George and Brad Takei Pledge Estate to Japanese American National Museum

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor and activist George Takei and his husband, Brad Takei, have pledged their estate, currently valued at more than $21 million, to the Japanese American National Museum, it was announced Thursday.

The museum will be the sole beneficiary of the Takeis' estate, and a new 9,200-square-foot gallery in JANM's core exhibition, "In the Future We Call Now: Realities of Racism, Forging Democracy," will be named for the couple in recognition of the gift, according to museum officials.

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"JANM represents the resilience of humanity through the stories and experiences of Japanese Americans over many generations. We wanted our gift to ensure that for generations to come, the Museum will remain a vital and active place for our community to come together to learn, reflect, and be inspired to continue the fight for a more just future," George Takei said.

"For over 40 years, the museum has illuminated the connections between history, democracy, and social justice. No child should carry the trauma of racially motivated discrimination or incarceration as many Japanese Americans were forced to endure during WWII. JANM embodies the power of diversity, community, and civic participation. We believe that our gift will strengthen JANM's mission and its voice to speak for all Americans."

George and Brad Takei have given $22.5 million to JANM since 1989, including the promised estate gift, according to the museum.

George Takei, known for portraying Hikaru Sulu in the "Star Trek" franchise, has been involved with JANM since its founding in 1985. He was a founding trustee, chaired its Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2004 and continues to serve on the board.

As a child during World War II, Takei and his family were incarcerated at the Rohwer concentration camp in Arkansas and later at the Tule Lake Segregation Center in California. His graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," and children's book, "My Lost Freedom," recount those experiences.

Takei donated his personal collection to JANM in 2017. The collection includes more than 175 linear feet of artifacts, photographs, correspondence, scripts, awards, campaign materials and other materials from his life and career.

"It is an honor for the Japanese American National Museum to be the sole beneficiary of the Takei estate," JANM President and CEO Ann Burroughs said. "George's and Brad's commitment to our mission and their iconic leadership in tackling the toughest civil rights issues in our country continue to inspire the work we do everyday."

JANM's Pavilion is closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen Jan. 23, 2027. The renovated museum will include the new core exhibition and interactive StoryFiles featuring Takei and other Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II.

"In the Future We Call Now" will include several images from the George Takei Collection, including a photograph of Takei with his kindergarten class at Rohwer and an image of George and Brad Takei's wedding at JANM.

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