One Place, Many Stories

The People of Amache

From 1942-1945, over 10,000 people passed through the Granada Relocation Center, also known as Amache. Two thirds of them were American citizens by birthright. They came from across California-Los Angeles, Sonoma County, and the Central Valley. They were doctors, farmers, pastors, and artists. They were men, women, and children of all ages.

These are their stories. While all of them share common threads, each experience at Amache was unique.

Read Their Stories

The origin of the name
Ameohtse'e Ochinee Prowers

Ameohtse’e (Amache/Walking Woman) was a Cheyenne woman whose father was killed at the Sand Creek Massacre.
Confronting Injustice with Hope
Marion Konishi

Marion Konishi, Amache Senior High Class of 1943 valedictorian, wrote a hopeful speech while behind barbed wire.
Life and Loss at Amache
The Homma Family

The Homma Family's experience at the Granada Relocation Center.
A family fragmented
The Wada Family

In 1941, Reverend and Mrs. Wada were arrested by the FBI. They were sent to multiple detention centers before reuniting with their children.
Turning Injustice into Action
Thomas Shigekuni

Thomas (Tom) Shigekuni was born in Los Angeles, California in 1929. When he was 12, he and his family were forcibly removed from their home
loyalty in the face of prejudice
Kay Sasaki

While Kay Sasaki was incarcerated at Amache, he enlisted in the military. This kicked off a life-long career in counterintelligence.

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Ned Akimoto

Ned Akimoto was incarcerated at Amache while his younger brothers served in the military.
Victor Akimoto

Victor Akimoto served in the 442nd RCT while his family was incarcerated at Amache.
Ted Akimoto

Ted became a photographer with the Army Signal Corps and captures from of the first images of the damage from the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.
Johnny Akimoto

Johnny Akimoto joined brothers Victor and Ted in the 442nd RCT,