Dear Friend,

Today has been a terrible day for my family and me. My father has just told me that FDR has signed an order that basically says all Japanese American citizens are suspects of being more loyal to Japan than the United States. After Pearl Harbor, everyone suspects that we are spies or something. I still say that I am an American, but my father says that doesn’t matter anymore. My father told me that I shouldn’t be surprised, but we will probably be forced to move from our homes, and move somewhere where we can be watched. I am scared. I will write soon!

Your friend,
Joseph Komoto

Sorry I have not written for a while. I am now at what is called, and Internment camp. We were transferred here by buses and trains. We were only allowed to take what we could carry in clothing and personal items. We were assigned a barrack and room number. There are several barracks here at this camp. My family’s room is only about 20ft. x 25ft. and all 6 of us sleep here. We have metal cots and army blankets. There is also a small heating stove. There is one separate building from our barrack that has a laundry room, and male/female toilets and baths. My father says that about 250 people live in our barrack. The toilets and baths don’t have curtains, and I am always embarrassed when I have to go to the bathroom. I miss being home. I hope things are going good for you. I will write soon.

Your Friend,
Joseph Komoto

I still have school during the week, but it is not like at home. Our classroom is in a barrack. All the kids are together. We are forbidden to speak any Japanese, and I am not always sure what I am supposed to be learning every day. Today we played volleyball.

For supper each night we eat in a mess hall, and we are served our food cafeteria style, kind of like at school. The food is even worse than at school!! Sometimes it isn’t that bad, but eating in a cafeteria all the time gets boring!

Well, I have to go and eat now.

Your Friend,
Joseph Komoto

Today my father had a bad day at work. He was very crabby and all us kids had to behave and be quiet. Both Mom and Dad work a lot. I think I overheard Dad say they work around 40+ hours a week. I have overheard them complain with other adults about their wages. I think Mom only makes $12 a month, and Dad around $16. Mom works in one of the mess halls and Dad does construction work. They are both always tired. We all miss home very much, but are trying to get along the best we can.

Your Friend,
Joseph Komoto

Today there was a terrible accident with Dad. He got injured at work today! He needed more help than they were able to give him here, so he was sent off to another hospital outside the camp. Mother has been crying a lot. The doctor will cost a lot of money, and without Dad’s wages our family will be on a tight budget.
We are attending church in one of the empty barracks tomorrow morning, so I am going to pray that everything is okay with my Dad. Will you pray for us to? I will write soon.

Your Friend,
Joseph Komoto

Good news! Father is doing much better and he will be returning to work at the beginning of next week. Our spirits have definitely risen. 

Well, I just wanted to send you a quick note. I am off to the library now. It takes a while because there is only one library for the whole camp. I have to walk because we are not allowed to have cars. I will write soon. Tell everyone I said Hi! I hope to come home soon!

Your Friend,
Joseph Komoto

This page created by Megan Hass