<Begin Segment 15>

AI: Well, where we were before the break, is that we were just about, just before World War II. And of course, World War II was, already in progress in Europe and in Asia.

MK: Uh-huh.

AI: And as a junior high schooler, I was wondering, were you very aware of the war going on in Europe or Asia? Or did you have any idea about that?

MK: No, I have to admit that I was so carefree I really was not that worldly aware of what was happening. I had a stamp collection which taught me geography, but no, I really, like even Pearl Harbor, I mean, when that took place, I mean, I didn't even know where Pearl Harbor was. I had never heard about it, so I... I have to admit that I wasn't aware.

AI: Well, I was wondering if your father or your mother ever commented on the Japanese news, if they said anything about, you know, from reading the Japanese newspapers or hearing on Japanese radio anything of that sort.

MK: Well, he said, "We're in trouble," because of the export/import, I mean, that part, portion would be definitely... and so I think he had some kind of premonition because this is why he opened the market up. Because he said, "Because Japan is at war for such a long time, the export business will not continue the way it is." And so, I think this is why he was thinking more on the local level, the market business.

AI: I see.

MK: But how much he... business he never really shared. So I wasn't aware.

AI: Right. Well, of course, you were younger, and you were a girl, too, so...

MK: Yeah, a girl. [Laughs]

<End Segment 15> - Copyright © 2003 Densho. All Rights Reserved.