The Tragic Legacy of Japanese American Internment during World War II: Death Toll and Healthcare

In the tumultuous years of World War II, the United States government forcibly relocated and interned nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans, leading to a painful chapter in American history. Often eclipsed by the broader narrative, the question of how many individuals of Japanese descent perished during their internment remains paramount. This article delves into the numbers and circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths, emphasizing the importance of accurate historical documentation and the enduring lessons from such internments.

Government Statistics and Accuracy

The U.S. government provided statistical data on deaths and their causes during the period of War Relocation Authority (WRA) custody. These figures, as outlined in the publication 'The Evacuated People: A Quantitative Description' (1946), were referenced in the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians' report 'Personal Justice Denied' (1982/83). These statistics are widely accepted and have never been officially questioned concerning their accuracy. Those unfamiliar with the historical context may express doubt, often without substantial evidence. The report 'Personal Justice Denied' relied heavily on data from 'The Evacuated People' for its comprehensive analysis.

The Most Frequent Causes of Death

According to the records, the most frequent causes of death during internment were:

Cancer: 407 cases Heart Disease: 293 cases Tuberculosis: 206 cases Vascular Disease: 197 cases Pneumonia/Influenza: 70 cases Kidney Disease: 70 cases

This data underscores the significant health challenges faced by internees due to living conditions in the camps. These illnesses were often exacerbated by the limited resources and medical care available within the camps.

Medical Care in Camp

Despite the adversities, the internment camps maintained medical facilities. A total of 5,981 live births were recorded in the camps, showing the ongoing human presence amidst the harsh conditions. However, medical care was far from adequate. People often suffered from a lack of proper medical attention, leading to a rise in illnesses and mortality rates.

Verifiable Accounts of Fatality

While the majority of deaths were attributed to the aforementioned illnesses, it is important to document specific instances where individuals lost their lives. According to historical records:

Kanesaburo Oshima, Toshio Kobata, and Hirota Isomura: Three men lost their lives during escape attempts from Fort Sill, Oklahoma. James Ito, Katsuji James Kanegawa: Two young individuals died during the Manzanar Riot in December 1942. James Hatsuaki Wakasa: An elderly man died while walking near the perimeter wire of the Topaz camp. Shoichi James Okamoto: A man perished due to a verbal altercation with a sentry at the Tule Lake Segregation Center.

These accounts, as documented in 'Lordsburg Killings - Wikipedia' and 'Internment of Japanese Americans - Wikipedia', highlight not only the casualties but also the systemic violence and tensions that persisted within the internment camps.

Conclusion

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II stands as a somber reminder of the severe breaches of civil liberties and the unwarranted prejudices faced by a population during a time of national emergency. The tragic losses suffered in the internment camps, while significant and real, are particularly poignant in their singularity. The historical record, as painstakingly compiled by government and independent oversight bodies, provides a critical lens through which we can understand and learn from this difficult chapter in American history.

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