John Takekawa oral history interview, part 1 of 2, June 21, 2006

John Akira Takekawa was born on August 27, 1923, in Seattle, WA. John's parents immigrated from Japan to the United States. John lost his father when he was ten years old. John's mother raised three boys by herself. John recalls his mother was a remarkable woman.

The family moved around frequently. However, the house was still within walking distance of the school. Besides primary school, John attended Japanese language school for 12 years. John's favorite subject in school was math and playing sports. John played on a Japanese Baptist Church basketball team, the Baptist Lightening.

After graduating high school, John's older brother encouraged John to attend college. John enrolled at the University of Washington for two quarters before the war started.

John recalls December 7 and going to Puyallup for three months. Later, John and his family went to Minidoka. John gave credit to the Episcopal Church for arranging a scholarship and helping him into the University of Boston.

In May 1944, John was drafted. He went to Japanese language school at Fort Snelling and completed basic training at Fort McClellan. After training, John went overseas to Manila and was assigned to war crimes trials.

2006OH0675_01_Takekawa

http://www.goforbroke.org/oral_histories/mp4/675-Takekawa-John-1.m4v

1923 Aug 27