Press Release

From: Kathleen Takeda, Vice President, Cultural Affairs, San Jose JACL

What: Book Reading, Slide Presentation, and Q&A Session

Where: San Jose J.A.C.L., 565 N 5th St. San Jose, CA. 95112

When: Sunday, April 28, 2002, 1:00 p.m.

Admission: free

Artist and author Kimi Kodani-Hill will be reading excerpts from her book, "Topaz Moon: Chiura Obata's Art of the Internment" on Sunday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Issei Memorial Building located at 565 N. Fifth Street in San JosŽ Japantown. Hill's book tells the story of her grandfather, renowned artist Chiura Obata. During World War II, Obata was one of more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans forcibly relocated into internment camps.

"Topaz Moon" chronicles the artwork he did during this time. This selection was chosen by San JosŽ JACL to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the internment of Japanese-Americans.

Admission to the book reading and slide presentation is free. This presentation is appropriate for the entire family, from elementary school-age children to adults.

Copies of "Topaz Moon" and "Obata's Yosemite" will be on sale and Ms. Hill will be available to sign copies of these books. If you have any questions, please contact the San Jose J.A.C.L. at (408)295-1250. .