Outgoing - [1950]

From this file, LOI has digitized a textual record.

The file consists of handwritten draft letters in Japanese on genkoyoshi (Japanese writing papers for manuscript) with a front and back cover. There is a Japanese writing "1950" on the front cover. While the majority is the draft letters dated 1950, there are four letters that are dated late December 1949. Also, towards the end, there are draft letters that are dated between 1923 and 1943. In particular, there is a manuscript of letters Sato sent to his teachers and friends in Tokyo immediately following the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. This manuscript is partially translated below.

The majority of letters are written to Sato's former students and their parents. Sato mentions in letters that he receives several hundreds Christmas cards every year. Some former students have been sending cards for almost 30 years.

Letter to Senji Takashima, dated January 10, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.3)

This letter responds to Takashima's inquiry regarding the loss Sato sustained in the sale of his house in Vancouver by the Custodian during the War. Sato points out that the Custodian sold his house in 1944 for $900 while the Custodian raised the insured value from $1,000 to $2,000 a few months prior to the sale. Sato also found out that there was another offer for $1,100 a few weeks later. The property was later professionally appraised to have had a value of $2,700 in 1944.

Sato adds in this letter that he accepts the forced relocation from the Pacific Coast as a necessary measure by the Canadian government during the War; however he cannot accept the forced unreasonable sale of the properties owned by the Nikkei people. He cites the case of the Nikkei Americans where the Nikkei people's properties and assets along the Pacific Coast were kept and returned to them after the War. Not having their properties, the Issei in Canada lost the opportunity for re-establishing their lives.

Letter to Fuseo Toda, dated January 7, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.4)

Thank you letter for receiving Miyako Arare (snack). Talks about her family.

Letter to Fumie Watanabe, dated December 28, 1949 (1996.170.1.14.5)

Thank you letter for receiving a Christmas card from New York where Fumie was studying. Praises her Japanese.

Letter to Tomi Watanabe, dated December 28, 1949 (1996.170.1.14.6)

Informs her about receiving a Christmas card from her daughter Fumie. Praises Fumie's Japanese writing. Sato writes that, while most Nisei have difficulty just reading Japanese, Fumie's Japanese is improving.

Letter to Shigeru Sato, dated December 25, 1949 (1996.170.1.14.7)

Sato writes that he heard Shigeru bought a car and people were saying that he mostly bought it to make his aged mother happy. Sato writes how Shigeru's father solely lived for others and for the public good. Sato encourages Sigeru to continue to live following his father's footsteps and to comfort his mother.

Letter to Keiko Iguchi, dated December 25, 1949 (1996.170.1.14.8)

Thanks for receiving her letter. Sato writes he heard good things about her work at a company.

Letter to XXX Imakai (?) in Japan, dated January 7, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.9)

Sympathy letter for hearing the passing of her husband Imakai Sensei (teacher).

Letter to Gisaku Hiramatsu, dated January 1950 (1996.170.1.14.10)

Response to a letter received. Hiramatsu's daughter is Sato's former student. Sato praises Hiramatsu for starting a farm.

Letter to Matazo Itonaga, dated January 13, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.11)

Response to a letter received. Itonaga is a former student. Sato encourages Itonaga's plan to visit Japan.

Letter to Sato Sengawa in Japan, dated January 14, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.12)

Sato writes he researched the whereabouts of her son after reading her letter, which described how worried she was about her son as she had not heard from him for a while. Sato tracked him down in Lumby, BC, working at a mill, by asking other former students. Sato enclosed an addressed envelope so that the mother, who probably could not read or write English well, could send a letter to her son.

Letter to XXichi Ueno, dated January 16, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.13)

Response to a letter received.

Letter to Tokizo Toguri, dated January 16, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.14)

Praises for his successful children.

Letter to Shige Isomura, dated January 24, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.15)

Sympathy letter for the passing of her husband.

Letter to Shoka (?) Yamamoto, dated January 28, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.16)

Returning two books from Queen's University with explanation of the art books that were printed in late 1800's in Japan.

Letter to Nobuo Ishikawa, dated January 20, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.17)

Regarding the above two books at Queen's University.

Letter to Komakichi Uesugi, dated February 12, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.18)

Sato heard about Uesugi returning to Japan. Inquiring about his family in Hikone especially during the war.

Letter to Katsushi Kumagae, dated February 23, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.19)

Praising this former student who has been studying voice and is now a successful vocalist.

Letter to Emi Tomita, dated February 28, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.20)

Thank you letter for receiving chocolates.

Letter to Futoshige (?) Sakuma, dated February 17, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.21)

Sympathy letter for the passing of his son.

