Lauren Zuchowski
Japanese American National Museum
© 2014
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 830-5615
Email: collections@janm.org
URL: http://www.janm.org/
Japanese American National Museum. All rights reserved.
Finding aid for the Norio Mitsuoka Papers
Collection number: 97.308
Japanese American National MuseumLos Angeles, California
- Processed by:
- Lauren Zuchowski
- Date Completed:
- 2014
- Encoded by:
- Lauren Zuchowski
© 2014 Japanese American National Museum. All rights reserved.
Title: Norio Mitsuoka papers
Dates: 1936-1984
Bulk Dates: 1940-1945
Collection number: 97.308
Creator:
Mitsuoka, Norio, 1917-2010
Collection Size:
1.25 linear feet, 2 oversized newspapers, 16 artifacts
Repository:
Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Los Angeles, California 90012
Abstract:
Norio Mitsuoka (1917-2010) was discharged from the Air Corps following Pearl Harbor and was subsequently incarcerated in Minidoka,
where he worked at the fire station. This collection is largely comprised of letters sent to Norio from friends who were incarcerated
or serving in the 442nd Infantry Regiment. It also includes government documents, photographs, Norio’s postcard collection,
and materials related to his work at the canneries before the World War II.
Physical location: Japanese American National Museum
100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
By appointment only.
Please Contact the Collections Management and Access Unit by email (collections@janm.org) or telephone (213-830-5615).
All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from materials in this collection must be submitted to the Hirasaki
National Resource Center at the Japanese American National Museum (collections@janm.org).
[Identification of item], Norio Mitsuoka papers. 97.308, Japanese American National Museum. Los Angeles, CA.
Gift of Norio Mitsuoka, 1997.
Biography / Administrative History
Norio Mitsuoka was born in the Seattle, Washington area in 1917. He graduated from Garfield High School in the Seattle Public
Schools district. Mitsuoka worked at a cannery as an oysterman along the coast of Alaska after high school.
Mitsuoka enlisted in the Air Corps on September 17, 1941. In December 1942 Mitsuoka was attending the Weather Observer’s course
at Chanute Field in Illinois. Upon graduation Mitsuoka was assigned to Merced Basic Flying Field in January 1942, bringing
him to the Western Defense Council with General John L. Dewitt. Dewitt was best known as a key-figure leading up to the incarceration
of Japanese Americans and his vocal support on the matter.
On February 17, 1942 Mitsuoka was transferred to the Enlisted Reserve Corp and taken off active duty under a provision called
“For the Convenience of the Government”. Once he was processed out Mitsuoka hitch-hiked from Merced to Los Angeles. After
spending around a week in the Little Tokyo area he bought a bus ticket to San Francisco and then Sacramento. His original
plan was to visit the Army Headquarters in San Francisco to see what could be done about his transfer to the Reserves but
during the bus ride decided to continue on to Sacramento without stopping. Mitsuoka continued to hitch-hike from Sacramento
to Portland, Oregon where he met up with his friend Richard Murakami. Together, they drove to Seattle, Washington, where Mitsuoka
stayed until evacuation began.
After arriving in Seattle, Mitsuoka stayed with the Yorozu family and assisted with their gardening business while waiting
for news from the government. Eventually, Mitsuoka helped families store their belongings in parts of their homes or the Buddhist
Church before leaving for the incarceration camps. On May 9, 1942 Mitsuoka and other families gathered at Collins playground
and boarded buses that took them to Puyallup Fairgrounds. Mitsuoka was eventually incarcerated at Minidoka, Idaho and served
as the chief of the Fire Department during his time at camp.
