ITO Fujino
Born: 15 April 1902 – Died: 20 September 1944
Particulars:
Fujino, born in Nagasaki, Japan to Yamasaki Michio and Yasue, immigrated to Australia with her husband Ito Michio, aboard the Atsu Maru. After arriving in Naarm / Melbourne, the couple travelled to Gwoonwardu / Carnarvon in Western Australia, a region known for its flourishing market gardens. Official documents say that Fujino was a housewife. When the Pacific War broke out, both she and her husband were arrested and had to surrender their home and valuables, including 14 pounds in cash. Fujino was transported via Woodman’s Point to Tatura Internment Camp in Victoria, while her husband was detained separately at Hay Internment Camp in New South Wales. During her internment, Fujino’s health rapidly declined. She was hospitalised multiple times between 1942 and 1943. In November 1945, shortly after the war’s end, she died in the Tatura infirmary at the age of 42. Ito Fujino is buried in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Jo Anne Shiosaki
More info:
Ben Shiosaki with Stella Pratt
Artist/s Statement:
My niece Stella was happy to be part of this project and chose to adopt Fujino Ito. Stella said:
‘My name is Stella Pratt and I am 8 years of age, the same age as my great-grandfather when he was interned at Tatura during World War II. He was also in the same Camp 4 as Fujino Ito. I felt very sad when I read Fujino’s story, she had no husband or family there to care for her while she was sick. I wish the government could have let them stay together. Her husband was sent back to Japan after the war, it was so sad he returned without her.’
Artist Bio:
Ben Shiosaki is a fourth-generation Nikkei who resides in Geraldton, Western Australia. With a passion for history and photography, he believes these stories and legacies in the When You Call My Name Project should not be forgotten. Stella Pratt is Ben’s niece.