1
10
4
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https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/186e2503110f15bcf4d5a3ee5b54588c.png
08b86d269bc8cffd5bd397906f6b4219
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Issei Gerontology Project Films
Description
An account of the resource
Four films were produced by JASC in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, which focused on the needs of Chicago’s aging population of Issei, or first generation Japanese immigrants. The original 16mm films were preserved for decades in the JASC archives and digitized with grant funding and community support in 2019. They offer a rare opportunity to see and hear Issei speaking about their experiences, and also offer a glimpse into the programs and services of JASC in the mid-1970s.
Oral History
A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge.
OHMS Object
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPIsseiAFinalSay.xml
OHMS Object Text
5.4 1975 Issei: A Final Say 0:07:43 JASC_IGP Issei Gerontology Project Films Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center Digitized with support from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Transcribed and made accessible online with financial support from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. video 1:|23(2)|37(2)|53(2)|65(2)|95(2)|107(2)|123(2) 1:|12(1)|26(14)|38(4)|44(9)|64(5)|72(9)|83(4) English 1 https://vimeo.com/387488712/89a89402d8 Vimeo video < ; iframe src=" ; https://player.vimeo.com/video/387488712?h=89a89402d8" ; width=" ; 640" ; height=" ; 352" ; frameborder=" ; 0" ; allow=" ; autoplay ; fullscreen ; picture-in-picture" ; allowfullscreen> ; < ; /iframe> ; Japanese Interviewer: あのね、今一番の楽しみはどんなものですか。今一番のたのしみ。 Man in gray hat: まあ全て、仕事も自分も好きでやってるし、楽しいですよ。 Woman in purple shirt: これと言ってありませんけれど、皆さんとこうして話すのが一番たのしい。 Interviewer: 日本語で話されるのが？ Woman in purple shirt: うん Woman in cardigan: 私、今考えておりますのは、やはり私たちの楽しみと言うのは教会ですね。教会に行くこと、 本当に楽しみです。ひとつは、あの--子供たち、もう今大きくなって、孫は増えてまいりますからね。その、何していることが、一番私たちにとって楽しいですね。 Man in straw hat: 毎日が安楽に暮らしており、イエス・キリストを信じることは一番いい事と思っています。自分の思いわずらうことをすてて、人のために祈ること。 Woman in stripes: まあ、日本人がね、こういう風にピクニックしたり、それからもちろんあの--ファミリーがギャザーする、そういうことね。 Woman in white: そうですな、私の一番うれしいことは、あの--毎日健康にくらすことが、感謝ですね。そして子供達も皆仲良くして、あの--よくしてくれますこと感謝しておりますじゃな。 Man in purple: 子供らも、家内も、それから孫らもひ孫も、みな持ってるでしょ。それでこうやって毎日が健康で、過ごせるでしょ。そして楽しく暮らせるでしょ。だからまあ、一番私はうれしいと思いますよね。 Woman in Stripes: 特別--別に今、あの--自分、健康だから-- Man in short sleeves: 別に何も、ねぇ、こういう所におるんだから。ただもう私が--あの--教会に行きたいけど、もうどうすることもでけんですから。 Man in stripes: やはり、日本独特のいいところはですね、いついつまでもやはり、続けていってもらいたいですよね。例えばこの--「父母に孝に、夫婦相和し、朋友相信じ」ということは、確かにいい事と思いますよね。一つの家庭の、家庭を築いてゆく上に一つの根本的な精神じゃないかしら。ああいうことは、やはり日本人としての誇りじゃないかと思いますよね。 Man in gray cap: 何も特別言うことはねぇ、体操（とか）こういうガーデンの仕事もあるしね。 Woman with balloon: 私は、賛美歌うたって、イエス様にお祈りして、イエス様と共に歩くということは一番楽しい。 Man in tie: 何もないですな。ほっといて欲しい、ということ。 Interviewer: おばさん、何かあります？一世としてね、子供さんに、あの--伝えたい事。 Woman in purple shirt: 別にありませんけどね。おばさん、財産も無し、金も無し--。 Interviewer: 何かね、特別、あの--おばさん自身として--。 Woman in purple shirt: ただね、子供をお守したのを、忘れずにおってくれたらいい。それを願っているでしょね。 Woman in cardigan: 私、この一世として、いまここに子供達、居りますでしょ。 ですから今まで私のやってきたことを幾分なりとも子供たちに少しでも教えておきたい。 Interviewer: どういう事？ Woman in cardigan: やはりあの、自分たち親に対することとかね、兄弟に対することとかね、と言うような、そういう風な反面から、ずっと私、いつも子供に少しでも、子供に覚えておいてくれるようにと、思っておりますよ。 Man in blue shirt: 二世は、三世も、アメリカ市民としての義務としても、なるだけなら、出来ることならアメリカに忠誠をつくして、そして、まあ--良き市民となって模範を示して頂きたいと思いますね。同時にまあ、日本人と言うその、大和魂のような心をなるだけあの、心がけていってもらいたい。 Man in short sleeves: 別にいまではね、何も心配することが無し。子供のこと、もう充分してあるから、孫の事も、エブリシング・イズ・オーライ。 Man in stripes: それで二世三世の方々も出来るだけ勉強して、そしてアメリカの各社会に入り込んで行って、大いに活躍して行って頂きたいのが、私の子供はじめ、二世三世に対する希望なんですよ。 Man in cap: まあ、真面目に働く、仕事なんですね、なんでもね、仕事その何からですね。 Man in purple: やはり、一世のつまり良いとこですな。やはり子供らに伝えたいと思いますよね。 Interviewer: どういう事ですか？あの、特別に？ Man in purple: そうですなあ、まあ私は別に教えてはいないですけど、子供らが私らがやってきたところを皆知っていますからね。親が苦労しているのを見て、子供はやはりそれを見てやってきますから私も安心しています。子供に今まで私は、なにもしろとはいわないけれど、みな真面目にやってくれますからな、それで私も安心しとりますからな。 Woman in polka dot apron: ちょっとあの、何か行き詰まってもね、それでもぐにゃっとならないで、直ぐ立ち上がってやっていくようになってもらいたいの。火事に遭っても、泥棒に遭っても、獲られない物を、自分がキープしておくのが、子供や孫とおもいますよ。 Interviewer: What would make you most happy now? Man in gray hat: The work I do I enjoy and take pleasure in it. Woman in purple shirt: I enjoy getting together with friends and talking. Interviewer: In Japanese? Woman in purple shirt: Oh yes! Woman in cardigan: The most pleasure that we have is out association with the church. My children are grown now and I get a lot of pleasure by watching my grandchildren grow up. Man in plaid shirt: I'm happy because my family is everybody is healthy and, you know, especially grandchildren. Man in straw hat: I believe that believing in Jesus Christ is the best thing. Forgetting about one's own troubles and praying for others is the most important thing to do for the people. Woman in stripes: The Japanese getting together at a picnic like this, family get togethers... Woman in white: What makes me most happy is that I am living every day in good health. And that my children all get along well together and they are good to us. Man in purple: I have my wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and they have good health and we look forward to each day with enjoyment. That makes me happy. Woman in stripes: I am healthy so that I am alright. Man in short sleeves: The only thing I would like to do is to attend church but that I cannot do... Man in stripes: It could be nice if they retain or cultivated the best of the Japanese tradition. For example: Filial piety towards parents. Man in gray cap: Like physical exercise, like this garden work Woman with balloon: Singing hymns and praying in Jesus Christ. Man in tie: I don't have anything to say... I would like to be left alone. Interviewer: Oh, I see. Interviewer: What is the most important thing you would want passed on to your children or future generations of Japanese. Woman in purple shirt: Well, I don't have any assets of money to leave them. Interviewer: Anything special, from your viewpoint... Woman in purple shirt: I only ask that they don't forget my bringing them up. That's my only desire. Woman in cardigan: As an Issei, I would like to teach my children as much as possible what I have done in the past. Interviewer: What kind of thing? Woman in cardigan: The attitude toward their parents and toward their brothers and sisters, these things which I have been taught, I want them to remember. Man in blue shirt: The Nisei and Sansei... should do their utmost to be good, loyal citizens, but at the same time retain some of their Japanese heritage. Man in short sleeves: I have done all I can for my children and grandchildren, so " ; everything is alright" ; . Man in stripes: I would like them to give priority to education and to going into all phases of social structures in America. Man in cap: To be diligent in whatever work you do. Man in purple: I want to pass on the strong points of the Issei. I never had to say do this or don't do that. Interviewer: What kind of things, in particular? Man in purple: They saw our hardship and struggles. Somehow they are all earnest and hard working. Whenever they are in trouble, instead of crumpling up, I want to know that they can rise again. Woman in polka dot apron: That which cannot be lost by fire, or by theft. That is what I want to give my children and my grandchildren. Copyright held by the Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago, Illinois. video Footage may only be reproduced with permission from the Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center. 0 https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPIsseiAFinalSay.xml IGPIsseiAFinalSay.xml https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/collections/show/10
