1945.12.28 “Good-Bye, More Abundant Life”
by Ralph Lee (1906-1947)
22 x 14 in., ink on board
Coppola Collection
Ralph Lee was an editorial cartoonist for the Portland Oregonian. He died suddenly, at 41, in January 1947. His cousin, Art Bimrose, was the editorial cartoonist for the Oregonian for more than three decades. In 1937, the Oregonian hired him part-time to work on printing plates. Following Lee’s death, Bimrose was hired as the Sunday editorial cartoonist.
In December 1945, with victory in the war and Japan's unconditional surrender, Japanese emigrants and prisoners of war were repatriated to Japan, particularly those in China, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia. The U.S. was instrumental in organizing and transporting many of the repatriated individuals, particularly in China and other areas under Allied control. Before their departure, the returning Japanese tried to sell on the streets whatever they couldn’t take with them; they also purchased a few things that they liked to take back to Japan. The streets were crowded with people, a rare excitement scene after the war. The returning Japanese carried their suitcases and left their residences, ready for the trip back to Japan. The title returns a jab at “the Japs” who are criticized for leaving a better life for the return to the homeland.
