Renunciation of citizenship

During World War II, 5,589 American citizens of Japanese descent renounced their U.S. citizenship. The renunciations took place between December 1944 and July 1945, mostly in Tule Lake concentration camp, California. The vast majority of renunciations had little to do with "disloyalty" to the U.S., but instead were the result of a series of complex conditions and events that were beyond the control of those involved. After a legal battle, most renunciants had their U.S. citizenship restored in the 1960s.

World War II (277)
Resistance and dissidence (97)
Renunciation of citizenship (148)

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148 items

doc Copy of census register [English translation] (ddr-csujad-12-22)

English translation of the census information for Tsugitada Kanamori. The original document in Japanese is found in item: csudh_tsu_0023. It includes information about his birth date of September 7, 1922, his birth place, the city of Port Hueneme in Oxnard just north of Los Angeles, as well as information about the marriage to his wife, Kazuko …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-22/

doc Attached answers to affidavit questions (ddr-csujad-12-27)

This item contains the more in-depth answers to questions on the affidavit that Tsugitada Kanamori submitted. In these extended answers to questions about Kanamori's repatriation to Japan and his refusal to pledge allegiance to the United States, he discusses his fear of violence and desire to keep his family together which resulted in his answering of …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-27/

doc Letter from Wayne M. Collins, Attorney at Law, to Tsugitada Kanamori, May 19, 1958 (ddr-csujad-12-11)

This letter by Wayne M. Collins, Attorney at Law, discusses the "Final Order, Judgement and Decree," which was brought to litigation on behalf of Tsugitada Kanamori, who had renounced his United States citizenship. According to the judgement, which can be seen in item: csudh_tsu_0010, this renunciation is null and void and thus Kanamori will remain a …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-11/

doc Medical certificate [for Tsugitada Kanamori, English translation] (ddr-csujad-12-14)

English translation of medical certificate for Tsugitada Kanamori. The original certificate in Japanese is found in item: csudh_tsu_0015. This medical certificate, issued by Toshiko Takahashi, M.D., Konan Hospital, confirms that Tsugitada Kanamori has bronchial asthma and has received treatment. The translator is Henry Tanisaki, Manager, Japan Chemical Service. See this object in the California State Universities …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-14/

doc Letter from William E. Gotcher, February 3, 1948 (ddr-csujad-12-3)

In this letter, a former employer of Tsugitada Kanamori writes a letter of reference, describing him as a hard working, trustworthy, and honest employee. Mr. William E. Gotcher confirms that Kanamori was an employee of the Yokohama Area Engineer Equipment Pool for two years and had held several positions. See this object in the California State …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-3/

doc Memorandum from George H. Zentz, American Consul, American Consulate General Yokohama, to Tsugitada Kanamori, July 28, 1953 (ddr-csujad-12-6)

This memorandum issued by George H. Zentz, American Consul, American Consulate General Yokohama, confirms that Tsugitada Kanamori is a citizen of the United States based on his birth records. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tsu_01_02_001

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-6/

doc Letter from Daniel F. Goggin, May 1, 1948 (ddr-csujad-12-2)

This letter confirms that Tsugitada Kanamori worked for Daniel Goggin in an Ordnance Shop as the superintendent at the Yokohama Area Engineer Equipment Pool. Mr. Goggin explains that Kanamori is "invaluable" and he would absolutely recommend Mr. Kanamori for any position. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: tsu_01_01_002

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-12-2/

doc Supplemental affidavit to be submitted with applications of Japanese "renunciants" (ddr-csujad-24-86)

An affidavit prepared by Jitsushige Tsuha (Reverend Kenjitsu Jitsushige Tsuha) for the Immigration and Naturalization Service requesting that his citizenship and accompanying civil rights be restored. In these documents Tsuha argues that he was forced at gunpoint to sign forms renouncing his citizenship at the Tule Lake incarceration camp and did not realize what he was …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-24-86/

doc Letter from Kathleen M. O'Connor, archivist, National Archives-Pacific Sierra Region to Michi Weglyn, June 23, 1997 (ddr-csujad-24-77)

A letter from Kathleen M. O'Connor at the National Archives in response to Weglyn's request for records about Japanese American citizenship renunciation cases. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: chi_06_003

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-24-77/

doc Letter from Eji Suyama to Pacific Citizen (ddr-csujad-24-92)

