This is my Own: Letters to Wes and Other Writings on Japanese Canadians 1941 – 1948 by Huriel – Kitagawa, Ed. By Roy Miki -CORE VIII CANADIAN STUDIES

 Unit - IV

This is my Own: Letters to Wes and Other Writings on Japanese Canadians 1941 – 1948 by Huriel – Kitagawa, Ed. By Roy Miki

This book does not appear to be divided into traditional numbered chapters. Rather, it is a collection of letters and writings by Muriel Kitagawa organized into several main sections:

Editor's Note and Introduction: 

The book begins with an editor's note and a lengthy introduction providing background on Muriel Kitagawa's life and the historical context of Japanese Canadian internment during World War II. This section gives an overview of key events from 1941-1949 affecting Japanese Canadians.

Letters to Wes: 

This is the central part of the book, containing letters Muriel wrote to her brother Wes from December 1941 to May 1942. The letters describe in detail the unfolding events and impacts on Japanese Canadians following Pearl Harbor, including restrictions, property confiscation, and forced relocation.

Other Writings:

This section includes various essays, articles and speeches written by Muriel Kitagawa between 1942-1948. Topics include:

• Reflections on loyalty, citizenship and discrimination

• Accounts of life in internment camps

• Criticisms of government policies toward Japanese Canadians

• Calls for justice and equal rights

• Personal memories and experiences

Bibliography and Index:

 The book concludes with a bibliography of Muriel's writings and other sources, as well as an index.

Throughout these sections, Muriel provides an intimate, first-hand perspective on the injustices faced by Japanese Canadians during WWII and the postwar years. Her writings combine personal experiences with political commentary and advocacy for civil rights. The collection traces her evolving thoughts and activism over this tumultuous period in Canadian history.

Each main section of the book:

Editor's Note and Introduction:

This section, written by Roy Miki, provides essential context for understanding Muriel Kitagawa's writings and their historical significance. It includes:

A brief overview of Kitagawa's life and background

Historical context of Japanese Canadian experiences before and during World War II

Explanation of key events like Pearl Harbor and subsequent government actions

Details about the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Canadians

Information on Kitagawa's family and their experiences

Discussion of Kitagawa's role as a writer and activist in the Japanese Canadian community

Overview of the political climate and racist policies of the time

Explanation of how the letters and writings in the book were collected and curated

This section is crucial for readers to understand the historical and personal context of Kitagawa's writings.

Letters to Wes:

This is the core of the book, containing letters Muriel wrote to her brother Wes from December 1941 to May 1942. These letters provide a real-time, intimate account of the unfolding events affecting Japanese Canadians. Key aspects include:

Detailed descriptions of government restrictions and orders

Personal accounts of how these policies affected Kitagawa's family and community

Emotional responses to the discrimination and injustice

Reports on community meetings and attempts to resist or cope with the situation

Discussions of property confiscation and forced relocation

Reflections on identity, loyalty, and citizenship

Family news and personal struggles during this tumultuous time

These letters offer a unique, personal perspective on a critical period in Canadian history, showing the immediate impact of wartime policies on Japanese Canadian individuals and families.

Other Writings:

This section compiles various pieces written by Kitagawa between 1942 and 1948. It includes essays, articles, and speeches on a range of topics related to the Japanese Canadian experience. Key themes and topics include:

Reflections on loyalty and citizenship in the face of discrimination

Descriptions of life in internment camps and ghost towns

Critiques of government policies and actions towards Japanese Canadians

Calls for justice, equal rights, and fair treatment

Personal memories and experiences of life before and after internment

Discussions of identity and culture as a Japanese Canadian

Advocacy for redress and recognition of injustices

Observations on postwar challenges and the struggle to rebuild lives

These writings showcase Kitagawa's role as a community advocate and her evolving thoughts on issues of race, citizenship, and justice in Canada.

