Torrance Advances WWII Japanese American Incarceration Monument

Published on September 17, 2026

Torrance, Calif., September 17, 2026 – The Torrance City Council unanimously voted Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to move forward with the World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument Project, a landmark memorial planned for Columbia Park that will preserve the names and stories of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II.

The project received an initial $5 million State grant secured by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. To preserve that funding and provide additional time to complete the project, the Council authorized the City to request an extension of the State grant through February 1, 2029. The Council also approved a Donation and Donor Recognition Policy as the City works to raise an additional $15 million needed to complete the project.

The project was envisioned by the late Dr. Kanji Sahara, a longtime Torrance resident and WWII incarceration survivor, in partnership with the nonprofit WWII Camp Wall to create a permanent place for remembrance, education and reflection. The monument and all project renderings were designed by Chee Salette, who was awarded the City’s architectural design contract in 2024, followed by approval of the schematic design in 2025.The monument will feature approximately 126,000 names, black granite name walls, interpretive educational displays, donor recognition wall, and accessible spaces for visitors, with completion anticipated in Fall 2028.

“This monument is about remembering every name and ensuring the experiences of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II are never forgotten,” said Torrance Mayor Sharon Kalani. “By moving this project forward, we are creating a place where future generations can learn, reflect and understand the importance of protecting civil liberties. We invite our community and partners to join us in bringing this important legacy project to completion.”

The City is inviting individuals, families, businesses, organizations and community partners to help preserve this important chapter of Japanese American history for future generations. The donation page is now live, and contributions of all amounts are welcome. Donor recognition is available for cumulative qualifying contributions of $100,000 or more:

• $100,000–$249,999 – Supporter Level
• $250,000–$499,999 – Ambassador Level
• $500,000–$999,999 – Leadership Level
• $1 million and above – Visionary Level 

To donate and help bring this monument to completion, visit TorranceCA.Gov/Donate or call (310) 328-5310. The World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument will serve as a permanent place to remember the people, teach the history and protect civil liberties. To learn more, visit TorranceCA.Gov/WWIIJAIM.