Breaking Ground -World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument
Published on November 06, 2026
CITY OF TORRANCE TO BREAK GROUND ON WORLD WAR II JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION MONUMENT AT COLUMBIA PARK
Torrance, Calif., November 6, 2026 - The City of Torrance will mark a significant milestone in preserving history and honoring the Japanese American community with a groundbreaking ceremony for the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Columbia Park.
The memorial will serve as a permanent tribute to the approximately 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry who were unjustly incarcerated by the United States government during World War II. Featuring black granite walls inscribed with their names and thoughtfully designed public spaces, the memorial will provide a place for reflection and remembrance while honoring their experiences and reinforcing the importance of protecting civil rights and constitutional freedoms for generations to come.
The project was originally envisioned by the late Dr. Kanji Sahara, a longtime Torrance resident and WWII incarceration survivor, in partnership with the nonprofit organization WWII Camp Wall. Their vision was to create a lasting memorial that would honor those who endured incarceration and ensure their experiences and stories are never forgotten.
The monument was designed by Chee Salette, who was awarded the City's architectural design contract in 2024, with the schematic design approved in 2025. The project represents years of planning, advocacy, and collaboration to bring this important historical memorial to fruition, with completion anticipated in fall 2028. The project received an initial $5 million State grant secured through the efforts of Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. The City is working to raise an additional $15 million to support the project's completion.
On September 15, 2026, the Torrance City Council unanimously voted to move forward with the project, reaffirming the City's commitment to preserving this important chapter of American history.
The November 23 groundbreaking marks an important step toward realizing the vision of Dr. Sahara and the many individuals and organizations who have championed this project. Community members, organizations, and businesses are invited to support the memorial through tax-deductible contributions, which may be made in person, by mail, or online.
For more information about the project, ways to contribute, or to RSVP for the groundbreaking ceremony, visit www.TorranceCA.Gov/WWIIJAIM.