Chikaraishi, Ben (10/31/2017)
Files
Title
Chikaraishi, Ben (10/31/2017)
Description
Community leader Ben Chikaraishi describes his family’s experiences in Rohwer, the WRA, and resettlement in Chicago. He shares his career trajectory as an optometrist, from working in the camp as an assistant, to his work in Chicago while in school, to owning his own practice on Clark and Division. He describes in detail the Japanese American community in that area. Ben also shares his involvement with social organizations like the CNAA and MBT in the Chicago Japanese American community and expresses hope that future generations will carry on Japanese cultural traditions.
Date
2017-10-31
Relation
Oral History Interview: Matsumoto, Jason (9/10/2019)
Format
video
Interviewer
Takada, Anna
Interviewee
Chikaraishi, Ben
OHMS Object
Interview Keyword
War Relocation Authority
Department of Justice
FBI Files
Housing Discrimination
Midwest Buddhist Temple
Chicago Nisei Athletic Association
Japanese American Citizens League
Tri-C
Christ Church of Chicago
Optometry
Clark and Division
Japantown
Sports
Social Groups
Basketball
Baseball
Social Activities
Sort Priority
0500
Collection
Citation
“Chikaraishi, Ben (10/31/2017),” JASC Legacy Center Digital Collections, accessed May 7, 2025, https://digitalcollections.jasc-chicago.org/omeka/items/show/11.