Torn Apart

by Susan Aihoshi

  Torn Apart

  The Internment Diary

  of Mary Kobayashi

  BY SUSAN AIHOSHI

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Vancouver, British Columbia, 1941

  1941

  1942

  1943

  Epilogue

  Historical Note

  Glossary

  Images and Documents

  Credits

  Dedication

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Copyright

  Books in the Dear Canada Series

  Vancouver, British Columbia,

  1941

  1941

  Saturday, May 24, 1941

  It’s my twelfth birthday! Emma must have seen me looking at this diary on our last visit to Woodward’s and knew I’d like it, even though most of our family think I’m just a tomboy. Kay is watching me writing this at the kitchen table. She’s rolling her eyes at me like she can’t believe I’ll have anything interesting to write about. She’s always teasing me — as if older sisters have some right to do that. But right now I don’t care!

  I’ve had such a great day. Maggie, Sachiko and Ellen came over this afternoon and gave me some wonderful presents — a pair of bobby socks, some pencils with my name stamped on them in gold (I’m using one of them now), and a set of sparkly barrettes. Instead of making manjū like she did for Harry’s seventh birthday last month, Mama baked me a delicious birthday cake. We brought out the good china to serve it on and Kay poured us all tea from the silver tea set. I share my birthdate with Queen Victoria and today I, Mary Kobayashi, felt like royalty!

  Even Geechan gave me a present — my own box of Maple Buds. He always gets annoyed when I raid the stash he keeps in his room. Last month, after I’d taken a couple from the box, hoping he wouldn’t notice, he caught me red-handed! He looked really angry and chased me with a broom into the backyard, so I climbed the cherry tree, thinking I’d escape. But the branch I was holding onto broke off, and I fell to the ground! The next thing I knew, Geechan was putting a cold compress on the bump on my head. We all had a good laugh over that later.

  But my very best present is that Mama and Papa agreed to let me go berry picking this summer when school is over. It’s my first real job and will help pay for Girl Guide Camp in August. And I can save up for that new bicycle I want so much!

  Sunday, May 25

  I forgot to list all my presents yesterday. I’m not used to writing down everything that happens during a day, but hope I’ll improve!

  Kay gave me a Glamour of Hollywood magazine, which she’ll enjoy more than I will. But it’s fun seeing pictures of movie stars in their fancy clothes. Aunt Eiko dropped by and gave me an interesting book of fairy tales from around the world. I love reading so it was a thoughtful gift.

  And I forgot to mention what Tad gave me! When he got home after work yesterday, he handed me a small parcel wrapped in brown paper. I opened it and inside was a real little camera! He’d bought it last week in Seattle when he drove there to get supplies for Cowan’s Drugstore. Cowan’s order wasn’t ready, so Tad went into Kresge’s to pass some time. The camera was on sale for 99¢, a bargain gift for his favourite sister. I’m glad it wasn’t expensive. We’re not poor, but there are nine of us including Geechan.

  Mike came home from work right after Tad and handed me a roll of film for the camera. Didn’t say anything, but Mike’s the strong, silent type, while Tad is always talking away. Kay says they’re spoiled rotten being boys in a Japanese family — especially Tad because he’s the oldest. But it was sure nice of them to give me such great presents.

  Can’t wait to use my camera at Guide Camp with Maggie and the gang later this summer. And what did Harry give me? A hug, which was as good a present as all the others.

  Monday, May 26

  Perfect weather yesterday, so after church my friends and I played tennis. Mrs. Franklin was sitting next door on her porch and scowled at us as we headed towards the courts. She’s never been particularly friendly, but ever since her son Jack died two years ago, she’s forever gloomy. At least she didn’t lecture us about playing tennis on a Sunday!

  Maggie and I played doubles against Ellen and Sachi and we won! We make a great team. I guess that’s what comes of belonging to a tennis-loving family — well, Tad and Mike and me at least. Not Kay so much, and not Emma. Kay’s more interested in boys, movie stars and clothes. And Emma, alias the brainy one, is just bent on getting her senior matric so she can become a nurse. She’d rather play piano than tennis any day.

