Third Thursdays

Co-presented by Asian ImprovArts

Aftershocks: Destruction, Rebirth and Art

Untold stories of the Earthquake and its impact on Chinatown and Japantown

Thursday, May 18, 2006
7:00-9:30pm
Japanese Cultural & Community Center
1840 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

After the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fire, the Chinatown and Japantown that we know today were built. Both are now landmark cultural destinations for both residents and visitors, but their mere existence was called into question during the rebuilding efforts. After the earthquake, city leaders proposed relocating the entire Chinese community to the Bayview Hunters Point area. The Japanese American community relocated from South of Market and Chinatown areas to its present-day location, but were later impacted by the World War II internment and urban redevelopment.

Join Third Thursdays as we explore the events of 1906, their impact on the two communities and the contemporary political and development issues affecting their future. The panel will also discuss the legacy of the ‘06 disaster and how it inspired creative works about our immigrant past.

Panelists include:

• Anna Naruta
  Board Member
  Chinese Historical Society of America

• Jon Jang
  Musician/Composer
  Recently premiered his latest work, “Paper Son, Paper Songs”
• Chris Hirano
  Director of Community and Corporate Development
  Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California