The Topaz Stories Project and website were featured in an interview with Ruth Sasaki, Topaz Stories editor, by Tamiko Nimura, the Seattle-based writer and co-author of We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration. The interview was published in Discover Nikkei in two parts.
In Part 1, Ruth talks about the origins of the Topaz Stories Project and what she looks for when curating stories, as well as issues of “white gaze” and censorship. In Part 2, she discusses a few specific pieces in the collection and why they resonated with her; then touches on her own writing.
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Meanwhile, many thanks to Jonathan Hirabayashi, son Tyler, and wife Susan Kai, for producing, packing, and schlepping the Topaz Stories exhibit panels to Salt Lake City! Here are some photos that Jonathan took of the process:
That’s a huge commitment of time, talent, and resources from the HIrabayashi family, and the Topaz Stories team couldn’t be more grateful. Can’t wait to see it all come together in Jonathan’s terrific design. See October 9, 2021: Utah Exhibit for more details.
The Topaz Stories Team