“This Can Happen to Anybody”: Paul Sagawa Testifies - Los Angeles (1981)

Paul Sagawa, born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1922, testified before the Commission about his family’s struggles under alien land laws, the loss of his father’s business, and the lasting injustice of wartime incarceration. His story traces the arc from forced removal in Arizona, to Poston camp, to Army service and beyond.

• Family Roots in Arizona: His father was a pioneer farmer in the Salt River Valley, active in community leadership — founding the Arizona Japanese Language School, serving as president of the Japanese Association, and helping establish the Phoenix Japanese Methodist Church in 1932.

• Alien Land Laws: Because his father could not lease land longer than three years, the family moved constantly. He also had to place his produce shipping business in the names of a Nisei and a Caucasian friend.

• Business Stolen: When the family was forced into Poston camp, the Caucasian partner seized control of the produce company. After the war, his father was given only a token payment — his life’s work gone. His health deteriorated soon after.

• Camp Years: At age 20, Paul became caretaker for his five younger siblings while his father was separately interned at Fort Bliss and Lordsburg.

• After Camp: Left Poston in 1943 for college, later drafted into the Army in 1944, serving with the Military Intelligence Language School. Rose to Master Sergeant before discharge in 1946.

• Life After Service: Tried farming again with his father and brother, but gave it up due to allergies. Moved to California, working as an office manager until a stroke in 1970 forced early retirement.

• Call for Redress: Declared incarceration was “no vacation” and condemned deniers. Urged monetary compensation as the only understood method of justice, alongside public education so “this can happen to anybody” is never repeated.