Bibliography and Index:

The bibliography provides a comprehensive list of Kitagawa's writings, including published and unpublished works. It also lists secondary sources used in the book's preparation.

The index offers a detailed guide to key topics, names, and events mentioned throughout the book, making it easier for readers to locate specific information.

Together, these sections provide a multifaceted view of Muriel Kitagawa's experiences and thoughts during a pivotal period in Japanese Canadian history, offering valuable insights into the personal and community impacts of wartime policies and postwar struggles for justice and recognition.

The first section, written by Roy Miki, is an extensive introduction that provides crucial context for understanding Muriel Kitagawa's writings and their historical significance. Here's a detailed explanation of this section:

1. Biographical Information:

Miki begins by introducing Muriel Kitagawa, born in 1912 in Vancouver. He provides details about her family background, including her parents' immigration from Japan and her siblings. This personal history helps readers understand Kitagawa's perspective as a Canadian-born Nisei (second-generation Japanese Canadian).

2. Historical Context:

The introduction delves into the historical backdrop of Japanese Canadian experiences in British Columbia before World War II. It outlines the discrimination and challenges faced by the community, including restrictions on voting rights and professional opportunities.

3. World War II and Its Impact:

Miki details the events following the Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941 and their devastating impact on Japanese Canadians. He explains the series of government orders that led to:

- The confiscation of property

- Restrictions on movement

- Forced relocation to internment camps

- Loss of citizenship rights

. Kitagawa's Experiences:

The introduction focuses on how these events directly affected Kitagawa and her family. It describes their struggle to avoid internment, their eventual move to Toronto, and the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives.

5. Kitagawa as a Writer and Activist:

Miki emphasizes Kitagawa's role as a voice for her community. He discusses her writing for the New Canadian newspaper and her efforts to document and protest the injustices faced by Japanese Canadians.

6. Political Climate:

The introduction provides insight into the political decisions and racist attitudes that drove the policies against Japanese Canadians, including the roles of key political figures.

7. Post-War Period:

Miki also covers the continued challenges faced by Japanese Canadians after the war, including ongoing restrictions and the fight for redress.

8. The Letters and Writings:

The introduction explains how the letters to Wes and other writings were collected and their significance as historical documents. Miki discusses how these personal accounts offer a unique perspective on the events of the time.

9. Literary and Historical Significance:

Miki places Kitagawa's writings in the broader context of Japanese Canadian literature and historical documentation, emphasizing their value as both personal testimony and historical record.

10. Editorial Approach:

The introduction concludes with an explanation of how the book was compiled and edited, including decisions about which writings to include and how they were organized.

Overall, Miki's introduction serves to contextualize Kitagawa's writings, providing readers with the necessary historical, personal, and political background to fully appreciate the significance of her letters and essays. It sets the stage for understanding the personal and community impact of wartime policies on Japanese Canadians, as seen through Kitagawa's eyes.

The "Letters to Wes" section is a central and significant part of the book. It contains a series of letters written by Muriel Kitagawa to her younger brother Wesley Fujiwara, who was studying medicine at the University of Toronto. These letters span from December 13, 1941, to May 29, 1942, providing a real-time account of the rapidly changing situation for Japanese Canadians following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Here's a detailed explanation of this section:

1. Time Frame and Historical Context:

The letters cover a crucial period immediately following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) through the implementation of various discriminatory policies against Japanese Canadians.

2. Personal Perspective:

Kitagawa's letters offer an intimate, first-hand account of how these events affected her family and the broader Japanese Canadian community. They provide a unique blend of personal experiences, emotional reactions, and factual reporting.

3. Family Dynamics:

The letters give insight into Kitagawa's family situation. She was married with young children, including newborn twins, while dealing with the upheaval caused by government policies.

4. Community Response:

Kitagawa describes the reactions within the Japanese Canadian community, including meetings, discussions, and attempts to cope with or resist the new restrictions.

