Photo: Mark Shigenaga. Filming day on Angel Island with Claudia Katanayagi for A Bitter Legacy, 2012.
Although photography had always been a casual interest of mine, it wasn’t until 2008, when capturing the energy and joyful expressions of the dancers at the Berkeley Obon, did I realize my passion for this activity. It is through this continued pursuit of photography that I have connected to many local ethnic communities, deepened an interest in my Japanese American heritage, and engaged many culturally active artists, activists, and historians. While my photographic style continues to evolve, I’m most inspired by images that portray the vibrancy and soul of our collective communities, whether through the sharing of various art forms, celebrations, or remembrances.
MARK SHIGENAGA, Community Photographer
Mark Shigenaga. Mah Jong Set. Filming day on Angel Island with Claudia Katanayagi for A Bitter Legacy, 2012.
Mark Shigenaga. Taiko Drummers. 2nd Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage. October 13, 2015.
Mark Shigenaga. 4th Nikkei Angel island Pilgrimage. November 5, 2018.
Mark Shigenaga. 4th Nikkei Angel island Pilgrimage. November 5, 2018.
Mark Shigenaga. 4th Nikkei Angel island Pilgrimage. November 5, 2018.
Mark Shigenaga. 2nd Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage. October 13, 2015.
In 2014, I helped photo document the 1st Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage, an event sponsored by the Nichi Bei Foundation, with AIISF, the National Japanese American Historical Society, California Genealogical Society, and the California Park Services as partners. It was during this pilgrimage that I met Grant Din. A chance discussion subsequently led to an exploration of my grandfather Kakuro and great uncle Shigeo’s history on this island, who were shipped from Hawaii to California and destined to become interned at various Department of Justice camps a few months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Grant’s access to the National Archives and Records Administration led to a wealth of new insights to the journeys of the Shigenaga brothers, and are, today, cherished by our family.
— Mark Shigenaga, May 18, 2021.
https://www.kqed.org/news/11821133/the-little-known-history-of-japanese-internment-on-angel-island
A photograph of Mark Shigenaga’s grandfather, Kakuro Shigenaga, appeared in Brian Gothong Tan’s set design concept model for a production of Angel Island commissioned by the 2023 Singapore International Festival of Art.