Viewing page 4 of 15

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

September 1, 1975

The Japanese American Anthology Committee, an ad-hoc group of individuals from the community, has begun a project to publish an anthology of Japanese American writings and graphics--fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, excerpts of novels, diaries and journals, interviews, photographs and graphic arts.

The committee was formed out of a common concern for the need to document the history, to put into permanent form--in this case the printed media--some of the past and present experiences of the Japanese in America. At present, there is little other than (such as TREK) in which the Japanese American themselves have recorded their thoughts and reflections during critical and historical times as well as their every day encounters as a people from a unique cultural and ethnic background.

We feel a special urgency as regards the works of the Issei, and would like to see as many of their works as possible. If there are Issei writing today who feel there is no interest in their works--we want them to know that we are indeed interested. We also want to see the works of Issei whom we don't know about. If family members have any records kept by their parents, grandparents, or relatives; and would like to share them with the broader public through this anthology, we urge them to submit such materials for consideration.

Because the purpose of the anthology is to cover all levels of the Japanese American experience--emotional and historical-- the works included will include works by Issei, Nisei (including Kibei), Sansei, Yonsei and Shin Issei.

We hope to translate the selected Japanese language materials into English. In order to maintain the integrity of the original, all translations will be approved by the author of the original or by the family of the author.

The anthology will be edited and published autonomously by the Japanese American Anthology Committee. It will be funded by a grant from a private foundation and distributed by Glide Publications.

The committee members and the editorial board consist of the following: