JANM Presentation a Monster Event

The presentation and book-signing for Vanished on Saturday at the Japanese American National Museum was a thundering success.

More than seventy-five people attended in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum theatre, a 200-seat hall with cushioned seats. Food was served by volunteers organized by Chiyo Iwamoto Kobayashi and one thousand decorative paper cranes were provided by Tets and Betty Furukawa.

Chris Komai of the museum staff led off with a summation of Vanished and John McReynolds thanked the crowd. “You all have showered me with thanks, but I should be thanking YOU,” he said. He went on to emphasize the importance of “collective memory” and of all of us writing about our families.

He made special note of the contribution of George Yoshitake who had kicked off the research for the book two years ago but who could not be present Saturday.

McReynolds was followed to the podium by former Lompocans Chiyo Iwamoto Kobayashi, Tets Furukawa, Rev. Ed Iwamoto, Jean Nakashima Tekawa, May Murakami Musenga, Kuni Inouye Omura, Mike Mori, Dr. Kent Haldan and Dr. Art Hansen.  “’Vanished,’ what a great title,” exclaimed Hansen.

Connections were re-established after decades, and new bits of information were shared about the post-war climate in Lompoc.

Rev. Ed Iwamoto and Jean Nakashima Tekawa met once again after sixty years. George Murakami and Alan Endo laid eyes on one another for the first time since high school.

Murakami told the story of his father being denied a fishing license in 1946 by a Lompoc hardware store.  He was also able to document that the “No Japs” sign which hung in the window of Al Johnson’s gas station in Lompoc remained there at least through 1963, three years longer than previously estimated.

The impact of the event may be seen in a note sent by John McReynolds to Koji Sakai of the JANM staff.

Hello Koji:

I want to let you know what a special day you and your staff created for me and the contributors to Vanished: Lompoc’s Japanese.

I’m not prone to rave on but honestly, you made us feel like royalty. I was shocked to discover an outside sign reading “Vanished” and arrows to the Tateuchi Democracy Forum. What an honor. I was beyond shocked to see that we were gathering in a Hollywood-quality banked THEATRE with 200 cushioned seats. I would have been happy with a small classroom which for me is a step up.  In most bookstores I make do standing somewhere over in a corner at the end of a book row near the restrooms.  

You arranged everything without missing a beat. The thousand cranes given as a gift by the Furukawa family were placed in a perfect spot. The food that our folks brought was handled just as flawlessly. Chris’ opening comments were so apropos and flattering I had to make sure that my wife was still sitting nearby and that I had not been transported to some alternative reality. You had at least six staff people present. I was just floored. You had Powerpoint available even though when you asked me earlier, I mistakenly told you  that Powerpoint would not be needed. I never seemed to find time to apologize for misleading you. You monitored the time graciously and effectively.  Your staff was courteous and helpful. 

The folks who attended were as pleased as I.  A day which began at 1:30 did not end until about 7:30.

All I can say is thank you, thank you. I was pleased beyond words. When somebody asked me if I was happy with the event I think I mumbled gibberish I was so numb.  Please share this note with your boss. It should go into your personnel file. I can’t wait to see the DVD.

Best wishes,

John

McReynolds’ next public appearance will be at the San Luis Obispo, California, Obon festival on August 6. He will be signing at the Heritage Source booth.