South Sound Day of Remembrance

Thursday, May 15, 2025. 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 walking tour, performances, and a ceremonial procession that honors the stories of Tacoma’s historic 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. Scheduled as a brief 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

• Admission to the museum and the exhibition REMEMBRANCE: The Legacy of Executive Order 9066 in Washington State is free as a part of Third Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

• A slideshow of tour stops will be available at the Washington State History Museum. Admission to the museum and the exhibition REMEMBRANCE: The Legacy of Executive Order 9066 in Washington State.

• 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

Register Today