The year 2015 is the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

One of my goals this year was to launch Keiko’s Journey so that it would coincide with this monumental moment in our nation’s history. Even though the war has long ended, so many innocent lives, both Japanese and American, have been altered forever.

My upcoming book launch event will take place this Sunday, December 13^th, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Nagomi Tea House in the International District. My hope is that all of us will spend a portion of our short time together to remember the thousands of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the war due to the horrific atomic bomb attacks. Let us come together to not only celebrate my book launch, but, more importantly, to remember those who perished and are no longer with us.

There are different ways that we can approach important events in our lives.
We can go it entirely alone or we can share the experience and invite others who have an interest or a stake in our cause. I am pleased to announce that four organizations have generously come together to sponsor my book introduction: The North American Post, Chin Music Press, Soy Source, and the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington.

Plus, Paul Kikuchi, a talented composer, will be sharing his Japanese grandfather’s music with us. To provide some insight into a portion of my life’s journey, I will also be reading from a chapter in my book – a chapter that details one of the most painful memories of my childhood while growing up in Kokura, Kiyushu.

I hope you can find the time to come. It will mean a lot to me.