Chet and the Prisoners - 16

Toya

23 April

The AM hours are hours of inactivity. In the afternoon, I play ping-pong.
I watch a judo match.

24 April

I do some laundering. There is no news broadcast. I receive a letter from home and an offering for the altar to memorialize the 35th year since the passing away of Mrs. Ishi Suzuki. I purchase some stamps at the store. Camp activity is at a standstill due to the heavy rains.

26 April

Chet's birthday. I made him a card and hope I will see him this afternoon. The wind is blowing fiercely. No news this morning.

27 April

I missed Chet yesterday. Maybe he had a day off for his birthday.

Some of the men have a hobby of polishing stones. I decide to try it. I pick and gather stones from the yard outside. There is not much else to do. At 10:00 AM, I go to No. 10 to catch the news, but it is routine today.

I wash some clothes and take my sheets to the laundry room. I go to the dental office for some dental work on my gold filling. The fee is $1.00 and my bill, which I sign, is forwarded to the front office for later payment.

29 April

At 9:30 AM, Mr. Kuramoto informs me that I am wanted at the front office to make payment on my fee for dental services rendered. What was yesterday a fee of $1.00 is today a $2.00 fee. I argue and challenge this matter with the clerk, and offer to bring a friend who witnessed my signing of the original bill for the fee of $1.00. This matter is
checked out, and finally, the discrepancy is is corrected, and in my favor. The weather clears and at 2:00 PM, I proceed outdoors to watch the 'sumo’ wrestling tournament. The man-to man encounter of muscle and brawn proceeds. To the internees who have been isolated from outside world --- these matches and the excitement does bring back nostalgic memories of early Japan days.

30 April

Many residents in camp are reluctant to seek medical advice and medical treatment from the camp physician. The doctors' lack of professional competence is at controversy. As a result, camp internees are permitted to seek medical advice from doctors outside the camp. Regarding the matter of my dental payments, a representative from the office visits me. He clarifies all, and in my favor. I go shopping at 1:30 PM. I receive a letter from home. I am not satisfied with my dental care. I will ask Chet to suggest a dentist in Bismarck for me to go to. Each night after lights-out, we continue for about 30 minutes to discuss world events and the impact upon us.