2018 · Photography, Interviews
The Suitcase Project
The Suitcase Project asks fourth and fifth-generation Japanese Canadians and Americans what they would pack if uprooted from their homes at a moment’s notice.
While these descendants of the internment and incarceration may never have to endure the same forced uprooting as their ancestors, Kayla Isomura’s work examines how they and those descended from families who experienced other forms of discrimination, remain affected by this history today through a series of photographs, short films and interviews.
Over the course of nearly three months, more than 80 subjects ranging in age and background shared their stories from cities in British Columbia, Canada and Washington, USA.
exhibitions
The Suitcase Project is currently touring.
Swift Current Museum
44 Robert St W, Swift Current, SK S9H 4M9
July – September 2025
Peel Art Gallery, Museum & Archives
9 Wellington St E, Brampton, ON L6W 1Y1
Jan. 27 – Sept. 8, 2024
Salt Spring Island Public Library
Small exhibit, presented by the Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring Island
June 1 – 30, 2023
Chilliwack Museum
45820 Spadina Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1T3
Feb. 9 – May 20, 2023
Alberni Valley Museum
4255 Wallace St, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3Y6
Dec. 1, 2022 – Jan. 27, 2023
Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society
Small exhibit
July – November 2022
Sidney Museum
2423 Beacon Ave L-3, Sidney, BC V8L 1X5
April 4 – July 2, 2022
University of Alberta
Small exhibit
2022
Peace Gallery
National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS)
1684 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
Feb. 1 – July 18, 2020
Arbutus Gallery
Cowichan Valley Arts Council
2687 James St, Duncan, BC V9L 2X5
July 5 – July 26, 2019
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
June 18 – Sept. 2, 2018
Booking requests
To book The Suitcase Project for display, email Danielle at the Nikkei National Museum.
Public speaking
For interviews and public speaking engagements, connect with Kayla directly.