Harry Tanaka oral history interview, part 2 of 6, April 16, 2004

Tanaka discusses his Nisei Father being born in Hawaii, His father is drafted in 1918 for World War One and when he finishes his basic training, the war has ended. Post-war, his Father works for Sunrise Soda company as a truck driver until his retirement years.

Tanaka's Mother is a picture bride. She passes away in 1939 when Tanaka is eight years old. His Grandfather moves in to take care of the kids when the Father is working. He recalls corresponding with his girl cousins in the Philippines. When Japan occupies the Philippines, they keep the girls because they know English. They eventually get sent to Japan when America invades the Philippines and took over.

Growing up in Hawaii, Tanaka describes the neighborhood as camps, family run stores, and no restaurants. He says people mainly eat at home and he does not recall eating out. At home, Tanaka's meals consist of rice, pork, and vegetables. The community is mainly Americans of Japanese Ancestry so he did not experience discrimination. Tanaka attends Japanese Language school from kindergarten to 12 grade. He learns the language, loyalty to the country, being good kids, reading and writing.

video/m4v

0:26:22

2004OH0428_02_Tanaka

http://www.goforbroke.org/oral_histories/mp4/428-Tanaka-Harry-2.m4v

1921 May 15

Yes