U.S. COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT HEARING
Oral Testimony of Toshiko Toku

A. IDENTFICATION
1. Birthday: March 21 1899
2. Age: 82 years old
3. Birthplace: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

B. INTRODUCTION
The Japanese people, prior to World War II, were subjected to racial discrimination and restrictive laws creating great hardship in seeking employment and business opportunities. Not once during this period, while being a law-abiding people, did I hear of a single case of sabotage by our people.

C. EVACUATION

When the war between the United States and Japan broke out, restrictions in movement and time were imposed upon both the Issei and the Nisei and we were sent to Puyallup Assembly Center.

D. LIVING QUARTERS

The room I was confined in was a makeshift barrack from a stable barn. The barrack, built of knotty boards, had many cracks from which weeds were pushing through the floor.

Family group had a single room, but couples had to share a room together. The room had only a bed, no chair or any other furniture.

We were given a sack to fill up with hay stacked outside the barrack to make our mattress to sleep on.

E. HAY FEVER ALLERGY

Whether it was the hay or the fumes from the stable barn, I developed a serious case of hay fever which caused me to stop breathing. In that barrack was Dr. Harada, a dentist, who gave me an allergy shot.

F. POST INTERNMENT

Since then till today, I have suffered from asthma and hay fever.

I am now 82 years old. My hay fever allergy is not as bad as

before. but I still am taking treatments continually.

(Mrs .) Toshiko Toku
August 13 1981
________________
Seattle, Washington
98144

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[Written in Japanese]

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[Written in Japanese]