5. Government Actions:

The letters detail the implementation of various government orders, including:

- Curfews

- Property confiscation

- Travel restrictions

- Forced relocation plans

6. Emotional Journey:

Through these letters, readers can trace Kitagawa's emotional journey from initial shock and disbelief to anger, fear, and determination.

7. Identity and Loyalty:

Kitagawa grapples with questions of identity and loyalty, expressing her deep connection to Canada despite the unjust treatment.

8. Daily Life:

The letters provide glimpses into how everyday life changed for Japanese Canadians, from work and school to social interactions.

9. Uncertainty and Decision-making:

Kitagawa shares the difficult decisions her family faced, such as whether to voluntarily relocate or wait for forced removal.

10. Information Flow:

The letters reveal how information (and misinformation) spread through the community during this chaotic time.

11. Broader Perspectives:

While focused on her personal experiences, Kitagawa also comments on broader issues like racism, democracy, and civil rights.

12. Chronological Development:

Reading these letters in sequence allows the reader to follow the evolving situation and Kitagawa's growing understanding of its implications.

13. Writing Style:

The letters showcase Kitagawa's writing skills, combining factual reporting with emotional depth and occasional moments of humor despite the circumstances.

14. Historical Documentation:

Beyond their personal nature, these letters serve as important historical documents, offering insights into a critical period in Canadian history from a perspective often overlooked in official records.

This section provides a powerful, personal narrative of the Japanese Canadian experience during World War II, making the historical events tangible and immediate through Kitagawa's eloquent and heartfelt correspondence with her brother.

The "Other Writings" section of the book compiles various pieces written by Muriel Kitagawa between 1942 and 1948. This section showcases Kitagawa's broader literary output and her evolving thoughts on the Japanese Canadian experience during and after World War II. Here's a detailed explanation of this section:

1. Variety of Formats:

This section includes a diverse range of writings, including essays, articles, speeches, and personal reflections. These pieces were written for various purposes and audiences, from newspaper columns to public addresses.

2. Chronological Span:

The writings cover the period from 1942 to 1948, allowing readers to see how Kitagawa's perspectives and concerns evolved over time, from the initial shock of internment to post-war struggles and advocacy.

3. Key Themes:

Several recurring themes are explored throughout these writings:

   a) Loyalty and Citizenship: Kitagawa frequently grapples with what it means to be Canadian in the face of discrimination.

   

   b) Racial Discrimination: She provides insightful critiques of racism in Canadian society and government policies.   

   c) Internment Experiences: Many pieces describe life in internment camps and "ghost towns."   

   d) Identity: Kitagawa explores the complexities of Japanese Canadian identity.   

   e) Civil Rights: She advocates for equal rights and fair treatment of Japanese Canadians.   

   f) Post-war Challenges: Later writings focus on the difficulties of rebuilding lives after internment.

4. Specific Pieces:

Some notable writings in this section include:

   - "The Year 1942": A reflection on the tumultuous events of that year.

   - "We'll Fight for Home!": An essay on loyalty to Canada despite unjust treatment.

   - "Deportation is a Violation of Human Rights": A critique of post-war deportation policies.

   - "Grey Dawn on Another Day": A contemplative piece on the uncertain future facing Japanese Canadians.

   - "This is My Own, My Native Land!": A powerful assertion of Canadian identity and belonging.

5. Literary Style:

These writings showcase Kitagawa's skills as a writer, combining personal anecdotes, political commentary, and emotional appeals. Her style ranges from journalistic reporting to poetic reflection.

6. Historical Documentation:

Many of these pieces serve as important historical records, documenting events, policies, and community responses that might otherwise have been lost to history.

7. Advocacy and Activism:

Through these writings, we see Kitagawa's role as an advocate for her community, using her literary skills to raise awareness and argue for justice.

8. Personal Growth:

The collection demonstrates Kitagawa's personal and intellectual growth over time, as she processes her experiences and develops a deeper understanding of the societal issues at play.

