Introduction to Japanese American Internment

The Japanese American experience during World War II is a poignant chapter in American history. Thousands of Japanese Americans, including those living along the West Coast, were forced into internment camps. This article explores the lives of Japanese Americans who were eventually released from these camps and the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives, focusing particularly on those in the suburban areas of Philadelphia.

The Context of Exclusion and Internment

For detailed information about the policies of exclusion and the internment of Japanese Americans, please consult the Densho Encyclopedia.

Life Post-Internment in Philadelphia

My parents, who were Japanese American, were initially released from internment camps to reside in suburban Philadelphia. My mother was expelled from the Heart Mountain Wyoming Relocation Center and my father returned from fighting in France and Italy as part of the Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat group. Their lives post-release were significantly impacted by the social and emotional challenges of reintegration.

Role of Local Support Organizations

The local Society of Friends, Quakers in Philadelphia played a crucial role in assisting Japanese American families in resettling. They provided temporary housing and other social services, enabling my mother and others to restart their lives.

Initial Challenges and Racism

Communities in the Philadelphia suburbs and beyond likely exhibited initial suspicion and, at times, overt racism towards Japanese Americans returning to their homes. As a child, my father advised me to 'never ever mess up at school or in public, because you are Japanese American. You mess up once and they will never forget you.' This advice echoed the broader societal climate prevalent during that era. It is crucial to understand these sentiments, as they were deeply influenced by the backdrop of internment and historical prejudices.

Experiences During the Suburbanization

My family's experiences, while specific to our situation, reflect a wider narrative. The suburbanization process was a significant challenge for many Japanese Americans as they sought to adapt to a new environment. The following are some insights into the challenges faced by this community.

Retail and Business Challenges

Businesses and professional opportunities in the suburban areas were not always welcoming. My father's ability to return to his pre-war job was in part due to the support provided by the local Quakers. However, the broader community's acceptance was a prolonged process.

Community Integration and Racial Conflicts

With the return to the West Coast, conflicts and racial tensions were inevitable. Family stories and historical accounts suggest that the discriminatory views towards Japanese Americans persisted, with some quarters expressing an unwavering preference for Japanese Americans dating among their own ethnicity. The article by Yasuo Yamashita, published in the Los Angeles Times in 1946, provides a poignant illustration of these emotions. One such account is particularly vivid: when a few Japanese American teenage males around my age from Los Angeles visited, they asked me if I ever dated non-Japanese American females. They expressed a sentiment that those who weren't Japanese American could never be trusted, a view that was foreign and uncomfortable for me.

Legacy and Impact

The experience of Japanese Americans post-internment reveals the complex interplay between exclusion, reintegration, and the long-standing impacts of prejudice. This legacy continues to shape the narratives of Japanese Americans today, influencing their sense of community, identity, and social interactions.

Conclusion

The stories of Japanese Americans who returned to their communities after internment are a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of this community. Their journey to find a new normal, face societal challenges, and rebuild their lives is a testament to their strength and determination. It is important to continue to educate and learn from these experiences to ensure that such historical injustices are not forgotten.