The Bainbridge Island community gathered at the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial March 30 to remember the 227 residents who were forcibly removed 81 years ago.
The memorial reads “Nidoto Nai Yoni,” which translates to “Let It Not Happen Again.”
BI Japanese American Community president Carol Reitz said the theme for this year’s event is, “We remember them,” asking the crowd gathered, “Who are you remembering?”
Vern Nakata, 66, spoke about two people. The first was his oldest brother, Donald T. Nakata, who was 7 when he reported to the departure dock with his parents in 1942. He explained that his brother’s middle name, Tadashi, means “doing the right things, the right way and from the heart,” which is the spirit of their family business, the Town & Country store.
Next, he spoke of Akio Suyematsu, a well-known farmer on the island, describing him as “humble,” and asked others who knew him to share one-word descriptions. “Integrity,” “courage” and “gentle” were among the words.
Near the canopy of blooming cherry trees, attendees placed chains of folded cranes along the 276-foot-long wall that winds down the path to the deportation dock where survivors walked onto the ferry that took them away more than eight decades ago.
Bainbridge High School student Lucy Rector, the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Frank Kitamoto scholarship for inclusion, civil rights and social justice, spoke about how Kitamoto’s work inspires her. “His legacy is a story of advocacy that inspires and calls all people to authentically value their history, their culture and their voices.”
Bainbridge High School senior Lucy Rector, the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Frank Kitamoto scholarship for inclusion, civil rights and social justice speaks about Kitamoto’s inspiring work.
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Family members reunite with survivor Shimako Nishimori Kitano, 91, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Japanese American Exclusion.
