Join us at The Huntington Library on November 9, 2025 for a free one-day educator workshop examining Japan’s wartime history, U.S.–Japan relations, and cultural landscapes in Southern California. The day features a lecture by Professor Tosh Minohara centered on the history and impact of U.S.–Japan relations, especially during World War II, followed by a session with Professor Miya Elise Desjardins that explores Japanese gardens and material culture in the region. Through these focused sessions—and a guided tour of The Huntington’s Japanese Garden—participants will gain tools and perspectives to bring clarity and depth to classroom teaching about identity, diplomacy, memory, and place.
Program Highlights:
Professor Tosh Minohara will concentrate exclusively on the diplomatic, political, and wartime relations between the United States and Japan. His presentation will cover Japan’s role in WWII, the experience of Japanese Americans during the war, and how wartime and post-war decisions continue to inform U.S.–Japan diplomacy and security.
Professor Miya Elise Desjardins will lead a session focused on Japanese gardens, interior design, and aesthetic form in Southern California. Her work shows how garden layouts, symbolism, and design respond to local environments and community identity.
A site-based, inquiry-led tour of the Japanese Garden at The Huntington, allowing educators to see garden design, landscaping, and cultural symbolism in person.
About Professor Tosh Minohara
Tosh Minohara received his B.A. in International Relations from University of California, Davis, and his Ph.D. in Political Science and Diplomatic History from Kobe University. He is the founder and chairman of the Japan Cabinet Office recognized non-profit, Research Institute of Indo-Pacific Affairs (RIIPA). He also is an appointed lecturer at the Japan Self-Defense Force Staff Colleges of both the Air Force (JASDF) and Navy (JMSDF). His core academic interests deal with the diplomatic, political, and security dimension of US-Japan relations. He is the author of multiple monographs, compiled volumes, journal articles, and is a frequent commentator for newspapers, television, and radio. In addition to having an op-ed column for the Jiyu Minshu, Sankei Shimbun, and the Straits Times (Singapore), he serves as a program advisor to the National Geographic Channel and has appeared in numerous history programs that feature Japan.
Learn More: Podcast Feature
For a deeper dive into Professor Minohara’s presentation about -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvW5YXUEHBg
(Fully Booked)