Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Please make sure to squeeze time to visit this museum. The area wasn’t too large, there were decorations to make me feel their pain. I was compassionated with what they went through. You could learn different cultures via their day to day belongings. I was intrigued with geta, I got a pair at home. And I went into the jail cell and spotted my name on the lavatory. On the way out, there were some nicely crafted souvenirs.

This is a must-visit museum! It brings the stories of Japanese Americans in the area (and in other parts of the USA) to life in a very moving, powerful and personal way. I spent many hours here and really got drawn in by the personal stories, belongings and “daily life” scenes on display. There is a ton to learn and see. The racism that Japanese Americans (and those denied citizenship) faced was heartbreaking, but the museum ends on an inspiring, uplifting and empowering note.

Very moving, timely, and well done. My children (6-12) were able to learn a lot they understood and so was I. A small museum, well maintained, packed with information and displays without feeling crowded. Even if you know a lot, it's worth the trip.

Good Afternoon, I would like to visit with my Japanese wife because her Great Uncle attended University in Portland in the 1920’s. However we will only be in Portland for two days in late April (Mon 28 and Tue 29) and I believe the museum is closed on these days. Is this correct ? Look forward to hearing from you. Richard & Yoko (Koyama) Sumner

I hadn't visited since middle school. In the backdrop of 2024 and the spectre of 2025 looming ahead, I'll admit feeling something new. I didn't step into the cage, I feel that there'll be plenty of opportunity to be put in one by my countrymen.

Visited this excellent, small museum with my wife and daughter. Exceeded expectations. Well-organized museum that provides a short explanation of Japanese immigration to the Pacific NW, especially Oregon, and a succint yet deeply touching description of the experience of Japanese Americans who were interned by the US gov't during WW2. The small gift shop has unique, lovely Japanese-themed items.

Small but powerful museum that tells the story of Japanese internment camps. Don’t let the neighborhood keep you away.

Absolutely fantastic - this is worth spending a few hours especially in the context of the current environment in the US.

Visited this excellent, small museum with my wife and daughter. Exceeded expectations. Well-organized museum that provides a short explanation of Japanese immigration to the Pacific NW, especially Oregon, and a succint yet deeply touching description of the experince of Japanese Americans who were interned by the US gov't during WW2. The small gift shop has unique, lovely Japanese-themed items.

This is a wonderful little museum that tells the heartbreaking story of the Japanese who immigrated to Oregon in search of a better life. Little did they now when they first came here in the early part of the 20th century that Oregon had the biggest KKK west of the Mississippi. The museum describes the community that was developed and how it was shattered after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Their experience was a challenge to our democracy and our belief that people are innocent until proven guilty.

It's hard to envision a robust Japantown in Portland now since this smallish museum is about the only evidence of it. Jamie W. and I just happened on it as were strolling through what amounts to be their Chinatown. Inside is a historical record of the Japanese-American community, in particular, the internment camp experience during World War II and how Japantown disappeared after the war due to economic hardships and blatant racism. This is an essential archival collection and well worth the $5 admission. Besides, where else could you buy a George Takei fan (photo: http://bit.ly/2MXEidu)? Oh my. RELATED - Going to Portland? Here are the places I visited and reviewed: bit.ly/2B0haJD

What a wonderful museum that my partner and I stumbled into while visiting Portland. We went in about 10 minutes until closing and asked if it was okay to still see the exhibits - to which they gladly allowed us a tour. One of the docents showed us about JA internment history in general and then more specifically what it looked like in Portland, including its connection with the Minidoka camps. The space, although small, had some awesome artifacts and photographs that illustrated how JA folks in Portland were affected. There was another neat exhibit near the back, but since it was near closing time, I opted to check out the shop near the front instead. After looking around a little bit, we spoke with Kurt a little bit about the space, and not only did he give us suggestions as visitors to Portland, but we also shared much about our involvement with the JA communities and found common threads - all because of this seemingly random happening. We were able to learn a lot and connect with the space, which was way more than I anticipated just dropping in, and I love that. Will definitely come here again when I have more time to check out the exhibits!

When I go through places like this, I get tear up and I get mad. And it's a good thing to never forget. The Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center is dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the history and culture of the Japanese American Community in the greater Portland Area. I stopped by yesterday to see the exhibits about life in the Japanese Internment Camps from the perspective of the American Citizens who were sent there. I have previously visited Manzanar and this whole shameful part of US History never ceases to effect me. On this visit I learned that: - Thousands of Japanese American men were taken into custody by the FBI and Department of Justice within hours after the Pearl Harbor bombing. This was a little known prelude to the internments that would follow. They were sent to secret "black sites" in remote areas for "questioning". Sound familiar? - During the internment stage, many folks were first sent to a camp somewhere in North Portland and were later shipped out to Minidoka Idaho for the balance of the war. Besides Manazanar, there were also camps in Tule Lake California and Topaz Utah among other places. Museum hours are a bit limited and a modest donation at the door is requested. They also have a small bookshop and lots of pictures, living arrangement recreations, and history to share. And when I was done, a short walk over to the Japanese Memorial at nearby Waterfront Park was a nice coda to a very worthwhile and humbling experience.

This is a great little museum with some interesting history. Kurt was extra helpful and shared some of his knowledge about the Japanese concentration camps during WWII. This museum is definitely worth a visit if you are visiting China Town.

Every year I visit this little gem to learn about history of Japan Town and heroes of WW2. Staff is warm and welcoming, and I've completed my internship here while I was in community college. Now for my job touring students from Japan I bring them over to give insight of lives led by Japanese living abroad back in the day. Facility is always well organized and clean, and have different display and events updated regularly on their website. As a Japanese American I learned about Japan town and it helped me reconnect with my culture.

Small but powerful museum that details the history of Japanese people in Oregon. When I came, the gallery was closed but the permanent exhibit was still worth it.

Great museum, wish I had more time to spend there!