2018 MINIDOKA LEGACY SESSION NOTES

The following are the notes recorders took during the Legacy Session on Saturday, July 7 th. The purpose of the Legacy Session is to make sure the stories of the incarcerees are not forgotten. Although many of us were born after WWII, the effects from family and friends who went through this dark period in our history continue even today. It is the goal of these sessions to remember what happened to ensure that it never happens to another group again. We must remember to keep these stories in our hearts; to pass on to future generations to become aware that we must take a stand to ensure that this will never happen to another group.

GROUP 1

. Hearing an apology can mean everything to former incarcerees, and. brings up so much memories and emotions.

. Everyone comes to the Pilgrimage for their own reasons (learn more about history, to be allies, family, etc.

. It’s an emotional event/experience. Seeing the participation is inspiring.

. The self-sufficiency of those incarcerated was surprising and wonderful to learn.

. They had tremendous emotional, mental strength.

. Each internment (concentration) camp has their own personality and reaction.

. “Mind blowing” to think that this happened and that 40,000 children were taken away – deemed suspicious.

. Similar experience by Latina people in the 1930’s being sent out of LA to Mexico City.

. There were so few people who stood up for the Japanese Americans. It is necessary to take a stand so it doesn’t happen again. It seems that the government hasn’t learned from their mistakes. #never again.

. Sense of gratitude that the Nisei opened up, shared, and taught us.

. There are a lot of red tape to navigate around creating a “Peace Bridge” which would be similar to one in Hiroshima.

. Camp in North Dakota used as a prison camp for Japanese was also a massacre sit of Nez Pearce Native Americans. (Fort Lincoln”)

. It is important to have role models” people who look like you.” Seeing them represent your community. It gives a sense of pride and hope for the future.

. There was division between incarcerees in terms of serving in a military that had ignored/disregarded their basic rights. The 442nd became heroes to many.

. There was opposition to Hawaii becoming a state due to the high population of Japanese.

. There was a small number of Alaskan Native incarcerees.

. Minidoka is different now, compared to how it was described. We should create an interactive experience to see the camps in different seasons, and more like how it was in the past compared to how it looks now.

. When the incarcerees arrived, it was barren – an empty desert. It was the Issei’s and the Nisei’s that made it into a home. It was their work and effort that has made it beautiful.

. There is a difference in quality of the camps. Topaz (Delta) has a great museum to see the history. Topaz has crazy wind storms.

. Steps of the 442nd tour shows a different side of the Japanese American experience.

. “When you come out of camp, you’re not proud to be an American, but you’re not Japanese either.” It’s difficult, but the pride of being American comes back.

. Students in France promised to keep the legacy alive. They have a stronger WWII curriculum, and a lasting appreciation for the 442nd.

. Sometimes, it’s easier to tell stories to strangers rather than families because there’s a sense of wanting to protect them from the trauma.

. There are many parallels between different colonized countries and the Japanese experience, the importance of intersectionality cannot be underestimated.

GROUP 2

. Incarcerees introduce stories:

. Nisei – 10 years old at Camp Harmony. Old enough to be aware and remember things. Realize that the stories won’t be in person – important to share them.

. “Typical Nisei experience” – Mom picture bride. Oldest brothers (2) of 11 children weren’t in camp: 1 st in Chicago, 2nd in Army). Worked in Twin Falls Farm labor camp (whole family). Dad had just bought tractor and truck (as) crops were in their boom. (In) camp, Dad was angry – would not go to mess hall or latrine. Mom would stay with him – not sure if she was watching make sure he didn’t take his own life (he was that miserable) getting to go from Twin Falls saved my father. Oldest brother bought apt. complex for family to move to Chicago. Dad refused to go to Chicago – wanted to go back to WA. After camp closed, worked in Eden on Shawver’s farm. Today’s bus driver knew that family. Moved to Tacoma to low income housing – only income was brother’s Army insurance (KIA). Kids graduated high school and got jobs and bought home for the parents.