  Tuesday, May 27

  Little brothers! Harry’s airplane obsession is driving me crazy. Whenever he’s outside, he’s craning his neck trying to spot one. But I know what’s got him extra wound up lately. North Vancouver had a big rehearsal for Air-Raid Precaution last week and brought in a low-flying bomber from Pat Bay. They even set pretend fires throughout the neighbourhood. Over a thousand people took part and the papers had lots of pictures. Harry couldn’t get enough of the excitement, but he’s too young to realize we have these drills because there really is a war going on.

  At least most of it is far away in Europe. Still, people here are worried Japan might attack the west coast even though Canada and Japan aren’t even at war. I guess that’s why we had our first trial blackout here last Thursday. Harry and I were asleep when it happened so I asked my sisters what it was like, but they went to bed early along with everyone else in the house. They did say they made sure Rags was inside, the curtains were drawn tight and all the lights turned off by 10:00 sharp.

  Wednesday, May 28

  Couldn’t write more last night because of my Girl Guide meeting. When Maggie, Ellen, Sachi and I arrived at All Saints’ Church everyone was excited because the captains of our company, Miss McLeod and Miss Alston, mentioned the upcoming trip to Guide Camp this summer. Not only are Mama and Papa letting me go berry picking, but I can go to camp too. I’m so lucky!

  When I got home, though, we had a depressing reminder about the war. Papa turned on the radio and we heard about the sinking of the German battleship the Bismarck. A few days ago — right on my birthday! — the Bismarck destroyed the Royal Navy’s HMS Hood. Only three people survived. Now Britain has struck back. People keep getting killed and it’s all so senseless. That’s why I get so annoyed with Harry and his stupid bombers!

  Thursday, May 29

  Sometimes it’s just so humiliating belonging to my family! Early this morning the milk wagon was on its usual rounds on our street. The gentle brown horse that pulls it happened to leave a dump of you-know-what right on the road between our house and the Muratas’.

  Before I could even take the bottles from the milkman, Geechan was outside with his shovel and a bucket, collecting the manure for garden fertilizer. Old Mr. Murata came out a bit later with his shovel and bucket and the two ojiisans were fighting over the poop! The milkman smiled at me and said he appreciated that he didn’t need to clean up, but I was SO embarrassed!

  Friday, May 30

  Our grass-hockey team at Templeton Junior High played another team today and we won! Maggie and Ellen are such good fullbacks that they kept the other team from scoring. For once I didn’t trip and get a nasty grass burn on my knees but Sachi crashed into another player and bruised her shin.

  Finally started that book Aunt Eiko gave me. It’s really good! My favourite fairy tale so far is the Japanese one, “The Peach Boy.” I remember Mama telling it to me when I was little. One thing’s different though. When Mama told the story, she began by saying, “Mukashi, mukashi, ōmukashi,” which sounds a lot better than “Once upon a time”!

  Saturday, May 31

  Even though it’s Saturday, Mam
a still went to look after the subscriptions at the Tairiku, where she works part time. I guess the newspaper must go out, weekend or not. Papa went to Powell Street too, to have lunch at his men’s club. He insists it’s good making friends with all the businessmen, doctors, dentists and optometrists there, but Mama says he just likes talking. She gets annoyed because he drinks and smokes his pipe there!

  But she knew he’d be leaving early today. He was meeting Tad, Mike and Geechan at the Powell Street Grounds this afternoon because the Asahi were playing. Our family (except Mama) is crazier for baseball than we are for tennis. Even hakujin admire the Asahi and call their style of play “brain ball.” We don’t have big, powerful sluggers, but we win by using strategy! Though Tad and Mike play on local clubs, I bet they’d love to be good enough to make the Asahi team.

  Kay and Emma brought me and Harry to the game. Kay has a crush on one of the outfielders but my favourite player is Kaz Suga. He’s a great hitter and he’s a pitcher as well as a fielder, so he’s multi-talented.

