In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Digital Museum of the History of the Japanese in New York embarked upon a project with the aim of elucidating the experiences of Japanese and Japanese Americans in the 1940s. This undertaking was initiated to address a conspicuous absence in critical discourse, namely the dearth of inquiry concerning the history of Japanese and Japanese Americans, particularly their pro-democracy and civil rights movement, within the New York metropolitan region. The mass detention of Japanese New Yorkers on Ellis Island had significant ramifications not only for those directly impacted but also for their families and the broader New York community. Some of these detainees expressed a desire to return to Japan, while concomitantly, others, while identifying as American, experienced a profound sense of alienation due to the pervasive anti-Japanese racism. This state of internal conflict, characterized by a tumultuous interplay of emotions and sentiments regarding identity and belonging, was experienced by many individuals. This digital exhibit endeavors to illuminate the complexities inherent in these narratives by presenting the works of Japanese and Japanese American artists, journalists, writers, activists, and community leaders. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable courage in confronting discrimination, leading pro-democracy movements, and undertaking welfare efforts during World War II and the persistent quest for justice that endures to the present day. The exhibit presents a wide array of materials, including artwork, photographs, publications, documents, and oral histories. These diverse sources offer unique and often complementary perspectives, illuminating this complex historical account.