Description
This collection consists of 166 photographs and copy negatives of photographs taken at Manazanar and Tule Lake concentration
camps between 1942 and 1945. Subjects include scenes of daily life, group portraits, and landscapes.
Background
Iwata, Jack Masaki (1912-1992). Photographer. Through his images, Iwata chronicled not only the evolution of U.S.-Japan relations
for nearly six decades, but was especially immersed in the popular culture of both countries, photographing scores of Japanese
and American celebrities in the 1950s and 60s. A Kibei Nisei born in Seattle, Iwata spent his formative years in Hiroshima
Prefecture where he attended the Sotoku Chugakko. In recognition of his scholastic achievements, his father presented him
with his first camera-a unique gift by any standard in Japan during that period. With the help of a local studio, Iwata learned
the process for developing photos and his fascination with the craft of photography continued to blossom.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from materials in this collection must be submitted to the Collections
Management and Access Unit at the Japanese American National Museum (collections@janm.org).
Availability
Collection is open for research by appointment. Please contact the Japanese American National Museum's Collections Management
and Access Unit at (213) 830-5615 or collections@janm.org to schedule an appointment.