9. Community Perspective:

While many pieces are personal reflections, they also provide insight into the broader Japanese Canadian community's experiences and perspectives.

10. Post-war Focus:

Later writings deal with the challenges of reintegration into Canadian society and the ongoing fight for recognition and redress.

11. Cultural Commentary:

Some pieces offer insights into Japanese Canadian culture, traditions, and the challenges of maintaining cultural identity in the face of forced assimilation.            

The first section provides a comprehensive view of Kitagawa's thoughts and experiences beyond her letters to Wes, offering a broader perspective on the Japanese Canadian experience during this tumultuous period. It showcases her development as a writer and thinker, and her important role in documenting and advocating for her community.

Biographical Information:

• Born in 1912 in Vancouver, British Columbia

• Second-generation Japanese Canadian (Nisei)

• Parents were Japanese immigrants

• Grew up in Vancouver

• Married Ed Kitagawa in 1933

• Had several children, including twins born shortly after Pearl Harbor

• Brother Wes was studying medicine in Toronto during WWII

Historical Context:

• Japanese immigration to Canada began in late 19th century

• By 1930s, vibrant Japanese Canadian community established in BC

• Community faced persistent racial discrimination and legal restrictions

• Nisei generation actively worked towards integration and recognition

• Political climate in BC often hostile to Asian immigrants

• Pre-war context of struggle for acceptance and equality

World War II and Its Impact:

• Pearl Harbor attack (December 7, 1941) was a turning point

• Canadian government enacted series of orders targeting Japanese Canadians

• Measures included:

  - Property confiscation

  - Travel restrictions

  - Forced relocation from West Coast

• Creation of internment camps in BC interior and elsewhere

• Japanese Canadians stripped of rights, homes, and livelihoods

• Impact devastating across generations

Kitagawa's Experiences:

• Faced war's upheaval as young mother with growing family

• Efforts to avoid internment

• Family's move to Toronto

• Challenges of rebuilding life in new city

• Personal experiences shaped her perspective and writing

Kitagawa as a Writer and Activist:

• Wrote for New Canadian newspaper

• Documented injustices faced by Japanese Canadian community

• Combined personal narrative with social commentary

• Emerged as important voice for her community

• Work provides lasting record of this period in Canadian history

Political Climate:

• Racist attitudes prevalent in Canadian society and government

• Fear and wartime hysteria influenced decision-making

• Disconnect between democratic ideals and treatment of Japanese Canadians

• Key political figures shaped discriminatory policies

Post-War Period:

• Ongoing restrictions and discrimination after war

• Slow process of reintegration into Canadian society

• Long-term impacts of internment on community

• Fight for recognition and redress

• Kitagawa's continued activism and writing

The Letters and Writings:

• Letters to brother Wes form core of the collection

• Range of other writings included (essays, articles, speeches)

• Blend personal experience with broader social commentary

• Offer unique perspective on historical events

Literary and Historical Significance:

• Important contribution to Japanese Canadian literature

• Valuable historical documents

• Enhance understanding of this period in Canadian history

• Preserve voices and experiences of Japanese Canadians

Editorial Approach:

• Careful selection and organization of writings

• Annotations and additional information provided

• Goal to present Kitagawa's work in its historical context

• Balance between personal narrative and broader historical significance

                              

In-depth and detailed explanation of each paragraph in the "Letters to Wes" section:

1. Introduction to the Letters:

This paragraph serves as a crucial opening to the heart of the book. It introduces the reader to a collection of intimate correspondence between Muriel Kitagawa and her brother, Wes Fujiwara. The letters span a pivotal period in Canadian history, from December 13, 1941, to May 29, 1942. This timeframe is particularly significant as it begins just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941), an event that dramatically altered the lives of Japanese Canadians.

The paragraph likely emphasizes the historical value of these letters as primary sources. They offer a real-time, unfiltered account of the rapidly changing circumstances for Japanese Canadians. Unlike retrospective accounts, these letters capture the immediate reactions, fears, and uncertainties of the moment. They provide insight into how information (and misinformation) spread through the community, the evolving government policies, and the personal impact of these changes.

