of Japanese Diaspora in Lima, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Sáo Paulo.” The exhibit began with a huge art piece on the outside, created from stretched out rope. Inside, there were numerous different rooms, each focusing on their own unique narrative of the Japanese Latin American experience. Artists of these regions are on display, demonstrating the effects of their hybrid culture. One interesting piece in particular that stood out was a whole room that contained pink hanging fixtures from the ceiling. This specific piece was beautiful, in that it was so well laid out and planned. Plus, the placing of it meant that the museum guest had to walk under it, making it an immersive experience.

 

On the second floor, the main exhibit was open. In this walkthrough, the museum guests were taken through a brief history of Japanese Americans in the United States. It began with the immigration to the States, and then the adjustment to the new lifestyle. As part of the exhibit, there were segments of magazines and media that demonstrated racism towards the Japanese Americans. One of the articles I found deeply distressing, was titled, “How To Tell Japs From The Chinese.” In this article, the blatant prejudice for both races is clear. It stereotypes both Chinese and Japanese physical features to inform the reader on how to tell the difference between the two of them.

 

Further, the exhibit then went into more detail regarding the internment camp process. Another interesting segment of the museum that I found engaging was a topic on U.S. government euphemisms. It discussed the government’s decision to change words such as “concentration camps” to “relocation centers” and use phrases such as “evacuation” and “relocation” to minimize the effect that it might have on public opinion.

 

Additionally, the museum is currently continuing an open dialogue on race and the past experiences of Japanese Americans living in the United States during WWII. Through “The Remembrance Project,” the museum encourages families and individuals to share their own personal story to keep history alive. This ensures that these stories will not be forgotten, and instead, preserved for future generations alike.

 

Overall, the National Japanese American Museum serves as a great place for scholars and residents alike to learn more about the Japanese American experience. Its location in downtown makes it available to anyone wanting to stop by.