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letter
Maker
Hohri, Sohei (John)
Date1943
Made WhereManzanar, California, United States
Mediumpaper
Dimensions11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)
ClassificationsArchives
Credit LineGift of Harold Landon Family in Memory of Sohei Hohri
Object number2019.13.21
DescriptionLetter from John (Sohei) Hohri to Harold Landon dated June 7, 1943. John apologizes to Harold for not writing and writes about his high school graduation in March 1943. John writes about noticing a disconnect between his life and his faith, that he was feeling ill and felt as if God was far away from him, and that he did not feel comfort with his friends. John writes about going to the orphanage to see a friend and meeting an orphan girl named Matsuko Kodani. John writes extensively about Matsuko and her love of God. He quotes many scriptures relating to God's love and writes about living a life that reflects those ideals. He praises his truely Christian relationship with Matsuko and notes that she is 17, is going to graduate high school in July, and also teaches a Sunday school class. John breaks away from talking about his faith, to asking Harold questions about pole vaulting, sports statistics, and the army. He mentions that he doesn't know what his military status is, but he would only join the military as a non-combatant. He writes about world affairs and mentions that America is not a Christian nation. He mentions that being in camp has allowed him to see through the "fake fronts" of the government and and the public. The last page of the letter includes two illustrations of him struggling to do an iron cross on athletic rings. He asks Harold to let him know when he goes to the military so that he could try to make arrangements to see him in person. He concludes his letter by stating his gratitude for having friends such as Harold and "Mats."
