b'Makuuchi, spent the entire war period in Minidoka; other family members who had lived in Seattle were granted early release by voluntarily relocating to other parts of the United States for employment or education. John Takahashi was granted seasonal release to work as a farm laborer, based at a migrant labor camp in nearby Twin Falls. Although he returned to the camp at the end of each growing season, he was largely absent. Harriet Takahashi stated that her mother spent the war years in the camp, 9but Makuuchis writings mention that she was always attempting escape, and that he and Harriet were largely abandoned. 10Since neither Kikue Takahashi nor Mina Makuuchi spoke much English, Howard and Harriet remained in the camp to ensure their well-being. Howard lived with his Grandmother Takahashi and Harriet with Grandmother Makuuchi and Dorothea. The children, who were eight and five respectively, were thus placed in a position of translating their new surroundings to their elderly grandmothers. These camp arrangements severely stressed family dynamics, particularly Makuuchis relationship with his father, which was already fraught. John Takashashis status in the United States was fragileas a Japanese immigrant, he was not able to own property or to become a citizenand this situation was FIGURE \x07 Mud from rain and melting snow, Minidoka Relocation Camp, December 10, 1942. Photograph by Francis Stewart. UW21143z.FIGURE \x08 Fairgrounds Called Camp Harmony CHECKLIST #2817'