Letter to Fumio Kamishiro, dated February 19, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.22)

Kamishiro appears to work for Foreign Affairs of the Japanese government and was stationed in Ottawa and then Winnipeg, Sato writes information on the Nikkei people at the time:

- Distribution of the Nikkei people in Canada: approximately, BC 6,000, Alberta 4,000, Saskatchewan 400 - 500, Ontario 8,000 and Quebec 1,500.

- by City: Toronto 6,000, Montreal 1,300, Hamilton 1,000, Winnipeg less than 1,000, Vancouver 400, Fort William 500, Raymond (?) and vicinity 1,000, other 1,000.

- As indicated above, Japanese concentration moved from BC to Ontario and from Vancouver to Toronto.

- The restriction of Nikkei movement was removed last April, but it has been difficult to return to Vancouver because there are no more houses and it lacks suitable work. Fishing and gardening are still good, and the people from Steveston are slowly returning to the coast.

- It seems there is less anti-Japanese sentiment in the east compared to BC; therefore, Nisei are obtaining jobs in various areas such as government officer. school teacher, company employee, factory technician, etc.

- However, the Issei who were successful on the coast are not doing too well. Now they are aged and generally lack high spirit. They make living working as factory worker or hired laborer.

- The Issei who were struggling with many children are now living fairly well with all those children having grown up and helping out economically.

- Three Nikkei educational societies decided to give funding as follows: $2,000 to the movement to obtain Canadian citizenship, $1,500 to aid the rescue of Japanese refugees; $500 to organize Japanese books, $600 to publish the education society's journal.

Letter to Kazue Yamada in Winnipeg, dated March 5, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.23)

Response to a letter informing her marriage and a package that contained her wedding photo.

Letter to Soichi Iwamasa, dated April 18, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.24)

Response to a letter received. Iwamasa was another teacher. Sato writes his frustration and disappointment regarding the future of Japanese culture in Canada.

Letter to Yukie Tazawa (nee Ochiai) in Japan, dated April 11, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.25)

Response to a letter received. Yukie is a former student. Sato's letter indicates Yukie, who knows how things work in North America, is highly valued in the post-war Japan.

Letter to Rokuro Tagashira, dated April 11. (1996.170.1.14.26)

Tagashira is a former colleague. Sato read in the newspaper that Tagashira's family member passed away. Sato shares whereabouts of their former students.

Letter to Shizue Morikawachi in Japan, dated April 12, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.27)

Response to a letter received. Shizue is a former student. Because Morikawachi works for a publisher in Japan, Sato asks about an estimated cost of publishing his letters, which amounted to a few thousands at the time.

Response to Mr. McGill, the juvenile court director, who asked why there are few juvenile delinquents among the Japanese. (1996-170-1-14-28) Sato writes:

1) Influence of home

i. The Japanese value family and home as the basis of morality. They are taught that parents love their children, children respect their parents, older siblings love and look after younger siblings, and younger siblings are to be obedient to older siblings. Therefore home is warm and fun.

ii. The Japanese value family name/honor. Honor of a family member is the honor of the whole family and shame of a family member is the shame of the whole family.

2) Influence of Japanese language school

i. At Japanese language school, students are taught to be good Canadians. They are taught to be: "Be a good Canadian citizen."; "Respect moral and laws of Canada."; and "Contribute to the culture of Canada".

ii. Japanese language school plays the role of a protector of a child. Children generally become influenced with bad activities after school. Japanese children are studying at a Japanese language school after school.

3) Influence of the Japanese society

The Japanese who immigrated to Canada are protected for their lives, properties and honor and can live without worries, just like any other foreigners who immigrated to Canada. Consequently the Japanese are grateful to the country of Canada and its people. Therefore, we try to repay for all these good things given and teach our children to become good Canadian citizens, making contributions to the country of Canada.

Letter to Kazuma Nakayama, dated April 3, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.29)

Response to a letter and his new business card received. Nakayama is a former student. Nakayama's business card shows his title is "External Affairs Officer, Administration, Government Policy Bureau" of Japanese government.

September 23, 1937 no addressee. (1996.170.1.14.30)

Thank you letter for receiving a photo of Sato's school mates when they were young. Sato talks about his Japanese language school in Vancouver and writes that the number of students reached 1,000 and the school has a reputation of being the best along the Pacific coast.

"From Vancouver at the time of the Earthquake, October 1923". (1996.170.1.14.31)

"Following is a letter I sent to my teachers and friends when the great earthquakes occurred in Kanto in October 1923.

