/ SeattleChannel.org / Explore Videos

Explore Videos

Community Stories: We Hereby Refuse: The Akutsu Family Resists

Community Stories: We Hereby Refuse: The Akutsu Family Resists

12/18/202314:30

Adapted from the award-winning graphic novel "We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration," this motion-comic style animated film takes an excerpt from the story of the Akutsu Family. Brothers Jim and Gene and parents Kiyonosuke and Nao lived in Seattle and ran a shoe repair shop in the city's Seattle’s Chinatown-International District neighborhood. After Pearl Harbor marked the United States entry into World War II, the Akutsus found themselves and their community swept up into the fervor of anti-Japanese sentiment that led to Executive Order 9066 which imprisoned the West Coast Japanese community in American concentration camps. Faced with violations of their rights as America citizens, Jim and Gene embarked on a journey of political resistance. “The Akutsu Family Resists” illustrates the conditions the family faced, the political deals that paved the way to incarceration, and the beginnings of Jim and Gene’s fight to resist.

"We Hereby Refuse: The Akutsu Family Resist"
Written by Frank Abe
Artwork by Ross Ishikawa
Published by Wing Luke Museum and Chin Music Press

3172101

Most Recent Videos

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Art Zone: Cornish dance students perform “An Exploration of Movement & Energy”

Art Zone: Cornish dance students perform “An Exploration of Movement & Energy”

Art Zone: Drummer Ehssan Karimi’s journey of will & rhythm

Art Zone: Drummer Ehssan Karimi’s journey of will & rhythm

Art Zone: Artist Joe Nix's work is a nod to his blue-collar upbringing

Art Zone: Artist Joe Nix's work is a nod to his blue-collar upbringing

Art Zone: Wing Luke Museum showcases the art & resilience of Japanese American painters

Art Zone: Wing Luke Museum showcases the art & resilience of Japanese American painters

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session II

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 11/14/24

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 11/14/24

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session II

City Hall Park prayer paddles honor Coast Salish people

City Hall Park prayer paddles honor Coast Salish people

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session I

CityStream: Aquarium executive shares details of the Ocean Pavilion

CityStream: Aquarium executive shares details of the Ocean Pavilion

CityStream: Cooper’s hawks move from the country to the city

CityStream: Cooper’s hawks move from the country to the city

CityStream: Seattle’s drinking water: pure from the start

CityStream: Seattle’s drinking water: pure from the start

CityStream: Seattle’s Pure H2O & Reticent Raptors

CityStream: Seattle’s Pure H2O & Reticent Raptors

City Council 11/12/2024

City Council 11/12/2024

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 11/12/24

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 11/12/24

City Inside/Out: Election Debrief

City Inside/Out: Election Debrief

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Leah Hager Cohen

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Leah Hager Cohen

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 11/6/24

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 11/6/24

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 10/31/24

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 10/31/24

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor Videos

Mayor of Seattle Videos

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

Mayor Harrell and others celebrate Marjorie restaurant reopening

Mayor Harrell and others celebrate Marjorie restaurant reopening

Mayor joins SFD's kick-off for firefighter & EMT positions

Mayor joins SFD's kick-off for firefighter & EMT positions

Mayor and Local Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of New RapidRide J Line

Mayor and Local Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of New RapidRide J Line

Mayor, local leaders & community celebrate opening of Seattle's Waterfront Overlook Park

Mayor, local leaders & community celebrate opening of Seattle's Waterfront Overlook Park

Mayor & local leaders announce FIFA fan site at Seattle Center

Mayor & local leaders announce FIFA fan site at Seattle Center

Mayor Harrell announces his 2025-2026 budget proposal

Mayor Harrell announces his 2025-2026 budget proposal

Mayor unveils bonus rebates for heat pump upgrades

Mayor unveils bonus rebates for heat pump upgrades

Mayor Harrell releases city’s first ever “Food Action Plan” update

Mayor Harrell releases city’s first ever “Food Action Plan” update

Mayor kicks off new RapidRide G Line with federal & local partners

Mayor kicks off new RapidRide G Line with federal & local partners

Mayor & Seattle Public Schools expand efforts to support student safety & mental health

Mayor & Seattle Public Schools expand efforts to support student safety & mental health

Mayor joins FEMA to announce $5.5 million in funding for cooling and clean-air centers

Mayor joins FEMA to announce $5.5 million in funding for cooling and clean-air centers

Mayor celebrates Belltown Mural Festival, unveils 40 new works of art

Mayor celebrates Belltown Mural Festival, unveils 40 new works of art

City Council Videos

More City Council Videos

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session I

City Council 11/12/2024

City Council 11/12/2024

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 11/12/24

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 11/12/24

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session I

City Council 10/29/2024

City Council 10/29/2024

Councilmember Woo provides details on after-hours gun violence legislation

Councilmember Woo provides details on after-hours gun violence legislation

Council Briefing Special Meeting 10/23/2024

Council Briefing Special Meeting 10/23/2024

Select Budget Committee 10/22/24

Select Budget Committee 10/22/24

Select Budget Committee 10/21/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/21/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/21/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/21/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/18/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/18/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/18/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/18/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/17/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/17/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/17/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/17/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 10/16/24

