Densho eNews - February 2011www.densho.org

From the Director: Tom Ikeda

We think a lot about how technology can be a tool to help us collect stories and share them. In a few years our goal is to reach millions every year with hundreds of stories about the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. This may seem ambitious with a small staff of six, but I am optimistic because of the great people I work with, our digital content strategy, and the growth of social media. It also helps (a lot) that Geoff Froh, Densho's former technology director, has returned after a two year hiatus to take on the role of Densho's Deputy Director. Geoff is the architect of Densho's digital strategy and infrastructure, and is being tasked to redesign our organization and technology to embrace social media. Geoff's work is also the primary reason Densho is a winner of the Microsoft 2011 "Technology for Good" contest. Welcome back, Geoff!

Archive Spotlight

Aiko Tengan Tokunaga: Celebrations in Okinawa

Aiko Tengan Tokunaga describes community gatherings after World War II in which villagers would create dance costumes and musical instruments using whatever materials they had on hand. Ms. Tokunaga was born in Okinawa during the war and barely survived infancy due to the devastation and dangerous conditions endured by her family.

>> View the interview excerpt
>> Register for the free Densho Digital Archive


to top

Densho News

Densho Wins Microsoft 2011 "Technology for Good" Contest

Last week Microsoft announced Densho as one of three winners of its 2011 Tech for Good contest. This contest acknowledges the good use of Microsoft technology by a non-profit organization. As a contest winner, Densho will receive a $100,000 Microsoft software shopping spree, $5,000 in cash, and $1,000 worth of consulting services from NPower. We are excited about the award, especially the opportunity to update our software and try some new products. Thank you, Microsoft!

>> For more information


Honouliuli Pilgrimage on Oahu

Densho will be presenting a session at the Honouliuli Day of Remembrance pilgrimage on February 27th. The session will share stories of Japanese Americans from Hawaii who were incarcerated in internment camps on Kauai, Hawaii, and Oahu, or in other government camps on the mainland. These stores were video recorded during oral history interviews conducted by Densho in 2009 and 2010. This event is hosted by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and the Japanese American Citizens League - Honolulu Chapter.

>> For more information


Job Opening: Contract Transcriptionist (Updated Deadline)

Due to a large number of applicants, we have decided to move the contract transcriptionist application deadline up to Tuesday, February 15th. Thank you to everyone who has applied so far!

Densho is seeking a contractor to transcribe oral history interviews. This individual will work outside of Densho's office and will need to supply his or her own computer. Other transcription hardware and software will be provided. The individual does not need to reside in Seattle. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented with strong spelling and grammar skills and accurate typing ability. Knowledge of Japanese American history and previous transcription experience are welcome but not required. Rate of pay is approximately $150-$200 per two-hour interview (based on word count).

To apply for the position, you must submit a transcription sample. Please download the mp3 file and create a verbatim transcript. Please send your resume (Word, PDF, or Plain Text), a cover letter, and your sample transcription file to dana.hoshide@densho.org by Tuesday, February 15. All applications will be held in confidence. All submissions and questions should be sent via email -- please no phone inquiries.

>> Download the mp3 file (6 MB)


National News and Events

40th Anniversary of Asian American Demonstrations at Seattle Central Community College

On March 2nd, Alan Sugiyama and Mike Tagawa, the leaders of student demonstrations to protest the lack of Asian American administrators at SCCC, will be speaking at the Broadway Performance Hall (1701 Broadway, Seattle) at 7 pm to discuss their personal experiences with community activism and organization, and to give insight as to how these historic demonstrations sparked the Asian American Civil Rights Movement in the greater Seattle area and their significance 40 years later. For more information about this free event contact Alan Sugiyama at asugiyama@comcast.net.

>> For more information or to register



Shadows of a Fleeting World: Pictorial Photography and Seattle Camera Club

In the early years of the 20th century a group of talented Japanese immigrants in Seattle took up the practice of pictorial photography. "Shadows of a Fleeting World" presents over 100 works by Seattle Camera Club photographers and others in the Seattle area who worked in the pictorial style during the movement's heyday. Particular attention is paid to work by Seattle Camera Club members Dr. Kyo Koike, Frank Kunishige, and Iwao Matsushita. This exhibit will be open at the Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington from February 12, 2011 - May 8, 2011.

>> For more information



to top