. Nisei – my stories ae similar to yours. My dad and mother came from Nagasaki – ended up on East Coast by accident. Nice people got them on a sleeper car train to go back to the West. Dad took lower bunk, mom took upper bunk. Dad had her get water a few times, and then she came back empty handed. She said, “There was a white guy sitting on the well.”

. Dad worked in AK fish canneries. Went to Oregon and farmed. Did quite well for it being the Depression. Bought Lincoln car. Dad went to camp – didn’t know. From camp, went to Utah. Worked as farm laborer. “No choice – had to go.” Mother never said a thing. Probably sharecropper. Went from culture of being around others: no responsibilities. Boys would go swimming in the canal, through

sagebrush – would stuff potatoes in swim shorts. (They) would wrap in mud – put them in the fire. Went beyond sight of camp. Parents didn’t know where they were. Had fun in camp. In Utah, new culture. No neighbors nearby. Had to learn how to milk cows and herd turkeys. Mormons were nice to them.

. Went to different part of Utah. Lots of JAs that didn’t go to camp. Had stores, gas stations. Had nothing because of camp, but no bitterness from parents. Never talked about their feelings, so he didn’t talk that much – didn’t tell his family. Not a secret – just didn’t talk about it. Family didn’t ask – getting interested now.

. In Utah, JA community across from Logan – some had moved from West Cost, some voluntarily moved before removal “colony.” First home was a chicken coop. Had an outhouse. Built bath house. Next abandoned homes – first stucco, another was a mansion before they went back to the West Coast.

. Eccentric means.

. Exclusion zone included 90% of Japanese descent on mainland.

. FBI already knew who they had their eye on (before Dec. 7). They had orders to watch my brother in Chicago. Since 1936, they had commission to watch and report Nisei/Sansei. (Dad was Issei, mom was Nisei), 20 years younger with 5 kids. Parents had produce stand in Seattle. When they were told to go – mom was crying – kids were crying. Went to Puyallup. Broke into facilities and enjoyed themselves. Still emotional impact. Minidoka – not too bad for a kid but remembers mom crying – going back today made him cry – tough to come back- first time back. Thankful for coming to Minidoka now and going through all this. Proud of children and grandchildren – grateful for this experience and thankful what he has.

. Seminar about psychological trauma – begin to understand impact on people and parents. Lot of people hurting because of camp. Good for younger generation to understand the experience and hardships. Injuries to psyche and spirit – scarred have the chance to come and cry, and chance to heal – why we are here. We are all impacted by camp – can feel the feelings. Hatred comes from fear – not knowing so push away. Learned experience. Repatriation – thanks to younger people – young attorneys – fighting for it. Important stories – especially important today with current events.

. Thankful that went through experience – felt bitter. Not thankful – not sure that it heled more than it hurt my generation. Did work way up through schooling – older siblings locked down financially – did not have opportunities because of camp.

. Bronze plaque in 1990 for those KIA – today do you think the POTUS would have any interest in coming? Wrote letter to POTUS (Obama) when he spoke out about immigrants and got a letter back. A lot of young people criticize older people. “Why did you go? Why didn’t you fight it?” We didn’t have fast mass communication back then. Do you risk your family’s lives? Not just young single people – full families.

Q: What did the young people think of today?

. It’s important to listen – educational opportunity to see it all.

. Don’t get stories unless you ask – grandpa, aunties, uncles.

. Some friends know, some have no idea. Keep it active – share it.

. Great to have youth groups come to see it firsthand.

. Can share the experience with their children/grandchildren someday.

. H.S. only covered it in advanced history class – maybe 45-minute lesson.

. “Middle age: never covered in school curriculum.

. Work in H.S. – immigrant students. Husband has spoken to classrooms. Up to individual teachers fitting it into curriculum – time to squeeze in between core requirements or integrated in.

. Encouraged by young people’s interest – proud of them. Very grateful for experience of pilgrimage. Father never talked about it – he’s gone now, but luckily uncles wrote about it and she can read it.

