WATANABE Hatsuzo
渡辺
Born: 14 February 1880 – Died: 15 May 1945
Particulars:
Hatsuzo was born in Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. He was a widower working as a butcher in Kanaky / New Caledonia when the Pacific War broke out. He was taken to South Australia and interned at Loveday Internment Camp. He died of pneumonia three months before the end of the war at age 65. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Tomokon
Artist/s Statement:
This artwork was developed using AI to expand on ideas based on information about Hatsuzo Watanabe. It focuses on themes of his life: being born in Japan, ending his life in Australia, crossing the sea as an immigrant, and living a life deeply affected by social upheaval and war.
The piece incorporates globally recognised symbolic imagery such as national flags, warships, and ukiyo-e style waves to represent the historical context and journey of his life. The contrast between calm seas and turbulent waves reflects the peaceful moments of his life and the chaos brought by war. Barbed wire was added to express the oppression and personal loss he experienced. Additionally, a male silhouette was included to evoke reflection on Hatsuzo as an individual and his humanity.
Hatsuzo Watanabe is believed to have been one of the approximately 5,700 contract labourers who immigrated to New Caledonia between 1892 and 1919. At the time, there was a high demand for miners, and he joined this migration as a single man seeking work. Over time, he found happiness and chose to settle in New Caledonia. However, his life was drastically changed by the outbreak of the Pacific War. Branded as an ‘enemy alien’, he was subjected to persecution and forcibly relocated to Australia, where he ultimately spent his final days in a foreign land.
This artwork reflects on how Hatsuzo’s life was shaped and swept up by the tides of history. It portrays the hopes and losses he experienced, reminding us of how crossing the sea profoundly altered his life, where the dreams of an immigrant intersected with the tragedy of war. Through his story, this work seeks to remember and honour the lives affected by such historical events.
Artist Bio:
Tomokon is a Japanese born Australian immigrant.