Toyo's Camera (2009)

Toyo's Camera (2009) poster

Even though bringing in cameras to the internment camps was prohibited, one man managed to smuggle in his own camera lens and build a camera to document life behind barbed wires, with the help of other craftsmen in the camp. That man was Toyo Miyatake, a successful issei (first generation immigrant) photographer and owner of a photo-shop in the Los Angeles Little Tokyo district, and of one of the many Americans who was interned with his family against his will. With his makeshift camera, Miyatake captured the dire conditions of life in the camps during World War II as well as the resilient spirit of his companions, many of whom were American citizens who went on to fight for their country overseas. Miyatake said, "It is my duty to record the facts, as a photographer, so that this kind of thing should never happen again."

Director: Junichi Suzuki
Genre: Documentary, War, History
Runtime: 98 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Kitaro
Country: United States of America
Original Language: en

Keywords

japan, world war ii, japanese stereotype, japanese american

Trailer

Toyo's Camera Trailer
More Films by Director: Junichi Suzuki
More Films in Genre: Documentary, War, History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toyo's Camera about?
Even though bringing in cameras to the internment camps was prohibited, one man managed to smuggle in his own camera lens and build a camera to document life behind barbed wires, with the help of other craftsmen in the camp. That man was Toyo Miyatake, a successful issei (first generation immigrant) photographer and owner of a photo-shop in the Los Angeles Little Tokyo district, and of one of the many Americans who was interned with his family against his will. With his makeshift camera, Miyatake captured the dire conditions of life in the camps during World War II as well as the resilient spirit of his companions, many of whom were American citizens who went on to fight for their country overseas. Miyatake said, "It is my duty to record the facts, as a photographer, so that this kind of thing should never happen again."
Who directed Toyo's Camera?
Toyo's Camera was directed by Junichi Suzuki.
Who stars in Toyo's Camera?
Toyo's Camera stars George Takei, Daniel Inouye.
How long is Toyo's Camera?
Toyo's Camera has a runtime of 1h 38m (98 minutes).
What genre is Toyo's Camera?
Toyo's Camera is a Documentary, War, History film.
Where was Toyo's Camera produced?
Toyo's Camera was produced in United States of America.