A letter from Eji Suyama to Pacific Citizen regarding the exclusion of Nisei from universities in the United States during World War II. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: chi_07_009

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-24-92/

doc Letter from Michi Weglyn to Frank Chin, September 26, 1991 (ddr-csujad-24-104)

A letter from Michi Weglyn to Frank Chin about a woman named Kiyoko Mozaki who was teaching a class on Japanese Americans at a university in Koyoto, Japan. Weglyn states that Mozaki's father was incarcerated in the Tule Lake incarceration camp and later received a redress check. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-24-104/

doc Crossroads, Vol. 1, No. 43 (March 25, 1949) (ddr-densho-358-17)

Selected article titles: "Million-Dollar Flower Show Opens" (p.1), "Tule Renunciants Restored U.S. Citizenship" (p.1), "'Nisei Week' Will Make 1949 Comeback with all the Trimmings in Early August" (p.1).

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-358-17/

doc Scrapbook page with one article (ddr-densho-35-400)

Newspaper clipping from the Oregonian titled "They've Changed Their Minds."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-35-400/

doc Scrapbook page (ddr-densho-35-402)

Two photograhs and one article from the Oregonian. Photographs are titled "Japanese Youngsters Among Repatriates Sailing." Newspaper article is titled "Nisei Fight To Remain In America."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-35-402/

doc Memo from W.W. Woodbury, American Vice Consul, to Masako Adachi, September 21, 1951 (ddr-csujad-55-2250)

Memorandum of understanding from W.W. Woodbury to Masako Adachi regarding her application for permit for exit from Japan. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2353

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2250/

doc Letter from Joseph W. Stilwell, General, U.S. Army, to Lt. Frank S. Okusako, November 15, 1945 (ddr-csujad-55-236)

Correspondence from Joseph Stilwell to Frank Okusako regarding the case of Okusako's family. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0238

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-236/

doc Letter from Raymond R. Best, Project Director, Tule Lake Project, to Lt. Frank S. Okusako, October 19, 1945 (ddr-csujad-55-232)

Correspondence from Raymond R. Best to Frank Okusako regarding the status of his family members at the Tule Lake incarceration camp including records of their conduct and renunciation of citizenship. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0234

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-232/

doc Letter from Wayne M. Collins, Attorney-at-Law, March 27, 1950 (ddr-csujad-55-2259)

Correspondence and update from attorney Wayne Collins regarding the status of mass equity suits for Japanese Americans who renounced their U.S. citizenship during their incarceration during World War II. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2362

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2259/

doc Supplemental affidavit to be submitted with passport applications of Japanese "renunciants" (ddr-csujad-55-2308)

Affidavit form for individuals of Japanese ancestry who renounced their American citizenship during World War II. Form partially completed by Masako Adachi. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2413

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2308/

doc Memo from Richard B. Finn to Masako Adachi, January 10, 1950 (ddr-csujad-55-2262)

Memorandum of understanding from Richard Finn to Masako Adachi regarding voting certificates. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2365

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2262/

doc Letter from Frank S. Okusako, 1st Lt., Infantry, 1945 (ddr-csujad-55-233)

Statement by Frank Okusako describing his family's loyalty to the United States, his upbringing in Auburn, California, service in the United States Army, and arguing for his family's release from Tule Lake incarceration camp. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_0235

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-233/

doc Letter from Akio Adachi to American President Lines, October 5, 1951 (ddr-csujad-55-2247)

Correspondence from Akio Adachi to American President Lines regarding Masako Adachi's travel from Japan to the United States. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2350

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2247/

doc Letter from Akio Adachi to Sio, October 9, 1951 (ddr-csujad-55-2248)

Correspondence from Aki [Akio Adachi] to Sio [Masako Adachi?] regarding her travel from Japan to the United States, family affairs, and Akio's work. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2351

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2248/

doc Letter from Tetsujiro Nakamura, Tule Lake Defense Committee, to Masako Adachi, January 21, 1949 (ddr-csujad-55-2260)

Correspondence from Tetsujiro Nakamura to Masako Adachi regarding the cancellation of renunciation and restoration of citizenship for plaintiffs and financial issues involved in the cases. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2363

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2260/

doc Notice to persons who renounced American citizenship (ddr-csujad-55-2263)

Notice to Japanese Americans who renounced U.S. citizenship during their incarceration during World War II. See this object in the California State Universities Japanese American Digitization project site: sac_jaac_2366

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-csujad-55-2263/