In 1939 my father was offered the high position of Executive Secretary at the Buddhist church headquarters at San Francisco. So, once again we moved, this time back to San Francisco. And that’s where we were in May 1942, when we received notice that all Japanese were to be evacuated to an assembly center.
On Thursday, May 7, 1942, at 12 o’clock noon, we boarded a bus for Tanforan, California.
It was a strange sight that met our eyes as we arrived at Tanforan. There was a huge grandstand with a large oblong track spreading out before it. Inside and outside the track were rows and rows of black tarpaper barracks.
My brother Hakusho and I enjoyed life here at Tanforan—schools were held only in the mornings. In the afternoons we usually spent our time at a recreation hall, where we could play ping-pong, checkers and other games. Here we could also learn handicrafts such as weaving and wood carving. We would often play on the horizontal bar, competing to see who could do the most chin-ups.
Once a day, about 6 o’clock in the evening, a barrack manager would come around to take roll call. We were all obliged to remain at home during this period, until a siren would wail, allowing us to go out again. I especially remember this siren, for there was always a free movie shown in the grandstand right after roll call. My brothers and I would wait at our door for the siren, then dash over to the grandstand; but no matter how fast we ran, there would always be a big crowd waiting for the doors to open, for our barrack was so far away.
In September 1942 we boarded a train to Utah. We had never ridden a train before so it was a new adventure for me. I had heard that the new camp was near Salt Lake and I thought, “Oh boy! We’re going to live near a lake!”
However, after we got off the train at a little town called Delta, Utah, we found ourselves in the middle of a desert. We were rushed into waiting buses, but I remember nothing of the trip; I was so tired I must’ve fallen asleep.
I am immeasurably pleased to see Topaz collecting details, stories and memorabilia about its former detainees. Keisho Okayama has always been a bright light in our family and community with his brand of grace, artistry, wisdom and love. He and his wife Lauren have been stalwarts in our family as they lived life to the fullest extent following their dreams. Keisho is able to breathe his light and life into hundreds of fantastic and intricate paintings that evoke the surroundings and his feelings over the years. What a rare treat you are providing with this story and Keisho’s and other folks’ artwork.
I enjoyed, deeply, your note on Keisho and Lauren. Having been dear friends
since the ‘Jefferson Blvd” days, I often felt as one of the family as Keisho and I had the deepest regard for each other’s artworks.
I believe you may be Lauren’s sister, sharing Lauren’s maiden name.
So, Hello, and thank you for your thoughtful note.