Kizuna

Welcome to the official site of Kizuna: A Story of Connection!

Synopsis

Shikata ga nai. It can't be helped.

In 1940’s America, Kenji, a young Japanese American, is thrown behind the barbed wire gates of the internment camps. Under executive order 9066, his family, friends, and many others are held captive across the country. Yet, despite the raging war, Kenji’s artistic spirit does not falter under the hands of the government. 

“I want the world to know. Know the truth about what really happened in the camps. I don’t care what kind of punishment I’ll get for this.”  

More illustrations by:

Enchi Huang (Top), Jennifer Nieto (Left), Arion Togelang (Bottom), and Stephanie Jing (Homepage Art)

Our Team

  • Lexie Morita

    Hey everyone, I’m Lexie Morita. I am the author of this children’s book and have worked to get it edited. Through my words, I am trying to raise awareness for the Japanese American plight and I’m super excited to see how our book can help open the eyes of our society.

  • Rianna Marquez

    Hi everyone! I’m Rianna, and I have been focused on the outreach, administration & management of the project as well as its publicity. I am looking forward to holding community events and seeing how Kizuna will empower people of all ages and backgrounds alike!

  • Josiah Hankerson

    Hello!! My name is Josiah Hankerson. I create videos and lessons for our Instagram account to teach Japanese American History to younger audiences. I am very excited to see the impact our book has on our community!

  • Landa Hong

    Hello everyone. My name is Landa Hong and I have been working on the design and creation of our book’s website. I am excited to see the impact our book has on our community and the generations to come.

  • Krystal Tran

    Hi everyone! I’m Krystal, and I work on the design and maintenance of our book’s website. I hope our project can help propel more conversations on human rights issues and Japanese American history!

Our Illustrators

  • Arian Togelang

  • Stephanie Jing

  • Enchi Huang

  • Jennifer Nieto

Kizuna Leadership Program

Open to ages 13-18, the Kizuna Leadership in Action Program is dedicated to supporting future community leaders through speakers, hands-on activities, and student-led group projects to educate the public on a multitude of different human rights. The program is held during 10 Saturdays at the Japanese American National Museum.

Here is their official website.

The production of Kizuna: A Story of Connection and this website were made possible through their $1,000 stipend!