Henry Sakai, national treasurer of the Japanese American Citizens League, testified before the Commission about his incarceration as a teenager and the indignities suffered by his family and community. His words mixed personal memory, family loss, and sharp critique of media distortions that continued decades later.

• Life as a Teen in Camp: Was a junior in high school when removed. Recalled humiliating lack of privacy — latrine stalls side by side, couples divided only by blankets.

• Impact on Parents: His father, once a successful businessman, lost everything and after camp had to work as a dishwasher and janitor — “degrading, demeaning” for a man of his age. Many older Japanese had no choice but to go on “relief,” something culturally shameful.

• No True Compensation Possible: Stressed that nothing could make up for lost rights, property, potential income, or dignity. Still supported $25,000 per person as the bare minimum.

• Comparison to Hostages: Pointed out that American hostages in Iran were being considered for $440,000 each for 440 days — while Japanese Americans spent more than 1,200 days in camp.

• Against Tokenism: Rejected scholarship or community funds in place of individual reparations — warned it would be “tokenism” amounting to $1,000 each.

• On Critics of Redress: Challenged those who said money could not compensate injustice: if they were uprooted and imprisoned without trial, would they really refuse compensation?

• Media Distortions: Condemned editorials in papers like the Wall Street Journal and Indianapolis News for misrepresenting history — implying Japanese Americans were disloyal or could have become citizens but chose not to. Called on the Commission to educate the public against such falsehoods.

• Closing Plea: Urged that bigotry and distortions from figures like Senator Kyl and Lillian Baker not be allowed to define the record.