The National WWII Museum has opened an exhibit honoring second-generation Japanese Americans who served in the Allied effort of World War II.
Featuring photographer Shane Sato’s portraits of Japanese American war veterans, “The Go for Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits” exhibit is a testament to the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and its component unit, the 100th Infantry Battalion. “Go for Broke” was the motto of the unit, which came from the Hawaiian expression for “risk it all” and symbolizes the resilient spirit of the troops.
“These men and women showed intense loyalty to their nation despite rampant discrimination from their fellow Americans,” said associate curator Chase Tomlin.
For the 10 months that the small unit served in 1943, the 100th Battalion/442nd regiment became the most decorated unit in U.S. Army history, with 21 medals of honor. The exhibit is an “amalgamation of Shane’s work and our collection coming together to tell their story,” Tomlin said.
Emphasis on service
Pointing visitors to the first part of the exhibit is a photo of Japanese American war veteran Alfred Arakaki, who was wounded five times in combat and had many more close calls.
Japanese American soldiers, or Nisei, faced persistent prejudice during WWII and onwards. In the wake of Pearl Harbor and Executive Order 9066, thousands of people of Japanese descent were incarcerated due to society’s suspicion. They were classified as “4C-enemy aliens” — not desirable for service in the Armed Forces. Regardless, patriotism prevailed for many in the desire to fight for their country.
“This is a difficult but meaningful chapter in American history,” said Tomlin. “It’s important that an emphasis is placed on their service, which is the only way we will see sweeping changes in how this group is perceived.”
Before Japanese American men were allowed to serve in combat in 1943, they contributed as translators, interrogators and interpreters, while women did their part as nurses.
First of its kind
Sato’s portrait series is one of the first of its kind to highlight the unique stories of the nearly 33,000 Japanese American men and women who served in WWII, as well as explore the postwar lives of veterans. Based in Los Angeles, the artist has been shooting portraits of the veterans since 1999. Sato’s own Japanese American heritage inspired him to look deeper into the experiences of those involved in WWII as a way to “carry the torch” of his forebears.
For the first time at the WWII museum, Sato’s photographs are bolstered by artifacts and oral histories such as congressional gold medals, Air Force patches and historical documents provided by the veterans.
With a range of emotions, styles and stories, Sato’s portraits provide an important glimpse into the lives and legacies of these brave men and women.
A photograph of Mas Tsuida from Shane Sato’s portrait collection on display in the National WWII Museum’s ‘The Go For Broke Spirit: Legacy in Portraits’ exhibit.
Thirty-four photos and about 20 artifacts make up the collection. Veterans are depicted in their uniforms or posing with implements of warfare, which “provides a sense of immediacy,” said Tomlin. “You’re able to picture these men as members of an elite fighting unit. “
The exhibit opened just in time for Independence Day on June 30 in the Joe W. & Dorothy D. Brown Foundation Special Exhibit Gallery and will be on display until March 31, 2024. Admission is included with museum entry.
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