Image Making and Personal Narratives with Japanese-American Survivors of World War II Internment Camps

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the verbal and art making responses of Japanese-American elders who experienced the trauma of internment during World War II. Six Nisei (second generation Japanese-Americans) were asked to recall memories of their experiences during and immediately following internment; 3 of the participants also created art images that enhanced memories and evoked emotion. From an in-depth review of the data, the authors identify seven prominent themes: (a) stressful living conditions in camp, (b) art and creativity for camp survival, (c) loss and deprivation, (d) separation or division of family and community ties, (e) disruption of identity, (f ) resilience and reaffirmation of values, and (g) the need for legacy and social justice. The study found that participants' internalized shame from being labeled "enemy aliens" has evolved into an externalized concern for discriminatory actions against minority groups that are marginalized by war.