Discussion: Graphic Novel about Resisting Japanese American Imprisonment

The new graphic novel, “We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration,” presents an original vision of America’s past with disturbing links to the American present. Through the distinct but interconnected stories of Jim Akutsu, Hiroshi Kashiwagi, and Mitsuye Endo, three Japanese Americans who resisted imprisonment in American concentration camps during WWII, We Hereby Refuse exposes the often untold stories of the camp experience.

On June 26, 2021, writers Frank Abe and Tamiko Nimura came together for a conversation and reading of their graphic novel. They were joined by artist Ross Ishikawa to talk about his process recreating Japanese American history with 3-D modeling and YURI Education Project creators who shared the free online resources that accompany the book. The conversation was moderated by Dr. Kelly Fong, Professor of Asian American Studies at UCLA.