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Issei: A Final Say
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1975
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
video
Description
An account of the resource
Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film features Issei (first generation immigrants) responding to questions such as "What would make you most happy now?" and "What is the most important thing you would want passed on to your children or future generations of Japanese?"
ISHRAB
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https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/703b6711e756d50bc07b57c954693dee.png
5c442ecfc5a3840ccd45056543dbe83a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Issei Gerontology Project Films
Description
An account of the resource
Four films were produced by JASC in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, which focused on the needs of Chicago’s aging population of Issei, or first generation Japanese immigrants. The original 16mm films were preserved for decades in the JASC archives and digitized with grant funding and community support in 2019. They offer a rare opportunity to see and hear Issei speaking about their experiences, and also offer a glimpse into the programs and services of JASC in the mid-1970s.
Oral History
A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge.
OHMS Object
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPIsseiAQualityForSurvival.xml
Interview Keyword
Issei
Immigration
Incarceration
Resettlement
Picture Brides
Loyalty Questionnaire
Racism
OHMS Object Text
5.4 1975 Issei: A Quality for Survival 0:27:59 JASC_IGP Issei Gerontology Project Films Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center Digitized with support from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Transcribed and made accessible online with financial support from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. Issei Immigration Incarceration Resettlement Picture Brides Loyalty Questionnaire Racism Katsuno, Chie Maeda, Shitsuke Hayano, Mieki Sakamoto, Sanjiro Shimizu, Tase Hama, Hideo Monma, Fumiyo Mukai, Chiyoko Orita, Natsu Sato, Kiku Kono, Rev. Gyodo video 1:|12(2)|22(1)|33(13)|46(1)|57(1)|64(9)|82(7)|96(1)|107(1)|116(1)|126(2)|134(10)|145(10)|157(1)|169(1)|181(6)|192(4)|203(7)|211(15)|224(1)|227(12)|237(6)|246(14)|255(14)|261(3)|267(8)|274(3) 0 https://vimeo.com/367510998/b82fb21fea Vimeo video < ; iframe src=" ; https://player.vimeo.com/video/367510998?h=b82fb21fea" ; width=" ; 640" ; height=" ; 360" ; frameborder=" ; 0" ; allow=" ; autoplay ; fullscreen ; picture-in-picture" ; allowfullscreen> ; < ; /iframe> ; Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film traces the journey of first generation Japanese immigrants from the West Coast to the incarceration camps to eventual resettlement in Chicago. Compiled from interviews with eleven different people, it contains rare footage of Issei speaking about their life experiences. Topics include arrival in the United States, work and marriage, experiences after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, experiences of incarceration, the impact of military service, arrival in Chicago, and the challenges of growing old. Speaker 1: I made up my mind to come to America. And this, as a child, I boasted to my playmates that I was going to America. All my preparations done, I made ready to leave. Speaker 2: Right after the Russo-Japan war, prices in Japan were so high I could hardly make a living. It was then I thought about coming to America. Speaker 3: I was a picture bride. I came alone to America. Those who were picture brides were a hardier lot, because we had to come on our own. Speaker 4: It was not person to person, it was an arranged marriage, but I thought that somehow, it would come out all right. Richard Okabe: The Issei, the first generation of Japanese to come to America, came by many routes. Some came directly to the mainland. Others came by way of Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. Most came in legally. Others were stowaways or had jumped ship. However they entered, all, once here, endured many hardships. Some they expected ; some they could not have imagined. Who were these Issei? How did they live? What helped them to survive? Speaker 6: 私がシアトルにまいりまして日本から来たもんですから白人のレイディが私をデパートメントストアへ連れていってくださいました。そして色んな物を買いまして... I arrived in Seattle with my Japanese clothes on, so an American lady took me to a department store and bought me some American clothes. She showed me hats which were in a showcase, the most expensive in the store. We bought some things like a corset. Then the lady left me, and I had no idea how to put it on. I finally came to the conclusion that this should be put on as undergarments, so I did this. まあ、そういう風にして用意致しました。 そしてずっと、あのー、ロスアンゼルスに着きまして, まあ、マイハズバンドは、あのー、日本人のアソシエーションで働いておりましたから... We arrived in Los Angeles, and since my husband was working for the Japanese Association, I stayed home most of the time. When any white people came to my house, I was scared, so I hid in the bedroom, because I didn' ; t understand. Speaker 7: 私がアメリカに来た時は最初に来た時は、１５の時だったんですよ。「inaudible」百姓しておったので..... I came to the United States when I was 15 years old. My father was a farmer. I helped my father. I hoed, weeded, and hitched the horses. それからカラメを出したり, 馬のけつをたたいて、それからプラウする。色々なことをオールデイして... We didn' ; t have any enjoyment. There was no time to go to town. I worked all the weekdays, and on Saturday I washed clothes. そういう具合で、別に何という楽しみもう nothing。毎日毎日を暮らしました。 Speaker 8: When I went to Wyoming, where my father worked in the mining, and people in the camp advised me to go to school boy, if I want to improve my English. So I find a place where I can work as school boy. There, the lady of the house brought me a broom. Say, " ; This is broom." ; And I said, " ; Broom." ; And another time, she brought me a dish. She said, " ; This is dish." ; And I said, " ; Dish." ; That' ; s how it, I start learning English. Richard Okabe: Much of the Issei' ; s early life in America was transient. In their effort to stay alive and plant solid roots, they struggled daily with a new language, new ways, places, and work. Speaker 9: ギャングでね。ウッドギャングｄです--オレゴンで。自分にはコールもなしオイルもないでしょう。[inaudible] その仕事は私は二年やりました。それはおもしろいです。 In Oregon, there was neither coal nor oil. The trains were wood burning, and we worked in wood gangs. I did this work for two years. It was kind of fun. We would load and unload the wood from cars to clear waterways. --きれいな水を--きれいな水をそこにおろしたり積んだりする仕事。 