Floyd Shimomura
| Floyd Shimomura | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 13, 1948 Winters, California, U.S. |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🎓 Alma mater | University of California, Davis School of Law (J.D., 1973) |
| 💼 Occupation | Attorney; administrative law judge |
| Known for | Leadership in Japanese American redress movement |
Floyd Dudley Shimomura (born March 13, 1948) is an American attorney and former administrative law judge, notable for his leadership within the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) during the U.S. redress movement and for curatorial and civic contributions preserving Japanese American history.
Career and public service
After earning his J.D. from the University of California, Davis in 1973, Shimomura served in senior roles within California state government, including positions in the Attorney General’s Office, State Personnel Board, and Department of Finance. He later became an administrative law judge and taught courses at UC Davis School of Law.[1]
JACL leadership and redress advocacy
Shimomura joined the JACL in the 1970s, initially serving as chair of its Northern California Civil Rights Committee. He rose to become national Vice President of Public Affairs and was elected JACL National President (1982–1984), becoming the first third-generation Japanese American (Sansei) to hold the position.[1]
During his presidency, he helped lead redress advocacy, including drafting organizational resolutions, contributing to legal briefs, and meeting with government officials. He also moderated a 2019 JACL plenary recounting early redress strategy and internal deliberations.[2]
Archival legacy
Shimomura’s records from his tenure as JACL President—including correspondence, meeting materials, legal briefings, and speeches—are held by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.[3]
Community and historical contributions
Shimomura continues to contribute to community heritage and education. He helped create the “Lost Japanese Community of Winters” exhibit and remains active in Japanese American historical and cultural organizations, including involvement with the U.S.–Japan Council and the Japanese American National Museum.[1][4]
Selected publications
- Shimomura, Floyd H. “The History of Claims Against the United States: The Evolution from a Legislative Toward a Judicial Model of Payment.” Louisiana Law Review 45.3 (1985). Full text
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Floyd Shimomura '73". UC Davis School of Law. 30 June 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ↑ Pacific Citizen Staff (August 16, 2019). "Plenary Reveals Maneuvers That Helped Redress Succeed". Pacific Citizen. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Floyd Shimomura Papers". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ↑ "Monument dedicated to lost Japanese American community of Winters". Nichibei Times. May 23, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
References
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