. Didn’t realize how harsh it was – got sugar coated version. Now can learn.

. How many took their own life? Some things just broke them – e.g. coming out of Justice Center – nothing to return to. Records don’t show.

. Hospitals did not have ability to address everything – supplies, knowledge, etc.

. Reaching new generations – new technologies.

. Camps in desolate locations – away from population areas – psychological isolation.

. Even though intelligence reports showed there was no threat, it was suppressed officials lied. Had taken areas that were “unworkable” that Nikkei had made successful, economic opportunity to drive them out. Racial hysteria.

. Construction worker today at warehouse – didn’t know before project.

. Sincere apology – nice to hear. Gov’t. did screw up – officials, courts, etc. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren (CA AG) did eventually apologize. DeWitt’s lawyer actively fought against redress (“did nothing wrong”)

. Visited Hagerman Museum years ago. Strangers came up with tears in their eyes to hug and say they were sorry.

. We must make sure it never happens again.

. FOM working on Issei exhibit – share bios/info to help research.

. Piece together stories and bigger narrative.

GROUP 3

. As a Sansei, coming to the pilgrimage has been very powerful. Father had told her about camp experiences but seeing it in person was even more impactful. Stories of irrigation ditches, cats, and grasshoppers.

. Father served in Italy, told stories of interacting with Italian villagers during War. Faced resentment and racism after the war, despite service to this country.

. Left camp at 16, transferred from Manzanar (there for one year) to Minidoka, originally from Bainbridge Island.

. Spent 3 years at Minidoka. Used to swim across the water to get potatoes, bake them in fire.

. There were gangs, more lie social groups at Minidoka.

. The camp experience ca be related to current events (family separation, discrimination against immigrant populations).

. Family didn’t have to go to camp because they were not on West Coast, but grandfather was arrested by FBI.

. Great Aunt kicked out of University of Washington dorms in the middle of the night after Pearl Harbor.

. Connecting history to the way Muslims are being treated in this country (through working with Densho).

. Meeting people and hearing stories brings history alive in a way which books/classes cannot.

. Pilgrimage is life changing each time.

. Great- grandfather arrested by FBI after Pearl Harbor, family didn’t see him for three years, found 80 letters written from great-grandmother to great grandmother, allowed a connection, being on the pilgrimage has helped continue that connection.

. Grandparents were in camp, related to Gordon Hirabayashi. His resistance was inspiring and important.

. Has been to other pilgrimages, it’s always a very meaningful experience.

. Another Gordon Hirabayashi relative (!!!)

. Family moved from Manzanar to Twin Falls to be closer to family in Minidoka, first time back in Twin Falls since War.

. Remembers parents being worried that he would face racism in school (post-war), they reminded him to tell people he is an American.

. Family faced red-lining in Seattle.

. This experience is healing, renewing, dealing with feelings about camp.

. Grateful to be here, thankful for stories.

. Stories are much fuller than in history books, important to have a balance of information and personal stories.

. Many inter-generational experiences of trauma in the Nikkei community. Pilgrimage aids in addressing that trauma.

. Nisei, former incarcerees: rejected Nikkei identity for a long time, is now interested in reclaiming identity. First time being back at Minidoka.

. Relocated East after camp.

. Belonged to Block 42 gang with Ryan Kozu’s uncle.

. A young married couple acted as chaperones for Block 42 gang activities.

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. “I think we had a very good gang.”

. Skinny dipping in canal.

. Went as a gang to pick potatoes, sugar beets.

. Went to contract labor camp for a time.

. Had a good time as a young teenager in Minidoka.

. Father did a lot of farm work.

. “Life during camp was uneventful.”

. Went to University of Washington after camp.

. The Honor Roll was very memorable and emotional.

. As a Nisei, felt that parents lost the most, parents were farmers on Bainbridge and lost their farm.

. Family relocated to Seabrook farms in NJ after the War, almost like being in camp again.

. The Quakers helped sponsor and provided support.

