Prisoner of War Mail Letter

Prisoner of War Mail Letter

Description

Title Proper Prisoner of War Mail Letter
Date(s) 1942
General material designation
This item contains a textual record.
Scope and content
Item is a sheet of paper that can be folded to perform both the function of a letter. When folded, the words "PRISONER OF WAR MAIL" and "FREE/FRANC DE PORT" can be found on the front. Sender Name, No., Rank, Service and Interment Camp information can be filled in on the backside. Tucked inside the envelope is the side with the words "NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN HERE./NICHT HIER SCHREIBEN./NON SCRIVERE NULLA" and some Japanese words. Space has been left for a message to be written on the inside.
Name of creator
Masanobu Kawahira was born to Torazo Kawahira and Yukino Naka, immigrants from Iyeimura, Ibusuki gun, Kagoshima ken. Torazo immigrated in 1907 on the vessel Shawmut, at the time his listed occupation was a miner. Torazo worked in a variety of seasonal occupations such as fishing and logging. In 1920, he was living with friend Iyemon Yanomichi at #220- Main Street prior to returning to Japan to marry Yukino. When they returned in August 1921, Yukino was pregnant and Masanobu was born a few months later on December 20, 1921 at 241 Hastings Street.
Immediate source of acquisition
The digital copies of the records were acquired by the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective between 2014 and 2018.
This record was digitized in full.

Metadata

Title

Prisoner of War Mail Letter
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Terminology

Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese Canadians and euphemisms used to obscure the intent and impacts of the internment and dispossession. While these are important realities of the history, the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective urges users to carefully consider their own terminological choices in writing and speaking about this topic today as we confront past injustice. See our statement on terminology, and related sources here.