In the fall of 1942, the War Relocation Authority (WRA), the federal agency in charge of the Japanese-American internment program, began planning what Densho Encyclopedia calls an “ethnic dispersal program”—more commonly referred to as “resettlement.” Japanese-Americans deemed “loyal” (by a somewhat arbitrary and extremely questionable process) could apply for leave from camp in order to work or study, as long as it was outside the declared military zone of the West Coast. The application process was arduous. “In order to relocate, Japanese Americans had to secure an outside sponsor, furnish proof of employment or education, and submit themselves to FBI background checks.”1

As the process was gradually streamlined, a growing number of educated young Nisei internees left camp. Many relocated to Chicago.

As part of the WRA’s resettlement program’s objective—the assimilation of Japanese-Americans into mainstream white society—resettlers were cautioned to “maintain a low profile, speak only in English, and stay away from other Japanese Americans.”

In some cases, these guidelines would have chilling and long-term consequences. In others, as indicated in the following letter excerpts, the guidelines would prove to be completely unrealistic and summarily ignored:

 

September 25, 1943
To my mother in Topaz
From a Nisei friend en route to Chicago

What a jerky train – hope you could make this out. It’s a local train from Omaha to Chicago… Had Toshiko Tekawa with me as far as Omaha, she transferred to a train for Huron, S. Dakota, going to Huron College to take up educating the blind. I certainly admire her courage…

We stood around to SLC (Salt Lake City) in one of the newer coaches to make sure we’d get a comfortable seat to sleep on. Couldn’t get much sleep. Also, not much food in the train so tell people leaving to bring something to eat – things that won’t spoil in the heat like fruits & hard-boiled eggs are O.K. Stations usually sell box lunches. Last nite we walked thru 15 cars to the diner but no food left…

My brother met me at S.L.C… 

At Ogden, Mickey & Kimi met me & had a swell reunion with them for ½ hr….

At Cheyenne, I got in touch with Noboru. It sure was exciting to see him after over a year. He wanted to know all about his friends in camp. We had about ½ hr. together. I didn’t know how to get in touch with him. I only knew he worked in a jewelry store so I looked in the directory & found out there was about 10 stores. Well, I decided to try a few & got him on the third trial. Was just about giving up as I didn’t think I had much time. The place he works started with an F and was quite near the station so he got off & came down to meet me…

Will let you know more later. Hope you are all well & be sure to write…

 

Continue to Letters to Topaz: Life Goes On

 

  1. Asaka, Megan. “Resettlement.” Densho Encyclopedia. 24 Feb 2017, 22:58 PST. 10 Apr 2018, 11:40 <https://encyclopedia.densho.org/Resettlement/>

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