It was September 1st. It was 9 a.m. Saturday. I had a call from a newspaper company asking, "There are big fires in Yokohama. We cannot find out any more. Do you have photos of Yokohama?" I didn't think much of it at the time, but one day later (September 2nd was Sunday, so there was no newspaper) on September 3rd, in the morning, somebody was shouting "Special Edition! Special Edition!". When I looked, a boy was going around blowing horns with the special edition of newspaper piled up on the bicycle. Since I came to Vancouver, it was the first time I saw a special edition. Just from this, one can imagine how much this disaster shocked the people of the world. I bought a copy, too. The top of the front page had the headline "Tokyo Great Earthquake" using 2" square letters in red.

It was written that, in addition to the large earthquake, there were big fires: 200,000 dead, wounded 500,000, the extend of damages uncertain.........

On September 4, we informed our students of the above disaster. Our students said they wanted to send donations to the poor children in Japan. ... On the same night, the Canadian Japanese Association gathered various organizations and had discussion. First of all, we targeted to collect $50,000, and, on September 6, we sent 50 tons of flour to Japan on a Russian vessel. The donation exceeded the original target quickly, reaching $100,000 and then $130,000. We sent these funds by telegram through the Vancouver Consulate General of Japan. Japanese women's group collected clothes and the donated clothes piled up like mountains in a few days. The women's group also assisted Red Cross by sewing Japanese clothes.

On the Tag Day of Red Cross, the women's group as well as the female graduates of our school stood on the streets selling tags, saying, "Help homeless Japanese, please". The western people were very sympathetic and responded with good will.

Churches and temples held prayer meetings. Thus, regardless of age and gender, we all worked hard with the utmost sincerity for our home country....."

Letter to the parents of students, dated December 22, 1941 (1996.170.1.14.32)

This letter was sent upon closure of the Japanese language school. [Translation] "I truly regret, because of what is happening, we have to close our school that has the long history of 36 years. Looking back, it has been 25 years that I was able to serve at this school. These were the expanding years of the Japanese language school. It was the fulfilling era and the golden age. While I am small and have many faults, I happened to be able to serve in such a glorious time, contributing to the Japanese race as well as to the Canadian culture. I cannot express how fortunate, happy and honored I feel. This is all due to your support and I am truly grateful. I cannot foresee when we are able to re-open this school; therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Please continue to stay in touch."

Letter dated December 7, 1941. No addressee. (1996.170.1.14.33)

Sato writes that he arrived back at the port of Vancouver on November 1, 4:00 a.m., and thanks for looking after him while he was in Japan. He writes everything was well looked after in Vancouver while he was away. Many people visited his wife during his absence. While it is being reported that the relationship between Japan and the States is worsening, he lives and works peacefully in Vancouver and the school continues to operate.

A postscript is added later stating that: "This letter was posted on December 7th when the Pacific War started. Of course, the letter was not mailed to Japan and was returned."

Letter dated July 22, 1942. No addressee. (1996.170.1.14.34)

This letter was written to a multiple of people as a mid-summer greeting, also notifying his current condition and life at College Height in Lacombe, Alberta.

[Translation of the last section] "I believe everybody in the world is facing difficulties now. There is no place where is no difficulty. Let's not lose heart and try to stay healthy. Let us overcome difficulties and await the bright time to arrive."

Letter dated December, 1942. No addressee. (1996.170.1.14.35)

This letter was written to a multiple of people as a mid-winter greeting. Sato encourages people to think their forced relocation as a step forward. Being dispersed all over Canada means the Japanese people are now using the wide area of the country. Think this as an opportunity. In later years, this would be considered to be the second phase of the Canadian Japanese immigrants.

Letter dated August 8, 1943. No addressee. (1996.170.1.14.36)

This letter was written to a multiple of people describing his life n Alberta.

Letter dated May 5, 1937. No addressee. (1996.170.1.14.37)

This letter was sent to a multiple of people describing the visit of prince and princess Chichibunomiya to Vancouver and his Japanese language school.

Letter to Tsunekichi Sugiyama, dated January 31, 1947 (1996.170.1.14.38)

Thank you letter for his hospitality during Sato's visit.

Letter to Kunitaro Shoyama, dated Jauary 31, 1947 - on the same sheet.

Thanking for hospitality during Sato's visit

Letter to Senkichi Fukuyama, dated January 20, 1949 (1996.170.1.14.39)

Thank you letter for hospitality.

Letter to Yae Fukuyama, dated January 30 - on the same sheet.

Thank you letter for hospitality.

Letter to Iwakichi Sugiyama, dated January 22, 1947 (1996.170.1.14.40)

Thank you letter for hospitality.