Speaker 4: We lived in a lumber camp. We had a group life. It was 52 years ago. There were 60 to 100 people in the group. My husband worked day and night as foreman and manager of the camp. Speaker 2: The reason many Japanese became farmers was that they did not need to speak English. The produce is the only thing you can sell without going into a lot of talk. Speaker 10: The company shipped lettuce. They had a packing house and they put me in there. There were about 30 young whites. One of them called me Jap, so I knocked the hell out of him. I almost killed him. I went to the office, got money, and took off for California. Speaker 11: I did domestic live-in work, and sent money to Japan for my children' ; s living and education. I could not take care of children and go to work, see, so my mother said that she would take care of my children. They pay only 25 cents an hour that time. I don' ; t mind working hard, because I get used to it. Speaker 3: I didn' ; t understand this country. Nobody helped me. My husband is an honest, nice man, but he got a drinking problem, and got to play games. Also, we had hard times, because my husband is 25 years older than I am. Speaker 11: My impression of America was that it was really lonely here. If I were blessed materially, I wouldn' ; t have felt so much loneliness. Some came here as picture brides. Husbands didn' ; t always reveal their true economic situation in the United States. When a bride came here, she was really disappointed about her marriage. There were many people who were like that. Speaker 3: Yes, when we first came to America, we were going back to Japan. Most Issei thought like that, but we eventually all stayed here. Speaker 12: ３時の朝？ラジオをかけたところがパールハーバーのアタックを聞いたので... It was on Sunday December 7th. My children were at home. We heard over the radio that Pearl Harbor was attacked. That was on Sunday, so that I had to go to the temple. It was around noon. I had to use transfer to get there. As soon as I got on the streetcar, people said, " ; Jap, Jap." ; I transferred to another streetcar. People looked at me and said, " ; Jap, Jap." ; I was scared. People at the temple were all so frightened, and finished the service quickly, and everybody went home. On the way home, people called us, " ; Jap, Jap." ; That night, the priest of the temple was arrested. ...そしてあの帰ってきました．その後でまあ町会長さんが連れられて行ったって聞きました。 Speaker 3: 私のところでクリーニング屋をやっていましたので... We had a cleaning store on the West Side, and we had to take a streetcar to get there. It was a good location, and we had many good customers. They were Germans and Italians. But after the war started, they came only once or twice. They said, " ; You are good people, but we cannot continue to bring in our business anymore, so don' ; t feel badly towards us." ; Then the evacuation became definite, and we had to close up our business, so we decided to sell. So we put up a sign giving our business away for $100 or $200. So I can' ; t remember the exact amount, but we practically gave it away for $100 or $150. どうしても売れません。それだから、まあ、いっその事, 捨ててもあれだから、幾円でも買ってもらうように、１００円か２００円書いてショーウィンドウに貼っておきました。そしたら１００円だったか１５０円だったか本当に捨てるくらいなプライスで 買ってもらいまして、それで片づけました。 Speaker 13: アーミーのオフィサーが二人きまして、私どもの家族を... Two Army officers came, took us to the city jail. My wife was taken upstairs, and my two children and I were taken and put into a small cell in the basement. My children, the oldest was nine, and the younger was five, and they have always believed that jail was for those who committed a crime. They kept asking me why we were being put into jail. It was very difficult to try to make them understand. ...はいる所だと言うことを思っておるもんですから。自分たちはそのー何にも悪いから悪いこともしないし、又、罪もないのにどうしてこんなジェールにその入れられたのかということを私は聞きまして、自分でその子供に対して弁解するのに非常に当惑し苦しんだわけなんだ。 Speaker 2: In early May, we were gathered and let in trains. We didn' ; t know where we go. We had only baggage. The train' ; s curtains were down. We stopped at Los Angeles Station, but the curtains were still closed. We were worried that we might be killed. Speaker 4: We took only what we could carry. Most of our things were discarded, and we carried one duffel bag, but that wasn' ; t enough, so we took a suitcase too. I thought we are being taken somewhere to be shot. When we arrived at our destination, there was nothing but sagebrush with no houses. Richard Okabe: The Issei and their children, some 110,000 West Coast Japanese, of which 70,000 were natural-born citizens and 40,000 were aliens, were put into 10 concentration camps scattered throughout the United States as far east as Arkansas. Speaker 13: 私がキャンプにおります時、他のキャンプから... When we were in camp, I heard the next day that there were 200 people being brought in from another camp. When this group came in, there were two sick, elderly people. The group had already passed through the gate, and the two sick ones were wandering around outside the gate. They were shot by the guards, who claimed they were trying to escape. I heard this story the next day, after it happened. その二人は入れないもんだから、ゲートのところでうろうろしているのをガードがそのゲートを越して、逃げたから撃ったという話をあくる日聞いたんであります。 Speaker 14: キャンプに入りましてから私は本当にあの安心して... Since we' ; d been in camp, I had felt at ease. Bringing up four children was a terrible strain on me, clothing them and feeding them, and I worked Saturdays and Sundays to do this. In camp, those who were used to do a more extravagant way of life, complained bitterly about the shortage of milk and the poor food, but I was thankful for being in camp. It was a good place for me to be in. ...足りないと言ってね。。もう文句をいうけれども、私はもう貧乏していましたからもうとても感謝でした。それから、うちの主人があのこの戦争... Also, I' ; m thankful that my husband, who died before the war, did not have to live to see this kind of existence. Speaker 4: Camp was not good for the children' ; s education. Family life is gone, just buildings, and children go to mess hall and eat and go out with friends, not come home. Richard Okabe: Three years of camp life took its toll on the age-old Japanese family structure. Issei men' ; s authority as breadwinners and central decision-makers were taken over by the administration. The Issei had no voice in governing camp life, since they were not citizens. By administrative directive, community leadership passed from the Issei to their sons. With the yes/no issue of national allegiance, family unity was further destroyed. Speaker 15: このイエス、ノーを決めるようになってあの... When the yes/no controversy came up, there were many headaches over this decision. Shall we stay in America, or go back to Japan? My husband would hear rumors about Japan losing or winning the war. I had already decided to stay here, regardless of who won the war, since my children were here. I asked the children what their decision was. They said they would remain here. My husband couldn' ; t go back to Japan by himself, so he stayed here, and so he conceded to us. Richard Okabe: All those citizens and non-citizens who said " ; no" ; to service in the United States Army, and " ; no" ; to unqualified allegiance to the United States, were sent to a maximum security camp at Tule Lake to await expatriation to Japan. Then, what must have been one of the more ironic events of that wartime experience took place. At the same time that their families could not be trusted outside barbed wire, young Japanese American men were being inducted and trusted to fight in the United States Army. Speaker 16: I had to leave the children and my wife. My wife was still young at the time. I didn' ; t want to go. I really didn' ; t want to. Even after I was drafted, I tried not to go overseas. When I had the interview, I... It was about 30 years ago, but I still remember clearly the question. " ; Do you want to go to Japan?" ; I said, clearly, " ; No, I don' ; t want to go there, where my parents is living. I will go any other place." ; Speaker 17: My son, Perry, said that, " ; I' ; m going to be 21 next month, but I' ; m not going to war, because my father and mother' ; s country and my country fight. I don' ; t want to kill any, both, either one nation, so I may have to go to jail, Mother. Is that be all right?" ; When I went back to my room, I cried loud. I' ; m so sorry, but couldn' ; t help it. Speaker 18: キャンプにフォーフォーセコンドが組織されました時に親たちは大変に心配しました... When the 442nd was organized in camp, the parents were worried and saddened by it all. The reason was that an all-Japanese unit would probably be sent to the front line. The reasoning was that in World War I, an all-Negro outfit was sent as front cover, and they were all killed. This is what we had been told. So my boy was drafted into the army. ...