THE CAMPS, FROM "NISEI TRILOGY," 2015

"NISEI TRILOGY is a three print suite dedicated to the "Nisei", second generation Japanese Americans. Despite being American by birthright, the Nisei were denied their constitutional rights and placed in concentration camps for the duration of WW II. While incarcerated, the Nisei men were asked to volunteer for combat duty in Europe. As the 442nd regimental combat team, they went on to become the most decorated unit for its size in the history of the United States military.

Following the war, all Japanese Americans were finally allowed to return to their West coast homes. Despite their suffering and sacrifices, they were met with hatred and hostility.

As the Nisei population diminishes each year, future generations of Japanese Americans will be historically bereft, without an authentic appreciation of all examples set by the Nisei.

The images were created by artist Roger Shimomura. The text was provided by Larry Matsuda. Both artist and poet were incarcerated in Camp Minidoka, Idaho during the war and were later raised and educated in Seattle."