<Begin Segment 44>

TK: Then, what do you think are some important points or lessons that helps explain why the Nisei generation acted so bravely and so well during this, during all those times of turmoil?

MT: Well, going back, my only experience from that standpoint would be going back to about 1960 when I had an opportunity to become JACL president here and be working on the Antialien land law and as the Niseis came back, they were getting jobs at Boeing and the Isseis were starting into business from rock bottom up and the, the perseverance that they went through, the Issei, Nisei it was, I think it was just amazing, you know, what they're doing. So I don't think of anything particularly but I still go back to the Japanese American culture that was left by the Issei helped every one of us to come through this entire ordeal. The majime, the honesty, the giri, on, things like that that implanted in you and it's not showable but it comes out all along the way, not in one particular situation, but it came out that way, and so I can't think of anything spectacular in that, so...

TK: And the last question perhaps is, after reflecting on your life and some sixty years of marriage, any words that you might like to pass on to the Sansei and Yonsei generation?

MT: Gosh, well, I'm certainly happy that the Sanseis are really doing well, I mean... and then to their, primarily because they're well-educated. I give their parents credit and grandparents credit that education is so important and regardless of, I don't know what the various lives were from camp but they kept right in there and build up to a normal family life. But education was so important and so I'm very happy for them that way. I really hope that whatever the 442 had accomplished, the loyalty that we tried to prove and we thought we had to prove, and we did prove, would have an impact into the Sansei, Yonsei and Gosei life but that I really don't know. And I appreciate all these organization that still go to the high schools and elementary schools and tell about the camp life and of the evacuation which a lot of people don't know, never knew. A lot of people never know there was a Japanese American combat team. It's getting thinner and thinner but I salute those people that are still keeping that up and are taking the time from their busy schedule to educate Caucasians and so...

TK: Thank you. But is there anything that you would like to add or say that we haven't covered?

MT: No, I just hope that they continue to be good Americans and have good family life, happiness and really live the life that the Issei culture that they had left and, because I don't think they'll go wrong, so never forget those things.

TK: Thank you, Mr. Tsubota.

MT: Best wishes to them.

<End Segment 44> - Copyright © 2003 Densho. All Rights Reserved.