Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages

Help to document an important part of Japanese American history.

The Redman-Hirahara House in Watsonville, California was purchased by the Hirahara family in 1937. The older members of the family who emigrated from Japan were barred from citizenship and land ownership, but not the second generation, who were born on American soil.  During World War Two, the Hirahara family were forced from their home and eventually incarcerated at Jerome and Rohwer in Arkansas. A local Watsonville attorney, John McCarthy, looked after the property on behalf of the family. This meant they were able to return after the war, unlike many Japanese Americans who lost everything. To help those less fortunate, the Hirahara family opened up their farmstead to displaced members of their community, providing them with jobs and a place to live. Over the last 40 years after the Hirahara family moved out, the house has slowly deteriorated. In August, Santa Cruz County officials voted to delist the site from the county's historic resource inventory. This is the first step in removing the site from the National Register of Historic Places and paving the way for its eventual demolition. 

The Redman-Hirahara House and the land around it hold so many important stories - from our architectural and agricultural heritage to examples of citizenship, community, and resilience. Before the house and its stories are lost, Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages is working to create a documentary film that ensures this house and its lessons continue to be preserved for future generations. Please consider donating to support the creation of this film. You can learn more about the Redman-Hirahara House through our website: Redman-Hirahara House — Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages

Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages honors shared history while building bridges to our collective future through digital storytelling, educational content, and community connection that amplifies Nikkei voices across generations. Our work centers on reconnecting and strengthening the Japanese American community fractured by WWII incarceration, creating spaces for healing and unity through virtual gatherings, digital archives, and educational events that inspire youth participation. We proudly affirm that everyone is welcome in our community, embracing all who seek to learn, contribute, and belong as we ensure our Japanese American history informs a more just and inclusive future.