The introduction might also touch on the unique perspective Muriel offers as a Nisei (second-generation Japanese Canadian) who was deeply involved in her community. Her position allows her to bridge the gap between the older Issei generation and the younger Nisei, providing a nuanced view of the community's response to the unfolding crisis.

2. Context of Wes Fujiwara:

This section provides essential background on the letters' recipient, Wes Fujiwara. At the time of the correspondence, Wes was 21 years old and pursuing his medical studies at the University of Toronto. This information is crucial for several reasons:

Firstly, it explains why Wes was geographically separated from his family during this tumultuous time. His location in Toronto, far from the West Coast where most Japanese Canadians resided, gave him a different perspective on the events unfolding.

Secondly, Wes's status as a medical student is significant. It highlights the aspirations and achievements of the Nisei generation, many of whom were pursuing higher education and professional careers despite the discrimination they faced.

The paragraph might also touch on the challenges Wes faced as a Japanese Canadian student in Toronto during this period, providing context for some of the concerns Muriel expresses in her letters.

3. Muriel's Personal Situation:

This paragraph paints a vivid picture of Muriel's life circumstances at the time she was writing these letters. At 29 years old, Muriel was in a phase of life that made her particularly vulnerable to the upheavals caused by the government's policies.

Her seven-year marriage to Ed Kitagawa and her role as a mother to two young children (Shirley Emiko, 7, and Carol Meiko, 4) underscores the family responsibilities she was juggling. The fact that she was in the late stages of pregnancy with twins adds another layer of complexity and urgency to her situation.

The paragraph likely emphasizes how Muriel's pregnancy confined her to her house, limiting her direct involvement in community activities. This confinement, however, might have given her a unique vantage point from which to observe and reflect on the events unfolding around her.

The details of her personal situation help readers understand the multiple layers of stress and uncertainty Muriel was dealing with: concerns for her family's future, the impending birth of her twins, and the larger crisis facing her community.

4. Family Background:

This section provides a broader picture of Muriel's family, adding depth to the personal stories that unfold in her letters.

The mention of her father, Dr. Asajiro Fujiwara, a Vancouver dentist, is significant. It illustrates the professional achievements of some Issei (first-generation immigrants) and the established lives many Japanese Canadians had built before the war. The fact that he was a dentist might also indicate the family's social status within both the Japanese Canadian community and the broader Vancouver society.

Information about her other siblings - Alan (Nobi), 11 years old and living with Dr. Fujiwara, and Doug, 27 years old - provides insight into the family dynamics. The age spread between the siblings (from 11 to 29) offers a cross-section of the Nisei experience, from school-age children to young adults.

The paragraph likely touches on the different challenges each family member faced. For instance, Doug, as a single adult male, might have been particularly vulnerable to certain government policies. The situation of young Nobi might highlight the impact of the crisis on children's education and development.

This family background helps readers understand the web of relationships and responsibilities that informed Muriel's perspective and concerns as expressed in her letters.

5. Community Connections:

This paragraph introduces key figures in the Japanese Canadian community who feature prominently in Muriel's letters. These connections are crucial for understanding the broader community context of Muriel's personal experiences.

Kunio Shimizu and Tom Shoyama are highlighted as significant community leaders. Tom Shoyama's role as editor of the New Canadian newspaper is particularly important. The New Canadian was a vital source of information for the Japanese Canadian community during this period, and Shoyama's editorials helped shape community responses to government actions.

The paragraph likely explains the involvement of these individuals in community organizations like the Japanese Canadian Citizens' League (JCCL). This information helps readers understand the organized efforts within the community to respond to the crisis and advocate for their rights.

These community connections illustrate Muriel's engagement with broader issues affecting Japanese Canadians, showing how her personal experiences were intertwined with larger community concerns.