. Wasn’t able to be part of San Jose JA community, treated as outsider.

. Recently started taking Japanese class (Nisei).

. Nisei father did not want Japanese culture to be a part of life, did not communicate about experience at all.

. Went to camp as a 1 year old, impacted nonetheless: later had recurring dream about spending a night in camp (spending the night with grandparents who lived in Minidoka, away from parents) relates to family separation of today.

. Issues of resistance tore families apart at the hands of the government.

. Younger generation is very moved by the learning and listening which goes on at the pilgrimage.

. Loss of culture, psychological violence from camp experience.

GROUP 4

General Feelings and Reflections

. Reflecting on the differences between the different camps (Tule, Minidoka, etc.)

. Some adults’ parents never talked about times during the War or their experiences in the camp, so it was assumed that all things associated were negative.

. Being a newcomer to the pilgrimage is a bit of an information overload; yet we still so much more to learn.

. From a young generation’s perspective, we’re fortunate to have “primary sources (lovely people who were incarcerated) to share their stories.

. Interesting to see how the pilgrimages have evolve and the younger generations are taking over and continuing the legacy.

. Contemplating the “American Dream.”

-how success seems so unattainable

-how the rules are changing

-how the meaning is evolving

. Relating our history to current events and applying lessons to our lives

. When you work with this subject for so long, you can become emotionally detached, but it’s still important to hear stories.

. Struggling with the definition of “patriotism” in a time of those being incarcerated and asked to prove their loyalty by enlisting.

. We need to be re-informed. Our freedom is being stripped away and we don’t realize it.

-inform yourselves on the bills being passed by Congress, the figures who are in positions of power (politically, academically, etc.), etc.

. THANK YOU for funding national historic sites!

. It’s nice to see the evolution and progress of rebuilding model buildings for the site.

. The Honor Roll monument (grown men crying seeing it finally installed) holds such significance!

Stories

. Memories of camp from a young age was mostly positive.

. Many pilgrims who were children still tried to grow up as normal children in camp. Playing and keeping busy.

. Losing simple pleasures such as having a friend over for a cup of tea.

. Difficulty raising babies and toddlers in camp. (Privacy constraints, potty training).

. A father who practiced kendo but had to destroy all things Japanese-related during war time.

. From the files, being able to read letters our ancestors wrote to one another.

. The “Suitcase Project”

-What would you bring to Minidoka?

. Grandparents’ interracial relationship being very complicated and how one racially identifies.

. A personal journey to rediscovering family roots.

. “I feel like a man without a country…”

. An epic love story about parents: a man who was sent to Japan to infiltrate communities and a woman who battled through and overcame disability, separated by camps and seas who came together in America after the war to share their happy ending.

. Was unable to eat, so sharing with the homeless kids running through the streets of Japan in winter with no clothes and shoes.

GROUP 5

One word that summarizes the experience

. Eye opening . Profound

. Sacred ground . Connecting

. Generational . Histories became real

. Desolation . Appreciation

. Community . Grateful

. Stark . Family

. Unimaginable . Unheard

. Convicting . Representation

. Bittersweet . Protesting

. Friendships . Care for the young – don’t pass the hurt

. Psychological impacts:

-increase in drug use, suicide

. Tell your stories

-know your history

. Connections to what’s happening now.

. Connections to what’s happened to other communities.

. Remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

. Help from the Quakers and from Rev. (Emory) Andrews.

. Social amnesia.

. Stigma from imprisonment.

. How do we pass this information/experience on?

. How to engage younger generations with this experience?

. Support ethnic studies programs that pass this info on.

. Education system should address this better.

. Minidoka is an American story.

