
LAJI is a catalyst for change working to shine a light on justice and inclusion through cultural dialogue. LAJI builds global networks with artists, scientists, social thinkers, Holocaust survivors, Hibakusha, atomic bomb survivors, universities, national parks, museums, businesses and communities to promote intercultural partnerships. LAJI values complex and nuanced storytelling to inspire change and diplomacy. LAJI is named for the historic human connections developed with atomic legacy communities in Los Alamos, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Kyoto 75 years after WWII.
My grandfather took sole responsibility for the atomic bombings of Japan, neither making excuses nor denying the devastation. In 1947, when criticized for placing a wreath at the tomb of six Mexican army cadets who had died fighting against the US 100 years earlier, he said: "They had courage and courage does not belong to any one nation. You honor courage wherever you find it." We rejoice in the lives saved in WWII and acknowledge and honor the suffering of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
An intercultural and organizational development leader, Judith facilitates strategic change partnerships with universities, museums, national parks, businesses and community leaders. Museum communication expertise brought Judith to serve as Los Alamos History Museum Director where she expanded exhibits to include underrepresented voices and stories for the first time in the museum’s 50-year history. Judith negotiated and delivered historic proclamations of friendship to Hiroshima and Nagasaki from Los Alamos County. Today, Judith develops cultural programs to advance inclusion and cultural diplomacy in the US, UK, Israel, Japan, and around the world.
Listen to the Oak Ridge International Friendship Bell—an 8,000-pound bronze Kyoto bell designed to symbolize shared peace and friendship with Japan. The bell is part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, TN.
As I was raised in Hiroshima, Los Alamos instantly reminded me of the bombing of Hiroshima on August, 6, 1945. At first I hesitated to visit but the warm personality of Judith Stauber helped me make the decision to actually visit. I cannot forget the warm welcome by Dr. Stauber and the people of Los Alamos. To my surprise, the beautiful blue sky and clear air made me feel refreshed and even familiar. After seeing exhibits and talking with people in Los Alamos—I reaffirmed the tremendous impact of science on humanity and the importance of faithfully facing history. ~Kenji Shiga, Former Director Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
LAJI NON-PROFIT FISCAL AGENT
The Paper Crane Foundation supports programming on reconciliation, disarmament and open, honest discussion of conflict. It is the sister organization to Japan’s Sadako Legacy, honoring Hiroshima survivor Sadako Sasaki, whose dying wish was for peace.
Your support enables LAJI to build intercultural bridges and cultural diplomacy through dialogue across shared histories.
Copyright © 2023 Los Alamos-Japan Institute—All Rights Reserved.