全部戦死したという噂を聞いおるからでありました。それからうちの息子も出征することになりまして、あの寒い雪の中にわたくしもミニドカのゲートの外まで送って参りました。。その時には... In heavy snow in Minidoka, I went with him to the outskirts of the camp to say goodbye. When I thought that perhaps I may never see his face again, my eyes would fill with tears. When I would go to the mess hall and people would inquire about him, my tears would start all over again. I would take my plate to the garbage can and throw all the food away, and I went home. Richard Okabe: From mid-1944 until March of 1946, one by one, the camps began to close, and the Japanese began to relocate. Speaker 7: 私はキャンプにいましてそれから... I came to Chicago in 1943. We couldn' ; t go back to West Coast eight states, but if we got jobs outside of military zone, we could get out of camp. I was in Manzanar, and the government sent us to Reno by bus. There was restroom in a pool hall. When I went to the restroom, I saw a sign, " ; Jap hunting around here." ; I felt badly. Nothing happened there. それからバスに乗って、こっち...もう普通の人で、アウトサイドと同じように、こっちに来たわけですよ。それでところどころでご飯食べたり、それからバスの止まるところでね止まるんですよ。あの便所するに止まって、便所にいったら、それはなんかプールホールだった。それからこう見たら、あんた" ; Jap Hunting around Here." ; とゆうて書いてある。気持ち悪いこと書いてある。それで便所してきて、何もことはなかったですよ。それから又バスであの何、えー、シカゴの方へ来る途中にもう一所止まって、又便所に行きましたら今度若いボーイがねえ... Then we stopped another restroom. When I was urinating in the restroom, there was a young boy who had a knife. He hold the knife as though he was going to attack me. When I was young, I did judo, and I was 41-year-old at that time, so it didn' ; t scare me. 私は若い時に柔道をやって、まだその自分にも来た時は四十--四十一だった。四十一だっ--四十になったんです。それで、その子供はなんでナイフで来てもそんなに怖いことはなかったから便所すましたんですよ。 Rev. Gyodo Kono: ちょっと今から考えてみると大変、うーん、面白いことなんですけど1944-- It was a really strange thing, when I look back at that time in August 1944. We held the first Obon service in the South Side in Chicago. That was a special service, so that about 350 young Buddhists attended the service. In the middle of the service, FBI and policemen came up and asked me what was happening here. I explained that this was a religious service, so they went out with relief, but they said that the neighbors might be wondering what was happening, so when you go out from the building, don' ; t go out at one time, just five or six at one time. We used the 55th L station, but it took a long time for all 350 people to leave the station and go home. I still remember that. ...利用しておったのですけれどもが皆の人たちが礼拝場からかえってしまうまでには大変長い時間がかかった事を今でも覚えています。 Richard Okabe: Little by little, the Issei began to rebuild their lives. Still, they never quite recovered their pre-war authority. The camps had changed Japanese life. During the ' ; 50s and ' ; 60s, the Issei moved to the sidelines as their children established families, homes, and careers, pursuing dreams that took them further away from parent and past values. The Issei now mark their years by the growth of their grandchildren, and the passing of other Issei friends. In their final years, they continue with dignity and self-respect, doing for themselves and others the best they can. Speaker 7: Every one of my friends, one by one, is dying off, and I' ; m grateful for my day-to-day life, and happy for my time is limited. Happiness is a daily thing. You can' ; t think in terms of later, later. It is here and now. Speaker 20: I tried my best. Come out not so good, but I tried my best, and that' ; s all I can do. That' ; s true, so I don' ; t worry about anything. Have a good lunch at a restaurant, have a good meal, so enjoy life now. Speaker 4: I' ; m so happy that I can work and support myself. I feel free. The kids are happy and I' ; m happy. Speaker 2: The hard times of dango jiru are over. Since I came to Chicago, there is no one who has had a happier life than I had. Having a long life can be very fortunate experience, but I am praying to God to open up the gate of death for me. It isn' ; t good to outlive your usefulness. Speaker 21: My daughter said, " ; Mother, if you feel lonesome, and you want with us, come over anytime. We can take care of you." ; But my idea is, as long as my two feet and hand are all right, I like to be independent. Somehow, I made it, you know, to the end. Speaker 22: I have a grandson, and I have enjoyed watching him grow up. My mother always told me, " ; You have to suffer to learn to appreciate the good things in life." ; I find this to be very true. There' ; s a song which goes like this, " ; You cook rice three times a day. Sometimes it' ; s too soft. Some days it' ; s hard. Other times, it' ; s just right." ; That' ; s the way life is, just like the song. Copyright held by the Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago, Illinois. video Footage may only be reproduced with permission from the Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center. 0 https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPIsseiAQualityForSurvival.xml IGPIsseiAQualityForSurvival.xml https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/collections/show/10
Interviewee
The person(s) being interviewed
Katsuno, Chie
Maeda, Shitsuke
Hayano, Mieki
Sakamoto, Sanjiro
Shimizu, Tase
Hama, Hideo
Monma, Fumiyo
Mukai, Chiyoko
Orita, Natsu
Sato, Kiku
Kono, Rev. Gyodo
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Issei: A Quality for Survival
Description
An account of the resource
Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film traces the journey of first generation Japanese immigrants from the West Coast to the incarceration camps to eventual resettlement in Chicago. Compiled from interviews with eleven different people, it contains rare footage of Issei speaking about their life experiences. Topics include arrival in the United States, work and marriage, experiences after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, experiences of incarceration, the impact of military service, arrival in Chicago, and the challenges of growing old.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1975
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
video
ISHRAB
Issei Geronotology Project
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/4df1cc8fa39d56a211e9ff67810b7e3a.png
162be61351af215a208ecf0ace24f29f
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Issei Gerontology Project Films
Description
An account of the resource
Four films were produced by JASC in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, which focused on the needs of Chicago’s aging population of Issei, or first generation Japanese immigrants. The original 16mm films were preserved for decades in the JASC archives and digitized with grant funding and community support in 2019. They offer a rare opportunity to see and hear Issei speaking about their experiences, and also offer a glimpse into the programs and services of JASC in the mid-1970s.
