James Numata was born on March 27, 1918 to Shuichi and Hamano Numata.(LINK TO: Image 1.1, and Image 1.2) The family spent the first seven years of James’ life living in northern Utah, raising James and his two younger siblings.

Image 1.1: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920
Image 1.1: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920 (Numata and parents on lines 15-17).
Image 1.2: “Numata Family with father mother and younger brother George,” ca. 1922
Image 1.2: “Numata Family with father mother and younger brother George,” ca. 1922

At the age of seven, James was sent to Hiroshima to live with his grandmother and uncle.He spent five years living with his relatives until his family arrived in Japan in 1929-30. Numata remained in Japan with his family for another five years to complete his education. In October of 1935, at the age of 18, Numata returned to the United States without his family. (LINK TO: Image 1.3) Existing photographs of Numata during the next ten years consist mostly of school portraits. (LINK TO: Image 1.4) Throughout his years in Japan, Numata represented his family’s experiences and surroundings with his camera. (LINK TO: Image 1.5, and Image 1.6)



Before the War









At some point in 1939-1940, Numata returned to Japan to visit his family and friends. It was during this period when James married his first wife Shizue Kajiyama.

Image 1.7: “Wedding portrait of James Numata and his first wife,” ca. 1938, photograph, Numata Collection, JASC.
Image 1.7: “Wedding portrait of James Numata and his first wife,” ca. 1938, photograph, Numata Collection, JASC.

Details of Numata’s travels during this time are vague, however, California Passenger and Crew Lists reveal that Numata did return from Hiroshima to Los Angeles in March of 1940. (LINK TO: Image 1.8) Numata would spend the next two years living in Los Angeles County with Shizue until their incarceration in 1942. (LINK TO: Image 1.9)