Essondale patient file for Yoshitaro Kada

From this file, LOI has digitized one textual record or image.

Yoshitaro Kada was admitted to Essondale on 12 September 1946 from Bay Farm. A note attached to the front page of the file folder states that, “In the event of death or discharge please notify B.C. Security Commission.” He died at Essondale on 7 November 1946 at the age of 54 of exhaustion. His mental health diagnosis was schizophrenia. Kada was born in Mie Ken, Japan and had lived in Canada for 30 years at the time of his death. He worked as a dry cleaner and had five children with his wife Fude. According to his ward notes, “the reason for this man’s depression and wish to die apparently is that he wished to be repatriated to Japan with his wife and family. The wife and family did not wish to go to Japan to live. The husband then decided he did not wish to live and is doing everything within his power to destroy himself.” His ward notes also indicate that he refused food prior to his death. Prior to committal he made a suicide attempt by jumping out of a hospital window in Slocan City. His Form A medical certificate lists his income as “$45.00 to 50.00 plus maintenance.” His Form B medical certificate was signed by Dr. Hiroshi Kamitakahara at the Department of Labour Hospital, Slocan City. File includes correspondence between hospital officials and the British Columbia Security Commission confirming the admission of an ‘enemy alien’, and with Yoshitaro’s wife, Fude Kada. In a letter to B.C.S.C. medical supervisor G.H. Clement on 24 September, Department of Labour – Japanese Division supervisor E.R. Adams wrote that, “Precipitating causes: Very worried on decision as to whether to go to Japan or the East. He was always arguing with his wife on the problem, and the family. He is the only one that desires to go to Japan, the rest of the family do not wish to go that way at all, being very desirous of going East instead.” Other correspondence between the Essondale business manager Gowan Macgowan and E.R. Adams referred to Kada’s ration book. In a letter from 1 October, Fude wrote to the hospital deputy medical superintendent, Mr. A.M. Gee, that, “regarding the matter of my visiting my husband. I wish I could and be of any help in curing my husband, but as you know I am short of means and under the circumstances I cannot make it right away. However, I have been in to see Mr. Adams the Supervisor here and have begged him to arrange in some way for me so I may make the trip. Soon as I get permission to do so, I will leave here immediately.” A telegram from Mrs. Kada on 22 October stated that “Department of Labour unwilling to assist with transportation. Being moved to New Denver on 24th.” In a letter, 6 November, Mrs. Yada thanked Dr. Gee for his kindness during a visit to her husband. In another letter, 12 November, Dr. Gee informed Mrs. Yada that, “Arrangements were made for burial through Cpl. Davidson following your instructions.” Mrs. Yada and her son requested the return of a photo of one of the children and Yoshitaro’s clothing; Dr. Gee indicated in his reply that they were unable to locate the picture, and all clothing had been sent to the funeral home.

British Columbia. Mental Health Services created this archive which were transferred to the BC Archives from 1987 to 2000.

The digital copies of the records were acquired by the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective between 2014 and 2018.

This record was digitized selectively.