See. Hear. Experience.

Our Stories.

Imagine stepping back into history to hear the stories of Japanese Americans who were removed from their homes and forced to live behind barbed wire during World War II. Imagine their stories coming alive through video and voice—in their own words. See the expressions on their faces. Experience the meaning of those events through their eyes. Imagine photographs that capture ordinary moments and extraordinary times.

Imagine Denshō.

Denshō: the Japanese American Legacy Project

Denshō is a Japanese term meaning “to pass on to the next generation,” or to leave a legacy. Our mission is to preserve the testimonies of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. We collect and offer their stories in a manner that reflects our deep regard for who they are and what they endured.

Using digital technology, Denshō provides access to personal accounts, historical documents and photographs, and teacher resources to explore principles of democracy and promote equal justice. We seek to educate young people and inspire them to act in defense of liberty and the highest values of our country. Denshō  presents a thorough accounting of what happened to Japanese Americans during a time of war and in doing so contributes to the current debate about civil liberties during times of national emergency. It is our conviction and hope that an informed citizenry, aware of the human costs and consequences of the violation of the rights of the few, will be better equipped to protect the civil rights of all.

Sit back and listen to the words of the remarkable men and women whose moving stories are available on the website. They come from California. Washington. Oregon. Hawaii. Alaska. Canada. Peru. Japan. Experience what they have to tell you. Their vivid memories offer a window into our nation’s past. Listen. You may recognize their voices. You may even know some of them.

Denshō honors their words and their lives.

Future. Generations.

The computer is one of the best ways to reach young people. Nine out of ten young Americans routinely sit down at a computer at home, school, or the library. Eleven million teenagers a day use the internet. Denshō is designed to reach them. Seventy-five thousand kids and adults from all around the world now visit our website each year to see, hear, and experience Denshō. And that number is growing rapidly as more people hear about Denshō.

The compelling stories that visitors find on Denshō’s website were recorded with respect and care on digital videotape for the education of future generations. Photographs are cataloged, captioned, and readily accessible.

All materials are thoroughly indexed, enabling students and researchers to explore the materials in depth and with speed. Denshō ’s website provides teachers and students with multi-disciplinary lessons related to Japanese American history, the U.S. Constitution, civil liberties in time of war, and the causes of the mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans.

Click. An invaluable resource. Irreplaceable stories. For generations to come.