At Zentoku Foundation, your donations directly support the preservation of Japanese American history through storytelling, journalism, and education.
From documentaries and newspapers to intergenerational writing projects and internships, each initiative we fund helps ensure these voices, experiences, and cultural legacies are not lost. Below is a snapshot of the projects currently in motion—and how your support makes them possible.
San Times
The San Times was created after the Hawaii Herald closed in December 2023, leaving a significant gap in Japanese American journalism in Hawaii. This project focuses on sustaining and growing a new platform that connects communities across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Your support helps us identify and mentor young writers, uncover meaningful stories, and highlight third- and fourth-generation families who continue Japanese traditions today. Writers work closely with our editors to conduct interviews and thoughtfully capture the depth, history, and cultural dedication behind each story.
North American Post
The North American Post is the longest-running Japanese American newspaper in the Seattle area. Like many community publications, it faces challenges including rising costs, declining revenue, and a shortage of contributors.
Zentoku Foundation supports this vital institution by sending members of our organization to share the Paper Chase documentary, helping raise awareness about the importance—and fragile future—of Japanese American newspapers. Donations help fund outreach efforts and advocacy that keep this historic publication visible and relevant.
In My Life
In My Life is a long-term storytelling project centered on Japanese American seniors. Participants write personal stories about moments, memories, or experiences that remained vivid decades later—stories that changed them in meaningful ways.
For several years, we’ve been working to create the right structure and venue to honor these deeply personal reflections. Funding supports facilitation, editing, and the creation of a space where elders’ voices are respected, preserved, and shared for future generations.
Paper Chase Sequel
Building on the original Paper Chase documentary, this upcoming sequel will focus specifically on the history of Japanese American newspapers in the United States. The film will explore how these publications documented community life, shared vital information, and preserved stories that might otherwise have disappeared.
This project weaves together life stories we’ve already captured with an examination of how Japanese American newspapers covered these experiences in real time. Donations support research, production, interviews, and outreach to ensure this important history reaches a wider audience.