Venice Japanese American Memorial Marker (VJAMM) fundraiser at Hama Sushi

Hama Sushi’s Esther Chaing hosted the 4th Annual Venice Japanese American Memorial Marker (VJAMM) fundraiser on April 23, 2015 at Hama Sushi. 100% of the profits from their famous lunch bento boxes, and 10% of all sales at dinner went to VJAMM.

Hama Sushi’s donations help make it possible for VJAMM, a nine foot six inch tall solid black granite obelisk with a three foot by three foot base, to be installed on the northwest corner of Venice and Lincoln Boulevards. This marks the spot where some 1,000 persons of Japanese ancestry from Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu, lined up with only what they could carry to an unknown destination for an unknown duration of time, over several days in April, 1942.

View additional history info and 04.23.15 event pics below!

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED ON THE CORNER OF LINCOLN AND VENICE BOULEVARDS IN APRIL OF 1942?

The Venice Japanese American Memorial Marker “VJAMM” Committee, an ad hoc group comprised of former internees, and concerned citizens whose goal is to erect a memorial for the purpose of honoring Venice-area Americans of Japanese descent who were ordered, per the US Government’s “Civil Exclusion Orders,” to abandon their homes, business and possessions and then, although having committed no crime, were imprisoned.

The proposed site for this memorial, 933 ½ Venice Boulevard, is the address of the former “Civil Control Station” where, in April of 1942, local residents reported and then boarded buses to the Manzanar War Relocation Authority Camp (map) where they would spend the next three years of their lives.

While most Venice residents remain unaware of the role this heavily traveled intersection played in the lives of many of their former and current neighbors, the spot is one that continues to affect the lives of those ordered there almost seventy years ago, including Arnold Maeda of Santa Monica:

“I have such a personal connection to this corner, and I always point out this location to any of my passengers as we drive by. I always have had a very visceral, emotional response to even thinking about my incarceration. But with discussion of this marker, my negative feelings have somehow dissipated and have been replaced with feelings of hope.”

Support VJAMM!

To donate, or for more info, visit venicejamm.org

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ABOUT HAMA SUSHI:

Located on the former Grand Canal in historic Venice Beach, California Hama was founded in 1979 and was one of the first authentic Japanese sushi restaurants in the United States. A decade ahead of the sushi craze, many Southern California residents can trace their first sushi experience to a table in our restaurant. Today people from all over the country travel back to Hama to eat at our sushi bar once again.

From our nightly last call theme song, to our birthday traditions, both regulars and first-time guests feel right at home the second they sit down. Attracting a large and diverse clientele, at Hama you are as likely to have an A-list celebrity seated next to you as you are a local surfer right off the beach.

Hama is also about more than great food and fast and friendly service; it is about treating you, our customers, as honored guests and making your dining experience a cherished memory for years to come.

For regular menu, catering, special events and/or to book a reservation, visit www.hamasushi.com

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VIEW 04.23.15 VJAMM EVENT PHOTOS!

Photos taken with an IPhone