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 10/16/24

Select Budget Committee Meeting 10/16/24

Select Budget Committee Meeting 10/16/24

Seattle Park District Board - 10/15/24

Seattle Park District Board - 10/15/24

Councilmember Rivera leads District 4 Public Safety Forum

Councilmember Rivera leads District 4 Public Safety Forum

City Council 10/8/2024

City Council 10/8/2024

City Departments Videos

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 11/6/24

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 11/6/24

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 10/31/24

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 10/31/24

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Local leaders celebrate Green Lake Library Branch reopening

Local leaders celebrate Green Lake Library Branch reopening

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 10/24/24

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 10/24/24

Mina Hashemi sworn in as director of Seattle's Office of Intergovernmental Relations

Mina Hashemi sworn in as director of Seattle's Office of Intergovernmental Relations

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 10/10/24

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 10/10/24

Mayor Harrell and others celebrate Marjorie restaurant reopening

Mayor Harrell and others celebrate Marjorie restaurant reopening

Mayor joins SFD's kick-off for firefighter & EMT positions

Mayor joins SFD's kick-off for firefighter & EMT positions

Mayor and Local Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of New RapidRide J Line

Mayor and Local Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of New RapidRide J Line

Mayor, local leaders & community celebrate opening of Seattle's Waterfront Overlook Park

Mayor, local leaders & community celebrate opening of Seattle's Waterfront Overlook Park

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 9/2/24

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 9/2/24

Mayor & local leaders announce FIFA fan site at Seattle Center

Mayor & local leaders announce FIFA fan site at Seattle Center

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 9/26/24

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 9/26/24

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 9/26/24

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 9/26/24

Mayor Harrell announces his 2025-2026 budget proposal

Mayor Harrell announces his 2025-2026 budget proposal

Mayor unveils bonus rebates for heat pump upgrades

Mayor unveils bonus rebates for heat pump upgrades

Rob Lloyd sworn in as Chief Technology Officer

Rob Lloyd sworn in as Chief Technology Officer

Mayor Harrell releases city’s first ever “Food Action Plan” update

Mayor Harrell releases city’s first ever “Food Action Plan” update

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 8/29/24

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 8/29/24

Mayor kicks off new RapidRide G Line with federal & local partners

Mayor kicks off new RapidRide G Line with federal & local partners

Mayor & Seattle Public Schools expand efforts to support student safety & mental health

Mayor & Seattle Public Schools expand efforts to support student safety & mental health

Arts and Culture

Explore all Art and Culture videos

Art Zone: Cornish dance students perform “An Exploration of Movement & Energy”

Art Zone: Cornish dance students perform “An Exploration of Movement & Energy”

Art Zone: Drummer Ehssan Karimi’s journey of will & rhythm

Art Zone: Drummer Ehssan Karimi’s journey of will & rhythm

Art Zone: Artist Joe Nix's work is a nod to his blue-collar upbringing

Art Zone: Artist Joe Nix's work is a nod to his blue-collar upbringing

Art Zone: Wing Luke Museum showcases the art & resilience of Japanese American painters

Art Zone: Wing Luke Museum showcases the art & resilience of Japanese American painters

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 11/14/24

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 11/14/24

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Leah Hager Cohen

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Leah Hager Cohen

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Art Zone: Fulgencio Lazo

Art Zone: Fulgencio Lazo

Art Zone: Yuri Kinoshita, Lighting Designer

Art Zone: Yuri Kinoshita, Lighting Designer

Art Zone: Gage Academy of Art

Art Zone: Gage Academy of Art

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 10/18/24

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 10/18/24

Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative turns 20

Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative turns 20

New murals bring color & creativity to Seattle’s streets

New murals bring color & creativity to Seattle’s streets

Art Zone: The Golden Cage: Trapped at Work, group show at Mini Mart City Park

Art Zone: The Golden Cage: Trapped at Work, group show at Mini Mart City Park

Art Zone: "Almost Live! (Almost an Exhibit)"

Art Zone: "Almost Live! (Almost an Exhibit)"

Art Zone: Once Around the Sun performs "Far Away"

Art Zone: Once Around the Sun performs "Far Away"

