Alice Fumiyo Kasai (1916-2007) was born in Seattle, Washington, to immigrant parents. She was taken to Japan as a child and reared by her grandparents until she was ready to start school. The family settled in Carbon County, Utah, where Alice attended school, graduating in 1935. She married Henry Yoshihiko Kasai in 1937, and the couple had six children. Henry was detained by the FBI shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and remained in custody for two and a half years. During this time, Alice became an activist, participating in the Japanese-American Citizen's League (JACL) and providing support for families interned in relocation camps. After the war, she and Henry were active in community affairs and she continued her activism after his death in 1966. In addition to her work with the JACL and the Asian Association of Utah, Alice served on many boards and committees dealing with civil rights, women's rights, ethnic issues, and the welfare of the aging. She remained active in community affairs until her death in Salt Lake City in 2007.
Collection is arranged by format.
Audio-visual materials can be fragile and require specialized equipment to play back. For this reason, access to audio-visual materials is provided through digital copies, and it might take longer to provide access to items that are not yet digitized. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law, condition of the material, or by donor.
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library's
Collection Name, Collection Number, Item Number. Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah.
Donated by Alice Kasai in 1991 and 2006.
Processed by Danielle Rausch in 2023.
See also the Alice Kasai papers (Accn 1091) and the Alice Kasai photograph collection (P0442).
Forms part of the Mitsugi M. Kasai Memorial Japanese American Archive and the Aileen H. Clyde 20th Century Women's Legacy Archive.
The Alice Kasai audiovisual collection includes films about the Japanese American life in Utah and after World War II, Alice Kasai's life and accomplishments, as well as Japanese TV program recordings and home movies from the Kasai family. This collection is fully digitized.
Excerpts from KUTV newscast, in which reporter Michael Rawson discussed the incarceration camps of the western United States during World War II. Interviews of former detainees include one with Alice Kasai.
This is a recording of an episode of "The Peoples of Utah." The host is Lucille Valerio. Helen Papanikolas and Alice Kasai also participate. The program discusses the history of Japanese-American relations and the history of Japanese people in Utah since 1880. Hariko Mariyasu and Dr. Kyoski Iwamoto are interviewed by Papanikolas about Japanese art and culture. A presentation of the Utah Historical Society.
Includes 2 filmstrips and 2 audiocassettes. Explains the circumstances behind the incarceration during World War II of Japanese Americans in Topaz, Utah, and their experience there. Part of the "Utah and the Nation" series.
In japanese. Recording of a stage production of "Kanatehon Chyushingura," the sad story of Okaru and Kampei. (Note: "Kanatehon" is sometimes spelled "kanadehon")
In japanese. Recording of Japanese program "Sumo in Nagoya, the 13th day, the 3rd final day" and "final bouts of the 14th day (2nd final day.)"
In japanese.
1. Sumo First Tournament for Championship (13th day) 2
2. Japanese dialect in Sanriku District
3. Two Native Countries (Japanese orphans in China)
In japanese.
1. A recording of a Japanese newscast translated into English. Stories covered are a Japan Airlines plane crash, prime minister Nakasoni's visit to a shrine, the commemoration of the end of the Second World War, the bridge over the Kwai River, tectonic plates under Japan, and other national and international news. 24 minutes.
2. Documentary on the 40th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, whcih also discusses the development of modern Japan since then.
3. "Festival of Song, 1985" is a television program of competition between singers.
4. Noh Play: "Snowy Heron" is a drama presentation.
In japanese.
In japanese. Music and dramatic skits.
1. "Emka All's Requested," Kayoh Hall. 45 minutes.
2. "Japanese Ballads for You," Min'yoho Anatani. 45 minutes.
3. "Enchanted by Japanese Music," Hohgaku ni miserarete, is a program in which foreigners perform Japanese music. The recording is incomplete.
442 RCT. Video by T. Shimza.
Americans of Japanese Ancestry.
Americans of Japanese Ancestry. Note on the cover: "Has no control of lighting. 1988 camcords not as good as they are today. (ran out of battery power)"
From April to May, one month.
A. Kendo/Jonat Byrd
B. Dance/B. Kida
C. Calligraphy/Ogi
D. Art Display/Alice Kasai
A documentary about the redress campaign for Japanese American imprisoned in incarceration camps during World War II and the major role played by the Japanese American Citizens League. Produced by Visual Communications. 2 copies.
Members of the Native American (Ute), Mexican/Hispanic, Jewish, Japanese, and Greek communities share personal experiences regarding their immigration to (or forced removal to) Utah, and the consequent struggle to maintain their respective cultural identities. Performed by Repertory Dance Theatre, this 5-part video combines personal histories, dance, music, and photography to celebrate the rich ethnic and cultural heritage of Utah.