Oral History
A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge.
OHMS Object
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPSeekingAHumanDimension.xml
Interview Keyword
Issei
Social Services
Home Support Service
Counseling
Sheltered Workshop
OHMS Object Text
5.4 1975 Social Service: Seeking a Human Dimension 0:20:59 JASC_IGP Issei Gerontology Project Films Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center Digitized with support from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Transcribed and made accessible online with financial support from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. Issei Social Services Home Support Service Counseling Sheltered Workshop video 1:|15(5)|42(5)|96(10)|136(2)|181(2)|235(10)|303(2)|344(1)|350(2)|381(2)|417(1)|451(2)|495(2)|508(12)|521(4)|601(3)|650(14)|713(5)|763(1) 0 https://vimeo.com/387492632/53a0529d6b Vimeo video < ; iframe src=" ; https://player.vimeo.com/video/387492632?h=53a0529d6b" ; width=" ; 640" ; height=" ; 360" ; frameborder=" ; 0" ; allow=" ; autoplay ; fullscreen ; picture-in-picture" ; allowfullscreen> ; < ; /iframe> ; Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film showcases the social support services provided by the Japanese American Service Committee to the aging Issei population in Chicago. It features scenes of clients receiving home support services and counseling services and participating in the Sheltered Workshop program and recreational programming. JASC staff members Eiko Fricke, Tomoko Satoh, Dorothy Kaneko, Fred Odanaka, and Ichiro Kagei appear in the film. The closing credits include footage of Issei participating in a community garden project and going on an outing for ice cream. Narrator - Eiko Fricke: [Office murmers] Yeah. Yeah, that' ; s all right. At the Teijyū Shakai, Japanese American Service Committee, the social service workers generally start the day by making contact with clients. Eiko Fricke: もしもし、野尻さんですか。私定住者会のフリッキーです。いかがですか？ Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Taking the time to be pleasant, to ask about their health, talking about the weather or about the family is important, even in these short contacts, Issei appreciate people who know and observe Japanese customs. Some clients are hard of hearing, others don' ; t have telephone, or are afraid to pick up phone because they can' ; t understand English. Clients like these need a letter so that they don' ; t forget we are coming. Dorothy Kaneko: [inaudible] 楽しかったね。 Narrator - Eiko Fricke: On the job, we don' ; t think it' ; s a waste of time to chit-chat. We feel the human touch is important, especially with old people, we have to work with them for long period of time. So keeping relationships warm and pleasant helps. Dorothy Kaneko: Yeah. Before I forget, I wanted to discuss with you about our social program. Tomoko Satoh: Okay. Dorothy Kaneko: I' ; m really in a quandary about July' ; s social program, where to go and what to do. In our planning committee, we had planetarium down, but we' ; ve been there recently. Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Before we start our individual rounds-- Dorothy Kaneko: --college, and I think that would be an all day affair, and we can' ; t have any more all day affairs. -- Narrator - Eiko Fricke: ...we generally meet to talk about our clients and the programs. We talk about how we can help this client, what is the best way to handle the situation. Dorothy Kaneko: -- So, I' ; ll need help deciding what to do.-- Narrator - Eiko Fricke: What is the plan for this program, and so on. Dorothy Kaneko: -- But for August we got it printed for a picnic, so that' ; s all set, now. One of the clients brought this in. Unidentified Speaker: Oh, that' ; s pretty. Dorothy Kaneko: Yeah, a toilet paper cover. Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Each client we serve has different needs, and we try to tailor our program to them. Dorothy Kaneko: Our latest client, I was kind of surprised to see how well she looked, considering she was a stroke patient. Eiko Fricke: Maybe like a home work person. Dorothy Kaneko: Maybe she' ; d like to do a little home work. I' ; d be willing to bring it for her. Eiko Fricke: That' ; s good. Dorothy Kaneko: And she said she' ; ll think about it, and let me know. Eiko Fricke: Let her do whatever she can do. Not do everything for her. You know, let her do, yeah uh-huh. Narrator - Eiko Fricke: The lady I' ; m going to see now is a shut in, and needs things she can do that she will enjoy and make her feel useful. Eiko Fricke: こうして、こういう風にして掛けるようにしたらどうでしょう。ステキですよ、きっと。これは、これに合いますよ。この洋服に、こうして合いますよ。ほらね。ステキですよこの色だったら、とてもあなたの洋服に合いますよ。 Unidentified Client 1: これでなくて、他のでも着れますでしょう。 Eiko Fricke: 着れますよ。やあ。 Unidentified Client 1: これは、習おておいたら良かったですね。 Eiko Fricke: そんなことないですよ。 今習うところが丁度いいの。 Unidentified Client 1: こう？ Eiko Fricke: はい？ちょっと待って、やあ、 ここですよ。 Tomoko Satoh: ハロー、藤沢さん、いらっしゃいます？佐藤です。 Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Others need the services of a homemaker. Mrs. Fujisawa is hard of hearing, so she leaves the door open for our worker. Tomoko Satoh: ハーイ。 Mrs. Fujisawa: ああ Tomoko Satoh: いかがですか？ Mrs. Fujisawa: ありがとう。 Tomoko Satoh: どうですか、お元気？ Mrs. Fujisawa: ありがとう。 Tomoko Satoh: これね、頼まれた本。これね、買い物してきましたよ。これが本で。 Mrs. Fujisawa: はい、じゃあ、お金払わないと-- Tomoko Satoh: いいですね、有難うございました。お金確かに頂きましたね。これね、袋を頼まれたでしょう？ Mrs. Fujisawa: はいはい。 Tomoko Satoh: これくらい大きいのができましたよ。ほら、このぐらい。 Mrs. Fujisawa: Oh、thank you Tomoko Satoh: いいですか？ Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Mrs. Fujisawa is moving and she wanted a big laundry bag to put her clothes in. Tomoko Satoh: ...そしてここのところしっかり縫っておいたから、あの、何入れても大丈夫よ。いいですか？ Mrs. Fujisawa: Thank you. Thank you. Tomoko Satoh: そしたらショッピングはこれね。 今日は何しましょうか？ Mrs. Fujisawa: モップしてもらおう。 Tomoko Satoh: モップ？ Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Also, the homemaker cleans or cooks whatever chores need doing. Tomoko Satoh: さあ、終わりましたよ。モップが終わりましたよ。 Mrs. Fujisawa: はいはい、次はいつ来てくれます？ Tomoko Satoh: そうですね、あの--、来週の火曜日。 Mrs. Fujisawa: 火曜日？ Tomoko Satoh: いいですか、来週の火曜日でいいですね。何か買ってくる物ありますか？ Mrs. Fujisawa: 本とか--本とかね。 Tomoko Satoh: 本と、何がいいです？フルーツか何か買ってきましょうか？ Mrs. Fujisawa: フルーツでもね。 Tomoko Satoh: 本と、フルーツと。 Dorothy Kaneko: 時々変わるといいね。コックなさるの？お一人で、 Unidentified Client 2: 今しません。 Dorothy Kaneko: しないの？ Unidentified Client 2: 今あまりできません。 Dorothy Kaneko: ほかの日はどうします？ Unidentified Client 2: ほかの日は自分でコック--自分で買ってくる。 Dorothy Kaneko: おお、買ってくるの？どこから？ Unidentified Client 2: あの、ジュエルとかそんなところ。 Dorothy Kaneko: おお Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Our clients are old age Japanese, so they sometimes like to eat Japanese food. We provide Japanese meals on wheels three times a week. Dorothy Kaneko: それで洋食お好きですか？ Unidentified Client 2: ええ、好きですよ。もともと何でも好き。 Dorothy Kaneko: ああ、でも時々日本食があるといいでしょう。 Unidentified Client 2: こんなもの入りますとね、時々はいいの。 あまり続くと嫌になっちゃうね。 Dorothy Kaneko: ああそうですか。 Narrator - Eiko Fricke: In all our contacts, companionship is important. Some clients have definite problems and need individual attention, but for many Isseis, just coming to the work center and working and feeling needed is a great help. Eiko Fricke: [inaudible] それでは皆さんハッピーバースデーを歌いましょう。[group singing Happy Birthday song] Fred Odanaka: もう日本では、61になったら年取りでしょう、年寄り。 Unidentified Workshop Client 1: はァ？ Unidentified Workshop Client 2: 嘘ばっかりいって、 Fred Odanaka: ああ、61 Narrator - Fred Odanaka: In the work center, we try to create the sense of a large family so that even though the supervisors control the workflow, they interact with the Issei. Fred Odanaka: This is one of our supervisors here who is bilingual, and she helps coordinate the work activity on this table and also on occasion, help in the counseling of some of the senior citizens. Unidentified Workshop Supervisor 1: あんた、向う見なさい。ちょっと、 Unidentified Workshop Client 2: [inaudible] Unidentified Workshop Supervisor 2: What happened? No good? What? Down here? No. That way? No, this way. Unidentified Workshop Client 3: No. Unidentified Workshop Supervisor 2: Yeah. Unidentified Workshop Client 3: Right. Unidentified Workshop Supervisor 2: Okay. Okay? Now wrong one, now try. Fred Odanaka: These are dental and first aid room or examination room. Narrator - Fred Odanaka: Monthly, a volunteer registered nurse takes a blood pressure of Isseis and maintains a record on them. A volunteer dentist makes biweekly visits and checks teeth, usually dentures. The charge is only for materials. The medical facility is not used enough due to the lack of volunteer doctors. Fred Odanaka: Some of our senior citizens, our Isseis, help instruct in other classes, such as Mr. Higashigawa here, who is a instructor in cooking for our Issei students here, and he is one of the well-known chefs here. Narrator - Fred Odanaka: When there is a large participation of Issei in an outside activity, we often close our workshop for the day. That' ; s because we stress coming to the center to enjoy life by working and sharing, going to classes in ceramics, sewing, macrame, weaving, brush painting, singing and body dynamics. Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Classes and social hours help relieve the isolation and provide human interaction that Issei need. However, some clients need and respond to very personal attention. Ichiro Kagei: もりやまさん、大変ですね。夜寝られますか？うるさいでしょう。 Mr. Moriyama: うるさくてかなわんよ。 Ichiro Kagei: どっか、アパート、ムーブしますか？ Mr. Moriyama: Yeah. Ichiro Kagei: しますか？貯金は大丈夫ですね? Mr. Moriyama: Maybe tonight it will comeから... Ichiro Kagei: 誰が？ Mr. Moriyama: FBIが。 Ichiro Kagei: FBIが？二人ですか？ Mr. Moriyama: みんなチェックしてあるよ。 Ichiro Kagei: 何しますか？ Mr. Moriyama: 何でもないよ。 Ichiro Kagei: FBIが来たらどうしますか？ I inherited Mr. Moriyama from my predecessor. At first, I found his speech quite incoherent and his ideas unclear. He often mentions the FBI. I discovered that the whole thing with the FBI had to do with an encounter he had with them during wartime. This led to his now imagining things. That' ; s why I decided that I must listen to him seriously, but at the same time, not take the stories too seriously. So, I began by making up incredible stories about the FBI. They were so ridiculous that he would laugh at them and say that I was crazy. Mr. Moriyama: [inaudible] Ichiro Kagei: It is hard for me sometimes to tell what is real and what is not. I kid around with him because I think it kind of jolts him back to reality. I wave my hands in front of him, poke him, and often startle him. I realize that this method will not work with just anybody, but it works with Mr. Moriyama. When we kid each other, we' ; re just like buddies. I guess we understand each other. He never married. He has no relatives or friends. He lives alone and the voices that he hears are his only companions. I think he would really go insane if these voices stopped completely. Communication is not limited to kidding around and talking. Sometimes silence is just as important. Just being with another human being is what is needed. You know, it' ; s like saying you' ; re not alone. Eiko Fricke: And we are having lot of other activities. You know we increased more activities at our center. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh is that so? Eiko Fricke: Yeah Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Mrs. Ijichi was once very withdrawn. And a problem that a helper will have to face is how to pull people out of this withdrawal and still be honest about their situation. Eiko Fricke: They' ; re really enjoying those programs. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh, that' ; s nice. Eiko Fricke: Yeah, I hope you can come though. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh yes. Eiko Fricke: For our program. