About Densho

Densho is a digital archive and public history organization whose mission is to preserve and share history of the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans to promote equity and justice today. 

Densho is a trusted community resource and the leading digital archive for Japanese American incarceration history. Our extensive and growing collection of oral histories, documents, photographs, and other primary sources offers an essential resource for understanding the events before, during, and after World War II. These archival materials are supplemented by crucial historical context and interpretive work, including encyclopedia articles written by experts in the field, as well as educational resources. 

We believe that preserving the history of Japanese American WWII incarceration carries a responsibility to confront injustices today. That responsibility is especially urgent as public history and access to government records come under threat, and as immigrant families and other communities face detention, exclusion, and dehumanization. 

Densho is a Japanese term meaning to pass on to the next generation, or to leave a legacy. Stewarding history across generations—connecting past, present, and future—is at the heart of our work. By pairing historical preservation with interpretation and education, we provide a free and accessible platform for audiences across the country and world to critically engage with the past while exploring its relevance to the present. We address concerning events today through education, historical research, advocacy, and partnership with organizations working directly to support affected communities. Desho works to protect a full and inclusive understanding of history, accessibility to public resources, government accountability, civil liberties, and human dignity. Learn more on our blog Densho Catalyst. 

Densho began as a grassroots organization rooted in the Japanese American community. Today, we remain indebted and dedicated to the communities whose stories we preserve.  We are funded primarily by individual donors, and every contribution helps keep these histories freely accessible for generations to come. Together, we can safeguard history and build a more just society for all. Make a gift today.