Three voices. Three acts of defiance. One mass injustice. This new graphic novel We Hereby Refuse presents an original vision of America’s past with disturbing links to the American present. Japanese Americans complied when expelled from their homes in World War II and forcibly incarcerated in American concentration camps – but when it came to their ongoing imprisonment, many among them refused to submit without a fight.
For the first time, three of their stories are tied together within an epic narrative of the entire camp experience. Hear about the creation of this groundbreaking book by authors Frank Abe and Tamiko Nimura with illustrations by Ross Ishikawa and Matt Sasaki.
Suggestions for Educators:
1. Secure a copy of the graphic novel. Currently, it is only available in print. You can order a copy here: ORDER ONLINE
2. Check out our museum curriculum on Japanese Americans. CLICK HERE FOR JAPANESE AMERICAN HISTORY CURRICULUM
3. Download the graphic novel Educator Guide here:
4. Contact the Wing Luke Museum Education Department for additional resources and coaching on classroom implementation. education@wingluke.org
5. Watch this video short training with one of the authors and illustrators, Tamiko Nimura,Frank Abe and Ross Ishikawa.
“We Hereby Refuse”
Script by Frank Abe
Story by Frank Abe and Tamiko Nimura
JIM AKUTSU MITSUYE ENDO
Artwork by Ross Ishikawa
HIROSHI KASHIWAGI
Artwork by Matt Sasaki
Co-published by the Wing Luke Museum and Chin Music Press, this project was funded, in part, by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program.
Purchasing directly from Wing Luke Museum benefits our exhibits and programs. Orders resume this summer. Join our waitlist to be notified.