6. Friends and Extended Family:

This section introduces other individuals who appear in Muriel's letters, providing a richer context for her social world.

Eiko Henmi Etheridge is mentioned as a fellow writer for the New Canadian. This connection highlights the network of Nisei intellectuals and writers who were actively engaging with community issues through their work.

The mention of Fumi Shoyama Katsuyama (Tom's sister) and Uncle Fred Toyofuku and his family illustrates the close-knit nature of the Japanese Canadian community. These relationships show how family ties, friendships, and professional connections often overlapped within the community.

This paragraph helps readers understand the social fabric of Muriel's life, illustrating how personal relationships were affected by and helped individuals cope with the broader crisis facing the community.

7. Setting of the Letters:

This paragraph grounds the letters in a specific physical location: Muriel's home at 2751 E. Pender in Vancouver. This detail is more than just a matter of factual accuracy; it provides important context for understanding Muriel's day-to-day experiences.

The location in Vancouver places Muriel at the epicenter of the events affecting Japanese Canadians. Vancouver, with its significant Japanese Canadian population, was deeply impacted by the government's policies of removal and internment.

The specific address might be used to describe the neighborhood and its demographics, helping readers visualize Muriel's immediate surroundings. It could also be used to illustrate how government policies affected this particular area of Vancouver.

This setting information helps readers understand the physical and social landscape in which Muriel was writing, adding depth to her observations and experiences as described in the letters.

8. Editorial Notes:

This section likely explains the editorial decisions made in presenting the letters. It might discuss how the letters were selected, organized, and annotated to provide the most comprehensive and clear picture of Muriel's experiences and thoughts.

The paragraph probably mentions the inclusion of some of Wes's replies, explaining how these help to create a more complete dialogue and provide additional perspectives on the events described.

It likely also explains the incorporation of telegrams sent by Muriel, which might have been used for more urgent communications. These telegrams could provide snapshots of particularly critical moments or decisions.

The editorial notes might discuss any annotations or explanations added to the letters. These could include clarifications of references to people, events, or places that might not be familiar to modern readers, or explanations of terms or concepts specific to the Japanese Canadian experience of the time.

This paragraph is crucial for helping readers understand how to approach and interpret the letters, providing transparency about how the raw material of Muriel's writing has been shaped into the book.

9. Importance of the Letters:

The final paragraph likely emphasizes the historical and personal value of these letters. It might explain how they provide a unique, intimate perspective on a critical period in Canadian history.

The paragraph probably highlights how Muriel's letters offer insights into the immediate impact of wartime policies on Japanese Canadian individuals and families. Unlike official documents or retrospective accounts, these letters capture the day-to-day reality of living through this crisis.

It might discuss how Muriel's writing style, combining personal anecdotes with broader observations and analysis, makes these letters particularly valuable as historical documents. They provide both emotional depth and factual detail about the Japanese Canadian experience during World War II.

The paragraph likely emphasizes how these letters contribute to our understanding of this period, offering a counterpoint to official narratives and helping to preserve the voices of those who lived through this difficult time.

Finally, it might touch on the relevance of these letters to contemporary discussions about civil rights, racism, and the treatment of minority communities during times of national crisis.                    

A detailed and extensive explanation of each paragraph in the "Other Writings" section:

1. The Year 1942:

This paragraph likely sets the stage for the tumultuous year that was 1942 for Japanese Canadians. It probably begins by acknowledging the dark cloud hanging over the community as the new year dawned. The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 had drastically altered the landscape for Japanese Canadians, and this paragraph would detail the sense of uncertainty and fear that permeated the community.

Kitagawa might reflect on the stark contrast between the ideals of democracy that Canada claimed to uphold and the treatment of Japanese Canadians. She could discuss the cognitive dissonance experienced by many in her community who considered themselves loyal Canadians yet were suddenly treated as enemy aliens.

