Letter from Masuo Yasui to Taiitsuro and Renichi Yasui in Montana, dated December 12, 1907. In the letter Masuo describes the effects of the current economic recession on whites and Japanese in Portland. He discusses unemployment and falling wages and complains about the Japanese Hotel Association raising the price of lodging and meals. He writes about how the bleak economic situation has led to an increase in crime, and expresses disappointment in the actions and attitudes of those who are committing crimes.
Translation Note: This document is also available as the original manuscript document and as a modern Japanese translation.

Postcard from Masuo Yasui in Portland, Oregon to Taiitsuro Yasui and Renichi Fujimoto in Willis (later renamed Glen), Montana postmarked January 24, 1906. In the message Masuo assures his brothers that he has placed an order for them from Hakubunkan - a Japanese publishing company. He also describes looking for suits and overcoats for them, but not being able to find appropriate suits. He asks whether they would like him to purchase overcoats first, or wait until he can purchase both items at the same time. In a postscript, Masuo notes the illustration of an apple blossom on the front of the card was painted by the daughter of the family he was working for as a houseboy. The card is addressed to Frank T. Yasui, which was a pseudonym the Yasui brothers adopted in their early years in the United States. The middle initial of this name indicates the brother, in this case "T" for Taiitsuro.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Masuo Yasui to Taiitsuro Yasui dated July 18, 1908. In the letter Masuo describes some of the adversity they have encountered in establishing their business in Hood River, particularly some unexpected competition from a Mr. Yoshinari who opened a contracting business for Japanese agricultural laborers. He attempts to reassure Taiitsuro that their business enterprises will yet succeed, and encourage more confidence in their ability to overcome their current business challenges. He includes a transcription of a telegram from Renichi Fujimoto, sent in English, dated July 16, 1908.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Masuo Yasui in Portland to Yasui Brothers Company in Hood River, postmarked September 2, 1908. Masuo begins the letter by mentioning some other correspondence and writes that he understands the requests in a letter he received. He discusses the work he has been doing as a labor contractor and his difficulty in finding laborers to fulfill a contract for a job which is to start in two days. Masuo laments his poor planning but writes that he views this setback as an opportunity for growth and vows to find the required laborers for the job. He also expresses his disappointed that one of his brothers would not be present in Portland for a purchase of goods. Masuo reiterates his intention to work hard and addresses a number of business and financial matters. He ends the letter with an accounting of various amounts of money owed to or from a number of people. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Shinataro Yasui to Renichi Fujimoto and Masuo and Shidzuyo Yasui, dated March 24, 1928. In the letter Shinataro expresses surprise at learning that Masuo had been ill the previous year, and shares that this news had caused great concern to the entire family. He writes of being happy to hear that Masuo made a full recovery, and describes praying for a positive outcome. He promises to send a gift of dried persimmons with Mr. Seki Morita upon his return to the U.S. Shinataro expresses his desire for Renichi and Matsuyo to visit Japan and shares that Yasuo and Norio both enrolled in new schools.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Yasuo Yasui in Okayama to Masuo Yasui, postmarked August 6, 1928. In the letter Yasuo shares news of family members in Japan. He writes about receiving a gift of money from Kay Yasui and expresses his gratitude for the unexpected gift. He also expresses pleasure at seeing a postcard that was sent to his uncle from the U.S. Yasuo closes by asking Masuo to write to him.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Takashi Katayama to Masuo Yasui and Renichi Fujimoto, undated but written immediately following the death of Masuo and Renichi's father Shinataro in March 1931. In the letter Takashi expresses his surprise at Shinataro's sudden death and writes that he attended the funeral. He offers words of comfort and support to Masuo and Renichi and also offers to provide them with any help that he can. Takashi writes of the difficulties he has had with his retail business and apologizes for not writing sooner as he has been busy. In a postscript, he apologizes for not sending stamps back with Renichi for Kay after Renichi's visit to Japan. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Masuo Yasui to Minoru Yasui dated February 27, 1934. In the letter Masuo expresses appreciation for a letter Minoru sent about the anniversary of the death of Kay Yasui, Masuo's eldest son and Minoru's brother. Masuo reflects on Kay's death and writes that he is very proud of Minoru. He shares that he visited Kay's grave and prayed for his soul; he also returned to the grave and placed flowers there on Minoru's behalf. Masuo writes that he will send Minoru money and makes plans to see him during a visit home the following month. Masuo also writes of sending Minoru apples and shirts. In a postscript he shares the news that Shige Yamaki has gone blind, and requests that Minoru write a letter to the Yamakis. Translation Note: This document has been translated into Japanese.

A note from Masuo Yasui to one or more of his children that outlines twelve rules to follow when they are on a road trip. The list includes hints for safe driving and automobile maintenance, including not driving while tired, keeping track of the car's mileage, and regularly changing the car's oil and checking the tires. Masuo also advises his children to check in with their family regularly, to track their spending, and to remain calm in all situations. Translation Note: This document has been translated into Japanese.

