Bunro Sakaino Concentration Camp Diary

July 2 (Thursday)

I heard Lieutenant Sakamaki has his meals at a mess hall within the fence and comes to the second mess hall for every meal. I was waiting for him this morning, carefully observing the outside pass to catch a glimpse of him. A bit before seven a.m., he gracefully came in with his face down and accompanied by one guard. I took a shortcut to go to the front of the second mess hall looking with Mr. Horakami and Mr. Higashino, but we did not see the guard by the fence gate. We waited for several minutes, then the gate guard came up from somewhere and opened the gate. The Lieutenant came in right away with the guard and disappeared into the mess hall. He is an average-height, masculine and young looking officer. He appears to be calm but looks pale. He cannot help feeling depressed with his unfortunate situation. I get teary eyed every time I see the officer. It is not hard to imagine how he has come to his determination of what to do after he goes back to Japan with his proud attitude.

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However, he lost his opportunity to die in action caused by uncontrollable fate, and what he feels inside as a brave soldier reminds us that we also cannot take it easy. I heard the Lieutenant has his mouth shut and never answers any questions from his fellow Japanese. He probably decided not to say anything until he reports to his supervisor after he goes back to Japan, and it was probably the order by the U.S. Military as well. I heard that a fellow exchange passenger asked where he is from and promised not to tell anyone before they departed while detained in Tennessee. The officer thanked him and told the passenger that he was not able to answer the question for some reason. I am even having a hard time sleeping at night having his image in my head. We can maintain our lives here thanks to brave soldiers like him. I wish we could get to know of his brave actions, share them among fellow Japanese and offer our appreciation and consolation.

There was announcement delivered by the administration that they will establish the Recreation Department and create sections such as Library, Movies, Gardening, Education and others. Another announcement delivered at the same time is that they will set up walking time outside of the fence twice a day, three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. They told us to get together at the gate in advance if we would like to take a walk and that it would be a one-hour walk. It will be a lot better to freely walk around within the fence than taking a walk led by a guard. Those who are silly enough are welcome to participate.