Joanne shared the experiences of Japanese-Americans on “the outside.”
Video Timeline
Note: To listen to a specific clip, move the slider on the video to the designated clip time listed below.
00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – Clip 1
Family history of how they came from Japan and settled as farmers in Bakersfield, CA.
05:46 – Clip 2
Growing up in Bakersfield, CA before the war.
08:42 – Clip 3
Memories from the time of the bombing until the evacuation. Joanne remembers upstanders who aided the Japanese Americans with their belongings and land during the war. She recounts the importance of helping others.
16:42 – Clip 4
Life after camp, focusing a lot on her continued education and the livelihood of her family.
21:48 – Clip 5
Her husband, Frank, was re-classified as an enemy alien after the war started and his draft number came up.
24:01 – Clip 6
Memories from camp and how your age determined your outlook on camp life.
24:52 – Credits
Photo Gallery
Primary source images to accompany Joanne Iritani’s story. Images provided by Joanne Iritani – Elk Grove Unified School District
In Memoriam
We are saddened to share that Joanne passed away on March 19, 2015 – View her obituary on nichibei.org
It was an honor to interview Joanne for our Time of Remembrance project. We encourage you to listen to and be inspired by her story of courage and resilience.