Takeshita, Ben (6/15/2018)

Takeshita, Ben (6/15/2018)

Ben Takeshita, a nisei, was born in 1930 in Alameda, California and raised in San Mateo, CA with his seven siblings. He describes his father's work prior to World War II, first in farming and later in landscaping and gardening, as well as his own experiences at school and with other Japanese Americans. He recalls traveling to Japan in 1934 with his mother and siblings, and his older brothers' experiences as kibei remaining in Japan to attend school. Twelve years old at the time of Pearl Harbor and Executive Order 9066, he shares his memories of being forcibly removed from his home, the living conditions at Tanforan, Topaz, and Tule Lake, and the controversies that arose over the "loyalty questionnaire" particularly for issei and kibei like his parents and brothers. Due to his parents and brothers answering "no, no" to Questions 27 and 28, the family was labeled "disloyal" and sent to Tule Lake. He discusses the stigma and long-term impact of this treatment on his own life and on a brother who was arrested and subjected to severe psychological abuse. Throughout the interview, he reflects on the injustices committed by the U.S. government against its own citizens, and his commitment to speaking publicly about his experiences to ensure that no other group is ever treated similarly.

2018-06-15

video

Takada, Anna

Takeshita, Ben

Nisei

Tanforan

Topaz

Tule Lake

Loyalty Questionnaire

No-No Boy

Kibei

Redress

Property Loss

James Wakasa death

Assimilation

8200