James Matsumoto Omura

James Omura was born on Bainbridge Is, WA.  Writer and publisher Omura moved to Denver, Colorado during the 1942 “voluntary” resettlement period. He was the English editor of the Rocky Shimpo when the U.S. government started to draft men out of the concentration camps. Because he published the Heart Mountain Fair Play Committee press releases he was tried with Frank Emi and the other Fair Play leaders. He was acquitted however because of his first amendment rights as a publisher.

James Matsumoto Omura is most deserving of the 1994 Fighting Spirit Award. NCRR praises Mr. Omura for the courageous and independent actions he took during World War II in support of the Fair PIay Committee and against mass evacuation and incarceration of Japanese Americans. He stands as a leader, undaunted when all around him succumbed to conformity and accommodation. His work as a noted journalist was recently honored by the International Biographical Center of Cambridge, England with its Twentieth Century Award of Achievements in recognition of "Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Editorialism." We are honored to present Mr. Omura with 1994 Fighting Spirit Award.  (Mr Omura passed away four months after the DOR in June 1994 at the age of 82 – editor)