Description
This collection, comprised largely of letters between husband and wife while separated during World War II, provides valuable
insight into camp life and family life. Letters between Tetsuo and Sadako, are written primarily in Japanese. Letters from
his son describe his service with the Army and letters from his daughter are often about her marriage and new husband as well
as taking care of her mother and the family dog. There are also letters from the War Relocation Authority pertaining to Tetsuo’s
parole, letters regarding his enrollment at Union College, travel applications, various WRA materials, and Tetsuo’s naturalization
application. Many of his letters in Japanese contain bible verses in English as his faith began to factor very heavily into
his life while interned. These documents are important in portraying the life of a Hawaiian community leader during the war
years, especially given his important role in promoting citizenship following World War II.
Background
Testuo Toyama was born on April 8, 1882 on the island of Ike Jima, one of the islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago. Testuo attended
school at the Okinawa Prefecture Normal School and in 1902, while still attending school, he was inducted into the 23rd Regiment
of the Sixth Division of the Japanese Army. In 1904, he was sent to Manchuria to fight the Russians and was wounded in battle.
In 1905 Tetsuo returned to Manchuria and the armistice was declared while his regiment was pursuing Russian forces.
Restrictions
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).
Availability
By appointment only.
Please Contact the Collections Management and Access Unit by email (collections@janm.org) or telephone (213-830-5615).