Suspicious People: Japanese Americans describe their experience of living in Japanese incarceration camps and military service during WWII. They discuss the implications of being loyal U.S. citizens who unjustly became "suspicious people" after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They also share thoughts about the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism being built. The documentary ends with footage of the Manzanar National Historic Landmark. ABC News: George Staccato gets interviewed about fighting in the army.
Directed by William S. Klavon. Produced and directed on behalf of the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation.
People: 1. Chiye Tomihiro, Robert Sakata, Dr. Victor Izui, Fred Hoshiyama, Francis Sogi, Norman Mineta, George Aratani, John Saito Sr., Tomio Moriguchi, James H. Mukoyama Jr., Don Tokunaga, Melvin H. Chiogioji, Jean Kariya, Margaret Oda
1. "The Future of War," written and directed by Michael Chandler. KUED documentary. Aired Oct. 24, 2000. "The Future of War" examines the tough questions surrounding the U.S. Army's planned transformation: What will be the new kind of warfare in the future? Are we prepared to fight it? Who's the enemy? Drawing on interviews with top military leaders, defense analysts, and the presidential candidates' defense advisors--including 2000 vice presidential candidates Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Richard Cheney--"The Future of War" lays out the debate and challenges.
2. A 4th of July banquet.
3. "Nisei Soldier: Standard Bearer for an Exiled People." 1983. A documentary film by Loni Ding that focuses on Japanese Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II. Uses archival footage, photographs, contemporary interviews, and minimal narration to tell a chronological story that covers prewar anti-Japanese sentiment, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the exclusion and incarceration of West Coast Japanese Americans, and the formation and exploits of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Vox Productions. Incomplete recording.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Memorial to Japanese-American Patriotism in World War II located in Washington D.C. and founded by the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation. The ceremony pays tribute to WWII veterans as well as Japanese Americans who endured internment camps. The video includes presentation of colors, singing the national anthem, speeches, and groundbreaking.
People: Norman Y. Mineta (Vice Chair, National Japanese American Memorial Foundation), Michael B. Coy (soloist), Melvin H. Chiogioji (chairman of the board), Bill Lann Lee (acting assistant attorney general U.S. Department of Justice), Daniel K. Inouye (senator), Bruce Babbitt (Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior), John Kitagawa (reverend), Grant Hirabayashi (WWII Veteren), Gerald H. Yamada (general council), Cherry Y. Tsutsumida (executive director), Peter Okada (groundbreaker), Masagi Inochta (spelling unknown, groundbreaker), Ellen Nakamura (groundbreaker), Bacon Sakatani (groundbreaker), Paul Banai, (groundbreaker) Ron Shiozaki (groundbreaker), Joanne Iritani (groundbreaker), Barry Syke (spelling unknown, groundbreaker), Daisy Ueda Satoda (groundbreaker), Tomio Morigushi (groundbreaker), Hershey Miyamura (a.k.a. Hiroshi Miyamura, groundbreaker)
Crew: Gayle K. Yamada (producer and director), Rick Miranda (director of photography), J.P. Whiteside (Audio Technician), Jim Calahan (editor.) Produced by Bridge Media, Inc.
3 copies.
Promotional video that describes the many services provided by the Asian Association of Utah (AAU), a program that was founded in 1977 and represents 8 different Asian ethnic groups. Services include job placement, counseling, education, legal assistance, a community center, programs for the elderly, festivals, and more.
2 copies.
Several 1 hour shows.
From the tape cover: "looking like the enemy and more. - Japanese American Multicultural People of North America. - Something strong within Japanese Americans. - The view within Japanese American art. - Separate Journey segment of Japan community. - Fifty years of silence. - The untold story of Japanese American Soldiers in the Pacific Theater. - Redress - the JACL Campaign for justice. - Legacy of Barracks. - New Americans. - History and Memory Rea Tajiri.
Produced by Richard Paul for "Soundprint". Based on the book by Mary Tomita "Dear Miye: Letters Home from Japan" - published by Stanford University Press.
A video interview with Alice Kasai that was recorded in Salt Lake City, Utah, and conducted by Nancy Hutcheon. The main focus is Alice Kasai's involvement with the Baha'i religious community. Other topics include Alice's early childhood, moving to Utah, her marriage with Henry Kasai, her daughters, the Japanese population in Utah, and her work for minority rights.
A memorial video for Alice Kasai that includes a photo slideshow and scans of her handwritten poetry. Covers Alice's life from 9/17/1916 to 1/6/2007.
Alice Kasai's memorial service.
A KPFK News/Pacifica Radio production. Discusses and explains the Japanese American Citizens' League Redress efforts.
A NPR production that discusses the Japanese American Citizens' League Redress efforts, and the Japanese American forced removal by interviewing former inmates.
October 1985 - March 1986.
Includes 2 sets of filmstrips, 1 audiocassette, 1 booklet. USOE film strip on Japanese flyer Masashi Goto, 1929.
2 audiocassettes, sides A, B, C, and D.
Parts 1-6.
August 1960 - April 1961.
2 reels.
3 reels.
4 reels.