The 45^th Japan Seminar of Montreal Presents

The Nikkei and the LARA Postwar Relief Efforts to Japan by Masako Iino

ABSTRACT

Immediately after the Pacific War ended in 1945, many Nikkei in Canada and the U.S. suffered from the after effect of such experiences during the war, such as forced removal from their homes, relocation and internment, as well as the government’s inquisitions concerning their loyalty.  A sense of shame, or guilt of their Japanese origins had caused many of them to eliminate ties to Japan in order to survive in their adopted country. Some Nikkei, however, regarded the Japanese in Japan as “fellow Japanese,” and tried to find a way to help them after their defeat in the war. Twenty percent of the relief supplies sent to Japan by an organization called LARA (Licensed Agencies for Relief in Asia) between 1946 and 1952 were collected by Nikkei in Canada, the U.S., and South America. These Nikkei reaffirmed their ties to Japan by becoming engaged in relief activities for defeated Japan. The talk will examine this fascinating period and compare the situation of Nikkei communities in these three regions.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Masako Iino is past President and Professor of American History and Immigration Studies at Tsuda College in Tokyo. She has also taught at McGill University and Acadia University and was a visiting professor at UC Berkeley. She was a member of the Executive Committee of the Japanese Association for American Studies, President of the Japanese Association for Canadian Studies, and was awarded with the Governor General’s International Award for Canadian Studies in 2001.

 CO-SPONSORS

Japan Studies Association of Canada (JSAC), the Prince Takamado Japan Centre, and Japan Foundation Toronto.