FREE

Watch

The 2010 JANM exhibition, Textured Lives, was born from a gift by Barbara Kawakami to JANM’s permanent collection of beautiful plantation-era clothing. Kawakami started her formal studies of these textiles and clothing at the age of 53. Now at 100, she is still a noted author, historian, and storyteller who has dedicated much of her life to researching and sharing the untold stories of Issei women working on plantations in Hawai’i. “Barbara Kawakami: A Textured Life” was produced by the Watase Media Arts Center in conjunction with Textured Lives.

Join us for a discussion and Q&A on Kawakami’s research, storytelling, and legacy with Fay Toyama (Educator and Barbara Kawakami’s daughter) and other special guests from the exhibition!

“Barbara Kawakami: A Textured Life” is available to stream starting July 1st on JANM’s YouTube Channel.

The JANM 30th Anniversary Digital Film Festival (JDFF) highlights works produced by the Emmy Award winning Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center through virtual screenings and live Q&A sessions with those involved with the films. This program is part of our 30th Anniversary Celebrations.

Purchase the DVD, Textured Lives: Stories from the Plantations of Hawai’i, that contains this film and others at the JANM Store.

We are thankful for the generosity of our members and audiences whose support allows us to continue to provide free and accessible programming. Please donate what you can or become a member today by visiting janm.org/give.

ABOUT THE FILM:
“Barbara Kawakami: A Textured Life” (2010) is a portrait of Barbara Kawakami who─ after growing up on a plantation and working for over three decades as a seamstress, and entering college for the first time at the age of fifty-three ─ went on to uncover the lost history of Hawai'i's early Japanese picture brides. The film was produced as part of the exhibition, Textured Lives: Japanese Immigrant Clothing from the Plantations of Hawai’i.