The paragraph might touch on the initial reactions within the Japanese Canadian community, including attempts to demonstrate loyalty, confusion over rapidly changing government policies, and the growing realization that their lives were about to be irrevocably altered.

Kitagawa could also use this paragraph to set up the themes she will explore in her subsequent writings, such as questions of identity, loyalty, citizenship, and the nature of democracy in times of crisis.

2. We'll Fight for Home!:

This paragraph likely captures Kitagawa's passionate assertion of Japanese Canadian loyalty and belonging. It probably begins by addressing the rising tide of anti-Japanese sentiment in British Columbia, fueled by fear and long-standing racial prejudices.

Kitagawa might challenge the notion that Japanese Canadians posed any threat to national security, arguing instead that they were as committed to defending Canada as any other citizens. She could detail the efforts of many in her community to volunteer for military service or contribute to the war effort in other ways, only to be rebuffed or ignored.

The paragraph might explore the painful irony of being asked to prove loyalty to a country that was systematically stripping away their rights. Kitagawa could discuss the determination of many Japanese Canadians to fight for their place in Canadian society, even as they faced unprecedented discrimination.

This section would likely emphasize the deep connection many Japanese Canadians felt to Canada, their birthplace and home, and their resolve to defend it against both external threats and internal injustice.

3. On Loyalty:

This paragraph delves deeper into the complex issue of loyalty as it pertained to Japanese Canadians during World War II. Kitagawa likely begins by questioning the very notion of loyalty as defined by the Canadian government and society at large.

She might explore the multifaceted nature of loyalty, arguing that it encompasses more than just blind allegiance to a flag or government. Kitagawa could discuss how loyalty to one's country can coexist with criticism of unjust policies, drawing parallels to other moments in history when patriotic dissent played a crucial role.

The paragraph probably addresses the painful position many Japanese Canadians found themselves in, torn between their love for Canada and their cultural ties to Japan. Kitagawa might argue that this dual heritage, far from being a liability, could be a strength in building a more diverse and inclusive Canada.

She could also critique the notion that loyalty can be determined by race or ancestry, pointing out the fundamental unfairness of questioning the allegiance of Canadian-born citizens based solely on their ethnic background.

4. A Series of Three Letters on the Property Issue:

This paragraph likely introduces a series of letters Kitagawa wrote addressing the confiscation and forced sale of Japanese Canadian property. It probably begins by providing context for this devastating policy, explaining how it was implemented and its immediate impact on the community.

Kitagawa might detail the process by which Japanese Canadians were forced to surrender their homes, businesses, and personal belongings, often at a fraction of their true value. She could discuss the role of the Custodian of Enemy Property and the government's justifications for this policy.

The paragraph would likely touch on the long-term economic impact of this dispossession, explaining how it robbed many Japanese Canadian families of their life savings and the fruits of years of hard work.

Kitagawa might also explore the emotional toll of losing one's home and possessions, discussing how this policy struck at the very heart of the Japanese Canadian community's sense of belonging in Canada.

5. I Know the Nisei Well:

This paragraph likely serves as Kitagawa's personal reflection on the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Canadian) experience. She probably begins by asserting her deep understanding of this generation, having lived through its struggles and triumphs.

Kitagawa might discuss the unique position of the Nisei, caught between the traditional values of their Issei parents and the Western culture in which they were raised. She could explore the challenges of navigating this dual identity, particularly in the face of societal discrimination.

The paragraph likely touches on the aspirations of the Nisei generation - their desire for education, professional success, and full participation in Canadian society. Kitagawa might contrast these ambitions with the limited opportunities often available to Japanese Canadians.

She could also discuss the diversity within the Nisei community, challenging monolithic portrayals and highlighting the range of experiences and perspectives among second-generation Japanese Canadians.

6. Letter to Friends:

This paragraph probably introduces a letter Kitagawa wrote to her broader circle of friends and acquaintances, likely both within and outside the Japanese Canadian community. It might begin by explaining the context in which this letter was written - perhaps as a way of maintaining connections during the upheaval of internment or as an attempt to explain the Japanese Canadian experience to those unfamiliar with it.

