Mihara, a national speaker on the topic of mass injustice in the United States, shared his personal experiences of being forcibly removed from his home and community after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He described, in sober detail, the inhumane living conditions and the constant fear and uncertainty he and his family faced in America, both inside and outside the camp, during this tragic period in American history. Mihara’s firsthand account brought to life the harsh realities of racial discrimination and government-sanctioned injustices that Asians and Asian Americans have faced for hundreds of years in this country. 

Students were deeply moved by his story and inspired by his unwavering spirit and resilience. In addition to serving as an entry point for students’ next English book, When the Emperor was Divine, Mihara’s visit left a lasting impression, reminding those present of the importance of bravely facing those elements of our history we aim not to repeat.