Can Mr. Wakasa’s spirit finally rest in peace? Can the healing smoke of the original stewards of this land cleanse us and this place of the pain of his and all of our blood soaking into the cursed dust?
Mr. Wakasa had no known family. He was alone in death, as he was in life. Now, 80 years later, he is alone no more. As we look to the future, we will remember Mr. Wakasa and all the others who died in Topaz. We will share their stories, not only of their deaths, but of their lives. We will not carry the burden of the past alone; but together, in our long journey toward healing.
Thanks to the Wakasa Memorial Committee and the Friends of the Topaz Museum, who worked together to make the weekend’s events so memorable and moving.
Images courtesy of Ruth Sasaki.
Ruth Sasaki
Topaz Stories Editor
Media coverage about the Wakasa Memorial Events, courtesy of Kathy Kojimoto:
James Wakasa honored on 80th anniversary of his murder
Ceremonies at Topaz Salt Lake City to mark 80th anniversary of the murder of James Hatsuaki
Wakasa
Utah ceremonies keep WWII Japanese American experience alive | Kiowa County Press –
Eads, Colorado, Newspaper
Japanese-Americans visit Topaz internment camp in Utah
His Life Mattered. Descendants of Topaz inmates remember man killed 80 yrs ago
James Hatsuaki Wakasa memorial tribute
Utah ceremonies keep WWII Japanese American experience alive