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TI: So, I'm curious now, how did the, sort of like a changing dynamics, all of a sudden Japanese language is more important. I'm curious how the Kibeis got along with the Niseis at the MIS school. Did the dynamics change? Did people mix together or did the Kibeis stay together separately from the Niseis, or how did that work?

RM: Well, depend on individual. Some the people that never been Japan, they need help. But some Kibeis very kind and, kind enough to teach so they get along pretty well, 'cause they need help in order to stay, 'cause you have to pass the test and every Saturday have a test then after they're free so people know the answer could finish right away and you could take off. But other people couldn't go, they have to struggle to finish just the test and... before that they have to study every night to memorize it, remember, see, that's the hard part of it, and that's a cram classes, so short period of time if you know just little bit and wanna do the high school things, in six months that's too much.

AI: I had a question. It sounds like, for one of the first times in your life as someone who lived in Japan for a while and had some education in Japan, that you actually received some respect for that experience. What was... how... was that the case that here in the language school, now you said that things had changed and instead of being looked down upon, that Kibei and those of you who had been in Japan, you actually received some respect from the others?

RM: Well, I don't know. Well, some people come to me and be friendly to, see, they knew Kibeis because, some Kibeis you could tell because on account of the English has a Japanese accent. And some speak pretty well, like Hank Gosho and cannot tell the difference between the people never been to... but to me, see, I made a policy to help the people out, be nice to 'em, see, so that even though they, first they look down, these Kibeis, but that's beside the point. I, since I get in the service I do my best to help, not only the people but the county -- I mean, the country to, well... anyway, I made up my policy so I helped the people who doesn't know and come to me, and more than willing to help the people. So that's why I got along pretty well with the people.

<End Segment 53> - Copyright © 2003 Densho. All Rights Reserved.