After World War II, Mitsuoka attended the University of Michigan and eventually worked at Northrup Grumman in Los Angeles
for over 30 years. Mitsuoka married in Los Angeles and had five children with his wife. Mitsuoka moved back to Seattle after
his first wife passed away and remarried in 1991. On January 3, 2010 Mitsuoka passed away in Renton, Washington. He wrote
an autobiographical book titled Nisei Odyssey: The Camp Years.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection helps paint a narrative of young men in their early twenties before, during, and after World War II. Perhaps
the most illuminating items in the collection are the letters sent to Norio between 1936 and 1984. Pre-war letters often discuss
Norio’s work with Kadiak Fisheries in Alaska, regularly thanking him for sending oysters. Letters dated between 1941 and 1945
offer insights into camp life, the draft, and the war. The letters represent an interesting variety of World War II experiences
as Norio himself worked as a firefighter in Minidoka and some letters are written from female friends at other concentration
camps or his male friends serving in the 442nd Infantry Regiment. Even after Norio left Minidoka he continued to receive letters
from those who stayed behind until the camp closed. Letters after 1945 tell more of relocation and adjustment to life outside
of the camps or European tours with the 442nd following the war’s end. These letters are particularly important because they
reflect not only the male and female Nisei perspective but also the camp and soldier experiences as well.
Although the collection is largely comprised of letters and holiday cards sent to Norio, there is also much value in the official
documents that help tell the story of Norio’s service in the army and work with the canneries. There is also a small collection
of photographs that seem to have been mailed to Norio from his scattered group of friends during the war years. Coupled with
the various artifacts from Norio’s service in the armed forces, it is possible to piece together the very different experiences
of a young group of friends during the war.
Items have been arranged chronologically when applicable with undated materials at the end of each series.
Series 1 : Letters to Norio Mitsuoka
Series 2: Holiday Cards to Norio Mitsuoka
Series 3: Postcard Collection
Series 4: Official Documents
Subseries 1: Government
Subseries 2: Cannery Workers and Farm Labor Union
Series 5: Photographs
Series 6: Miscellaneous
Series 7: Artifacts
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Mitsuoka, Norio, 1917-2010
Japanese Americans
United State. Army
Minidoka Relocation Center
World War II
Japanese Americans--Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945.
Cannery Workers and Farm Laborers Union
United States. Army. Air Corps
United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 442nd
Minidoka (Idaho)
Hunt (Idaho)
East Lansing (Mich.)
2005.19.2. Nisei Odyssey: The Camp Years by Norio Mitsuoka.
Letters to Norio Mitsuoka 1936-1984
Physical Description:
0.65 Linear feet
Letters sent to Norio Mitsuoka from his friends all over the world. The bulk of the letters occur during World War II from
friends incarcerated in concentration camps or serving with the 442nd Infantry Regiment.
Box 1, Folder 1
Box 1, Folder 2
Box 1, Folder 3
Box 1, Folder 4
Box 1, Folder 5
Box 1, Folder 6
Box 1, Folder 7
Box 1, Folder 8
Box 1, Folder 9
Box 1, Folder 10
September 1939
Letter from Henry Yorozu dated September 15, 1939 about his sister’s upcoming trip to Japan (97.308.29A-B). Letter from George
(Geo M. Nakao.) dated September 16, 1939 discussing George’s job at the mill, a girl he likes, and the stomach flu (97.308.30A-B).
Letter from [Hisaka] dated September 16, 1939 about Lily Yorozu’s trip to Japan and general life updates (97.308.31A-B). Letter
from Lily Yorozu postmarked September 16, 1939 about her upcoming trip to Japan and what Norio would like her to bring to
his mother (97.308.32A-B). Letter from “Sox” about Lily Yorozu’s goodbye party (97.308.32A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.29A-.32B.
Box 1, Folder 11
October 1939
Letter from George Nakao dated October 5, 1939 in which he discusses work at the mill, making progress with a girl’s parents,
and feeling depressed (97.308.34A-B). Letter from Mas Nakashima dated October 6, 1939 about Mas’ move from Tacoma, Washington
to Los Angeles, California as well as his visit to Japan to visit his parents (97.308.35A-B). Another letter from George Nakao
dated October 26, 1939 about how work has gotten him blue (97.308.36A-B).