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh, well, thank you. I would like to join. Eiko Fricke: Yeah, if you like to come, you know, we can pick you up and come, you know let you come someday to see. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh, uh-huh. Eiko Fricke: That must be nice, isn' ; t it? Mrs. Ijichi: Uh-huh. Eiko Fricke: Yeah. Do you think you can come sometime? If I can come and pick you up? Mrs. Ijichi: Oh, well we have that here too, you know? Eiko Fricke: Oh, that' ; s right too. But I think everybody you know, your friends are waiting to see you too. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh, well. Is Mrs. Lewis still working? Eiko Fricke: Mrs. Lewis is not too well, so she' ; s staying home. Mrs. Ijichi: Oh, she' ; s not working now. Eiko Fricke: Not working now. Mrs. [inaudible] is 90 years old. She' ; s working every day. Mrs. Ijichi: oh, for goodness...It' ; s amazing, isn' ; t it? A woman of her age? Eiko Fricke: Yeah. We had a special birthday for her because that was a... Mrs. Ijichi: Oh yes, that' ; s quite an age to live up to. Eiko Fricke: Yes. Mrs. Ijichi: Uh-huh. Eiko Fricke: So, maybe you like to come and see them too. Mrs. Ijichi: Uh-huh. Eiko Fricke: Do you think that if we come and pick you up you can come? Mrs. Iwanaga: The doctors are killing me, you know? They don' ; t know how to fix me. So, I' ; m not going to any more doctors. Eiko Fricke: Not helping? Mrs. Iwanaga: Nah, they don' ; t know what to do. Eiko Fricke: Well, I don' ; t want you to getting so tired, so I' ; ll let you rest. Okay? Mrs. Iwanaga: Okay. Eiko Fricke: And I' ; ll come again and I' ; ll talk to you, okay? Mrs. Iwanaga: Okay. Eiko Fricke: And you can call me. Mrs. Iwanaga: I' ; ll want that. So, if I have somebody with me, it' ; d be nice. Eiko Fricke: Well, it' ; s kind of hard, but I' ; ll try. But I can' ; t promise right now. Okay? Yeah. Probably think about it later. Okay. Mrs. Iwanaga: I tell, my sister-in-law was saying that there was a place where they, where you have sent Japanese Americans... Eiko Fricke: Yes, yes. Mrs. Iwanaga: Where is that? Eiko Fricke: That is the place that like a nurses and doctors, 24 hour duty... Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Other clients who are very sick, will withdraw. Most of them know their real condition, so we try to help them to accept the situation without giving up. Eiko Fricke: Your sister was asking about that. Mrs. Iwanaga: Yeah. Eiko Fricke: If you like to go there for a while-- Mrs. Iwanaga: I think that sounded good. Eiko Fricke: Yeah. For a short time. Not, not permanent, but short time until you get very well. Mrs. Iwanaga: What if I die in a very short time? Eiko Fricke: No. Are you going to? Mrs. Iwanaga: I hope so. Giving myself mercy killing. What' ; s the use of living? I' ; m just a vegetable? Eiko Fricke: You' ; re not vegetable. You' ; re talking? Mrs. Iwanaga: That' ; s all. I can' ; t do anything else. Eiko Fricke: You can think about it. You can make planning. Mrs. Iwanaga: I have to think about being a vegetable. Yeah. Eiko Fricke: Yeah. Mrs. Iwanaga: That' ; s nice. Eiko Fricke: Yeah. Well, vegetable won' ; t smile like you. Beautiful smile. Narrator - Eiko Fricke: Mrs. Iwanaga died one week after this filming. There are sad parts to the job. Withdrawal and death are some of these, but the main job of the social service worker is to help create an atmosphere in which the Issei can still feel useful, helping things to grow, sharing work and pleasure, continuing to do the everyday things that bring fun and meaning into their lives. Unidentified Speaker in Garden: これ持って帰って. Copyright held by the Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago, Illinois. video Footage may only be reproduced with permission from the Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center. 0 https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPSeekingAHumanDimension.xml IGPSeekingAHumanDimension.xml https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/collections/show/10
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Social Service: Seeking a Human Dimension
Description
An account of the resource
Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film showcases the social support services provided by the Japanese American Service Committee to the aging Issei population in Chicago. It features scenes of clients receiving home support services and counseling services and participating in the Sheltered Workshop program and recreational programming. JASC staff members Eiko Fricke, Tomoko Satoh, Dorothy Kaneko, Fred Odanaka, and Ichiro Kagei appear in the film. The closing credits include footage of Issei participating in a community garden project and going on an outing for ice cream.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1975
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
video
ISHRAB
Issei Geronotology Project
-
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/files/original/2ec6ce8b00a3b8205b68938eb1e912c8.png
2b535c533274ff2361bc17f1ce0f7392
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Issei Gerontology Project Films
Description
An account of the resource
Four films were produced by JASC in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, which focused on the needs of Chicago’s aging population of Issei, or first generation Japanese immigrants. The original 16mm films were preserved for decades in the JASC archives and digitized with grant funding and community support in 2019. They offer a rare opportunity to see and hear Issei speaking about their experiences, and also offer a glimpse into the programs and services of JASC in the mid-1970s.
Oral History
A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge.
