Wayne Nakata

Wayne Nakata was born and raised on Bainbridge Island. He worked in his family's Town and Country store until 1981, when he left to pursue other interests, including being the family's historian. He has revisited Manzanar numerous times on trips to California.

Update July 2013

Stories from This Author

Speaking Up! Democracy, Justice, Dignity

Honoring My Issei and Nisei Ancestors

Aug. 1, 2013 • Wayne Nakata

The most important reminder that surfaced throughout each chapter in our family’s history was that it all happened on American soil. Despite setbacks, losses, hardships, and interruptions in their lives, they still found fertile ground in which to make a living, to raise children, and to enjoy life with friends in a community that offered opportunities for a good life. I am grateful that they chose to do it on Bainbridge Island! My grandparents, immigrants from Japan, were among many …

Bainbridge Island California concentration camps conferences generations immigrants immigration imprisonment incarceration Issei Japan Japanese American National Museum Manzanar concentration camp migration Milly Woodward Nisei resettlements Seattle Speaking Up! (event) Tacoma The Bainbridge Island Review (newspaper) tours United States Walt Woodward Washington World War II World War II camps