Nikkei Chicago / 日系シカゴ

Documenting the untold stories of Nikkei (Japanese American) Chicago シカゴにおける日系人に関する記事のサイト

Gaman – Portraits of Chicago Nisei WWII Veterans

Gaman: Portraits of Chicago Nisei World War II Veterans, chronicles the experiences of six Japanese American veterans. After the United States entered World War II, Executive Order 9066 was signed, classifying all Japanese living in the United States, citizens and non-citizens, as 4C – Enemy Alien. Those living on the west coast were ordered to report to assembly centers and relocated to internment camps.

Gaman explores the veterans memories before the war, the impact the attack on Pearl Harbor had on their lives, the internment, their time in the military, and how they settled in Chicago, Illinois after the war.

Gaman: Portraits of Chicago Nisei World War II Veterans follows the stories of six Japanese American veterans.

Video by DANIEL IZUI

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Contributor Bio:

Daniel Izui is a Yonsei from Evanston, Illinois.  He is a graduate of the Brooks Institute’s film school in Santa Barbara and Ventura, California.  His grandfather, Victor Izui, was a medic during World War II in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.  Much of Daniel’s childhood was spent listening to his grandfather’s experiences of the relocation and the war.  The stories of his grandfather and many other veterans continue to fascinate and influence him in his life and his work as a filmmaker.  In 2012 he was commissioned by the Japanese American Citizens League – Chicago to direct the film Gaman: Portraits of Chicago Nisei World War II Veterans, a documentary short for the Nikkei World War II Veterans Tribute in Chicago.  He currently works as a filmmaker and photographer at Izui Photography, Inc.  More of Daniel’s work can be found at www.danielizui.com and www.izui.com.

12 comments on “Gaman – Portraits of Chicago Nisei WWII Veterans

  1. gpcox
    October 24, 2014

    I only just located your site and I’m glad I did!

  2. GP Cox
    August 1, 2015

    Reblogged this on Pacific Paratrooper and commented:
    Honoring our Nisei veterans….

    • R Y
      August 1, 2015

      Thank you for forwarding this important story!

      • GP
        March 3, 2021

        You’re welcome.

  3. Pierre Lagacé
    August 1, 2015

    Reblogged this on Lest We Forget and commented:
    Sharing history

    • R Y
      August 1, 2015

      Thank you for forwarding this important story!

  4. Pierre Lagacé
    August 1, 2015

    As a footnote

    I have helped a filmmaker who wanted to interview some of the WW II veterans I know. The film project should be finalised by 2017.

  5. Glazed
    August 1, 2015

    What a nice tribute. I’m glad things turned out well for many Japanese-Americans in the end, but what a shame that they had to go through the internment camps. It’s a black mark in American history.

  6. swabby429
    August 1, 2015

    This is a touching video.

  7. R Y
    August 1, 2015

    Thank you all for your comments!

  8. Mrs. P
    August 1, 2015

    Wonderful video…especially the end. Thank you for posting.

  9. suchled
    August 2, 2015

    Thank you. As “Glazed” says it was a black mark in American history. In Australia we weren’t much better. But are we not doing the same again? Since 9/11 and since the outbreak of ISIS are we not demonising all Muslims. In Australia I know there is more feelings against ordinary Muslims than ever before. We are a welcoming and tolerant society, but I am frightened that a small element could destroy a lot of what we cherish.

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This entry was posted on September 15, 2014 by in Community, Nisei, Resettlers, Veterans, World War II and tagged , , , , , , , .
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