Suitcase
The owner of this classic and slightly worn-out suitcase arrived in Japan amidst the Korean War. The immediate reason behind his arrival in Japan was to avoid conscription, but the real reason was to reunite with his family. After liberation, the owner and his mother returned to Korea while his father and older brother remained in Japan. Then the Korean War broke out, tearing the family apart. After convincing his mother, the owner crossed the sea carrying just this one suitcase to search for his father and older brother. Risking his life, he smuggled himself into Japan.
This suitcase witnessed the owner’s entire voyage to reunite his family. It makes one think of the tragedy of a family divided after liberation; and of the life history of the owner, who was eventually able to reunite with his family despite great adversity. This suitcase is a valuable artifact that narrates the history of Zainichi Koreans.
