About The Project

Manzanar: Our Town is a bilingual, multidisciplinary play about the Japanese-American incarceration during WWII. Through a fusion of Rokyoku storytelling, American and Japanese songs, and theatrical narrative that blends humor with history, the play tells a powerful yet heartwarming story of empowerment: finding one’s voice and standing together to overcome adversity.

Originally written by renowned Japanese playwright Hisashi Inoue and translated into English by James Yaegashi, this project brings the first English-language production to the United States.

The moment I read this play, I knew I had to bring it to American audiences for its rare focus on Kibei women.

Growing up between America and Japan, I often felt caught between worlds. Discovering the word Kibei gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me of the power of storytelling to open our eyes and show us we are not alone.

This play beautifully weaves American and Japanese cultures together, illustrating how immigrant and minority cultures are integral to America and enrich its culture. Though set in the past, its themes urgently resonate today as divisions in our country deepen.

By telling this story, I hope to share the play’s core message: that shared humanity can transcend division.

— Akiko Fujiwara, Producer

Elements

What makes this play unique is its focus on the overlooked voices of Kibei individuals and its use of Rokyoku, a traditional Japanese storytelling art that brings history to life with humor and heart.

Rokyoku

Rokyoku is a type of traditional Japanese narrative singing.

A rokyoku artist tells a variety of stories in distinctive fushi (singsong) and tanka (literally, caustic remark) lines accompanied by the shamisen, a stringed Japanese instrument.

Rokyoku plays a central role in this play, bringing a unique visceral experience of cultural fusion that is symbolic of immigrant experience.

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Kibei Story

The play highlights a little-known perspective of Kibei women—American-born citizens who were sent to Japan for education before returning to the US.

During WWII, Kibei individuals often served as translators and cultural liaisons between the immigrant generation (Issei) and the American-born generation (Nisei) in the incarceration camps.

This complex identity is at the heart of the play.

Original Author

Hisashi Inoue

Hisashi Inoue (1934–2010) was a prominent Japanese playwright, novelist, and humorist, celebrated for his sharp wit, inventive wordplay, and deep humanism. He often combined comedy with social and political critique, exploring themes such as war, social injustice, and the human condition.

Photo credit: Takahito Ochiai

撮影：落合高仁

Adaptation

A reading of the translated script in 2022 revealed that the play would benefit from adaptation to deeply resonate with today’s American audiences.

We hope to work with a Japanese-American playwright who can blend Hisashi Inoue’s humor, heart, and style with contemporary storytelling, bringing the play to life in a way that fully honors its message.

Project Timeline

May 2020

Online reading in its original Japanese language.

Artist Portrait by Sea Dog Theater featuring Manzanar: Our Town English reading

May 2022

Translation of the script from Japanese to English and a workshop/reading* of the translated script in collaboration with Sea Dog Theater.

*Made possible in part with the support from Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Japan Foundation New York, NYC Cultural Affairs, and Pentacle Unique project.

Fall - Winter 2025

Adaptation of the script and presentational reading of the new script.

2026

Fully staged production.

Meet the Team

Producer / Actor

Akiko Fujiwara

Japanese & American bilingual actor and producer based in New York City, whose mission is to illuminate stories that are often overlooked. Growing up between Japan and America and living as agender, Akiko’s storytelling bridges both cultures and reflects a nuanced understanding of existing between worlds. Akiko is the founder of Kimi'iro Playhouse.

Producer / Actor

Yokko

New York–based actor and interdisciplinary artist from Japan, specializing in theatre, Butoh, and movement. She has created and performed award-winning shows internationally, including Butoh Medea (United Solo NYC, Hollywood Fringe, Edinburgh Festival Fringe). Founder and Artistic Director of RenGyoSoh and Unfix NYC.

Director

Saki Kawamura

Roundabout Directors Group Cohort 5. Saki is a NYC-based theatre/film director originally from Japan. Her work blends butoh, visual arts, multilingual storytelling, and devising to reimagine American theatre through an international viewpoint, which incorporates eastern culture and values. She is the Associate Artistic Director of RenGyoSoh.