We warmly invite you to the last in a series of three events about the Okinawan Diaspora.

Organized by the Beyond the Fence Collective
Hosted by J-Sei and sponsored by the Northern California Okinawa Kenjin-Kai

Beyond the Fence: A Memoir Reading

Saturday, November 9, 2024
1-3pm PT
J-Sei
1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA
And on Zoom

For many years, Mieko Anne Walden has been writing about her experiences of being adopted from an Okinawan orphanage as a child by an American family who eventually brought her to the U.S. when she was eight. Her writings include nostalgic memories of Okinawa of the 1960s, sad memories of parting with a grandmother, confused memories of being adopted by an American family that provided material comfort but forced her to give up all of her connections to Okinawa, and unspeakable memories of abuse by the people she should have trusted the most.

Mieko’s first reading at J-Sei was in October 2022. Because of the overwhelming interest in hearing more stories, Mieko will be sharing additional excerpts from her memoir-in-progress about her childhood in Okinawa and adapting to her life as an adoptee in the U.S.!

Using writing as a tool to share her personal story, Mieko has discovered courage, healing, and support. We invite you to join us as she shares her deeply personal and moving story.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.