while he was serving in the Military Intelligence Service.

Kuramoto has served twice as an artist-in-residence at the Japanese American Cultural Community Center and as president of the Koto String Society.a 13-string Japanese instrument.

she recalls the rousing standing ovation she received for her solo and credits this performance as the start of many years of undying support for her music by the Black community.the NEA has presented this lifetime honor in recognition of individuals whose dedication and artistry contribute to the preservation and growth of the diverse cultural traditions that comprise our nation.often by members of their own communities.

Gwichin fiddler from Arctic Village.a virtuoso koto player from Japan.

by boat from Japan as a child immigrant in the 1950s and was raised in L.

and one of the few neighborhoods where Japanese Americans did not face discrimination and were allowed to freely live.and growth of the Japanese American community and Little Tokyo neighborhood.

He and his family were forcibly removed from their home in San José and incarcerated along with 120.a signature series of the Democracy Center.

the plaza was a site of forced removal for Americans of Japanese ancestry living in the area.Mineta served as secretary of commerce under President Bill Clinton and secretary of transportation under President George W.