Recognizing the Late Mr. Alan K. Simpson and the Late Mr. Bob Fuchigami (March 28, 2025)

The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver would like to recognize the late Mr. Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming, and the late Mr. Bob Fuchigami, survivor of the Colorado Amache internment camp.

Mr. Alan K. Simpson

Mr. Simpson passed away on March 14th at the age of 93. During his long and distinguished career, Simpson served as a representative in the Wyoming House of Representatives, member of the U.S. Senate, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in 2022. Simpson was a cross-party ally of the late Norman Mineta, the first Japanese American to hold a U.S. Cabinet post. The two met as boys while Mineta was interned at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center. As government officials, the two worked together to restore the honor of incarcerated Japanese Americans.

Consul-General Okajima visited Cheyenne, WY on Friday, March 28th as Mr. Simpson was laid in state to celebrate his life.

Mr. Bob Fuchigami

Mr. Fuchigami passed away at the age of 94. At the age of 11, Mr. Fuchigami was one of thousands imprisoned at the Amache internment camp between 1942 and 1945. After the conclusion of World War II, Mr. Fuchigami graduated high school, enlisted in the Navy and fought in the Korean War. He later became an educator and strong advocate for the preservation of the Amache camp as a historic site.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver is grateful for Mr. Fuchigami’s service to his communities, and for his work to ensure that the events of the past will not be forgotten.