Art Zone: Peter Malarkey: Social Landscapes, visual artist

Art Zone: Peter Malarkey: Social Landscapes, visual artist

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 9/20/24

Art Zone with Nancy Guppy 9/20/24

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Jamie Harrison

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Jamie Harrison

CityStream: capoeira Provides a Community Connection

CityStream: capoeira Provides a Community Connection

CityStream: Celebrating Aviation, Education, and Capoeira

CityStream: Celebrating Aviation, Education, and Capoeira

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Bill Morris

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl: Bill Morris

Mayor celebrates Belltown Mural Festival, unveils 40 new works of art

Mayor celebrates Belltown Mural Festival, unveils 40 new works of art

CityStream: Alley Cat Project & Buskers Play On

CityStream: Alley Cat Project & Buskers Play On

The City’s Busker Series: Spreading Joy for 18 Years

The City’s Busker Series: Spreading Joy for 18 Years

Community

Explore all Community videos

City Hall Park prayer paddles honor Coast Salish people

City Hall Park prayer paddles honor Coast Salish people

CityStream: Aquarium executive shares details of the Ocean Pavilion

CityStream: Aquarium executive shares details of the Ocean Pavilion

CityStream: Cooper’s hawks move from the country to the city

CityStream: Cooper’s hawks move from the country to the city

CityStream: Seattle’s drinking water: pure from the start

CityStream: Seattle’s drinking water: pure from the start

CityStream: Seattle’s Pure H2O & Reticent Raptors

CityStream: Seattle’s Pure H2O & Reticent Raptors

Look, Listen & Learn: Talk It Out

Look, Listen & Learn: Talk It Out

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Tales from some of Seattle's oldest crypts

Tales from some of Seattle's oldest crypts

CityStream: Gen Z voter shares excitement—and pressure—of voting for first time

CityStream: Gen Z voter shares excitement—and pressure—of voting for first time

CityStream: Ballard pub puts women’s sports front & center

CityStream: Ballard pub puts women’s sports front & center

CityStream: BMX racing for all ages

CityStream: BMX racing for all ages

CityStream: Mental health cycling, Gen-Z voters & inclusivity on tap

CityStream: Mental health cycling, Gen-Z voters & inclusivity on tap

Local leaders celebrate Green Lake Library Branch reopening

Local leaders celebrate Green Lake Library Branch reopening

Seattle’s 114-Year-Old Green Lake Library Branch reopens

Seattle’s 114-Year-Old Green Lake Library Branch reopens

Community Stories: Grindline Skateparks

Community Stories: Grindline Skateparks

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

“WTH is Up with the Seattle School District?”

“WTH is Up with the Seattle School District?”

Gregg Colburn discusses "Homelessness is a Housing Problem"

Gregg Colburn discusses "Homelessness is a Housing Problem"

Seattle U Conversations: Debate on Washington's Climate Commitment Act

Seattle U Conversations: Debate on Washington's Climate Commitment Act

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024: Culture, history, and legacy

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024: Culture, history, and legacy

Mayor Harrell and others celebrate Marjorie restaurant reopening

Mayor Harrell and others celebrate Marjorie restaurant reopening

Mayor joins SFD's kick-off for firefighter & EMT positions

Mayor joins SFD's kick-off for firefighter & EMT positions

Mayor and Local Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of New RapidRide J Line

Mayor and Local Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of New RapidRide J Line

Mayor, local leaders & community celebrate opening of Seattle's Waterfront Overlook Park

Mayor, local leaders & community celebrate opening of Seattle's Waterfront Overlook Park

Public Affairs

Explore all Public Affairs videos

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Mayor Harrell Announces Approach to Safety and Health Challenges in Public Spaces

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/15/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/14/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 11/13/24 Session I

City Council 11/12/2024

City Council 11/12/2024

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 11/12/24

Select Budget Committee Public Hearing 11/12/24

City Inside/Out: Election Debrief

City Inside/Out: Election Debrief

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 11/6/24

Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission Meeting 11/6/24

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Mayor Harrell signs resolution opposing ballot Initiative 2117

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 10/31/24

Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting of 10/31/24

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Mayor signs law aimed at giving boost to Seattle's live music scene

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session II

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session I

Select Budget Committee 10/30/24 Session I

City Inside/Out: Council Edition - October 2024

City Inside/Out: Council Edition - October 2024

City Council 10/29/2024

City Council 10/29/2024

Councilmember Woo provides details on after-hours gun violence legislation

Councilmember Woo provides details on after-hours gun violence legislation

Local leaders celebrate Green Lake Library Branch reopening

Local leaders celebrate Green Lake Library Branch reopening

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

Mayor signs Design Review exemption legislation to encourage more downtown housing

“WTH is Up with the Seattle School District?”

“WTH is Up with the Seattle School District?”

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 10/24/24

Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 10/24/24

Gregg Colburn discusses "Homelessness is a Housing Problem"

Gregg Colburn discusses "Homelessness is a Housing Problem"

Council Briefing Special Meeting 10/23/2024

Council Briefing Special Meeting 10/23/2024

Seattle Channel

Street Address

Seattle City Hall
600 4th Ave
Floor L1
Seattle, WA 98104

Mailing Address

Seattle Channel, City of Seattle
Seattle City Hall
PO Box 94727
Seattle, WA 98124-4727

Phone: 206-684-8821 (TV21)
contact@seattlechannel.org

Seattle Channel on Facebook

Seattle Channel on Twitter/X

Seattle Channel on Instagram

Seattle Channel on TikTok

Seattle Channel on YouTube

Seattle Channel Take 21 Blog

Contact the Seattle Channel by email, phone, fax or post

Channel 21 on Comcast & Wave; HD Channel 321 on Comcast & 721 on Wave

Viewer Comment Line: 206-684-8821
Email: contact@seattlechannel.org

Seattle Channel YouTube