Yakima Commemorates Japanese American Incarceration History

Community event to feature panel discussion and keynote speech on this chapter of American history.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Yakima Valley will recognize the Japanese Day of Remembrance on February 19, honoring the memory of the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II following the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942. The event aims to educate the community about this history and share personal stories from community members through a panel discussion and keynote speech.

Why it matters

The incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII was a dark chapter in American history that had lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Events like this help educate the public, preserve this history, and promote understanding and healing.

The details

The event will feature a panel discussion with Dr. Yesenia Navarrete Hunter, an Associate Professor of History at Heritage University, as well as other community members including Lon Inaba of Inaba Produce Farm and Japanese Bochi, Tammy Ayer from the Yakima Herald-Republic, and Caitlin Oiye Coon from Densho. Blaine Tamaki of Tamaki Law will deliver the keynote speech, sharing insights and reflections on this important history.

  • The event will take place on February 19, 2026.
  • Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with the program starting at 5:30 p.m.

The players

Dr. Yesenia Navarrete Hunter

An Associate Professor of History at Heritage University who will participate in the panel discussion.

Lon Inaba

Owner of Inaba Produce Farm and Japanese Bochi, and participant in the panel discussion.

Tammy Ayer

Reporter from the Yakima Herald-Republic who will participate in the panel discussion.

Caitlin Oiye Coon

Representative from Densho, an organization dedicated to preserving Japanese American history, and participant in the panel discussion.

Blaine Tamaki

Attorney at Tamaki Law who will deliver the keynote speech.

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The takeaway

This event is an important step in educating the Yakima community about a painful chapter in American history and honoring the experiences of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during WWII. By preserving this history and promoting understanding, the community can work towards healing and ensuring such injustices are not repeated.