, duty and success. These Nisei soldiers fought for a country that did not fight for them. They fought when their families and friends were held in prisons called internment camps. Why did the Nisei do that? What became of these men? How are they now portrayed in American history?

Through his portraits, Shane provides us a glimpse into these men’s lives. For the writing of the personal stories, Shane is joined by Oral Historian and documentary filmmaker, Robert Horsting, a Glendale resident. Not trying to make a history book, Shane wanted to keep the writing very accessible and easy to read, to “Talk Story” and share the Nisei’s life experiences so their accomplishments are not forgotten. Shane will be speaking about his portrait style, the photographic process, his hardships and success stories, and the actual making of the book. Shane and Robert will read stories from their book, and be available for a short Q&A, as well as a book signing. 

This is great chance to get see and hear about these men, their American success story, and get an autograph in your own book! This event is in conjunction with the ReflectSpace exhibition:

ACCUSED OF NO CRIME: Japanese Incarceration In America       <Read More> about ReflectSpace

• May 29 - July 8, 2018
• Opening Reception, Friday, June 1, 6:30 p.m.
• Go For Broke Spirit, Sunday, June 3, 2:00 p.m.
• Citizen Tanouye documentary film, Saturday, June 23, 2:00 p.m.

ReflectSpace Gallery at Downtown Central exhibit Accused of No Crime: Japanese Incarceration in America examines a massive civil rights violation committed in our own backyard by our own government: the “crimeless” imprisonment by the US government of 120,000 men, women, and children of Japanese ancestry during WWII. The artists in Accused of No Crime reflect on the historical context of the incarceration and consider its impact today. The exhibit weaves a deeply personal narrative of this dark history through art, archive, installation, and documentary film to highlight the stories of interned families and showcase artists who are descendants.

Artists in exhibition include Masumi Hayashi, Mona Higuchi, Paul Kitagaki, Kevin Miyazaki. The exhibit also includes archival images by Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and Clem Albers in addition to a ReflectSpace-commissioned documentary by filmmaker Avo Kambourian about the Glendale-based Yamada family who were incarcerated at Poston, Arizona.

Accused of No Crime: Japanese Incarceration in America in ReflectSpace Gallery and the PassageWay opens on May 29 and runs until July 8, 2018. The opening reception is on Friday June 1, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Accused of No Crime is co-curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan. Accused of No Crime is made possible by a grant from the California State Library’s Civil Liberties Public Education Program.

Go For Broke Spirit
Sunday, June 3, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Central Library Auditorium
Photographer Shane Sato and coauthor Robert Horsting discuss their book highlighting 81 Japanese American World War II veterans.

Citizen Tanouye
Saturday, June 23, 2:00 p.m., Downtown Central Library Auditorium
Citizen Tanouye, is a documentary that follows the three-day journey of eight high school students as they search for clues to uncover the lost story of local World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient Technical Sgt. Ted Tanouye of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Also to be screened will be:  Witness: American Heroes (featuring the Nissei, the Tuskeegee Airmen, and the Navajo Code Talkers).  <Read More>