Box 1, Folder 12
November 1939
Letter from George Nakao dated November 2, 1939 about girls and work (97.308.37A-B). Letter from E.L. Chambers, student director
at Aero Industries Technical Institute, dated November 3, 1939 about how Norio cannot be accepted to the program because he
is not white (97.308.38A-B). Another letter from E.L. Chambers dated November 16, 1939 with recommendations for Norio’s future
aviation education (97.308.39A-B). Letter from Lily Yorozu dated November 18, 1939 about how her family wants Norio to visit
them for Thanksgiving (97.308.40A-B). Letter from Lily Yorozu post marked November 224, 1939 about religion (97.308.41A-B).
Includes items numbered 97.308.37A-97.308.41B.
Box 1, Folder 24
November 1939
One letter from George Nakao dated November 14, 1939 about the recent earthquake and his troubles finding a job. George describes
how his adviser suggested he just go back to Japan because he won’t be considered for jobs in the U.S. but he feels better
because some of the white kids with better grades than his also haven’t gotten jobs either. He also gives Norio technical
generator advice. Includes items numbered 97.308.67A-B.
Box 1, Folder 13
December 1939
One letter from George Nakao dated December 2, 1939 about how bored he is and how he should give the gossips something to
talk about. Also writes about how they should go into business together (97.308.42A-B). One letter from Lily Yorozu dated
December 3, 1939 about her recent church activities and her sister’s upcoming trip to Japan(97.308.43A-B). One letter from
[Hisaka] dated December 19, 1939 about how he is not working after fracturing his leg (97.308.44A-B). One letter from Hiroshi
Watanabe dated December 19, 1939 and briefly discusses current affairs in Europe and thanking Norio for the oysters (97.308.45A-B).
Includes items numbered 97.308.42A-.45B).
Box 1, Folder 14
Box 1, Folder 15
February 1940
One letter sent from [Fran] Yonago dated February 21, 1940 about her time in Japan (97.308.47A-B). One letter from George
[Najiri] dated February 28, 1940 about the mill closing for two weeks and trying to get together for skiing (97.308.48A-B).
Includes items numbered 97.308.47A-48B.
Box 1, Folder 16
Box 1, Folder 17
Box 1, Folder 18
May 1940
One letter from George Nakao dated May 13, 1940 about their recent visit and someone in Seattle who is drying wasabi to send
to Japanese soldiers. The letter includes a picture of George skiing. (97.308.52A-B). One letter from Mary [Hirasawa] dated
May 30, 1940 about her work picking berries, how tan she is, and her new hair style. She also asks Norio his opinions on marriage
(97.308.53A-B).
Box 1, Folder 19
June 1940
One letter from Lily Yorozu dated June 11, 1940 catching Norio up about her life (97.308.54A-B). One letter from Mary [Yorozu]
dated June 12, 1940 thanking Norio for showing her around in Seattle and telling him about how hot it is in Spokane, Washington
(97.308.55A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.54A-55B.
Box 1, Folder 20
July 1940
One letter from Libby McNeill dated July 17, 1940 (97.308.56A). One letter from Henry [Matsuro] dated July 25, 1940 updating
Norio about a new cannery job that he began recently (97.308.57A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.56A-.57B.
Box 1, Folder 21
Box 1, Folder 22
September 1940
One letter from Turk Fujiye dated September 7, 1940 about Norio’s good luck with women and his trip back to Seattle. Turk
also talks about the slow work in the past oyster season (97.308.59A). One letter from George Nakao dated September 10, 1940
about Norio working in Yakima , their opinions on country versus city girls, and whether or not he will go to Japan (97.308.60A-B).
Includes items numbered 97.308.59A-60B.