Letter from Reverend K. Kanazawa to Masuo Yasui dated July 21, 1915. In the letter Kanazawa requests that Masuo host him for a speech that he would like to deliver. He mentions a similar speech that was recently given at his church that drew a large audience, and expresses his hope for a similar turnout. He also suggests that Masuo should have his children baptised and give them a religious education. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A postcard from Masuo Yasui in San Francisco to Mr. and Mrs. Sagoro Asai in Hood River, dated May 23, 1946. Masuo sends his well wishes and writes that he has been traveling throughout the country for a month and will return home the following month.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A postcard from Masuo Yasui to Mr. and Mrs. Sagoro Asai, postmarked August 17, 1946. In the postcard Masuo thanks the Asais for taking time to visit with him the previous day, and expresses his gratitude for their friendship and willingness to share their personal experiences with him. He also thanks them for a gift of corn. The front of the postcard displays a color print of the Los Angeles County General Hospital.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A postcard from Masuo and Shidzuyo Yasui in Denver to Mr. and Mrs. Sagoro Asai in Hood River. The Yasuis congratulate the Asais on the marriage of their daughter Mika and write that they are in Denver for the wedding of their son Minoru. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Two letters from Ichiro Miyake dated December 14, year unknown. In the first letter, Ichiro writes to Etsuji Miyake of his joy at receiving a number of postcards and letters from various people. He comments on the new camera Etsuji has bought as well as the one that Etsuji has sent to Ichiro, and writes that they should share photos with each other. He also discusses the purchase of a rice paddy that will be used to supply rice for a festival. In the second letter, Ichiro writes to two friends of Etsuji, identified as Young Kawaii and Young Fujishiro. Ichiro remarks on the long-lasting relationship between the three friends, encourages them to continue to support each other and sends well-wishes from the people of their hometown in Japan. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Ichiro Miyake to Masuo Yasui dated December 13, 1910. In the letter Ichiro remarks upon having received letters from Masuo and a number of other people. He expresses his gratitude to Masuo for upholding the ideals they had discussed before Masuo left Japan, as well as for a monetary gift that Masuo collected from other young Japanese immigrants to the U.S. Ichiro states that he would like to use the money to establish a memorial fund and hold a biannual forum for the parents in Japan. Ichiro also thanks Masuo for advising his son Etsuji on the purchase of a camera. Ichiro shares some news of family and acquaintances and asks Masuo to give his regards to various people in the U.S. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Shidzuyo Yasui to Tsuyoshi, Mikie, and Joanie Yasui dated 23 June 1944. In the letter she discusses the sale of the Mosier Farm property and gives updates on the family, including Renichi, Minoru, Masuo, Roku, and Shu. She mentions that Masuo's re-hearing will take place at the end of the month. A letter in English from Masuo Yasui to Shidzuyo Yasui discussing the sale of the Mosier Farm property is enclosed. It is dated 21 April 1944.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Shidzuyo Yasui, dated August 14, 1930. In the letter Renichi remarks upon the construction of a new Yasui Building in Hood River and the recovery of Shidzuyo's husband, Masuo, from a life-threatening illness. Renichi shares news of many people in Japan, and writes about business affairs and the negative effect that the recession is having on the Japanese economy. He writes of the nine months he has spent in Japan and his desire to return to the U.S. soon.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Masuo Yasui dated September 8, 1930. In the letter Renichi writes that he is in the process of applying for a visa to re-depart Japan and requires certain documents for authorization. He requests that Masuo send a landing certificate that Renichi had given Masuo in Seattle, which he is required to submit in order to be granted a permit from the consulate.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Fumiko to Shidzuyo Yasui, dated August 10 and postmarked 1936. In the letter Fumiko expresses her pleasure at having had the opportunity to attend a religious gathering, presumably in Hood River. She thanks Shidzuyo for her hospitality and invites her to visit Portland.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Moto Karasawa to Shidzuyo Yasui expressing condolences and sorrow following the death of Shidzuyo's son, Kay. Moto expresses shock and grief at the news and shares memories of Kay as a child. Moto recounts a story of a mother who was unable to stop grieving for her dead child, preventing the child's soul from finding peace in the afterlife. Moto implores Shidzuyo not to mourn for Kay any longer and offers prayers for Kay, Shidzuyo, and the rest of the Yasui family.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Itoe Yasui, wife of Taiitsuro Yasui, to Renichi Fujimoto, dated October 21, 1940. In the letter Itoe writes that she has been grieving the recent death of her mother, but her spirits were lifted by a visit to Japan by their niece, Michi Yasui. Itoe recounts that Michi's visit was pleasant and that her presence is missed. Itoe thanks Renichi for a gift of woolen goods as well as his suggestion that she take a trip with some family members. She details her travels with her aunt and two cousins, which included visits to Osaka, Kyoto, Otsu, Nagoya, Tokyo, Uji Yamada City, Nara, and Kasaoka. She shares how much the trip cost, expresses regret for how expensive it was, and thanks Renichi and his wife Matsuyo for their kindness (her writing suggests that they had contributed funds for the trip). Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Homer Yasui to his uncle, Renichi Fujimoto, dated January 8, 1931. Homer writes that Renichi should come home soon and bring presents. Homer also asks him to bring home his Aunt. Translation Note: This document is also available as the original manuscript document and as a Japanese translation.

