"This is an American Story:" Musical Commemoration of the Japanese American Incarceration

This thesis examines how the interplay between music and pilgrimage affects the modern commemoration of the Japanese and Japanese American concentration camps in the United States during World War II. For example, at the 2024 Topaz Art Pilgrimage in Utah, Shirley Muramoto and Brian Wong played three instruments—a shakuhachi and two koto—which had been played 80 years ago in the concentration camps. For the former internees as well as their descendants who attended the concert, hearing these instruments performed was a meaningful experience. I argue that commemorative events and concerts such as this create powerful new connections for participants: with the past, with their families, and with other pilgrims. These acts of musical remembrance honor those who came before while also expressing and shaping identities of both those who perform and hear the music.