Box 1, Folder 23
October 1940
One letter from George [Nakao] dated October 1, 1940 about waiting for his passport to arrive (97.308.61A-B). One letter from
George Nakao dated October 7, 1940 about how he never got his passport and will not be going to Japan but received a letter
from the navy asking if he was interested in a position (97.308.62A-B). One letter from [Matsuko] dated October 14, 1940 thanking
Norio for the oysters and giving him a general update about life (97.308.63A-B).One letter from Turk dated October 23, 1940
mostly about girls but also mentions the draft towards the end of the letter (97.308.64A-B). One letter from George Nakao
dated October 27, 1940 about his first ski of the season and if the draft doesn’t “get” both of them they will have a great
skiing season that winter. He also talks about the cancellation of his sister’s passport and how she couldn’t sail to Japan
and how unsure he is about the future (97.308.65A-B). One letter from [Art Nakamura] dated October 29, 1940 asking Norio about
any jobs he may know of in his area (97.308.66A-B). Includes items numbered 61A-66B.
Box 1, Folder 25
May 1941
One letter from John [Matsudania] postmarked May 26, 1941 about how his father is wondering if Norio is leaving for the cannery
with crew 1 or crew 2 (97.308.68A-B). One postcard postmarked May 26, 1941 with information about Port Bailey crews and offering
Norio his previous job if he wants it (97.308.69). Includes items numbered 97.308.68A-.69.
Box 1, Folder 26
Box 1, Folder 27
March 1942
One letter from J.R. Gabriel dated March 11, 1942 about life in Texas at the Air Corps Advanced Flying School (97.308.71A-B).
One letter from Ray Glassco (signed “George”) dated March 17, 1942 about how “George”passed his qualification test for the
Third Weather Squadron and will be leaving for Chanute [Kansas] in a week (97.308.72A-B).One letter from Chiye Sugar Sato
(signed Sugar) dated March 24, 1942. Sugar tells Norio how sorry she is that he was discharged from the army and how unfair
the Isseis and Niseis have been treated by the government. She also explains her nickname, “Sugar” (97.308.73A-B). Includes
items numbered 97.308.71A-73B.
Box 1, Folder 28
Box 1, Folder 29
Box 1, Folder 30
December 1944
Box 1, Folder 31
Box 1, Folder 32
Box 1, Folder 33
Box 1, Folder 34
July 1945
One letter from Masaru Odoi dated July 15, 1945 about seeing the world with the 44nd after Germany’s surrender (97.308.81A-B).
One letter from [Toru] dated July 23, 1945. The letter thanks Norio for pictures from camp and of the fire department and
discusses Norio’s provost marshal’s clearance (97.308.82A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.81A-.82B.
Box 1, Folder 35
August 1945
One postcard from Shiro Iwana while in Heidelberg, Germany with the 522nd. The postcard is dated August 11, 1945 and about
his recent trips to Luxemburg and Belgium. He talks about how Heldelberg was intact but it’s neighboring town (Heilbronn,
Germany) was flattened like he’d never seen before (97.308.83). One letter from Shiro Iwana from a different German town about
his travels throughout Europe and V-J Day, dated August 14, 1945 (97.308.84A-B). One letter from Shira Iwana (August 15, 1945)
about V-J Day, hearing the radio broadcasts from New York and Chicago about Japan’s surrender, and his hopes to be home by
Christmas time (97.308.85A-B). One letter from [Dango] dated August 16, 1945 about how he expects to head home soon and asks
Norio to tell his father not to worry about him (97.308.86A-B). One letter from Tad [Sato] (August 21, 1945) about how he
is learning to repair cameras at present time but hasn’t learned much about photography (97.308.87A-B). One letter from [Chicke]
date August 23, 1945 asking Norio if he plans to stay at Minidoka until they officially close the date and reflecting on the
relocation process and camp memories (97.308.88.A-B). One telegram from Bob Nakao (August 26, 1945) about how it is okay for
Norio to come but to write the exact time and date of arrival (97.308.89). One letter from [Toru] dated August 27, 1945 with
advice about class registration for Norio and making general arrangements for his arrival in Seattle (97.308.90A-B). One letter
from [Dango] dated August 31, 1945 about his recent rest in Venice (97.308.91A-B). One postcard from Shiro Iwana dated August
31, 1945 about his living conditions in Mertingen, Germany (97.308.92). Includes items numbered 97.308.83-92.