Four selections of a letter from Renichi Fujimoto in Japan to Masuo Yasui, dated August 10, 1930. In the first selection, Renichi writes that Masuo and Renichi's elderly parents are still healthy and hard-working. The family has tried to convince their father that he should stop working so much, but he does not listen. Their mother complains about the long hours she spends managing the household, although she was forced to take a break when recovering from an illness. Renichi laments that the family textile business and poor economy prevent their parents from retiring and living a more leisurely life. In the second selection, Renichi describes how the global recession has created dire economic conditions in Japan, causing agricultural prices to plummet, unemployment to rise, and stocks to fall. People of all socioeconomic classes are struggling, and Renichi mentions the difficulties faced by bankers, moneylenders, farmers, and teachers. He also shares the pensions paid to various individuals in Shitsuki County. In the third selection, Renichi writes that he feels closer to his nieces and nephews in the U.S., Masuo's children, than he does to his nieces and nephews in Japan. He states that he intends to contribute financially to Masuo's childrens' education and that he would like to divide his assets so that a third of his money goes toward their education, with another third going to Masuo and Shidzuyo's retirement and the final third for himself. Renichi requests that Masuo keep his plans secret to avoid jealousy from others. He mentions that he shared his plan with their mother and that she was very pleased by it. In the fourth selection, Renichi shares his pleasure at receiving letters from Masuo and four of his children. He comments on how busy Masuo must be with the relocation of the Yasui Brothers store to a new building and how happy he is about it, despite how expensive the new building must have been to construct. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Shidzuyo Yasui, dated January 8th of 1930 or 1931. In the letter Renichi expresses sympathy for a health problem Shidzuyo has been having. He discusses his plans for returning to the United States from Japan with his wife the following month. He shares that he has become closer with an old lady who works at a sake shop in Nanokaichi and would like to take her on a vacation. Renichi reports news of other acquaintences, including Masaichiro Miyake, Nakae-kun of Kawai, Katsutaro Tanaka, Riku and Kyohei Takahashi, Kenkichi Kodera, Tone Fujii, and Dr. Haruta Kanaya. He also mentions having a visit from some children, including Midori and Sachiko.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

Letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Shidzuyo Yasui, dated February 25 although the postmark indicates that it was sent in January 1931. In the letter Renichi shares the itinerary for his and his wife's voyage from Kobe to Seattle and then on to Hood River in February. Renichi expresses their excitement to arrive and be reunited with family. He also relates news of various people, including a meeting between Mr. Yoshihichi Katayama, Toshiro, Masami and Mrs. Iwasa; a visit with the Kiyokawa family; the passing of Dr. Haruta and a neighbor; a visit with Mr. Masaichiro Miyake; the Katayama family; and Miss Ayako. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Renichi Fujimoto to Tsuyoshi (Ray) Yasui dated 5 November 1944. In the letter Renichi expresses happiness at the news of two pregnancies. He writes that he made a tax payment and plans to apply for permission from the military to go to Hood River and help Tsuyoshi with his work. He also shares news that an acquaintance was wounded in battle in France. Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Chotaro Niguma to Masuo Yasui dated 26 July 1915. In the letter Niguma refers to a loan he received from Masuo which is due to be repaid on the 31st of the month. He writes that he will be unable to repay the loan by the deadline. Niguma has notified Mr. Kasuchi of his situation and asked him to ask Masuo for a deferment of the interest payment on the loan. Niguma states that he has made arrangements for Mr. Kasuchi to make payments directly to Masuo.
Translation Note: This document has been translated into modern Japanese and English.

A letter from Taiitsuro Yasui to Renichi Fujimoto and Masuo Yasui, postmarked March 5, 1911. In the letter Taiitsuro writes that muliple seals the Yasui brothers ordered were completed and shipped to them. A sheet of paper accompanies the letter which has examples of various seals, and the corresponding prices for the seals are noted in the letter. Taiitsuro writes about the price of postcards and the profit that can be expected from their sale, as well as plans to start exporting soy sauce to Oregon. This item is a photocopy of an original item and envelope. Translation Note: This document is also available as the original manuscript document and as a Japanese translation.