History in Translation

History in Translation 2022

Overview

Learning About The Mass Incarceration of Japanese Americans During World War II Through Translation

Timeline

Take a look at our visits to historic sites in California to find out about the lives of former internees, both pre- and post-camp.

Japanese American National Museum
Go For Broke Educational Center
Manzanar National Historic Site
full itinerary

Translation Work

Detailed information regarding Japanese American internment camps and Japan-US relations during World War II are not widely published by either the Japanese or American governments. Therefore, the bulk of our current knowledge about these subjects comes from survivors who are willing to share their stories. Hisae (Genie) Obana, whose story has been translated into Japanese by our team, is one such survivor.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Reflections

    Kanako Matsuyama
    Kanako Matsuyama

    ICU Student

    No one’s circumstances, sorrow, frustration or pain can or should be compared in any way.

      Maria Romero
      Maria Romero

      Middlebury College Student

      I found myself clinging to my cultural ties.

        Alejandra Yepis
        Alejandra Yepis

        Middlebury College Student

        Japanese American history is not so black and white.

          Mia Kojima
          Mia Kojima

          Middlebury College Student

          Walking through the remains and restorations of Manzanar was a completely different experience.

            Sayaka Kono
            Sayaka Kono

            ICU Student

            I wondered why America teach students history of Japanese Americans in school because Japan do not teach it. However, my thinking has changed thanks to have a lot of opportunities to learn about it.

              Taniya Newson
              Taniya Newson

              Middlebury College Student

              We become kind of “numb” or desensitized to the true terribleness of war on an individual level.

              FULL REFLECTIONS

              Gallery

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