Box 1, Folder 36
September 1945
One letter from [Aimey Sakaguchi] dated September 5, 1945 about her family’s return home from camp and the community’s reactions
to Japanese Americans. The letter also discusses her job working for the Federal Public Housing Authority in Seattle (97.308.93A-B).
One letter from ‘Bosco’ Yoshi Ukada postmarked September 6, 1945. Bosco details his arrival in Chicago after having a difficult
journey on the train (97.308.94A-B). One letter from [Noburu] Nakamura dated September 7, 1945 asking Norio to tell the boys
at the fire station he just arrived and hasn’t had time to do anything yet (97.308.95A-B). One letter from [Dango] postmarked
September 8, 1945 (97.308.96A-B). One letter from [Dango] dated September 15, 1945 asking Norio about camp and giving him
a brief update (97.308.97A-B). One letter from Masaru Odoi dated September 17, 1945 from Livorno, Italy. He describes working
at regimental headquarters and how the 442nd is slowly getting more honors. The letter concludes by Masaru asking if Norio
is still at camp and advising him to pave the way for other Nisei men to get jobs by setting a good example rather than giving
the government a hard time (97.308.98A-B). One letter from Dango dated September 18, 1945 about how he hopes this will be
his last letter from Italy before heading home (97.308.99A-B). One postcard from Shiro Iwana dated September 18, 1945 about
his visit to Salzburg, Austria (97.308.100). One letter from [Amy] dated September 21, 1945 (97.308.101A-B). One letter from
Father Joe at The Church of the Holy Apostles in Hunt, Idaho dated September 22, 1945 about Norio’s new life outside of Minidoka
(97.308.102A-B). One postcard from Tak dated September 22, 1945 about leaving camp and traveling to Portland, Oregon with
Bob (97.308.103). One postcard from Tak dated September 24, 1945 about reading Seattle and staying with the Okamoto family
(97.308.104). One letter from Tad Fujihira dated September 24, 1945 (97.308.105A-B). One letter dated September 24, 1945 from
Helen and Elmer at The Church of the Holy Apostles in Hunt, Idaho (97.308.106A-B). One letter from Amy dated September 24,
1945 (97.308.107A-B). One letter from Tadashi Sato dated September 25, 1945 about his surprise to hear that Norio relocated
to East Lansing, Michigan but happy that he is taking advantage of the G.I. Bill to go to school (97.308.108A-B). One postcard
from Amy dated September 26, 1945 from Minidoka about Father Joe (97.308.109). One V-mail from [Dango] dated September 27,
1945 about how he is still in Italy but waiting to be sent home (97.308.110). Includes items numbered 97.308.93A-.110.
Box 2, Folder 1
October 1945
One letter from Amy dated October 1, 1945 about how she decided to leave [camp] with her parents on October 9, 1945 (97.308.111A-B).
One letter from Father Joe at the Church of Holy Apostles in Hunt, Idaho about how Bob and Tak are having a hard time finding
work in Seattle because of discrimination (97.308.112A-B). One postcard from Tad dated October 8, 1945 about his sightseeing
in New York City (97.308.113). One letter from [Gene Tanaka] dated October 9, 1945 (97.308.114A-B). One letter from Amy dated
October 11, 1945 about her travels from camp [Minidoka] by train to Tacoma, Washington. In the letter she talks about not
missing camp but missing her friends. One letter from Tad Fujihira dated October 16, 1945 that mentions Lily Yorozu and her
address for Norio to write her (97.308.117A-B). One letter from M. Nakata dated October 17, 1945 about Minidoka after Norio
left and his plans to leave for Chicago soon (97.308.117A-B). One postcard from unknown sender (illegible name) postmarked
October 18, 1945 about travels to Washington, D.C. (97.308.118). One V-mail from Dango dated October 18, 1945 (97.308.119).