  Today’s game was a nail-biter. Angelus scored first. But the Asahi bunted in a run to tie. It stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth, when Ed Nakamura singled and then stole second. The winning run scored on a suicide squeeze play! Mama missed a great game!

  Sunday, June 1

  After church today, Papa convinced Mama to come with us to Stanley Park. She’s always busy working, either at the newspaper or at her sewing, so I’m glad she took a break. Harry was excited we were going because he was sure he’d see a bomber flying over English Bay.

  Before we left, I noticed Danny Franklin sitting with his parents on their porch. He hasn’t been around since he joined the army in January. The Franklins must be glad he’s back from his Edmonton regiment, especially Mrs. Franklin.

  Danny looked so grown-up in his uniform. Tad went over to say hello. I’m sure Mike would have visited too, but he’d already left to play baseball.

  Harry was anxious to leave, so Tad had to cut his conversation with Danny short. We piled into our car. Papa and Mama sat up front with Tad, while Emma, Harry, Geechan and I squeezed into the back. We even brought Rags — he doesn’t take up much room. Kay stayed home to finish some of Mama’s sewing. I think she’s sweet on Danny and wanted to see him without the rest of us around!

  Stanley Park is one of my favourite places in Vancouver. Even with all the people, you don’t feel like you’re in a big city. The seagulls were screeching over Coal Harbour and English Bay but Harry didn’t spot a single plane! We drove past Lost Lagoon, then made our usual visit to the monument for the Japanese Canadian soldiers who fought and died in the Great War. Mama always says a prayer there for her uncle who was killed in France in 1918. Even Geechan bows his head until she’s finished.

  After that Tad took us to see the famous Nine O’Clock Gun. We sometimes hear it on quiet evenings all the way back at Oxford Street! Then we drove to Prospect Point and walked around. Rags doesn’t like being on his leash, but he behaved. We had great views of Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore mountains. Next time, Mama said we should bring a bentō picnic — I’d like that.

  Tuesday, June 3

  Guide meeting tonight again. As the girls and I were heading out, I saw Danny saying goodbye to his parents, and Mrs. Franklin was crying. Danny got into a taxi and waved to us as he drove past.

  I wonder why Mrs. Franklin wasn’t upset when Danny enlisted at the start of the year. I guess she’s proud that he’s fighting for our country. At least she hasn’t been as grumpy as usual. And now that Danny isn’t around, Mrs. Franklin keeps calling one of us over to read her mail for her. She pretends she can’t find her glasses or her eyes are tired. But we all know she doesn’t know how to read!!

  Wednesday, June 4

  Tad surprised us at supper tonight. He said he’s thinking of enlisting in the Canadian army. Did that ever start everyone talking!

  Harry shouted “Hurray!” but Mike told Tad he was ridiculous trying to be like Danny. Tad explained that’s not why he’d like to sign up — he really wants to fight for Canada to show how loyal Japanese Canadians are, and maybe enlisting will help us get the vote. Reading those advertisements in the papers gave him the idea (there was one in the Sun just this week — Wanted! Men to Fight for Freedom!), but speaking to Danny made up his mind. Being able to vote is something Papa and Mama have wanted for a long time. They supported the four Japanese Canadians chosen by our community to ask the government in Ottawa for the vote. That was five years ago, and Papa and Mama are still disappointed that nothing has changed.

  Kay said how handsome Danny looks in his uniform. In my opinion, she places too much importance on a person’s appearance. If Kay heard me say that, she’d be peeved with me, but I can write it here! Practical Emma told Tad he’d find it hard to enlist when we can’t even get into so many other professions here in B.C. But she wished him luck!

  Geechan began speaking to Tad in Japanese. I’m not sure, but he might have been saying that Tad shouldn’t fight for Canada because he’s really Japanese. Papa asked Tad if he really wants to enlist and Tad insists he does. Harry’s excited by Tad’s news but Mama didn’t say a single word during the entire discussion.

