On September 11, 1942 they arrived at Topaz, Barrack 5-9-C. Yosh had volunteered to go to Topaz a little earlier to help with the construction of the barracks, the irony of which did not escape him. By October of 1942 Yosh was at the University of Texas in Austin thanks to the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council.
This is the letter that Junzo wrote to his son (click here to view the actual letter):
Topaz Utah
April 15 43.
Dearest Yoshi,
How are your cold? I hope all gone by this time. I am and Mam are well. …
I inclose Topaz Times extra you to read. One of MP shot to killed one of residents, so great trouble going on here (killed within barbed wire fence reason unknown).
Another bad news I must tell you that. One of young man attacked Mr Obata night of April 4 (Sunday) about 11 o’clock at corner of Building 9. hited [hit] above eye by the metal pip [pipe]. Mr Obata in the Hospital now, but getting better. The attacker did not found yet. Oh that night we had hard night Mama were still up but I were in the bed.
This place hell.
Next time I will write you good news if I can.
Good by good luck to you
Dad
The two incidents referred to in his letter would forever be linked to Topaz, and continue to stir up painful and angry memories today. The first, the shooting death by a Topaz guard of James Hatsuaki Wakasa, aged 63, on April 11, 1943, caused widespread anger and fear. Junzo included in his letter a copy of the Topaz Times Extra printed on April 12, which published the camp administration’s version of the incident–a version not supported by the postmortem. The second reference is to the vicious attack by another camp resident on Professor Chiura Obata, founder of the Topaz Art School, on April 4th. The Hibinos lived at 5-9-C, and the Obatas were their next-door neighbors. Junzo’s letter reflects the trauma suffered by many Topaz residents, who felt helpless and fearful at being targeted not only by camp guards, but by other residents.
thank you for doing this