OHMS Object
https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPValuesAndAttitudesII.xml
Interview Keyword
Aging
Intergenerational communication
Language barrier
Respect for elders
OHMS Object Text
5.4 1975 Values and Attitudes II 0:07:17 JASC_IGP Issei Gerontology Project Films Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center Digitized with support from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Transcribed and made accessible online with financial support from the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. Aging Intergenerational communication Language barrier Respect for elders video 1:|17(10)|34(6)|61(10)|81(10)|106(2)|126(15)|144(14) 0 https://vimeo.com/367582744/bd6daf3fe4 Vimeo video < ; iframe src=" ; https://player.vimeo.com/video/367582744?h=bd6daf3fe4" ; width=" ; 640" ; height=" ; 427" ; frameborder=" ; 0" ; allow=" ; autoplay ; fullscreen ; picture-in-picture" ; allowfullscreen> ; < ; /iframe> ; Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film captures the attitudes of Nisei (second generation) and Sansei (third generation) Japanese Americans toward the aging Issei (first generation) population. Speaker 1: When you think of Issei. What do you think? Speaker 2: Well, I think of the first generation Japanese that immigrated here to this country. Including people like my parents. Speaker 3: Pioneers. Speaker 4: I think about my parents and my in-laws, I guess. And that their life is coming to an end. Speaker 5: Mostly, you know they' ; re just, you just think of them as old Japanese and... Like mostly, I just think of my grandmother when you know, you talk about Isseis because she' ; s the only Issei I really come in contact with. Speaker 6: Good to, good to kids people. Hardworking people. Speaker 7: In my younger days, tended to think that, were a lot different from us. Therefore, you know, there was quite a lack of communication between Issei and myself. But lately I' ; ve began to appreciate them more. And I' ; m sorry that I didn' ; t get a chance to communicate with them more deeply. Speaker 8: People who have gone through so much that I want to care for them. I see an Issei on the street and I feel like embracing them, and I feel like... I say, I always say hello, and I feel very close to them. Speaker 9: I see that they' ; re really humble and reserved, and that they really kind of get pushed around, and now but like my generation we' ; re starting to come out of it. But I see a great bunch of people. Speaker 8: I don' ; t want them to be in homes. I wanted to care for them at home. Speaker 10: They were put in the relocation camps during the war. And somehow they came out of that with no bitter feelings. And I feel no matter what old Japanese person I see, I can go up to them and talk with them. And they' ; ll appreciate it. Or if they need a ride, I, you' ; d do anything for them when I see them. I feel some kind of connection with them. Speaker 11: I sort of feel like... I' ; m like toward my grandmother. Compassion or love, you know? Speaker 6: Oh, these are people who care about me. Speaker 1: Right. Speaker 6: Who work hard for me. Who will do everything in their power to give me a better life. Speaker 12: Well, I don' ; t feel too sorry about them because they already served, served their life and they did, and they did a good job. I think for being unable to speak English. Speaker 13: It' ; s hard to communicate with them. Speaker 1: How about you? Speaker 14: Well, I guess you know, Isseis are, I don' ; t know. I don' ; t really understand their culture as much. Speaker 4: Not to ignore them because that' ; s a trend with older people. You know you feel that you don' ; t have anything to say or a lot of times you feel that they really don' ; t understand. But they do understand, they do have feelings and I want to make them, you know, feel as comfortable as possible and happy, I guess. Speaker 5: Well, I just think the main thing is you know like if, if they want to help you know you just, you know respond in a receptive manner. You know, and if they say, are you hungry? You know I always say, " ; Okay, I' ; m hungry." ; So then they' ; ll cook for you or something and you know, it makes them feel good. And you know, even though you' ; re not hungry, you' ; re making ' ; em feel good. And you just do what... If they want to help you, just let them help you. That' ; s the thing. I, I think that' ; s the main thing ' ; cause they' ; re, they' ; re not going to be around that much longer. So just make it easier for ' ; em. Speaker 6: All right. Take the pressure of, of finances off of their backs. Speaker 14: I try to speak Japanese more. Speaker 13: I try to learn Japanese. Speaker 2: Well, I would think now in terms here. Especially in Chicago and in other centers where there' ; s large, fairly large groups of Japanese. I think we have to think in terms of housing for them. This is a big problem. And that they have no place to go after they-- Say that they' ; re alone for example. There are many Issei that are alone. Speaker 1: Right. Speaker 2: Well, they have no place to go. And language is a problem for them too. Speaker 1: Right. Speaker 2: And I think housing particularly is one of the thing. Also, these people are used to working all the time. They have to have some way to find something to fulfill this work that they' ; ve been so long doing. And if they can find recreation. Fine. But I think this has to be organized for them. Speaker 12: Maybe open a, a social spot so, so they could hang around, hang out and play Japanese games or Go. Speaker 8: I think, now we' ; re living in a very modern, fast world. Now I think we should have Japanese TV. Speaker 9: Kind of just help them out around the garden because that' ; s what I think they like a lot. You know, planting things and watching things grow. Speaker 4: Well. I really think that the Isseis have a little different attitudes than the Niseis. I think they really know how to enjoy themselves you know, and, and not worry too much about society. I noticed like, when they have parties and things they really let themselves go and they sing even if they' ; re out of tune. And, and you know I really envy them for being able to do this. Speaker 1: What do you feel when you think about dying? Speaker 12: You mean for the Isseis or for me? Speaker 1: Either. Speaker 12: Oh, I don' ; t feel nothing. Dying is the things that come natural and it does not hurt. Unless you is dying of sickness then you might have pain. But if you' ; re going to die natural. Your spirit just goes out and you don' ; t feel... There' ; s no pain. It' ; s nothing, nothing to worry about. Speaker 15: I don' ; t really know. Speaker 13: I don' ; t know, it' ; s sort of like a scary feeling. Speaker 16: But I think it' ; s just a natural part of life. And I think, I think that there' ; s nothing to fear about it. I think the Isseis feel that way also. Speaker 8: I don' ; t know if that' ; s an attitude of the Isseis. I think they accept life as it is. When you become old and then your time is here and I think they accept it graciously. I don' ; t know if I can, maybe as I get old, maybe I can, I don' ; t want to. Now, I just think, I don' ; t want to think of it because I enjoy life so much. I just can' ; t think about it. Speaker 10: They, they struggled hard. Our parents struggled hard. And now we have it easy. And I think when I die, I won' ; t feel like I' ; ve missed anything. Speaker 17: Well, I don' ; t think about it really. You know, I just more or less live day to day I mean. Speaker 7: I think the worst part of dying is the situation, you leave people who, you know, your loved ones behind. I worry more about that than about dying itself. Speaker 2: Unfortunately for a lot of the Issei some of them died I' ; m afraid too young not to partake of the good things that came a little later after that struggle. But that took place in the early years of their history. Copyright held by the Japanese American Service Committee, Chicago, Illinois. video Footage may only be reproduced with permission from the Japanese American Service Committee Legacy Center. 0 https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/ohms-viewer/render.php?cachefile=IGPValuesAndAttitudesII.xml IGPValuesAndAttitudesII.xml https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/collections/show/10
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Title
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Values and Attitudes II
Description
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Produced in 1975 as part of the Issei Gerontology Project, this film captures the attitudes of Nisei (second generation) and Sansei (third generation) Japanese Americans toward the aging Issei (first generation) population.
Date
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1975
Format
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video
ISHRAB
Issei Geronotology Project