“Family Histories Introduction to Iwahiko and Agnes,” by Sarah Pawlicki
What is History? It is not just a collection of tedious dates. History is all around you all the time. You just have to pay attention…
Shedding new light on racial dynamics of Japonisme in America
Agnes Rockrise
“Gave her a Ring:” Iwahiko and Agnes,” by Sarah Pawlicki
Iwahiko Tsumanuma and Agnes Asbury Rockrise. Two equally remarkable people sharing a unique story throughout the early 20th century. While, to paraphrase an entry in Iwahiko’s journal, “Clouds might sweep across their heaven, their love withstood tumultuous times.” Two people, very much in love, who …
My Japanese Husband: Agnes Tsumanuma’s Story of Race, Matrimony, and Resilience in Early Twentieth Century New York
After Iwahiko’s death in 1936, his wife, Agnes, wrote an account of their life together, entitled My Japanese Husband. Agnes likely intended to submit the book manuscript to a competition held by the publisher Houghton-Mifflin, but it does not appear that she ever finished it. …
