OKASHIMA Yasutaro
Born: 13 July 1879 – Died: 26 September 1945
Particulars:
Yasutaro was born in Okayama Prefecture in Japan. He was a single man working as a farmer in Kanaky / New Caledonia when the Pacific War broke out. He had a younger brother living in Imaho Shiraishi Mura, which is now part of the City of Okayama. He was taken to South Australia and interned at Loveday Internment Camp. He was admitted to the camp hospital with haematuria in the latter days of the war, but was transferred to a larger hospital soon after, with carcinoma. He died at age 66. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Jaissen Arnasalon
Artist/s Statement:
My artwork describes Okashima Yasutaro’s life. The reason for the map of Japan and New Caledonia with an arrow in between them is to explain that Okashima Yasutaro was born in Japan, and moved to New Caledonia. The farmland that I drew explains that he became a farmer. Lastly, the prison camps that I drew were to explain that he spent the rest of his life in a prison camp. Okashima’s story made me feel sad for him because he went in prison for no reason. So unfair!
I feel very lucky to participate in his project. Thank you. Merci. Arigato.
Artist Bio:
Jaissen Arnasalon is a primary school student in Canberra, Australia.