Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Mission

The mission of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO) is to preserve and honor the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest, educate the public about the Japanese American experience during WWII, and advocate for the protection of civil rights for all Americans.

Bottom Line for Portland

Founded by members of the Japanese American community, JAMO is dedicated to honoring the history of Portland’s Japantown and ensuring its future. 

We co-manage the Japanese American Historical Plaza, home of the beloved cherry trees, with Portland Parks and Recreation.

We host rotating exhibits with programming focused on local Japanese American community leaders and artists.

We educate the broader public about the full breadth of the Japanese American experience.

Quote

 “Growing up in Oregon as the first Japanese American in my family—Shin Nikkei and Japanese Brazilian—I didn’t always feel connected to the broader Japanese American story. My family’s journey went to a different part of the Americas, but through JAMO, I got to create work that connected me to the profound historical legacy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing on its 80th anniversary and exhibit alongside the next generation of Japanese Americans.” 

- Maya McDarragh, Artist and Visitor Services Associate

“Having an exhibit about my grandfather’s life at JAMO has helped to resurrect his legacy. Having that happen within the museum he always wanted but didn't live to see made it doubly meaningful.” 

- Erica Naito-Campbell, Author and Bill Naito's Granddaughter

Partner(s)

🍬Goodies Snack Shop- Founded in 2022, Goodies is a first-generation snack shop and market in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown, located inside the historic Merchant Hotel. They bring bold new finds from independent snack brands and our childhood favorites — all through the lens of flavor, discovery, and community.

♻️Ground Score Association- is an association of informal recyclers, canners, dumpster divers, and other waste pickers who create and fill low-barrier waste materials management jobs in Portland, Oregon.

🎭Portland Center Stage-  exists to create transcendent theatrical experiences and community programs that break down the barriers separating people.

☀️Pueblo Unido PDX- creates hope for and amplifies the voices of communities with vulnerable immigration status by connecting them to legal, social, and Indigenous language interpretation services.