Exhibit honors Japanese Americans who fought for U.S. in WWII

New traveling exhibit highlights Nisei soldiers' service despite their families being locked up in internment camps

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new 1,500-square-foot traveling exhibit called 'I Am An American: The Nisei Soldier Experience' is honoring Japanese American soldiers who fought for the U.S. during World War II, even as their families were imprisoned in government-run internment camps. The exhibit, which opened in San Francisco, features family photos, mementos, and short biographies of the Nisei men shared by their relatives to ensure their stories of past bravery endure for younger generations.

Why it matters

The exhibit shines a light on the service and sacrifice of Japanese American soldiers, known as Nisei, who fought for the U.S. despite their families being unjustly incarcerated in internment camps during WWII. It aims to preserve the legacy of these soldiers and address ongoing questions about nationality and identity.

The details

The exhibit features personal items like a travel bag with drawings by Sgt. Gary Uchida, a U.S. Army ID card where Oregon-born George S. Hara wrote 'American' under nationality, and a note holder made by Rihachi Mayewaki while imprisoned at Jerome camp in Arkansas. About 33,000 Japanese Americans fought in WWII, despite the U.S. government shipping an estimated 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry to desolate internment camps, two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens. The exhibit highlights the service of soldiers who fought in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service, with some 800 Nisei soldiers killed in action.

  • The exhibit opened in San Francisco in February 2026.
  • The five-year exhibit will run in San Francisco's Presidio through August 31, 2026 before traveling to 10 other cities.

The players

Rosalyn Tonai

Executive director at the National Japanese American Historical Society.

Christine Sato-Yamazaki

Executive director of the National Veterans Network and co-curator of the exhibit.

Sébastien Roure

A metal detector hobbyist who found and returned Staff Sgt. Robert Kuroda's high school class ring that was buried in a forest near Bruyères, France.

Kevin Kuroda

A nephew of Staff Sgt. Robert Kuroda who traveled from Hawaii to attend the exhibit's opening.

Sadao Munemori

Pfc. Sadao Munemori, whose Medal of Honor is displayed in the exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“These soldiers wanted to prove they were loyal patriotic Americans, part of the greatest generation at that time and they were American — just like anybody else.”

— Christine Sato-Yamazaki, Executive director of the National Veterans Network and co-curator of the exhibit (San Francisco Chronicle)

“The family just felt if we could, in our own ways, help others, the country, know the sacrifices of the previous generation and what they did for our lives, then, even better.”

— Kevin Kuroda, Nephew of Staff Sgt. Robert Kuroda (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The exhibit will travel to 10 other cities after its run in San Francisco, including Honolulu, Los Angeles, and Portland.

The takeaway

This exhibit serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices and patriotism of Japanese American soldiers during WWII, even as their families were unjustly incarcerated in internment camps. It highlights the ongoing need to recognize and honor the contributions of marginalized communities in shaping America's history.