LAS ANGELES, CA.- The Japanese American National Museum was presented the Institute of Museums and Library Services’ (IMLS) National Medal, the nation’s highest honor for museums, by First Lady Michelle Obama in ceremonies at the White House on Friday, December 17, 2010. The National Medal was accepted by National Museum President & CEO Akemi Kikumura Yano, Board Chairman Emeritus Ernest Doizaki, and community member Paul Takemoto. Institutions are presented with the National Medal by IMLS in recognition for their “extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.” The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to underscore the important role played by these institutions throughout the nation.