WHEN BEIJING FELL TO JAPAN IN AUGUST 1937, a parallel exodus out of Hiroshima was taking place. While Japanese men were boarding Imperial Navy ships for China, nisei were clambering on Japan Mail steamers for the United States. A Nikkei Club member Ruth Yamada wrote, “It was just a short while since I got acquainted with you but I think I have found a friend in you.” By the time that Harry received her post, she was en route home. These friendships forged in a foreign culture at war were affectionate and intense, tinged by the knowledge that they would be short-lived.