Kitagawa likely uses this letter to provide a personal account of the challenges facing her community. She might describe the process of forced relocation, the conditions in internment camps, and the struggle to maintain dignity and hope in the face of injustice.

The paragraph could also touch on Kitagawa's efforts to bridge the gap between Japanese Canadians and the broader Canadian public. She might appeal to shared values of justice and fairness, urging her friends to speak out against the mistreatment of her community.

Kitagawa could use this letter as an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about Japanese Canadians, providing personal anecdotes and factual information to counter propaganda and stereotypes.

7. The Hills of Home:

This paragraph likely introduces a more reflective and nostalgic piece of writing. Kitagawa probably begins by describing the physical landscape of British Columbia, using vivid imagery to evoke the mountains, forests, and coastline that many Japanese Canadians were forced to leave behind.

She might explore the deep connection many in her community felt to this landscape, discussing how it had shaped their identities and livelihoods over generations. Kitagawa could contrast the beauty and familiarity of this "home" with the stark realities of internment camps or unfamiliar eastern cities.

The paragraph might touch on the pain of displacement, the longing for a lost home, and the fear that this connection to place might be permanently severed. Kitagawa could use the hills as a metaphor for the stability and belonging that had been taken from Japanese Canadians.

She might also use this piece to assert the right of Japanese Canadians to claim British Columbia as their home, challenging the notion that they were somehow less Canadian because of their ancestry.

8. Solemn Mockery:

This paragraph likely introduces a more critical and angry piece of writing. Kitagawa probably begins by directly addressing the hypocrisy of the Canadian government's treatment of Japanese Canadians.

She might contrast the lofty ideals of democracy and freedom espoused by Canadian leaders with the reality of internment, property confiscation, and loss of civil rights. Kitagawa could use specific examples of government policies or statements to highlight this disconnect.

The paragraph might explore the broader implications of this "mockery" of democratic principles, arguing that the mistreatment of Japanese Canadians undermined the very values Canada claimed to be defending in the war.

Kitagawa could also use this piece to challenge her fellow Canadians, urging them to recognize and speak out against this injustice. She might argue that allowing such treatment of one minority group puts the rights of all Canadians at risk.

9. Canada is Our Choice:

This paragraph likely introduces a powerful assertion of Japanese Canadian identity and belonging. Kitagawa probably begins by directly challenging the notion that Japanese Canadians were somehow less loyal or less Canadian because of their ancestry.

She might discuss the deep roots many Japanese Canadian families had in Canada, spanning multiple generations. Kitagawa could explore how Canada had shaped the identities, values, and aspirations of the Nisei generation.

The paragraph might touch on the painful choice many Japanese Canadians faced when pressured to "repatriate" to Japan - a country many had never seen. Kitagawa could assert that for most in her community, Canada was the only home they knew or wanted.

She might also use this piece to look towards the future, expressing hope that Canada would eventually recognize Japanese Canadians as full and equal citizens. Kitagawa could argue that embracing diversity and recognizing the contributions of all its people would make Canada stronger.

10. Deportation is a Violation of Human Rights:

This paragraph likely introduces Kitagawa's critique of the Canadian government's post-war "repatriation" scheme. She probably begins by explaining the policy, which encouraged or coerced many Japanese Canadians to move to Japan after the war.

Kitagawa might explore the legal and ethical implications of this policy, arguing that it violated fundamental human rights and Canadian principles. She could discuss how many of those facing deportation were Canadian-born citizens who had never even been to Japan.

The paragraph might touch on the personal stories of those affected by this policy, highlighting the trauma of being forced to leave one's home and the challenges of starting over in a war-devastated country.

Kitagawa could also use this piece to call for resistance to the policy, urging Japanese Canadians to assert their rights and calling on other Canadians to speak out against this injustice.