June Aochi Berk, born in 1932 in Hollywood, California, has been a prominent figure in the Japanese American community, known for her dedication to cultural preservation and education. From a young age, June immersed herself in Japanese culture, performing traditional dance at the inaugural Nisei Week Parade in 1936. She trained under the esteemed dance instructor Fujima Kansuma, showcasing her talents in Los Angeles and during her time at the Santa Anita Assembly Center and Rohwer concentration camp in Arkansas during World War II. 

June’s wartime experiences have fueled her commitment to sharing the history of Japanese American incarceration. She has been an active community educator, participating in interviews and discussions to shed light on this chapter of American history. In recognition of her contributions, June was honored with the Nisei Week Pioneer Spirit Award in 2024, celebrating her role as a goodwill ambassador of the Japanese American experience. 

June is a mother of five—Ron, Susan, Jill, Lee, and Kyle Yamashiro—and has nine grandchildren. She currently resides in Studio City, California, where she continues to be an active member of her community.