Title: A Journey Through History: The Story of Linda Horikawa’s Incarceration in Japanese Camps During World War II In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the lessons that history has to offer us. However, a recent podcast by 12-year-old Ameya Desai brings an important piece of American history back into focus: the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The story begins with Linda Horikawa, an 85-year-old grandmother who was interviewed for NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge by young journalist Ameya. The podcast, titled “Far From Home – Shikata Ga Nai,” tells the tale of Horikawa’s life before and during her incarceration in a Japanese internment camp. In 1940, Horikawa lived on a berry farm with her family in Cupertino, California. They were happy there, surrounded by strawberries, blackberries, and boysenberries. However, their idyllic life was soon shattered when the United States entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor. As tensions rose between Japan and America, Japanese Americans faced increasing scrutiny from both government officials and fellow citizens. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which forced approximately 120,000 people of Japanese descent to leave their homes on the West Coast and relocate to internment camps in remote areas such as Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Horikawa’s family was among those uprooted from their lives and sent to live in a barren landscape far from home. In her interview with Ameya, she shares chilling details about life inside the camp – the harsh conditions, the lack of privacy, and the constant fear that they would never be able to return to normalcy again. The podcast serves as both an educational tool and a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. It reminds us that history is not just about dates and names; it’s also about people – ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary times. By sharing Horikawa’s story, Ameya has given voice to those whose experiences were once forgotten or ignored. The implications of this podcast are significant because they remind us that we must never forget our past if we want to build a better future. The internment camps may be closed now, but the lessons learned from them remain relevant today as we grapple with issues related to civil rights and social justice. In conclusion, “Far From Home – Shikata Ga Nai” is more than just a podcast; it’s a journey through history that teaches us valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the importance of remembering our past. As we listen to Horikawa’s story, let us vow never to forget those who suffered during World War II – not only for their sake but also for ours.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/24/nx-s1-5535616/npr-middle-school-student-podcast-winner)
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