  When Tad kept talking about fighting for Canada, Geechan got up and left the room. I’m not sure if he was upset because Buddhists don’t believe in violence, or if he really doesn’t want Tad to join the Canadian army. Mama only sighed and we girls started doing the dishes. Diary, I don’t want Tad to become a soldier. I’m worried he’ll be hurt or, even worse, killed!

  Thursday, June 5

  Exams start next week. Math and Social Studies are on Monday, then Tuesday I have English Lit. Our gang is reviewing the poetry we learned earlier this year — those dreary English and Scottish poets are so BORING. Maggie wondered why we don’t study some Canadian writers we heard about in Guides. Sachi, Ellen and I all agreed!

  Friday, June 6

  Grass-hockey practice tonight was cancelled because of exams next week — too bad! But it rained all evening, so I finished my book of fairy tales. Such interesting stories from all over the world! I can always study later.

  Saturday, June 7

  For weeks, Harry has been pestering us to take him to a Saturday afternoon children’s matinee. Yesterday he made such a fuss after supper that Mama and Papa finally agreed, but someone had to bring him. I said I’d do it on condition that my sisters would take me to something more grown-up later.

  Maggie’s little sister wanted to go too, so this afternoon we took Ida and Harry to the York Theatre over on Commercial Drive and stuffed ourselves with popcorn. The cartoon feature was The Ugly Duckling. Harry and Ida just loved it, but I hated how the other ducks picked on the one that didn’t look or sound like the others — even its own mother! It was so UNFAIR. At least the duckling found a new family where it belonged, so the ending was happy.

  Kay and Emma promised that when exams are finished, they’ll take me to see ’Til We Meet Again with Merle Oberon, one of Kay’s favourite actresses. Kay’s seen it already and says I’ll need to bring lots of tissues!

  Sunday, June 8

  Should have spent more time studying this weekend, but it was too nice to stay inside! Maggie, Sachi and Ellen felt the same, so yesterday we went to Grandview Park and played tennis there. Afterwards we cooled our feet in the wading pool. On the way home we stopped for our first Revels of the year. Who can resist chocolate-coated ice cream bars on a stick, mmmmmm!

  Kay and Emma were glued to their books when I got in, but Grades Eleven and Twelve are a lot tougher than Grade Seven. I studied tonight, maybe not enough for Math. Hope tomorrow’s exams won’t be too hard!

  Monday, June 9

  I think I did pretty well on the Math exam today but not so great on Social Studies — ugh! English Lit is tomorrow. Sachi came over tonight and we studied together. She’s brainy like Emma, so I hope it rubs off!

  Tuesday, June 10

  A quiet Guide meeting ton
ight. Several of the girls didn’t turn up, probably because of exams. Instead of grouping into patrols, our captains suggested we work on our individual badge goals. Ellen and Sachi want Knitter badges. Maggie’s going for a Scribe one because her penmanship is so good. I’m useless at knitting so I’m trying for a Book Lover badge! I’ve already read four of the suggested books on the fiction list and just started number five. It’s A Sister to Evangeline by Charles G.D. Roberts.

  Thursday, June 12

  Papa’s been grumbling again about how anyone Japanese in B.C. must have an identity card. What does the RCMP want with our photos and thumbprints anyway?

  Tad once joked that Geechan’s identity card is yellow because he’s not naturalized, so he’s part of the “yellow peril.” Emma got really mad and gave Tad her famous “look.” She told him not to say that again ever, even if he’s kidding! Mama and Papa are naturalized and have pink cards. Tad, Mike, Kay and Emma were born here and their cards are white. Harry and I didn’t have to get cards since we’re both under sixteen, but Mama and Papa still had to give the Mounties our names, citizenship and birthdates!

  Friday, June 13

  It’s Friday the thirteenth but I’m not superstitious! I wrote my last exam and I think I did fine. Played grass hockey with the girls tonight — it was good to run around after finishing my exams.