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doc Letter written by an Issei man (ddr-densho-25-70)

Matahichi Iseri had been imprisoned in Fort Missoula, Montana, a Department of Justice internment camp for "enemy aliens," since shortly after December 7, 1941. He sometimes wrote letters in his native Japanese, which were read and censored by interpreters and officials from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-70/

doc Issei man's letter envelopes (ddr-densho-25-84)

These envelopes contained letters written by Matahichi Iseri to his family while he was imprisoned in Fort Missoula, Montana, a Department of Justice internment camp for "enemy aliens."

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-84/

doc Letter written by an Issei man to his family (ddr-densho-25-68)

Matahichi Iseri was arrested on December 7, 1941, and taken to Fort Missoula, Montana, where he was detained at a Department of Justice internment camp for "enemy aliens." While he was separated from his wife and children, he was able to send a limited number of letters to them.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-68/

doc Letter written by an Issei man to his family (ddr-densho-25-26)

While he was at Fort Missoula, Montana, a Department of Justice internment camp for enemy aliens, Matahichi Iseri wrote to his wife and children, who were still awaiting a relocation assignment from the WRA.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-26/

img Mochitsuki (ddr-densho-25-136)

Matahichi Iseri (far right) and Mrs. Fujinaga (back to camera) were originally from the White River Valley in Washington. After their wartime incarceration, they resettled in Ontario, Oregon, with their families. They and friends are following the New Year's tradition of mochitsuki, making rice cakes. Clockwise from the left: Mr. Kanetomi, unidentified, Mrs. Morimoto, Mrs. Kanetomi, …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-136/

doc Parolee report (ddr-densho-25-116)

In 1945, Matahichi Iseri lived in Ontario, Oregon, and reported to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-116/

doc Seasonal Work Leave permit for an Issei (ddr-densho-25-40)

Matahichi Iseri and his family participated in the Seasonal Work Leave Program, and were thus issued permits to become temporary laborers on a farm in Weiser, Idaho. This memo to Matahichi Iseri from the Tule Lake Leave Office detailed instructions for Matahichi's departure from Tule Lake to Weiser.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-40/

doc List of regulations specifying conduct to be observed by "alien enemies" (ddr-densho-25-20)

Matahichi Iseri, considered a "dangerous enemy alien," was arrested on Dec. 7, 1941, and imprisoned in the Department of Justice internment camp at Fort Missoula, Montana. During the war, enemy aliens were not allowed to own contraband articles such as weapons, signal devices, and cameras. They were required to carry certificates of identification at all times, …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-20/

doc Alien's leave permit (ddr-densho-25-34)

In April 1943, Matahichi Iseri and his family were granted permits to leave the Tule Lake concentration camp to go to Weiser, Idaho, as part of the seasonal work leave program. Because he was an Issei, Matahichi Iseri had to apply for a special permit.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-34/

img The Leonard Store (ddr-densho-25-10)

The Leonard Store was an important business in the White River Valley. Leonard introduced modern conveniences such as post office boxes and phones to the community. He also catered to the local Nikkei and imported various goods from Japan. Matahichi Iseri, a prominent Issei, worked for Leonard who promised to make him a partner in the …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-10/

doc Evacuation claims settlement sheet (ddr-densho-25-65)

Under the Japanese American Evacuation Claims Act, Matahichi Iseri claimed $246 in damages from losses due to World War II. In 1952, the Justice Department awarded him a compromise settlement of $226. He was fortunate to receive an amount so close to his original claim, since many Japanese Americans received much less.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-65/

doc Deportation tag (ddr-densho-25-32)

Matahichi Iseri received this deportation tag when he was sent to Fort Missoula, Montana, a Department of Justice internment camp for enemy aliens.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-32/

doc Change of Residence Notice (ddr-densho-25-27)

Considered a "dangerous enemy alien," Matahichi Iseri was separated from his family and sent to the Department of Justice internment camp at Fort Missoula, Montana. In June 1942, he received a Change of Residence Notice certificate, which indicated that his request to join his family at the Pinedale Assembly Center in California had been approved.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-27/

doc Parole Agreement (ddr-densho-25-57)

On December 7, 1941, numerous Japanese nationals were arrested by the FBI as "enemy aliens." An alien enemy hearing board was created, which determined whether the aliens were to be released, paroled, or interned. Matahichi Iseri signed a Parole Agreement in which he agreed to the terms of his parole.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-57/

doc Issei's hearing notice (ddr-densho-25-71)

Matahichi Iseri was arrested as an "enemy alien." Those arrested were required to appear before an alien enemy hearing board.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-71/

doc Civilian Exclusion Order No. 79 (ddr-densho-25-45)

Prior to mass removal, exclusion areas were described in civilian exclusion orders posted by Lieutenant General John DeWitt of the Western Defense Command. Civilian Exclusion Area No. 79 included a portion of South King County, Washington. Maps detailing the prohibited area were also posted.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-45/

doc Letter from Issei man to his family (ddr-densho-25-67)

After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the FBI under the Department of Justice began arresting aliens of Japanese, German, and Italian ancestry. These aliens, although they had not been charged with specific crimes, were considered "dangerous" by the U.S. government, and were interned in special Justice Department camps.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-67/

doc Notification of a Nisei's induction into the military (ddr-densho-25-50)

Letter from the chaplain of the 12th training Regiment at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, to Matahichi Iseri. The letter describes Camp Robinson, where his son, Mitsuo (Mike), had been sent for military training. On January 23, 1942, the government decided to send Japanese American soldiers who were still in service to special camps in Arkansas and Alabama. …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-50/

img Issei-owned store (ddr-densho-25-9)

Matahichi and Kisa Iseri sold imported and dry goods from Japan as well as general merchandise to the Japanese American community in the White River Valley. When they started the business, the Iseris used their garage, as seen here. Later, they built a bigger store in front of their property.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-9/

doc "Disposition of World War II Armed Forces Dead" pamphlet (ddr-densho-25-119)

This pamphlet was sent to Matahichi Iseri following the death of his son, Private Mitsuo (Mike) Iseri, during World War II.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-119/

img Opening celebration, White River judo dojo (ddr-densho-25-7)

Matahichi Iseri and his wife, Kisa, were very supportive of youth activities, and in 1927 they converted part of their warehouse into a judo dojo. This dinner was held to celebrate the opening of the dojo.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-7/

doc Agreement to lease land (ddr-densho-25-92)

This agreement to lease land was signed by A. J. Charleston and Matahichi Iseri. In the early 1900s, many states, led by California, enacted alien land laws. These laws aimed at Issei farmers prevented ownership of land by "aliens ineligible for citizenship." As a result, many Issei leased land from white farmers. In 1920, California enacted …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-92/

img Issei-run store (ddr-densho-25-11)

Matahichi and Kisa Iseri ran a small store and berry farm in Thomas, Washington. Matahichi first opened the store in the family's garage shown here.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-11/

img Issei-owned grocery store (ddr-densho-25-8)

Matahichi and Kisa Iseri immigrated from Kumamoto-ken, Japan, in the early 1900s. They became successful berry farmers in the White River Valley and also ran a small grocery store on their property. The World War II incarceration forced the Iseris to close both businesses. After the war, the Iseris settled in Ontario, Oregon, and worked as …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-8/

doc Letter regarding parole status (ddr-densho-25-118)

Letter to Matahichi Iseri from an immigration officer, requesting that he meet with an immigration inspector in Ontario, Oregon.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-25-118/

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