Duncan Ryuken Williams, a religion professor who directs the Shinso Ito Center for Japanese Religions and Culture at the University of Southern California, won the prize for ideas set forth in “American Sutra: A Story of Faith and Freedom in the Second World War,” his 2019 book published by Harvard University Press.

After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government forcibly relocated more than 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry and imprisoned them in detention camps on U.S. soil. Two-thirds were practicing Buddhists.

Some were sent to live in former fairgrounds where stables were hastily converted into living quarters. Others were crowded into dwellings of tarpaper-roofed, Army-style bunkers. Many lost their homes, farms and businesses along with their possessions.

As reviewed diaries and other records of their stay in the camps, he learned Buddhists continued to worship even in confinement. One family celebrated Buddha’s birthday by pouring coffee over a carrot carved in his likeness when they could not perform the traditional ritual of pouring tea over a Buddha statue.

“Their imprisonment became a way to discover freedom, a liberation that the Buddha himself attained only after embarking on a spiritual journey filled with obstacles and hardships,” he said.

The Buddhists’ steadfast devotion to faith in such conditions showed it was possible to be both Buddhist and American and helped launch a less sectarian form of the religion in the United States, Williams found.

“Williams’ work opens the way for a discussion that values religious inclusion over exclusion,” said Tyler Mayfield, who directs the Grawemeyer religion award. “He shows how Japanese Americans living in a time of great adversity broadened our nation’s vision of religious freedom.”

The University of Louisville and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary jointly give the religion prize.

Recipients of next year’s s were named this week pending formal approval by university and seminary trustees. The $100,000 prizes also honor seminal ideas in music, world order, psychology and education. Winners will visit Louisville in April to accept their awards and give free talks on the winning ideas.

Following the success and popularity of the 2015 event, organizers are hosting the celebration for a second year to honor the legacy and service of the Greatest Generation.

In Louisville, the Spirit of ‘45 will take place at the Vintage WarBirds Hangar 5 at Bowman Field, 2700 Gast Blvd. On Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., exhibits, demonstrations and entertainment will evoke memories of Louisville during World War II.

“The University of Louisville has been working to educate members of the military, veterans and their families since World War II, when we helped train officers in the V-12 program,” said Renee Finnegan, UofL executive director of military initiatives. “Last year, we were named a ‘Best for Vets’ university because of our tireless work for those who have dedicated their lives to our freedom. We are honored to serve those who have served their country.”

UofL’s contributions to the event are included below: 

• In appreciation of their service, veterans attending Saturday’s event will have an opportunity to make an appointment for a complimentary dental exam and panoramic x-ray at the UofL School of Dentistry. Dental students also plan to provide oral health education at their booth.
• The UofL Kornhauser Library will have a custom-made exhibit featuring memorabilia from the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing from the WWII era. In addition, a number of UofL faculty and alumni plan to display their personal WWII memorabilia and model airplane collections.
• UofL’s Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging will provide information on healthy aging and living, along with opportunities to sign a participant registry for those interested in taking part in academic research projects. In keeping with the theme of aging well, the Institute also will raffle two basketballs – one signed by Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum and the other signed by Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. Tickets are $20 and $15 respectively, with the proceeds going to the Spirit of ’45 Committee to offset costs for next year’s event.

Other presenters include the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, and a variety of other veterans organizations. Vintage military equipment, vehicles and aircraft also will be on display. Admission is free, a $5 donation is requested for parking.

In the same location, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., a “Canteen Dinner and Dance” will be held, featuring the Ladies of Liberty and the Don Krekel Orchestra performing big-band hits of the period, and a drawing to give four people a free ride in the UPS simulator. Admission is $50 per person.

Update: Photos from this year’s event are .