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George Takei Returns to Portland Japanese Garden to Stage Performance with Chamber Music Northwest

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George Takei told the story of his WWII incarceration as part of the staging of ‘Lost Freedom’ at Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Shawnte Sims.

On May 31, Portland Japanese Garden partnered with Chamber Music Northwest to host the West Coast premiere performance of Lost Freedom: A Memory. Inspired by autobiographical accounts of the incarceration of Japanese-American citizens in World War II, the event weaved together music and spoken word in a profound exploration of a chilling time in American history. It featured a live and in-person appearance by pioneering actor, author, and activist, George Takei.

Takei, a member of the Garden’s International Advisory Board, narrated his own story as one of the citizens forced from their homes and made to live in desolate camps thousands of miles away. Set to music by composer and violist Kenji Bunch, this poignant program also included music by composer and percussionist Andy Akiho.

From left to right: Searmi Park, Jessica Lee, Gloria Chien, Andy Akiho, George Takei, Kenji Bunch, Marilyn de Oliveria, and Sergio Carreno. Photo by Shawnte Sims.

“I have been waiting for this evening for a long time,” shared Gloria Chien, Artistic Director of Chamber Music Northwest and pianist. “Ever since I first visited the Garden, I thought how amazing it would be to have a concert here. And ever since I learned about the Lost Freedom project, which first premiered at the Moab Music Festival in Utah in 2021, how incredible it would be to bring that project here to Portland. …Chamber Music Northwest is very proud to be a part of this very meaningful weekend, honoring the Japanese American legacy in Portland.”

a violinist performs on a stage in front of an audience
Composer and violist Kenji Bunch performs “Minidoka” during “Lost Freedom: My Story” at Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Shawnte Sims.

“Lost Freedom was nothing short of extraordinary,” Aki Nakanishi, Director of Japan Institute and the Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education for Portland Japanese Garden, reflected after the performance. “From George Takei’s deeply personal narration to the stunning performances by Jessica Lee, Searmi Park, Marilyn de Oliveira, Kenji Bunch, Gloria Chien, Sergio Carreno, and Andy Akiho, every moment resonated with meaning and grace. It was a powerful tribute to memory, resilience, and shared humanity.”

Related: The Experience of Oregon’s Nikkei

two men smiling while playing steel drum
Andy Akiho (left) and Sergio Carreno performing at Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Shawnte Sims.

A Video Message from George Takei

In 2023, as Portland Japanese Garden celebrated its 60th anniversary, George Takei sent in the following video message. It was first played at the Garden’s anniversary gala at Portland Art Museum.