The Making Waves: Japanese American Photography, 1920–1940 exhibition took an in-depth look at pre-war Japanese American photographers and photography clubs along the Pacific coast whose works were exhibited and published internationally to considerable acclaim. Sadly, much of this output was lost or destroyed during the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans at the onset of World War II. These profiles were produced for the exhibition.
J.T. Sata
J.T. Sata was one of several Japanese American photographers taking part in an adventurous avant-garde photography movement in Los Angeles during the 1920s and 1930s. This video offers a glimpse into Sata’s life and work.
Produced by Akira Boch, John Esaki, and Evan Kodani
2016
3 minutes
Toyo Miyatake
Toyo Miyatake was a Japanese American photographer most widely known for smuggling camera parts into the Manzanar concentration camp during World War II and documenting the lives of those imprisoned. But prior to the war, he was one of several Japanese Americans taking part in an adventurous avant-garde photography movement in Los Angeles. This video offers insight into Miyatake’s work before, during, and after World War II.
Produced by Akira Boch, John Esaki, and Evan Kodani
2016
3 minutes
Ichiro “Eddie” Itani
Ichiro “Eddie” Itani was one of several Japanese American photographers taking part in an adventurous avant-garde photography movement in Los Angeles during the 1920s and '30s. This video offers a glimpse into Itani’s life and work.
Produced by Akira Boch, John Esaki, and Evan Kodani
2016
2 minutes
Shigemi Uyeda
Shigemi Uyeda was one of several Japanese American photographers taking part in an adventurous avant-garde photography movement in Los Angeles during the 1920s and ’30s. This video offers a glimpse into Uyeda’s life and work.
Produced by Akira Boch, John Esaki, and Evan Kodani
2016
3 minutes
T.K. Shindo
T.K. Shindo was one of several Japanese American photographers taking part in an adventurous avant-garde photography movement in Los Angeles during the 1920s and ’30s. This video offers a glimpse into Shindo’s life and work.
Produced by Akira Boch, John Esaki, and Evan Kodani
2016
2 minutes