GROUP 6

Intros:

. J & P: Grandpa-Herb incarcerated

. A: Mom, dad, grandparents incarcerated

. M: IncarcereeMay: Incarcerees 7-9 yrs. old

. S: Both sides of family incarcerated

. L: Husband’s family incarcerated, had never met Japanese people as a child

. B: RangerPatty: “” “ “Husbands family incarcerated, had never met Japanese people as a child teacher internship. E: Both sides incarcerated, dad born in camp

. B: Incarceree

. A: Mother Onishi family

. K: Father born in Tule Lake

. B: Grandparents, aunties and uncles

. S: Husband and grandparents, aunties and uncles Susan: husband and “ “

. B: Family served at church, only people who had not been

. D: Intern for parks

. H: Family in Manzanar, Parks service

STORIES (ELDERS). B. came to camp at age 5. Lived in block 15, 4C. Two brothers, mother and father. Father made furniture with scrap wood around, sheets hung to make bedrooms, no water in room, and one electric light in the middle. When they first moved in, his dad got there early, found a rattlesnake in the women's bathroom, killed it, took it to the kitchen and asked the cook to cook it, and he refused.

. M. came to camp at age 7. 3rd grade teacher from Iowa, wrote to her every year until she passed away, went to Huntsville School block 10, lived in block 7. The walk was just kiddie corner “I was lucky” still had mud to slosh through. Wooden walkways in from on barracks, in between was just mud though. Stepped right out of the shoes in the mud.

. L. in third grade, new teacher been released from prison. Sammy Hasegawa explained the internment, nobody told them what happened. Afraid of German bombing, she didn't know what the internment camps were (from the Midwest) first Asian person ever met).

Lois: In third grade, new teacher been released from prison Sammy Hasegawa explained the internment, nobody told them what happened. Afraid of German Bombing, she didn't know what the internment camps were (from the Midwest) first Asian person ever met)What was it like to walk back on that land and seeing the differences (greenery) did it evoke any visceral feelings.May: 4th pilgrimage, not much feeling, barracks don’t look like they used to. M. 4th pilgrimage, not much feeling, barracks don’t look like they used to. Hopefully once paperwork is done they will be able to make it look more like camp. B: remembers the swimming hole, brother was trying to teach him how to swim, and he threw him in there and sank like a rock. Brother teaching him how to fish, casting line and got hooked, could not get it out so they had to go to the guard shack, and the guard took it out. Caught fish, took it to his mom, and she had no way to cook it, so he took it to the cook in the mess hall. Does not remember if he cooked it or not. Eating Vienna sausage, wieners, spam, Mutton Stew. River runs fast, don't go to the water. There were several drownings,- that is why they put the swimming hole in. Muddy in the bottom and close to the edge.One of friends: 16 looking for people to build camps, friend went 2-3 months early and built, payed with military salary and then incarcerated thereTeenagers would go to the friend’s house, and eat with them, so people would come if there was something good.

STORIES (EVERYONE)

. Block 31 woman, said her block was half full, other half was Stafford elementaryElementary

Really good cooks, young bachelors would come from across camp and the ladies would come down as well.

. Woman with big family: 11 kids 5 brothers, got own apartments, parents lived with girls, people would come to the “man cave” Cook in the mess hall, she would see him stumbling down the street late at night after dinner. Later found sake being made in the kitchen

. 3 doors in barrack: each set of steps went into 2 units. How much did the gov’tgov”t pay the people who had the barracks after: people got the barracks in auction for as little as 1 dollar. Donated back to the camp

Why did you come on this pilgrimage? What were you hoping to get out of it?

. D: Heart Mountain has a pilgrimage, wanted to experience first-handfirsthand, how they can improve about the pilgrimage.Bill: wife is in the association with St. . B: wife is in the association with St. Peters, can't remember when he didn't know what happened to the JAs. Spent lots of time in/round army. “I had not given thought to what all this meant”

. S: grandparents never talked about it, parents said “we went to camp” though oh well that's nice. Mixed up in an Asian American project. Went to Tule Lake, and eye opener.

. B: went to camps with S. Didn't hear about camps much in HI, remembers older sisters knitting blankets and sending to camps. Mom wrote book, backlash from JA community. Manzanar, visited Jerome, Rower, Amache, Topaz

. K: Father born in Tule Lake, spent entire life trying to figure out about the shame of it in her family. A journey, went to Tule Lakethe lake with father. Whole family went, a powerful time, first time saw father cried. Wanted to learn more about the camps. Write for many JA newspapers, Minister for many JAs and a big JA community.

