Primary sources

This report discusses raids on Japanese and how plans are in process for the “large scale movement of Japanese nationals from strategic and vulnerable areas to the interior of the state and the cancellation of Brazilian nationality of those by Japanese birth engaged in the industry. A firmer attitude on the part of the Federal Government will be necessary for the adoption of these projects.” 

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA9, Folder 3, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

The report delineates the “The most serious situation concerns the Japanese…it seems to me that above all else some very definite assurances should be obtained that drastic and restrictive measures will be taken in the immediate future to control the very dangerous potentialities of the concentration.” 

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA9, Folder 3, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

In a January 4, 1946,  Department of State memorandum to Latin Americans of Japanese descent interned in the United States emphasizes the suspension of civil and legal rights of detainees. The notice highlights how internees are being held under the Alien Enemy Act, which gives the President the "power to confine and deport natives or citizens of an enemy country in time of war." While other declassified documents were included to legislators in Inouye's efforts to galvanize support for a fact-finding commission, this memorandum was not part of the supporting articles included in his 2005 letter to various congressmen including Carl Levin.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA10, Folder 6, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

William Hohri, editor and head of the National Council for Japanese American Redress, opines the necessity of Latin American reparations to the Japanese American community. Hohri initially urged the JACL to pursue redress legislation, but ultimately criticized their reluctance to demand action. Founding the National Council for Japanese American Redress, Hohri adamantly championed the cause for redress and included Japanese Latin Americans in his efforts.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA3, Folder 1, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

Mark Nishimura reflects on the 2001 National Japanese American Historical Society's exhibit, "Enemy Alien Files," on Japanese, German, and Italian communities in Latin American interned during World War II. Nishimura draws connections to xenophobia post 9/11 and anti-Arab, Muslim, and Sikh sentiments.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA10, Folder 37,Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

This flyer advocates for redress for Latin Americans of Japanese descent and was included in materials sent to Senator Inouye from Mariko Nakanishi from the organization Campaign for Justice, founded in 1996. The pamphlet provides historical context for Latin Americans of Japanese descent and a sample letter to congressional representatives in support of "H.R. 893, the Wartime Parity and Justice Act of 2005, introduced this session by Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-30)."

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA7, Folder 3, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

An April 2005 educational forum hosted by the The Assembly on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians featured personal experiences from German, Italian, and Japanese Latin Americans deported and interned in the U.S. during World War II. The panel sought to generate awareness of the lack of redress for these civil and humanitarian violations and connected the issues to ongoing questions of xenophobia, racism, and human rights. 

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA10, Folder 7, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

This letter was sent to garner support in co-sponsorship of the Commission of Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent –  to establish a fact-finding Commission to extend the study of the 1980 Commission to determine facts surrounding the relocation, interment, and deportation of Latin Americans of Japanese descent. 

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA9, Folder 3, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

Official statement by Senator Inouye to support the necessity of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent. Senator Inouye emphasizes how this is a " story about the U.S. government’s act of reaching its arm across international borders, into a populous that did not pose an immediate threat to our nation, in order to use them, devoid of passports or any other proof of citizenship, for hostage exchange with Japan" that demands adequate research and redress. 

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA10, Folder 9, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act in 2006 introduced through H.R. 4901 in the house March 8, 2006  and S. 2296 on February 16, 2006  proposes to extend a fact-finding mission on Latin Americans of Japanese descent deported and interned. The bill includes sections for investigation on the treatment of Jewish, European, and European Latin American refugees. 

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA10, Folder 9, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library. 

This internal exchange demonstrates Inouye's strategy to garner  support for  co-sponsors of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act.  Luong proposes  the separation of the JLA Commission and H.R. 40 that proposes a similar study of African Americans, slavery, and potential reparations. Inouye agrees to this disaggregation.  This illustrates the need to distinguish similar, but distinct federal projects of racialized reparations.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye Papers. Box JLA9, Folder 3, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library.