<Begin Segment 30>

ME: You have had a wonderful life and I'm... the nature of the Densho archive, is it's preserved, for hopefully generations and generations to come. Is there anything that you would like to say to future generations? Anything that you learned along the way that you'd like to share?

AK: I want them to always realize that, not to get involved when you should get involved is an act of violence. And that you should always work for peace. Peace does empower you. Peace is the most empowering and productive way to go. And... I wish that there would be peace for all people in all nations.

ME: What about special messages to great-great-great-grandchildren that are not even born yet, that you might not get a chance to see?

AK: Peace is the most important message, yes. I want them to always work for peace. And without peace, real learning cannot take place, real interaction with others cannot, you know... meaningful interaction cannot take place. You have to respect people, and be peaceful with people. I think respect is very, very important. Respect for yourself, respect for others. And if there is anything I would like to leave with my grandchildren, is to have them learn to respect themselves as well as others, and to work for peace. Because peace is what empowers people.

ME: What's the biggest joy in your life right now?

AK: My grandchildren, I guess. [Laughs] And just to have a happy family. And I see a lot of empowerment of peace throughout the city, I think there's a message being given to people. There are a lot of peace gardens that are being made in various schools, also there's going to be a strong peace curriculum that's being implemented in many schools through the Mothers Against Violence in America. There's a lot of these very, very positive, active groups that are making a difference.

ME: And not only peace, but you're also interested in preserving the history of the Japanese American community, otherwise you wouldn't have helped us out today. Why is that important?

AK: Well, because I think that comes with respect for yourself and respect for others. But also that gives you identity, and I think it's very important... self identity, and knowing where you came from, knowing what your roots are is very important. And we must never forget that, because through the multicultural enrichment is where real peace can take place. You know, you have to know who you are.

<End Segment 30> - Copyright © 1997 Densho. All Rights Reserved.