Ireicho visits Blaine Memorial UMC in powerful act of remembrance and shared reflection
By the Rev. Karen Yokota Love, photo by Judy Yasutake and Dale H. Watanabe
On March 28, 2026, Blaine Memorial UMC welcomed the Ireicho, part of the Irei: National Monument for the WWII Japanese American Incarceration, into the Lee Activity Center and the Nishida Room for a meaningful sacred moment in time. Blaine Memorial welcomed people from across the Seattle area and the broader Puget Sound region, serving as an important hub for the Japanese American community where individuals and families reflected and revisited history together.
The Irei project is led by Rev. Dr. Duncan Ryuken Williams and it expands the concept of monument through three interconnected forms: the Ireicho, a sacred book of names; the Ireizo, a searchable digital memorial at ireizo.com; and the Ireihi, light sculptures. Together, these elements address the erasure of identities of more than 125,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II.
At Blaine, participants engaged in a contemplative stamping process, marking names as an act of remembrance. The Nishida room grew quiet as each stamp created a moment of recognition.
“Touching the embedded ceramic pieces made from soil collected at 75 incarceration sites across the United States was deeply emotional for me,” says Judy Yasutake. “Seeing the names of family members and reflecting on the needless suffering they endured brought both anger and gratitude. It’s incredible to see the finished book and to feel the care and effort that went into gathering each name.”
The Ireicho is currently on tour, and Blaine Memorial UMC was honored to serve as one of two Seattle-area host sites. The visit was made possible through a partnership with Puyallup Valley Japanese American Citizens League. It was also supported by the Seattle JACL, the Ireicho Team and the Japanese American National Museum, where the project was previously installed from 2022–2024.
Special thanks to Yuki Sofronas and Ron Nobuyama, and to the many Blaine volunteers who welcomed guests, provided orientation, and supported the event in countless ways. The gathering was a reminder that monuments are also made of names, relationships, and shared commitment to remember together across generations.
The Rev. Karen Yokota Love serves as the Senior Pastor of Blaine Memorial UMC.
Announcements
Dates to Remember
| Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Migrant and Refugee Donation Ministry at Riverton Park UMC | |||
| Wednesdays • Coffee and Prayer with Rev. Karen | |||
| Saturday, June 6, 1-3 p.m. • Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura | |||
| Sunday, June 7, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. • “I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko • BYG Udon Pop-Up Lunch Fundraiser | |||
| Sunday, June 14 • Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers • Last Day of BYG (End-of-Year Party) | |||
| June 28–July 3 • NJAUMC Asian American Summer Camp Gathering | |||
| July 24–Aug. 1 • Mission Guatemala |
Wednesday Coffee and Prayer
- Wednesdays
- 9 a.m.
- Zoom
Join Rev. Karen for a time of connection, a short devotional and prayer. Bring a cup of coffee or tea and begin your day centered in Christ.
The Zoom link will be sent Tuesday.
“I Am American” Film Presentation by Kelsi Umeko
- Sunday, June 7, 2026
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Blaine Memorial UMC
- Social Hall
On Sunday, June 7, we are pleased to welcome a special presentation about a new film currently in pre-production, “I Am American,” by filmmaker Kelsi Umeko.
This powerful story follows a Japanese picture bride who immigrates from Japan to America in 1915 to meet her husband. Together, they build a thriving business, raise Japanese American children and become part of their local community. Their lives are profoundly changed following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.
At its heart, “I Am American” is the story of an immigrant family’s journey in pursuit of the American dream. This deeply personal narrative is inspired by the filmmaker’s grandparents and reflects the experiences of more than 120,000 Nikkei families. The story is being shared in hopes of preserving this history for future generations.
The film is being shot in the greater Seattle area and will recreate historical moments from this important period. During the presentation, we will hear more about the story, the vision behind the film, filming locations and the production team. A pitch deck also will be shared.
Kelsi will offer a short presentation during social hour following worship, and a light lunch will be provided, including Spam musubi, sandwich rolls, fruit and vegetables.
To learn more, visit www.CKfilmspro.com.
Kelsi’s previous feature film, “Second Chance” — a faith-based romantic drama that she wrote, directed and starred in alongside her husband — is also available on the website.
We hope you will join us in supporting this meaningful project and helping share this important story with the wider community.
Free Treasures in the Social Hall
Many people have been hard at work cleaning and organizing areas of our church as part of our spring-cleaning efforts. As a result, there is a wonderful assortment of free items available on tables in the Social Hall.
Please stop by and take a look — you may find something interesting or useful to take home. We have all sorts of goodies, including CD cases, CDs, flower vases, punch bowls, cups, paper goods, binders, office supplies, name-tag holders and many other treasures.
If you feel so moved, we invite you to make a donation to the church. Your generosity will help support our ministries and the ongoing work of our congregation.
Thank you, and happy treasure hunting! This Sunday will be the final opportunity to browse the tables. Afterward, all remaining items will be donated to Goodwill.
Author Conversation With Tamiko Nimura
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 1-3 p.m.
- Blaine Memorial UMC Social Hall
Join local writer Tamiko Nimura for a special conversation about her new memoir, “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” (UW Press), moderated by UW Professor of American Ethnic Studies Vince Schleitwiler.
In this moving discussion, Nimura will reflect on themes of family history, memory, identity and her return to Tule Lake, one of the incarceration camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II.
This event is co-sponsored by Seattle Tsuru for Solidarity.
Following the conversation:
- Books available for purchase from Madison Books
- Author book signing
- Light refreshments provided
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful community gathering.
- Eventbrite registration
- Read Vince Schleitwiler’s review in the International Examiner
Celebrating the 2025-26 School Year: Honoring Our BYG Leaders and Church School Teachers
Sunday, June 14, will mark the close of the school year for the BYG Youth Group and Church School. During worship, we will offer a blessing for our youth, leaders and teachers. Following the service, we will gather in the Social Hall for a celebration honoring the commitment, dedication and service they have shown throughout the year.
We look forward to coming together in gratitude and celebration as we conclude another meaningful year.
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