. A: Growing up, parents did not talk about experience. Dad was in army before EX order, so never in camp. Mom’s, mom’s family was in camps. Kids never thought appropriate to ask questions about it. Never discussed it in family. Both parents passed away. . B: Went in the 60s, nothing there. Took parents there 10 years later. Mom and dad were crying. 2003, May Namba one of the founders - May made the umbrella with cranes, first organized time that he came. Changed a lot, still evokes a lot of memories.

. E: Grandparents did not talk about it to their kids. Her mom made a point to talk about it. Went to first Day of Remembrance. Grandparents talked when questions were asked, trying to “undig” lots of anger, and confusion. “I'm here for life.”

. B: Born and raised 5 miles from camp, knew about it, but didn't KNOW about it. Opened up conversations with parents. Japanese girl in Mothers class, two Japanese children buried in cemetery at Lutheran church. Japanese girl in Mothers class, two Japanese children buried in cemetery at lLutheran church.

. L: Been coming for the last 12 years.

. S: both sets of parents were from Minidoka, never talked about it. Mother left early for nursing school. Father drafted. Mother passed in April, wanted to see what it was like.

. A: Mom’s father active in community, bilingual worked on committees. DadsDad’s side, lost mother months before camps. Worked in firehouse. Worker strike, because foreman was not being fair. P/J: Herb has been many times.

. H: Grew up in Boise, identify more with Korean side (hapa), didn'tHapa), and didn’t know about Minidoka. Chance to interact with JA community.

How has incarceration affected your life?

. D: Affected everything around her where she lives, something that needs to be talked about.

. K: Raised to not be the nail that sticks out. Became the nail, in college had a hard time speaking up, an identity issue, who am I? How can I be an Ally, bridging the experience between incarceration to current issues?

. S: Scarcity, people started saving everything. Afraid of not having, that we had more than we need.

. B: Mom’s and sisters take ribbons off gifts, iron it and save it.

How do we keep the Yonsei/ Gosei interested? Bill: son wanted to get more info, done lots of research. . B: Son wanted to get more info, done lots of research. Knowing the information.

. D: Media is the key. Everybody needs to know. The drama is important.

. K: Middle school/high school kids. Many people from Puyallup didn't know. Has one kid that wants to know more. Boils down to empathy, how tuned in are young people? “If I hurt, do you hurt?”Reaching out to the Hapa population.

Discussion sentence breakdown:

Bridging the past to the present, bringing the people of the past to the present and to the future. The bridge is planked with stories.

GROUP 7

. Nisei. Parents didn’t talk about, possibly shame. Friend’s father- in- law was a disc jockey in Arizona and would play at camp. Crate of records. Made a chair from image and owner saw. Victor wants to make a guard tower replica. Father fished.

. Nisei. Age 6. Doesn’t feel victimized, with family. More of an education about incarceration as growing up. Just 3 years in Idaho. In college, heard a JA mention concentration camp. Made to rethink experience. Parents didn’t talk about it except to selves. Parents. Parents burned pictures of relatives in Japan. Parents truing to go along, be good citizens. Make a living. Not the same as today. Parents wanted to return to Japan (didn’t). Friend gave sister image to keep/save because of family in Japanese army. Family Buddhist, but later Christian. Father came as late teen and worked in sawmill. Father came in part because second son. Went back to Japan, married mother and returned to US.

. Bainbridge. Most Japanese were strawberry farmers. Realized something had happened when came home and saw mom. Initially Manzanar then to Minidoka. Came to Seattle after we couldn’t return to Bainbridge. Group of seven friends (all girls) – called the 7-Ups. Continue to stay in touch – birthdays. Friend back in Bainbridge wanted news.

