About this Exhibition 

In this exhibition, Images and Imaginings of Internment: Comics and Illustrations of Camp, you will learn about the Japanese American wartime incarceration and its legacy through images, mainly comics. Images are a good way to learn about incarceration because the government prevented incarcerated Japanese Americans from documenting their daily lives through film or photography. One of the only ways they could share their experience was through comics, art, and illustrations. 

The images of incarceration created by Japanese Americans in camp were very different from the images created by those outside of camp. Artists outside of camp often used their art to try and justify the Japanese American incarceration. Looking at both of these representations helps us understand the Japanese American Incarceration experience and how such an injustice was allowed to happen. 

Why Is This Project Important? 

The images that surround us every day shape who we are and how we interpret the world around us. Today, we see a lot of images through social media. During World War II, comics were one of the most popular forms of image consumption. Learning about the Japanese American Incarceration through comics allows us to understand how images both reinforced and challenged the narratives surrounding this significant moment in United States history. The power of images is something that we continue to grapple with today.

The comics in this exhibit are also important because they show the role that the Yellow Peril played in shaping how people of Asian decent were depicted before World War II and shaped how they continued to be depicted after. Looking at these images gives us glimpse into the past, present, and future of representation. 

Content Advisory

This site engages with a history that includes negative language and images as well as mistreatment of Japanese Americans. We have made a decision not to remove this content but, rather, to provide a space for conversation about the power of words and images. We ask you to consider how stereotypical language and negative imagery, even in seemingly harmless comic books, can lead to destructive actions by individuals and governments.

If we do not acknowledge this painful history as it existed, we cannot move forward with respect for those who were harmed or for the possibility of a future without such negative consequences for all people.

What do you know about the Japanese American Incarceration? 

• Did you know that approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned in incarceration camps during World War II out of fear that they were enemy spies?
• Did you know that of these 120,000 Japanese Americans, more than two-thirds were born United States citizens?
• Did you know that a large portion of the Japanese Americans who were imprisoned in incarceration camps were children? 
• Did you know that Japanese Americans volunteered to serve in the military while they and their families were still imprisoned in camp? 
• Did you know that none of these 120,000 Japanese Americans were ever found guilty of being an enemy spy? 

Let's Talk About It! 

1. What did you already know about the Japanese American Incarceration? (Hint: It's ok if you didn't know anything!) 
2. Did any of the facts above surprise you? Which stood out the most? 
3. What questions do you have about the Japanese American Incarceration?

Tips for Navigating this Exhibition

• Throughout this exhibition, you will see a small, grey comment bubble at the bottom of the screen. We encourage everyone to leave their thoughts, findings, questions, and/or suggestions there. Your comments will be reviewed and published shortly after your submission. Your contributions are an important part of this project and will enrich the experiences of those who come after you. 
• You can navigate from page to page by clicking the blue button at the bottom of the screen or navigating to the Table of Contents using the hamburger menu in the top left