ISHIKI Saburo
伊敷三郎
Born: 8 April 1894 – Died: 14 March 1945
Particulars:
Saburo was born in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. He was married with one son and one daughter and working as a carpenter in Tawau in British North Borneo, now part of Malaysia, when the Pacific War broke out. His wife Tiru was interned in Tawau while he was taken to South Australia and interned at Loveday Internment Camp. He was taken to hospital and died of hypertension and cardiac failure. He was 50 years old. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Alanna Everitt
Artist/s Statement:
Ishiki Saburo is sitting on a bench outside Loveday Internment Camp. He is using wood he found to carve a figure of his family. A carpenter since childhood, he is currently shaping the likeness of his wife. The sunset behind him glows red, echoing the Japanese flag. But Saburo, born in Okinawa and living in North Borneo before his internment in Australia, may not fully identify with any one place. As he carves, he thinks of his family, unsure where they are, or if they are safe. The act connects him to love and memory in a place designed to strip those things away. Days later, Saburo is taken to hospital, where he dies of cardiac failure. His final piece is left unfinished.
Artist Bio:
Alanna Everitt is a creative 10-year-old artist from Vancouver, Canada, where she lives with her parents and younger sister. After learning about the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II in her social studies class, Alanna has developed a deep interest in understanding historical injustices and honouring those affected. With natural curiosity and intelligence beyond her years, Alanna approaches this commemorative project as an opportunity to connect with history in a meaningful way. She brings a fresh perspective and sincere desire to honour the memory of internees through her artistic expression. Alanna enjoys various creative pursuits, including visual arts, aerial silks, and gymnastics. An avid reader, she finds inspiration in stories that help her understand diverse perspectives and experiences, a quality she hopes to bring to this memorial project.