. Nisei. Portland. March 1942, Dad passed away, (leaving behind) 2 boys, 4 girls. At age 8. Mom made sake - drunkard, had family over. So young, felt like summer camp. 4th,5th (grades) Murakami sisters – teachers. I didn’t get along with Seattle people. (Still) don’t. High school kids’ friends for life

. Husband’s mother’s family (Onishi) in camp. Didn’t see all the family. names, and then today saw those family members on board. 10 kids. Had farm in Sandy, OR. Taken to Puyallup from Portland to Minidoka. Father’s side: Father in army before 1942 and when E.O. 9066. A bit of like an orphan because his father was going to Japan and brothers studying in Japan. Came to Minidoka to visit family in uniform. Had to check in with other soldiers to be able to go in. Younger kids knew there was suffering, but young age so socializing. Older people suffered more. One uncle lost a bowling alley and small store. When asked in-laws about internment/camp (before married), sister-in-law gave stink eye. Realized not to ask because they hadn’t talked about with own kids.

. Own search for ethnic identity is only like 2 years. Growing up asked “What are you?” Asked questions about Japan, but don’t know. Have gone to Japan and met family. (Gatekeeper to colored experience – feel as a person of color feel like experience is cheap. Relate to Japanese back(ground). Phenotype. Question if don’t speak Japanese, am I bad Japanese? JA experience shared. Nice to know that others are experiencing question of JA and what does it mean!) Trickledown effect. Never took it upon self to talk to father. Grandparents passed when under 10. Didn’t even really know about incarceration then at that time. Not feeling tertiary – more like learning just now. Different than usual story.

. Father-in-law in Minidoka, (around) 18 years old. Not long (after) but enlisted and became MIS. In Pacific Theater after. Mother-In-law in Japan when bomb dropped. As America in Japan, treated poorly. Stoned by other kids. Seriously injured – crippled. Father – Yakima Valley. Farmers, pretty well known. Successful. Fortunate because community got behind them and bought all stuff. Had some money when went to Portland Assembly Center. Niisan, Ontario labor camp. Uncle let know it’s okay to get on train. Lived in tent camp. Only in work camp couple weeks. Worked for private farmer. Oldest son George – Minidoka – maybe as a pathway to Army. Mother (21 y/o and was secretary in gov’t. office) & father-in-law met in Japan. Mother-in-law went to CA> father-in-law went and got her and brought her back to OR. Brother-in-law –

. Parents didn’t talk about it. Father family – Minidoka. Mother family – Heart Mountain. Father joked around so don’t know if truths to all stories. Father in 442nd. Uncle (younger brother) in 100th Battalion. 1943 father left to go to school. ___ had actually enlisted into draft before Pearl Harbor. Grandfather in Portland. Father said FBI spy from across street. Grandfather’s neighbor watched house so had a house to go back to. Mom didn’t say much except there was no sugar. Dad said would eat squirrel, didn’t

believe but maybe. Dad didn’t speak any Japanese, didn’t realize he did even though grandmother only spoke Japanese. Eye opener. Father kept newspaper right before incarcerated. Son asked.

. Live in Pittsburg, but grew up in Portland, Hollywood District, Benson High. Dad 442d Congressional Gold Medal. Mom born in US, wet back to Japan. Dad’s brother and sister went to Minidoka. Parents divorced and raised by mom, so didn’t know a lot. Few Asians in Pittsburg to go to Buddhist temple, closest is 2-3 hours away in Cleveland.

. Dad worked a lot. Mom from Tokyo. (When in) junior in high school, saw “Come See the Paradise” filmed in L.A. After seeing the movie, life changed. At time, Mom was in Shibuya and had to hide in the mountains. No lights. Can’t see so had to go together to bathroom outside. Walked into c__.

. FBI watching Japanese before Pearl Harbor. Father used to be George, then was later referred to by Japanese name. FBI guy would just sit and watch grandma in store (Fuji grocery). Grandma would give him a sandwich. Grandma got out on work crew - 5 cents/day absurd even back then. Saved and had some savings when got out. Before separated bathroom, 5 holes. Old guy sneezed ad dentures fell into. Toilet flush eventually got in 5 toilets. This guy visiting said he would always sit on a rock. Sat on rock looked down at ant hill and said, “Hey you guys watching me?”

