The Yanagita Family Collection

Harold (Haruo) and May (Mieko) Yanagita moved to Ann Arbor in 1943 after Harold was selected during his imprisonment at Minidoka War Relocation Center to become an instructor in the Army Japanese Language School at the University of Michigan. Their family grew in 1944 with the birth of their son Walter. From 1946 to 1952 the family relocated to Japan where Harold provided translation services during the allied occupation and added another son to their family, Michael, in 1949. The Yanagita Family collection includes two photo albums documenting the family's life in Ann Arbor and beyond, travel, and relatives, along with 14 documents related to Harold's civilian career and service to the military.

Photo Albums

Yanagita Family Album

Yanagita Famliy Album 'Leaving Japan 1952 to Ann Arbor Late 50s'

Documents

Letter of Recommendation from Wartime Civil Control Administration for Haruo Yanagita, August 1942

Citation from University of Michigan Army Japanese Language School Commending Haruo Yanagita, May 1945

Signatures from Army Japanese Language School Affiliates, May 1945?

Letter of Thanks for Japanese Language Programs Instruction from Marvin L. Niehuss to Haruo Yanagita, January 1946

Letter of Recommendation for Haruo Yanagita from Thomas L. Rowe of Far East Command Translator and Interpretor Section, May 1950

Certification of Service for Military Intelligence Far East Command for Haruo Yanagita, May 1951

Letter of Appreciation for Military Intelligence Service Translation Section Service for Haruo Yanagita, August 1952 

Hydraulic School Certification for Haruo Yanagita, June 1960

Letter to Employees Regarding Consolidation of Sundstrand Corporation from Bruce F. Olson, February 1961

Letter of Recommendation for Haruo Harold Yanagita from Bert Thorstenson of Sunstrand - American Broach, February 1961

Letter of Recommendation for Haruo Harold Yanagita from Carl H. Breed of Bendix Industrial, December 1970

Letter of Recommendation for Haruo Harold Yanagita from Richard E. Roeger of Bendix Industrial, December 1970

Letter of Recommendation for Haruo Harold Yanagita from A. David Laudani of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association, April 1973

Letter of Recommendation for Haruo Harold Yanagita from G. A. Vitu of S. C. M. Business Equipment, July 1975