One letter from Bob dated October 21, 1945 (97.308.120A-B). One letter from [Yosh Akada] dated October 28, 1945 about relocation
and their arrival in Chicago, Illinois (97.308.121A-B). One letter from M.N. postmarked October 30, 1945 (97.308.122A-B).
Includes items numbered 97.308.111A-.122B).
Box 2, Folder 2
November 1945
One letter from William [Yorozu] dated November 1, 1945 about how he picked up Norio’s telescope and gun from the U.S. Marshall’s
office in Seattle and other miscellaneous items in storage in Seattle. William also mentions how dull life in Spokane, Washington
is and how he wishes he went back East where there are more job opportunities (97.308.123A-B). One letter from Christine Steen
dated November 12, 1945 with an invitation to a party for Niseis of the area held by the Fellowship of Reconciliation (97.308.124A-B).
One letter from Tad Fujihira dated November 12, 1945 (97.308.125A-B). One letter from Tad Sato dated November 22, 1945 about
life in Germany (97.308.126A-B). One letter from ‘Bosco’ dated November 12, 1945 (97.308.127A-B). One letter from Helen dated
November 16, 1945 about the last two months at camp [Minidoka] (97.308.128A-B). One postcard from Sao dated November 16, 1945
about getting a job in Spokane, Washington (97.308.129). One letter from Dango dated November 21, 1945 about how he is now
a civilian heading back to his father (97.308.130A-B). One letter from Sao dated November 24, 1945 (97.308.131A-B). One letter
from [Hirachi] dated November 29, 1945 with a holiday card (97.308.132A-B). One letter from ‘Bosco’ dated November 30, 1945
thanking Norio for the Michigan State College course catalog and updating him on his life in Chicago (97.308.133A-B). Includes
items numbered 97.308.123A-.133B.
Box 2, Folder 3
December 1945
One letter from Masaru Odoi dated December 4, 1945 about how it sounds like Norio may be in love and that Masaru is taking
classes on sociology, philosophy, and art at the G.I University in Florence, Italy (97.308.135A-B). One letter from Shiro
Iwana dated December 21, 1945 with an update on his travels since rejoining the 522nd (97.308.136A-B). One letter from Masaru
Odoi dated December 22, 1945 describing his trip with Horoshi to Switzerland (97.308.137A-B). One holiday letter dated Christmas
1945 from J. Kitagawa with a general update of his work after leaving Minidoka in October 1945 (97.308.138A-B). One letter
from Tooru Hideshima dated December 29, 1945 discussing the amount of Japanese Americans in Crystal City leaving for Japan
(97.308.155A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.135A-.138B and 97.308.155A-B.
Box 2, Folder 4
ca. 1945
Box 2, Folder 5
January 1945
One letter from G.M. [Gordon Minnomo] dated January 1, 1946 with an update about his life after Minidoka (97.308.140A-B).
One letter from Tad Fujihira dated January 6, 1946 (97.308.141A-B). One letter from Eddie dated January 11, 1946 (97.308.142A-B).
One letter from [Hisaka] postmarked on January 27, 1946 about how he is still in the army but hoping to be a civilian again
in two weeks. The letter also discusses job possibilities once he is a civilian (97.308.143A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.140A-.143B.
Box 2, Folder 6
March 1946
One letter from Yoshiko O. postmarked March 1, 1946 thanking Norio for sending stamps and pictures. He also updates Norio
on his most recent report card (97.308.144A-B). One thank-you card from Hatsuko dated March 4, 1946 (97.308.145A-B). Includes
items numbered 97.308.144A-.145B.
