TEETH AND MEAT GRINDERS

 
scroll down

July 2, 1943, Letter from Gihachi to Tsugio, translated from Japanese.

I’ve been having a terrible tooth ache lately.

Date unknown, Letter from Gihachi, no addressee, translated from Japanese.

I recently had my back teeth pulled so I can’t eat anything. And I am thinking of having all of my teeth pulled in the future.

September 6, 1943, Letter from Gihachi to Tsugio, translated from Japanese.

Please send a small version of the meat grinder I asked for the other day. If you do not have one, I will order one from Salt Lake City. Right now I cannot eat meat or pickles and am thinking of getting a full set of dentures.

Date unknown, Letter from Gihachi, no addressee, translated from Japanese.

I take this meat grinder with me to the dining room to take the place of my teeth at meals, so I tried to order one that was good quality.

Because of what I explained [about my teeth] I have not been able to eat a single vegetable or pickle or fruit so I am really looking forward to the arrival of the sausage machine.

Sears, Roebuck and Company Blank Order Form - JANM Enemy Mail
Photo of Gihachi - JANM Enemy Mail
October 6, 1943, Letter from Gihachi to Tsugio, Lillian, and Angela; translated from Japanese

The other day the hamburger machine I ordered from Salt Lake City arrived and I am using it. It was a good idea to use this machine. It is even more effective that I expected.

In 2 or 3 days I will get a partial plate mold made for my teeth, so it should be done in around 2 months.

December 3, 1942, Letter from Gihachi to Tsugio, translated from Japanese.

I have another request for you — yesterday someone accidentally put part of the meat grinder you sent me into the fire, and this morning I dug it out of the ashes and immediately talked to a blacksmith said he can’t get the right materials so please contact Sears and ask if you can buy this part.

December 7, 1943, Letter from Gihachi to Tsugio, translated from Japanese.

Regarding the food chopper part that I asked you about the other day, I will send it to you in an envelope (for reference)

My teeth are working very well. I am able to eat most things.

Meat Grinder - JANM Enemy Mail
Next Story
Captions for above images
Sears, Roebuck and Company blank order form.
Japanese American National Museum, Gift of Mary N. Karasawa (2006.80.2A)
Photo of Gihachi.
Japanese American National Museum (96.68.13)
Meat Grinder ca. 1935-1945.
Japanese American National Museum (91.11.9)