The people in the camps worry when the camps close at war’s end, they will have to return to homes and jobs that no longer exist, in a country that doesn’t want them. George’s mother agrees to give up her citizenship, believing it will be best for the family. Near the end of World War II, the US government gives the prisoners the option to renounce their US citizenship and repatriate to Japan. This gives them the reputation of being “No-nos.” As a result, they are transferred to Camp Tule Lake, a harsher internment facility with more guards, barbed wire, and weapons.

George’s parents know that the framing of the questions is unethical and hypocritical their consciences require them to answer “no” to each question. Two of the questions-numbers 27 and 28-ask if they will serve in the US military for combat duty, and if they will forsake any allegiance to the Japanese emperor. In June 1943 camp prisoners are forced to answer a so-called Loyalty Questionnaire. His parents do a good job of protecting him and his siblings-Henry and Nancy-from many of the realities of their incarceration.

George’s memories of the camp are not entirely unpleasant. George’s father works to form a community among the internees, serving as the Block Manager. George’s mother does what she can to create a new home in the small barracks cabin.

Much of the story focuses on how George’s mother and father deal with their new situations, with each throwing themselves into their work. The galvanizing event that turns America against the Japanese is the attack on Pearl Harbor. George is a child when his family relocates to Camp Rohwer, a detention facility in Arkansas.

George takei memoir