URGENT UPDATE: The traveling Ireicho, a powerful testament to the over 100,000 Japanese Americans interned during World War II, is making headlines as it continues its nationwide tour. The Ireicho, meaning “record of names,” is currently visiting various cities, including a recent stop in Palo Alto, where families of survivors gathered to honor their loved ones.
The book serves as a crucial reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans, many of whom were citizens. Jeff Kawaguchi from Foster City, California, described his visit as a deeply spiritual experience. “I could feel all of them in the room,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these lessons from history.
This tour comes at a pivotal moment, as it echoes past injustices highlighted by recent actions from the current administration. President Donald Trump has invoked the same Alien Enemies Act of 1798 that facilitated the internment of Japanese Americans to justify deportations of immigrants linked to alleged gang activities. This controversial use of the law has faced legal challenges, adding urgency to the discussions surrounding the Ireicho’s message.
Among those reflecting on the past is Eizo Kobayashi, who was just a child during this dark chapter in American history. Looking back, he recalled the moment he learned about the U.S. declaring war on Japan. “The expression during that time was, ‘the only good Jap is a dead Jap,’” Kobayashi recounted, highlighting the pervasive prejudice of the era.
After being uprooted from their home in Oakland, Kobayashi and his family were taken to an assembly center at Tanforan, an old horse racetrack, before ultimately being moved to the Topaz Internment Camp in Utah. His memories of the stench and confinement serve as grim reminders of the trauma endured by countless families.
Kawaguchi believes the Ireicho serves not only as a memorial but also as a call to action to ensure that such injustices are never repeated. “The sacrifices and the prejudice faced during that time must be shared so that history does not repeat itself,” he urged.
The Ireicho will return to Northern California in early 2026, with stops planned in San Jose and Sacramento. As the exhibition continues to travel, it provides an essential opportunity for reflection and education on the lessons learned from this painful chapter in American history.
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