Box 2, Folder 7
Box 2, Folder 8
Box 2, Folder 9
Box 2, Folder 10
December 1953
One letter from Gordon [G.M. Minnomo] dated December 27, 1956 telling Norio that he has a good looking family and how he can’t
believe that Norio has a six year old child. (97.308.149A-B). One letter from Gordon [G.M. Minnomo] dated December 31, 1948
asking for an update on Norio’s life since he is a married man now (97.308.150A-B). Includes items numbered 97.308.149A-.150B.
Box 2, Folder 11
Box 2, Folder 12
November 1984
One letter from W.P. Collins of Del E. Webb Construction Services Company dated November 2, 1984. The letter is responded
to an inquiry made by Norio about a construction project at Poston, Arizona. Includes items numbered 97.308.152A-B.
Box 2, Folder 13
Box 2, Folder 14
Box 2, Folder 15
Box 2, Folder 16
Box 2, Folder 17
Box 2, Folder 18
Box 2, Folder 19
1945
Holiday cards from Tooru Hideshima, the Fajima family (Geo, Hon, Sumi, and Wayne), [Michiko], Mr. and Mrs. G. [Tanemura],
Tak, Mr. and Mrs. M. Shibata, Mr. and Mrs. William S. Yorozu, and the Okamoto family. Includes items numbered 97.308.182A-.189B.
Box 2, Folder 20
Box 2, Folder 21
Box 2, Folder 22
Box 3, Folder 1
Box 3, Folder 2
Nippon
8 unused postcards with the original envelope that held the postcards. Each postcard says “Ise is the only country in Nippon
where the people visits and worships at the Kotajingu” in both English and Japanese. Includes items numbered 97.308.204A-I.
Box 3, Folder 3
Nara
8 unused postcards of the Todai-ji temple complex in Nara, Japan with the original envelope that held the postcards. Includes
images of the Daibutsu temple, a bronze statue of Buddha, Tengaimon, Okane, the Akasgarbha-Bodhisattva in the Daibutsu temple,
a passageway at the foot of a column in the complex, an aerial view of Daibutsu temple, and the Tamonten in Daibutsu temple.
Includes items numbered 97.308.205A-I.
Box 3, Folder 4
Box 3, Folder 5
N.Y.K. Liners
Two color postcard depicting N.Y.K. Liners. and a white N.Y.K. envelope that held them. One postcard depicts the children’s
room on the N.Y.K. Liners with a nun supervising activities (97.308.207A). The other postcard depicts couples dancing on the
decks of N.Y.K. Liners (97.308.207B). Includes items numbered 97.308.207A-C.
Box 3, Folder 6
W.R.A. 1945
Multiple items mailed to Norio from the War Relocation Authority: one copy of the War Relocation Evacuee Property Report (97.308.208A),
one copy of the War Relocation Authority Request for Storage of Property (97.308.208B), one copy of Administrative Notice
No. 264 (97.308.208C), one copy of a receipt to the War Relocation Authority from Norio in regards to the property listed
in the Evacuee Property Report (97.308.208D), one memorandum addressed to Norio in regards to his Evacuee Property Report
(97.308.208E),one envelope addressed to Norio in Hunt, Idaho (97.308.208F). Includes items numbered 97.308.208A-F.
Box 3, Folder 7
United States Army 1941-1948
One request for permission to attend a Japanese movie signed by Ronald T. Chagami (97.308.209), one permit of local board
for registrant to depart from the United States (97.308.210), one visitation pass from the Office of the Provost Marshal of
the Metropolitan Tokyo area (97.308.211), one assignment card and meal ticket for Norio (97.308.212), one ration card for
the eighth army exchange (97.308.213), one ticket stub for a train ride from Osaka from Hiroshima (97.308.214), one ticket
stub for a train ride from Kyoto to Tokyo (97.308.215), one ticket stub for a train ride from Hiroshima to Osaka (97.308.216),
one ticket stub for a train ride from Osaka to Tokyo (97.308.217). Includes items numbered 97.308.209-.217.
