JASC - Japanese American Service Committee

The stories of the Nisei soldiers continue to leave a lasting impact across generations.

Defining Courage is an immersive live multimedia experience honoring the legacy of the Nisei soldiers — Japanese Americans who served in segregated WWII military units while their families faced incarceration and discrimination at home.

Through eyewitness accounts, stunning visuals, and live original music, the production brings these extraordinary yet often overlooked stories to life.

Featuring Emmy Award-winning journalist David Ono alongside Grammy-winner Daniel Ho, songwriter Harold Payne, and the RAISE Choir, this powerful performance reflects on sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring impact of those who fought for a country that did not always recognize them as fully American.

📍 Chicago Performance
Sunday, September 20, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sponsorship opportunities are now available, and general admission tickets go on sale July 1, 2026.

Learn more about this moving project at: https://definingcourageshow.com/

On May 5th, we welcomed families to JASC for our Children’s Day Open House! Throughout the afternoon, kids and families enjoyed a variety of fun activities including origami, storytelling, crafts, and even trying on samurai helmets.🎏

Guests also got to enjoy snacks and a special Children’s Day treat: Kashiwa Mochi — a traditional rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in an oak leaf, which symbolizes strength, longevity, and family prosperity.✨

We had such a wonderful time celebrating and sharing Japanese culture with everyone who joined us. Thank you to all the families and community members who stopped by and made the day so special!❤️

Stay tuned for more children’s programs and cultural events coming up soon — we hope to see you again soon! 🎏