The Struggle of the Japanese Diaspora in Archives Discussed

The eighth session of the 'Entangled Histories: Borders and Cultural Encounters from the Medieval to the Contemporary Era' seminar series, organized in cooperation with Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication and Insubria University, was held. Naoko Kato made presentations at the online event titled 'Double Abandonment: Transpacific Borders of Erasure and Resistance (1942–1965).' Kato shared with the participants the processes of erasure experienced by the Japanese diaspora in Canada and Japan, and the forms of social resistance developed against this process, using archival records.

At the seminar organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication, a presentation focusing on archival studies, migration history, and cultural memory was given. 

Üsküdar Üniversitesi Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Faculty of Communication Dean Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, and participants from various professional groups specializing in the field gathered at the online seminar.

The seminar titled 'Double Abandonment: Transpacific Borders of Erasure and Resistance (1942–1965)' presented a multi-layered academic discussion environment by examining historical documents and state practices from a transpacific perspective.

Dr. Maria Pia Ester Cristaldi from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication, Department of Journalism, and Dr. Elisa Ramazzina from Insubria University, Italy, who gave the opening speeches of the seminar, drew attention to the fact that freedom of expression is not only a current right but also one of the fundamental elements of academic life. In their speeches, they emphasized universities' responsibility to protect pluralism and critical thinking.

The phenomenon of “Double Abandonment” was discussed

Naoko Kato explained, with historical documents, how the Canadian and Japanese states rendered the Japanese diaspora invisible through archival and legal boundaries. Kato analyzed the phenomenon of “double abandonment” experienced by the Japanese diaspora during and after the war, through the boundaries of archives, loyalty, and recognition, revealing the effects of these processes on individuals.

Memory, identity, and citizenship discussions re-evaluated

Thanks to the seminar, participants had the opportunity to re-evaluate not only a historical period but also discussions on memory, identity, and citizenship that remain relevant today. The presentation also offered a significant academic contribution by demonstrating how civil archival work and social solidarity can transform into a practice of resistance against state violence.

The Entangled Histories seminar series, which will continue until the summer months, will remain open to public participation.

HABERÜSKÜDAR