TERAOKA Otokichi
Born: 20 April 1893 – Died: 7 May 1945
Particulars:
Otokichi was born in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan in 1893 and arrived in Western Australia in 1938. His wife Timiyo, son, and daughter lived in Japan. He was a merchant seaman contracted to work for Louis Goldie, a well-known ‘master pearler’ in Rubibi / Broome. Otokichi was arrested in late 1941 and interned at Tatura Internment Camp, Victoria, arriving on 19 February 1942. He was admitted to the camp hospital in March 1945, and died in B section camp from stomach cancer early in the morning on 7 May 1945. Otokichi was 52 years old, and now rests in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Jo Anne Shiosaki
More info:
Michael Jalaru Torres, Jo Anne Shiosaki, and Kaino Shioji
Artist/s Statement:
My name is Kaino. I am 8 years old. I was very happy to do this photo for our family. I heard about the story of Otokichi. He must have been a pearl diver like my grandfather Itsushi. I was sad to hear Otokichi died in the camp and he is buried far, far away. I was happy to sit near the old suit and diver boots. Did you know my grandfather used to fix the pearling nets and make the diver boots?
–Kaino Shioji (photographed)
Artist Bio:
Michael Jalaru Torres is an Indigenous fine art photographer and poet, born in 1976, in Broome, Western Australia. He is a Djugun-Yawuru man with tribal connections to the Gooniyandi / Jabbir Jabbir / Ngarluma peoples. He draws inspiration from the unique landscapes and people of the Kimberley region, which feature prominently in his work.
Jo Anne Shiosaki is a fourth-generation Nikkei who lives in Rubibi / Broome, Western Australia. Jo’s great-grandparents were one of the earliest Japanese families to migrate to Broome in the late 1800s. Her great-grandfather served as the President of the Japan Club in Broome before the war. She acknowledges the Nikkei community of Broome for helping to create these photographic images, and their willingness to share deeply personal experiences in order to preserve the memories of those who endured internment.
Kaino Shioji is the youngest son of Kelly and Shino Shioji. At just eight years old, he was eager to be part of this project. Sitting beside the old diving suit and boots, Kaino was reminded of his grandfather, who migrated to Australia in the 1950s and contributed to the pearling industry by crafting many of the lead weighted boots used by deep sea divers. Kaino feels a great pride in his grandfather’s legacy. He has a strong love of learning, enjoys helping his father cook, and finds joy in fishing and spending time out on Country.