0:00 - Recalls evacuation
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Partial Transcript: Gary randomly discusses good guys and bad guys in cowboy movies. When he is packing for evacuation, he wanted to bring his comic books. However, his mother did not think it is a necessity. (Interview starts at 1 minute and 15 seconds) On the day of the evacuation, there is a check-in process by the JACL, and then Japanese Americans are transported by bus. The bus is escorted by the Military to the Stockton Assembly Center. At the Assembly Center, the Japanese Americans are assigned Barrack numbers and given medical shots.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: Assembly Centers; Executive Order 9066; forced removal; Japanese Americans; living conditions; Nisei; World War Two
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3:43 - Recalls assembly center
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Partial Transcript: Gary discusses the living condition at the Stockton Assembly Center. There are four members in Gary's family since his mother remarries. The living space at the assembly center is smaller than at the relocation center. Gary describes the barrack structure. At the assembly center, Gary tries to find his peers. He recalls living in Lodi and the conflicts between the country and town kids. Now the disunity is between the Lodi and Stockton kids.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: "evacuation"; barracks; children; Executive Order 9066; forced removal; Issei; Japanese Americans; Japanese identity and values; living conditions; Nisei; relocation centers; World War Two
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6:55 - Recalls family dynamics
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Partial Transcript: At the assembly center, Gary can make friends. He describes how the individual blocks are color-coded. The structure of the mess halls at the assembly center changes the family dynamic doing meal times. Before camp, Japanese American families would eat together. Now the children look for their peers to eat with them. In addition, the parents are finding jobs in camp to earn extra money. Gary says the food at the assembly center is different from the Japanese diet. The food is exciting at first, and then it gets boring.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: Assembly Centers; barracks; childhood activities; Executive Order 9066; friendship; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; living conditions; Nisei; World War Two
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10:31 - Discusses Japanese values
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Partial Transcript: Before the war, Gary's mother teaches him Japanese. Gary recalls his mother telling him that he is born and raised in America. If America and Japan go to war, she advises Gary to fight for the United States. His mother also instills in him the attitude of shikata ga nai and do not make waves. Growing up, Gary tries not to bring shame to the family. He recalls his childhood friend, who protects other Japanese American kids from the hakujins. Gary says although his friend is protective, he is seen as a trouble maker by Japanese parents.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: Americans of Japanese Ancestry; friendship; Hakujin; Issei; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Shikata ga nai; World War Two
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13:35 - Recalls civil rights; and Rohwer I
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Partial Transcript: In high school, Gary learns about the United States Constitution. He recalls the Japanese American students would look down on the Hakujin teachers because the teacher could not explain why American citizens are evacuated into camps. Gary describes the journey to Rohwer on the train. The trip takes four days until they arrive at Rohwer. Gary knows in advance where they are going because an advanced team is assembled to go to Rohwer to help build the camp. On the train, the shades are down, and there are Military guards onboard.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: "evacuation"; Americans of Japanese Ancestry; concentration camp; employment; Executive Order 9066; Japanese Americans; Nisei; World War Two
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17:50 - Recalls Rohwer II
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Partial Transcript: On the train ride to Rohwer, AK, there are no showers amenities. Gary says he does not shower for four days. He shares a story about wearing a military t-shirt on the train. At Rohwer, there are 12 barracks, men and women bathrooms, social hall, and mess hall.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: "evacuation"; barracks; concentration camp; Executive Order 9066; Issei; Japanese Americans; living conditions; Nisei; World War Two
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22:00 - Recalls Rohwer III
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Partial Transcript: Gary describes the living conditions at Rohwer. Gary briefly mentions, Dr. Akemi Kikumura's family is also camp in Arkansas. In Rohwer, there are approximately 9,500 Japanese Americans. Gary says they arrive at Rohwer in October and the Issei parents get together to help organize schooling for the children. The Issei parents established a school system for grammar school, junior high school, and high school. The school season started in November.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: barracks; education; Executive Order 9066; friendship; Issei; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; living conditions; Nisei; World War Two
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25:24 - Recalls Rohwer IV
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Partial Transcript: At Rohwer, Gary is a junior in high school, and there are about 170 students. Gary discusses the different students he meets from Washington and various regions of California.
Segment Synopsis:
Keywords: education; Executive Order 9066; Japanese Americans; Nisei; World War Two
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