Japanese Americans’ experience during WWII and JAMO’s legacy

Zenbird has covered war stories experienced in Japan. For the first time, we would like to feature Japanese individuals who lived in the U.S. during World War II and their experiences from the perspective of the opposing side. Experiences undoubtedly varied across different countries, despite their involvement in the same war. However, each experience must be remembered as an equally profound reminder for us to never repeat the same mistakes.

Voicing the history of Japanese American incarceration

“…on February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, stripping people of Japanese descent of their civil rights. That order and the subsequent actions carried out by the Federal Government represent one of the most shameful chapters in our Nation’s history. On this Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II, we acknowledge the unjust incarceration of some 120,000 Japanese Americans, approximately two-thirds of whom were born in the United States.” – The White House

West Coast Japantowns are historically significant neighborhoods predominantly populated by Japanese Americans. However, it’s not widely known in Japan that during World War II, the structures in these neighborhoods were forcibly dismantled as individuals of Japanese descent were interned in American concentration camps. I discovered this aspect of history, closely linked to our ancestors, when I initially came to the U.S. for my studies. I often wonder where I and others would have encountered this narrative if not for such experiences, as it isn’t typically taught in schools.

The Zenbird editorial team toured The Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO) to explore the war from a different perspective. What was the experience like for the Japanese on the opposing side of the war, as Japan as a country went through its own unique challenges?

JAMO is one of only three Japanese American cultural museums in the U.S., besides being the only one in Oregon. Their permanent exhibit, “Oregon’s Nikkei: An American Story of Resilience,” unfolds a tale of discrimination, resilience and identity. Spanning early immigration to the present day, the exhibit delves into the enduring experiences of Japanese Americans in Oregon’s history.

About JAMO

Located in Portland, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon serves as a cultural hub and research facility, offering insights into Nikkei experiences and their contributions to Oregon’s multicultural community. The permanent exhibit explores Issei immigration, early Oregon life, Nihonmachi (Japantown), post-incarceration experiences (including the Portland Assembly Center) and modern Nikkei life. It aims to be a vital space in Portland’s Old Town, preserving and sharing Japanese Americans’ rich history and culture.

Tour guide profile: Elissa Dingus (Director of Education and Engagement)

She has a strong teaching background in Oregon Public Schools, leadership in equity advisory committees and specific research and curriculum development relevant to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. She attended the Heart Mountain NEH Landmark Workshops and the Minidoka Pilgrimage in 2019. Elissa helps the museum expand its resources for educators and learners of all ages.

The rise of racism against Japanese Americans

The majority of the first-generation “Issei” who arrived in Oregon around 1890 were hardworking individuals, particularly excelling in farming through the application of Japanese traditional methods. Portland’s Nihonmachi, or Japantown, experienced significant growth, with its population surpassing 1,600 by 1940. It functioned as a thriving community, offering various services including restaurants, Japanese-owned hotels, medical clinics and even a newspaper.

According to JAMO’s records, a major media outlet began to claim that “an invasion of Japanese immigrants was threatening white workers’ jobs.” The museum has curated documents detailing the discrimination against Japanese Americans dating back to the 1900s.

Visitors can examine various pieces of evidence showcasing the buildup of racism towards Japanese even before the war began. For instance, you can learn about the Alien Land Law of 1923, which prohibited Issei from owning land and legalized racism. The outbreak of war against Japan further fueled and justified racism against the Japanese.

The struggle with identity amid forced relocation

From the date the order was issued until Japanese residents were forced to evacuate to the Portland Assembly, where they initially gathered, the timeframe was extremely short, to say the least. “People only had six days to take care of all of their belongings and close businesses,” Dingus explains. People mostly gave away or abandoned everything they owned since they weren’t allowed to bring them. Less than a week later, not only were their homes lost, but the close-knit community was also broken up, and jobs and schools were removed from their lives.

Every Japanese individual was then given a tag with an identity number, eliminating the use of names. “Children were told by parents to memorize their number so that they could reunite in case of separation,” says Dingus, showing me physical samples of the tags used. They knew nothing about the place they were going to be sent to and what life was going to be like. They could only tell that their identity was taken away one by one along with their dignity.

Endurance and resilience in concentration camps

Nikkei from Oregon were relocated to Minidoka, Idaho, a desert land that stood in stark contrast to their original home with its wet and lush climate. According to the museum’s record, despite the despair, loss and harsh conditions, many in Minidoka managed to make the best of their situation. Faced with the loss of homes, businesses and freedom, many Nikkei relied on the Japanese value of “gaman” to endure the up to three years in their desert prison. “Gaman (我慢)” in Japanese refers to the act of enduring, persevering or showing patience. This expression conveys the idea of enduring and persevering with resilience in the face of difficulties or hardships.

In Addition, “Kodomo no tame ni,” meaning “For the sake of the children,” served as the guiding principle for the generational sacrifice. In the face of adversity, parents worked to establish a sense of normalcy, shielding their children from the harsh realities of imprisonment. For example, they established schools, baseball teams and fields within the camp.

The museum thoroughly covers how people survived the tragedy and uncertainty, both as individuals and as a new community.

Storytelling and education: Building hope for future generations

Dingus agrees that there is certainly an aspect of discomfort that comes with going through this museum. “At the same time, I know that the space can also be one where people can gain a greater perspective on U.S. history because the story is not necessarily unique in a lot of its components. There are themes, ideas and actions that we see ripple throughout U.S. history,” she assures.

Moreover, Dingus quotes Dr. Frank Kitamoto, who was incarcerated as a child, “This is not just a Japanese American story but an American story with implications for the world.” It is a story worth telling our future generations.

The museum often leads tours for multiple school groups, ranging from elementary to high school-aged children, each week during peak times when field trips are happening. They also host international programs, including students from Japan through Portland State University’s exchange programs. Dingus comments, “An interesting thing that I have learned with the school groups is that they are completely unfamiliar with this history.” There’s much more to be done as a society, but it’s not hopeless because “children are always curious and like to ask questions.” We can answer their questions and educate them as long as we carry on the legacy and storytelling. In that regard, the museum plays a vital role.

What does JAMO need from society to continue its effort?

The leadership of the museum seems prominent within the Japanese American community as well. “JAMO is the only Japanese American organization remaining in historic Nihonmachi. Its presence is crucial as a reminder of the unseen history,” advocates Dingus. Without the museum in the area, the hope of preserving the history and the means to tell the story is more likely to diminish.

She expresses the desire for a broader public to visit, learn about less familiar history, and support their work. On a larger scale, museums and culturally specific organizations like JAMO have been struggling, especially since the start of the pandemic. “We’re constantly seeking to build new connections and find new donors and sponsors to facilitate memorable exhibitions, events and programs.”

Editor’s note

You will walk into the Omiyage Museum Store when finished with the tour. It doesn’t seem overly commercial. Each Japanese-rooted item, from home accessories to origami creations and art objects, spoke to me as if it were proof of resiliency and commitment. It felt empowering standing there, observing people’s beautiful creations that ironically wouldn’t exist without the terrible struggles the museum documents: a fight we hope never to repeat.

If you are interested in visiting the exhibition, here are the details:

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon
[Open/Hours] Wednesday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday 11am-4pm
[Admission fee] ・Friends of JAMO: Free
・Adults $8
・Seniors $6
・Students $5
・Children 11 and under: Free
[Location] Japanese American Museum of Oregon at Naito Center
411 NW Flanders St.
Portland, OR 97209
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