Signs of Home: The Paintings and Wartime Diary of Kamekichi Tokita

Kamekichi Tokita's paintings and wartime diary vividly illustrate the experiences, uncertainties, joys, and anxieties of Japanese Americans during World War II internment and the more optimistic times that preceded it. By the 1930s, he was established as a prominent member of the Northwest art scene and allied with progressive artists. His art shares qualities of American Realism while embodying a distinct Issei perspective on his new home. On the day of Pearl Harbor, Tokita started a diary that he vowed to keep until the war ended. The diary is a rare personal account of this time written by a person of maturity and stature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: University of Washington Press

This captivating and deeply moving biography delves into the life and artistic journey of Issei artist Kamekichi Tokita, using his paintings and wartime diary to vividly capture the experiences, uncertainties, joys, and anxieties of Japanese Americans during the World War II internment and the more optimistic times that preceded it. Tokita's journey began when he emigrated from Japan in the early 20th century and settled in Seattle's vibrant Japanese American immigrant community. By the 1930s, he had established himself as a prominent figure in the Northwest art scene, aligning himself with progressive artists in the region. His art, while influenced by American Realism, also reflects a distinctively Issei perspective on his new home.

On the fateful day of December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was bombed, Tokita began a diary that he committed to maintaining until the war's end. Within its pages, he recorded with remarkable vividness and insight the events, fears, rumors, restrictions, and his own emotional turmoil before and during his detention at Minidoka. The diary presented in this book is a rare personal account of that time, written as events unfolded by a person of maturity and stature.

This book serves as a valuable context for understanding Tokita's paintings and diary within the art community and Japanese American society. It also introduces us to an extraordinary individual who, despite facing challenging and disheartening times, embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm. Tokita's artistic journey is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Japanese American community during a period of immense hardship and adversity.

Through his paintings and diary, Tokita provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of Japanese Americans during the internment. His works capture the struggles, resilience, and hope of the community, depicting scenes of daily life, landscapes, and portraits of individuals. The diary, on the other hand, offers a personal and introspective account of his experiences, allowing us to intimately connect with his thoughts and emotions.

One of the most striking aspects of Tokita's diary is his unwavering optimism and determination. Despite the hardships and injustices he faced, he remained steadfast in his belief in the future and the strength of the Japanese American community. He expressed his gratitude for the support and kindness of his fellow interned individuals and expressed hope for a better life after the war.

Tokita's paintings also reflect his optimism and resilience. They depict scenes of nature, landscapes, and cityscapes, often infused with a sense of tranquility and beauty. Despite the oppressive conditions of the internment camps, Tokita found solace in his art, using it as a means of expressing himself and finding joy in the midst of adversity.

In addition to his artistic contributions, Tokita was also a community leader and advocate for the Japanese American community. He served as a board member for the Japanese American Citizens League and was involved in various efforts to promote education and cultural exchange between Japanese Americans and the broader community.

Tokita's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with people today. His art and diary serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the Japanese American community during a period of immense hardship and injustice. They also highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of the United States.

In conclusion, this beautiful and poignant biography of Issei artist Kamekichi Tokita offers a profound exploration of the experiences, uncertainties, joys, and anxieties of Japanese Americans during the World War II internment and the more optimistic times that preceded it. Tokita's paintings and diary provide a unique and personal perspective on this period, capturing the struggles, resilience, and hope of the Japanese American community. Through his art and words, Tokita reminds us of the importance of embracing life, overcoming adversity, and cherishing the diverse cultural heritage of our nation.

Weight: 771g
Dimension: 229 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295749693