South Sound Day of Remembrance 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
FREE with registration.
Join us for an evening of remembrance marking the 83rd anniversary of the forced removal of Japanese Americans from South Puget Sound in May 1942.
This year’s South Sound Day of Remembrance features a historical walking tour, performances, and a ceremonial procession that honors the stories of Tacoma’s once-thriving Japantown community.
Event Schedule
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Walking Tour led by public historians Tamiko Nimura and Michael Sullivan
Tour begins at Theater on the Square Plaza – 917 Broadway, Tacoma, WA
Visit sites significant to Tacoma’s Japanese American history
The Tacoma Buddhist Temple will be hosting an open house during the walking tour from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Although it is a brief scheduled stop, visitors are welcome to stay and explore this landmark, view rarely seen historic photographs, or simply rest. Greg Tanbara, a member of one of the Temple’s founding families, Wendy Hamai, the former Temple Board President, and Reverend Tadao Koyama will be available to answer questions.
Approximately 1.5-mile trip with some steep hills, ending at the Washington State History Museum.
6:30 – 7:30 PM | Performances & Procession
Tacoma Fuji Taiko performs at the Washington State History Museum amphitheater (6:30 – 6:50 PM)
Ceremonial procession to Union Station, led by costumed performers including Leah Mann and an ensemble
Union Station is the historic site where Japanese Americans were ordered to report before incarceration
Accessible & Alternative Options
A slideshow of tour stops will be available at the Washington State History Museum
An extensive digital exhibition Tacoma Japantown from Tamiko Nimura is available online for free
Limited Keepsakes
The first 80 registrants through Downtown On the Go will receive a limited-edition linocut folio by Yoshi Nakagawa, typeset by Write253
All walking tour participants will receive a set of 5″x7″ postcards featuring tour locations
25 complete folio sets will be available at the museum for those enjoying the slideshow
Presenting Partners
This free program is held in partnership with:
Downtown on the Go
Washington State Historical Society
Write253
Yoshi Nakagawa
Tacoma Buddhist Temple & Fuji Taiko
You may also like the following events from Washington State History Museum:
Also check out other
Performances in Tacoma,
Exhibitions in Tacoma,
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