Objects of memory


These objects are given meaning through the collective acts of storytelling by Japanese American elders, stories about the communities created by Japanese American pioneers, who were systematically displaced by the U.S. Government, and society, during World War II. Despite the discrimination they faced, many brave individuals found ways to create goodness, beauty, and a sense of home.
Learn more about the stories of Japanese American families on the Central Coast by clicking on the objects.
Objects
Shelter Hinamatsuri Teapot Oral Histories Small Chest of Drawers Baseball Glove Heart Mountain Tray

Shelter

Few objects remain that recall pre-war memories associated with the site: An old wooden folding chair, marked with kanji characters, pointed to the gatherings that once took place to celebrate life and mourn death.

 

Original photograph. Pre-war era folding chair in the lot of the former Japanese American Cultural Center in Arroyo Grande, CA.  Courtesy of Margaret Ikeda. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.

Hinamatsuri

Barbara Kitasako celebrated her first birthday in 1941 with a display of Japanese Girls’ Day, or Hinamatsuri, dolls. When the Kitasako family was interned, like all internees, they could only bring what they could carry and left the dolls with a friend. When they finally returned home, a friend returned the dolls. As an expression of gratitude, Barbara’s mother gave one set of the dolls to their friend. Barbara has the remaining set.

Original photograph. Courtesy of Barbara Kikuko Finn. Photo by Brian Lawler. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.

Teapot

Few objects remain that recall pre-war memories associated with the site, including this charred teapot, lifted from the ruins of the recent fire, hinted at the families that never returned from the internment camps to reclaim their former lives.

Original photograph. Margaret Ikeda found this teapot in the rubble after Japanese Cultural Center was burnt down in 2011. The teapot might have been stored there by a family who went to camps and never returned. Courtesy of Margaret Ikeda. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.

 

Oral Histories

Barbara Kitasako celebrated her first birthday in 1941 with a display of Japanese Girls’ Day, or Hinamatsuri, dolls. When the Kitasako family was interned, like all internees, they could only bring what they could carry and left the dolls with a friend. When they finally returned home, a friend returned the dolls. As an expression of gratitude, Barbara’s mother gave one set of the dolls to their friend. Barbara has the remaining set.

Oral histories from various Japanese American families testify to the loss of their livelihoods, their possessions, and their homes. Many families also destroyed any objects that were Japanese, fearful of being associated with the Japanese empire with whom we were at war. The Japanese American Cultural Center in Arroyo Grande was burned down by arsonists in 2011. Since the 1930s, the buildings that were tucked away on Cherry Avenue, amidst vegetable fields, served as a community gathering place for weddings, funerals, assemblies, school, sports. After the interment of the local Japanese Americans ended, the hall served as temporary shelter for former internees.


Archival photograph. Barbara Kitasako on her first birthday, called Girl’s Day or Hinamatsuri. 1941.. Barbara Kikuko Finn’s grandparents, Uchutaro and Shiye Tamura, with George Aratani and his stepmother, Masako Aratani, at Gila River Relocation Center, Arizona. c. 1940s. Courtesy of Barbara Kikuko Finn. Photo illustration by Ragini Sahai. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.

Small Chest of Drawers

Small Chest of Drawers (not the same object as in the photograph, but similar)

Original photograph. Small Chest of Drawers. The drawer handles are made from carved peach pits. Courtesy of Barbara Kikuko Finn. Photo by Brian P. Lawler. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.

 

Baseball Glove

Outside, other activities commenced, like baseball. This glove, owned by Lefty Nishijima, was recognized at Dodger Stadium during the Nisei Baseball Research Project celebration, honoring pioneering Japanese American players.


Original photograph. Courtesy of Kazuo Ikeda. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.

Heart Mountain Tray

This tray may be similar to this tray, which was carved from found wood by Yoshida Yasujiro depicting Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming.


Original photograph. July 1943. Courtesy of Barbara Kikuko Finn. Photo by Brian P. Lawler. From the Exhibit “Objects of Affection.” Robert E. Kennedy Library, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California.