Journey to Topaz: A Story of the Japanese-American Evacuation

In Tanforan, the Sakanes are greeted by friends and acquaintances who have arrived in the last few days. Yuki is intrigued to learn that the family has been assigned an “apartment.” Ken’s friend, Jim Hisashi, leads them to their designated space: a musty old horse stable that has been hastily outfitted for human residence. Jim and Ken leave to find mattresses and a broom while Yuki and Mrs. Sakane settle in.

The family quickly realizes that life is going to be difficult. Yuki discovers that the stalls in the latrine have no doors. Their mattresses are filled with straw, and the food rations in the mess hall are scant and unappetizing. Tanforan is unequipped for nighttime activity, so lights are scant, and their “apartment” is more dismal than ever at night. Yuki begins to hate the camp, while Ken longs for real food. Mrs. Sakane feels helpless because she is unable to provide for her children. Their luggage finally arrives, and they immediately set about making the horse stall feel more like home. Mr. Toda, a family friend, visits and gives Yuki a bag of peanuts, which she gleefully shares among the four of them while Mrs.