14-12-4
Manzanar, Calif.

June 18, 1943

Dear Joe,

According to your letters, you must be taking it easy now and regaining your health. You seem awfully anxious to receive letters daily and know how you feel. The first matter of business I would like to get over is the relocation situation. You said you were quite sure Manzanar will be evacuated, however, at the opening night of the theater, Dr. Bruce stated that even the strongest rumors of evacuation should not influence people into evacuating. He stated clearly that they have work from Ralph P. Merrit who was at the meeting in Washington that Dillon Myer has definitely stated that Manzanar will not be evacuated. This means that the choice of relocating is a hard decision to make. Personally, I'm thinking of going out somewhere after September, but not to Chicago. Too many "Booches". I probably won't go on student relocation because of financial needs But seriously speaking, we as a family, we haven't all gotten together to discuss this thing over. At one time I wanted to go out so badly, it was pitiful but now nothing seems to matter any more. I feel lazy, irresponsible, and the all around feeling of nothing seems to intrigue me any more. Dr. Bruce said that although the program will be to relocate the people, Manzanar will not be evacuated. Don't you think it would be kind of tough on a family in Chicago? When on fellow goes, it's a different situation. You are looked upon only as a individual but when a family is there, the attitudes, opinions are much more noticeable. You mentioned in one letter if Papa is using a cane.

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Frankly speaking, he carries one around once in a while not because he needs it, but because its a fad now of the older men. I can't think of much more to talk about this, but frankly, we are kind of hesitant; that is as a family. Mama and Papa are really thinking about it but don't want to move out right away. You know how they react to things. Could you describe and tell us why you think we should relocate right away or after high school? Remember, even if I get out in September, Moscow will be getting into high school which would interrupt her schooling. Remember, Manzanar High School is not accredited and they might make her start from the eight grade again. So don't you think it wise to wait till she graduates? Then I will come out alone and they can join us as soon as "Moscow" gets out. Oh well, let us know what think about it and we'll let know what we think about it. I mentioned the opening of the outdoor theater. The screen is between blocks 20-21 (firebreak) and they have it fixed swell. We really enjoy the movies. They have all the former outdoor theater benches there and the screen is very large. You can see it distinctly two blocks away. On the opening night we saw "Tales of Manhattan" and recently saw "Footlight Serenade." "Suspicion" is playing tonight. It sure reminds you of the drive-in theater back in W.L.A. You said you would like to see the pictures so I am sending them to you. On the back of each letter is a description of the plays, players, etc. A couple of them are not very distinct but they give the general idea. They should have reached you by now. After you have finished with them will you send them back as soon as possible? Back at Unihi if I didn't tell you, Unihi placed second in the city in track. If Glen Holtby hadn't gone to Stanford, they would have won undoubtedly won the city because he was a cinch in the 440, and

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Uni probably would have won the relay. Jefferson was disqualified in the preliminares for the relay team and as it was, Unihi had to depend on Patton too much. They also had a high school meet of the best scholastic high school stars, and Patton won both sprints. He was undefeated all season. Incidently, Paul McCollum best Doug Miller's shot put record with a put of 50'11 1/4" to take second in the city. Remember Jack Stone, the excellent swimmer? Well he did all right in sports this year. He made first string all league in basketball and put the shot 49'11" to take third in the city. Doug Miller is U.S.C.'s best javelin thrower and has a heave of 194' to his credit. Unhi might not have such a hot football team next year because the guys are signing up so fast. He (coach) was expecting 11 return-lettermen and 5 of them have signed up for the armed forces already. On July 3rd we are going to graduate in the firebreak adjacent to 16-15. The senior Bee's will attend summer school until September and then they will be all through with high school. I might be one of the commencement speakers and finals are comming up this week, so I won't be able to write to you for a while. Upon graduating, I am planning to relocated somewhere and go to some school. Probably take few units and work part time. Since you have done very well according to Miss Ely, she keeps encouraging me to go out. Before I forget, do you know if safety razors are still obtainable? The razor Papa and I use is pretty dull so if you can get one, do so. Well Joe, both time and space is getting short so I'll close. Remember, I'll pretty busy this week so don't expect any letters for a while.

Your one and only brother,

Towru Nagano

P.S. This typewritten letter is typed from our typewriter. Since Moscow needed it pretty badly, we sent for it. I'm kind of out of practice so excuse the poor typing.