Due to the swift and forced evacuation of the Japanese Americans in the San Fernando Valley many lost their homes, their vehicles, and other priceless artifacts such as photographs and family heirlooms. However, some who wanted to prove their loyalty to America disposed of any and all items that linked them to Japan. Also, racism and discrimination was often experienced.

"The land, the title of the land was in my mother’s name because she was a US citizen, and we had a neighbor, a German neighbor and he watched our place while the family was at camp, but I understand that a family moved into the house and lived in our house during the war.
-Jane Muranaka

--
New Mothers 1940

Photo contributed by: Bill Watanabe

Names of people: Unknown

Date: Unknown

Place: Sun Valley, CA, U.S.A.

Photograph by: Unknown

Photo size: Unknown

Description: New mothers in Sun Valley, California at the Watanabe home.

© California State University, Northridge 2008

For more information about this project, please contact:


Edith Chen, Professor Asian American Studies Dept.

18111 Nordhoff St., JR 340
Northridge, CA 91330-8251

edith.chen@csun.edu
818-677-4966

Nancy Takayama

San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center

nt.high.mtn@juno.com