The Ireichō contains the first comprehensive listing of over 125,000 persons of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated in US Army, Department of Justice, Wartime Civil Control Administration, and War Relocation Authority camps.
You are invited to view and stamp the names and use a special Japanese hanko (a stamp or seal) to leave a mark for each person in the Ireichō as a way to honor those incarcerated during World War II. Community participation will “activate” it and rectify the historical record by correcting misspelled names or revealing names that may have been omitted from the record. The Ireichō will be on display until December 1, 2024.
Directions for Stamping the Ireichō
All visitors are welcome to stamp the Ireichō. You do not have to be a former incarceree, a relative, or a descendant of a former incarceree to stamp the book. We encourage you to stamp your name, or the names of family members or friends.
- Ireichō reservations are now full, but you may add your name to the waitlist to be contacted if spaces become available. Reservations are available in 15 minute time slots. Each party can only stamp up to six names.
Camp survivors and those with special circumstances can contact the Development office at 213.830.5646 or email development@janm.org to arrange a time to stamp your name.
- When filling out the reservation, please provide the names and dates of birth for the people you are stamping so that JANM can prepare for your visit. If you do not have six specific individuals, please type “NA” in the name fields.
- Upon arrival at JANM, you will check in at the front desk and receive a sticker indicating your access to the Ireichō. You and your accompanying guests will be directed to the Ireichō display to fill out a card, locate the names, and stamp the names in the book. Please note while stamping the Ireichō is free, it does not include admission to the Museum.
If you have questions, please check the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Ireichō Slideshow
The Ireichō opened to a page of incarcerees names
The Ireichō book and sotoba
The Ireichō opened to a page of incarcerees’ names
The Ireichō and sotaba from seventy-five camps
A woman stamps under a family member’s name in the Ireichō.
Photo by Mike Palma
Visitors looking at the sotaba
The Ireichō room
Signage on the exterior of the Ireichō room