. Dad youngest of 7. Younger in camp so a bit protected. Grandfather took last ship out with oldest child (dau). Only dad and younger brother in Minidoka, rest of uncles enlisted. Uncle Joe took over as patriarch. Came back from war very different. Bitter. Mental health issues for family who served. Only 2 married. El Jabo(?) group. Uncle and friend group still try to hang out. Looking at barracks biggest impact and seeing name on Honor Roll. Mother raising family by self. Dad’s brother-n-law’s father taken to Ft. and then to Santa Fe.

. Grandpa picked up a stray cat up by tail and swung it. Played King of the Hill on charcoal pile. First pet was dragonfly and tied a string to it and let it fly.

. A family watched grandparent’s farm in Tigard. Still operational. Sometimes you forget the little things that change your life – if not for all these experiences. Maybe I wouldn’t have been born. Not many Japanese people in Tigard. Having to explain why I have to work on the farm in the summer and about the history of our family and families like ours. Thankful for the impacts my grandparents on my mom.

. I’m shocked that my cousin doesn’t have many stories/knowledge having spent so much time with him in Canada. She thought he was a No-No Boy, but he was only 9 years old at that time! Canadian history books vs. American history books. Don’t be afraid to share any stories that you hear. We have to pass these on! I have only two memories of my grandfather – playing with a Nerf basketball.

Camp - younger generation

. Incarceration or concentration.

. Seattle delegation – stress concentration camp. The word also carries more weight.

. Definition of internment is more associated with moving people for good reasons.

. Power of Words – Mako Nakagawa

. Didn’t use concentration camp before but moving forward, will.

GROUP 8

. For the younger teenagers – camp was about the friendships and fun. They didn’t have to worry as much about what was happening or what was going on.

. Some feel guilty about how much fun they had in camp – especially now, knowing what Issei had to deal with.

. At school, in Utah, a girl made faces at someone. She was asked why she was making those faces, and she answered explaining that her mother said that if you make Japanese people mad, their horns and tails would pop-out.

. After one girl was incarcerated, her friends from high school in Portland pooed their money to buy and send her the class pin.

GROUP 9C

. In Minidoka Camp, father recruited for 442nd. He recalls those years as worst I life.

. Pilgrimages are rebuilding something good from what was bad.

. Nisei didn’t talk to Sansei about experiences in camp. Called time incarcerated, “Lost years.”

. Some Nisei did talk about experiences with their children; if you were young, experiences not necessarily bad.

. Father managed to raise enough money for monument to honor those who died in 442nd. “Bodies are coming back.”

. Incarceration form/excuse for land grab. Bank accounts frozen soon after Pearl Harbor. .

Prominent leaders in community taken- sometimes left families without father figures. Communities would sometimes come together to support them.

. Rev. (Emory) Andrews was minister of Japanese Baptist Church – evacuated with Japanese to Minidoka.

. Minidoka baseball field built in one day.

. immediately after Pearl Harbor. Sheriff protected family.

GROUP 10

. Harsh conditions. . Hot . Isolated . Amazement

. Anxiety . Sadness . Difference between now – then

. To hear stories . Inspiration . Kids thought it was summer camp

. Lasting damage . Continue the narrative.

. Follow orders = fine . Troublemakers sent to Tule Lake

. Some families had minimal changes. . “Camp life”

. Denial . Silence . Anger can come out in different ways

. Pride . Chance at connections

. Educating ourselves and others. . “Concentration camp” vs. “relocation camp”

. The JA niche . After camp, gov’t. tried to disperse JAs

. Quakers helped . Stories of the Nisei

. Learning about the JA history through the Pilgrimage . Our story

. Unsettlement . Keep sharing Use your skills and interests to tell a story