Box 3, Folder 8
1941
One certification for Norio’s health (97.308.218), one clearance working card for Kadiak Fisheries in Shearwater, Alaska (97.308.219),
one Cannery Workers & Farm Laborers Union that included multiple photographs of Norio and one note slipped into the plastic
casing (97.308.220). Includes items numbered 97.308.218-.220.
Box 3, Folder 9
ca. 1930-1950
One photograph of an unidentified American soldier in front of a Nazi plane. The photograph has a note on the back to Norio
but is unsigned. Dated April 1945 (97.308.221). Another photograph of the same unidentified American soldier travelling through
Germany in April 1945. The soldiers are travelling by tanks. (97.308.222). Two images on one sheet of paper showing two Japanese
American men in what looks like a kitchen or mess hall (97.308.223). One photograph of four unidentified men (97.308.223).One
photograph of men in acrobatic poses (97.308.225). One photograph of two unidentified men (97.308.226). One portrait of an
unidentified girl. The photograph has illegible writing on it (97.308.227). One photograph of a water tower (97.308.228).
One photograph of four unidentified men (97.308.230). One photograph of a landscape with a water tower and barracks (97.308.230).
One photograph of a landscape with barracks (97.308.231). Includes items numbered 97.308.221-.231.
Box 3, Folder 10
Box 3, Folder 11, Box 3, Folder 12
N.Y.K. Liners
Two different booklets made by N.Y.K. Lines with images of liners on the covers. Text is in Japanese. 97.308.235 was printed
by Shueishia Printing Co. in Japan. Includes items numbered 97.398.324-325.
Box 3, Folder 13
Army Language School
Box 3, Folder 14
Box 3, Folder 15
Box 3, Folder 16, Box 3, Folder 17
In Sea and River
Artifacts
97.308.1: American Defense Service Medal. 1 bronze medal awarded to United States Army personnel for activity duty service
from September 8, 1939 to December 7, 1941 for a period of twelve months or longer.
97.308.2: American Defense Service Ribbon. 1 pin awarded to Norio Mitsuoka with his American Defense Service Medal.
97.308.3: World War II Victory Medal. 1 bronze medal awarded to all military personnel for service between December 7, 1941
and December 31, 1946.
97.308.4: World War II Victory Service Ribbon. 1 pin given to Norio Mitsuoka with his World War II Victory Medal.
97.308.5: Pin. 1 brass lapel pin with “U.S.” in relief.
97.308.6: Pin. 1 brass lapel pin with “U.S.” in relief.
97.308.7: Field Artillery Pin. 1 brass lapel pin with two crossed rifles in relief.
97.308.8: Field Artillery Pin. 1 brass lapel pin with two crossed rifles in relief.
97.308.9: Ruptured Duck Pin. 1 small gold and silver hued round pin with an eagle spreading wings within a circle. The pin
was issued to discharged United States Army soldiers and worn over the R breast pocket, allowing the returning GI to wear
his uniform home and not be ordered around by an officer.
97.308.10: Button. 1 navy presidential campaign button with gold lettering, "Goldwater for president 1964".
97.308.11: Camera. 1 Mamiya Six IV made in Occupied Japan with Zuiko lens and two rangefinder windows.
97.308.12: Camera case. 1 brown leather camera case for the Mamiya Six IV. Norio Mitsuoka is written in black ink on interior
of leather strap.
97.308.13: Lens. 1 auto-focusing close up attachment called the “Auto-up” for a Mamiya Six IV.
97.308.14A: Light meter. 1 Exposure meter (Type DW-58) for a Mamiya Six IV.
97.308.14B: Case. 1 brown leather case for a light exposure meter.
97.308.15: Sewing kit.1 army sewing kit with buttons, two bobbins, one thimble, needles, and safety pins.
97.308.16: Lens. 1 lens for the Mamiya Six IV.
97.308.241: Patch. 1 MISLS Student patch.