Letter to Cyokichi Yabumoto in Japan, dated 1949 (1996.170.1.14.41)

Response to a letter received. Sympathy for two of his sons died (probably fighting in the war).

Letter dated February 4, 1947. No addressee. (1996.170.1.14.42)

This letter was written to a multiple people, notifying that Sato received an inquiry regarding the sale of the new building of the Vancouver Japanese Language School. Sato writes in length how he and his wife devoted themselves for 30 years for the school, and he was the one who fought for the new building to be built. It is a depressing work to look after the sale of school properties. He ends his letter saying that he feels as if he is digging his own grave.

Letters included in Christmas cards, December 1947 (1996.170.1.14.43)

To Kinichi Iwata, regarding death of Dr. Syuichi Hishita, brother of Iwata and Sato's former student.

To Ritsuko Kagawa. He heard she bought a car. Congratulates her success.

To Syuichi Sasaki. Sato considers Sasaki was central to the expansion of the countrymen in Toronto.

To Itsuhei Nishio. Sato received a letter from a former official of Foreign Affairs of Japanese government, which said they were working relying on the English proficiency of the Nisei from Canada including Nishio.

To Senichi Kinoshita. Congratulates Kinoshita's son's academic achievement.

To Torao (?) Shimokouhara. Praising his daughter's Japanese cooking.

To Katsuko Arima. Thanks for sending Christmas card every year for the last 30 years.

To Yosaburo Ohmori. Thanks for Ohmori's hospitality last year as well as the knife Ohmori sent as a gift. Unfortunately he was not able to meet Ohmori's son in Vernon.

Letter to Satoshi (?) Nekota, dated March 22, 1950 (1996.170.1.14.44)

Sato heard Nekota was going to Japan to study Buddhism.

Tsutae Sato was born in 1891 in the small village of Tanagura machi, Fukushima-ken, Japan. Mr. Sato attended the primary school of the village, followed by studies in Chinese classics at a private school. A short term Normal School opened and he continued his education there. After graduating at the age of sixteen, Tsutae found employment as a teacher at a local primary school. He only taught at this school for one year when he decided to pursue his own academic career by enrolling at Aoyama 師範学校 Teacher Training School (or Normal College) in Tokyo where he studied for four years from April 1909 to March 1913. After graduation, he again worked as a teacher, this time at Shibuya Primary School for four years. While teaching there he received an invitation for employment from the Vancouver Japanese Language School which he accepted and arrived in Vancouver in 1917. Tsutae was the fifth principal of the school. There were about 150 students registered at the Vancouver school when Mr. Sato took over as principal. However, the enrollment rapidly increased especially after 1936 to over 1,000 in 1941, when the school was ordered by the Canadian government to close in December 1941.

Mr. Sato's wife, Hanako, was born in 1901 in Wakayama-ken Japan, but moved to Tokyo when she was only a year old. Then her family moved to Niigata when she was about kindergarten age, and a few years later to Toyama. Her father was a medical doctor, and the family moved with him from one city to another as he frequently relocated. Finally, however, the family settled down in Tokyo. Hanako was a graduate of Tokyo Women's Teacher Training School (current Tokyo Gakugei University) and, like Mr. Sato, taught at a Primary school in Tokyo. In 1921, Hanako came to Canada as a teacher on the invitation of the Japanese Language School of Vancouver, four years after Tsutae arrived. Tsutae and Hanako had known each other and they were married just prior to Hanako's departure for Canada in 1921.

As part of their accomplishments, Tsutae and Hanako were responsible for upgrading and improving the quality offered by the Japanese Language School. They were also the ones primarily responsible for the establishment of the Japanese Canadian Language Schools Federation, as well as for the addition of a larger school building.

The Japanese Language Schools Federations functioned until 1941 when the Pacific War broke out. It fostered a peaceful and harmonious relationship between Japanese schools, thus strengthening the Japanese community as a whole.

During the forced uprooting, Mr. and Mrs. Sato spent eleven years at Lacombe, Alberta, from 1942 to 1952. During this time they managed to travel to practically all of the places where their former students resettled in order to comfort them and encourage them.

In 1952, the Satos returned to Vancouver and resumed their roles as the Principal and teacher of the Vancouver Japanese Language School, until 1966, when they retired.

Mr. Sato's contribution to the society of Canada as a whole was recognized by the Canadian government on July 1978, when he was named a member of the Order of Canada.

Hanako Sato died in Vancouver, May 4, 1983; Tsutae Sato three weeks later on May 23, 1983.

No digital copies of the records were acquired by the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective between 2014 and 2018.