<Begin Segment 8>

TI: Now, do you recall those first days in Japan, what, what can you remember about Japan?

GH: Well, we stayed in Yokohama for a couple days, and we stayed in a hotel. And I, one thing that comes to mind is that they had a bicycle, so I did get on the bicycle and for the first time I was introduced to a bicycle with a hand-brake. And as I went down the hill, I saw my aunt going like this, waving, and so I waved goodbye. And she was getting desperate and I knew there was something wrong so I came back, and then I realized that this means to, bye-bye means to come. [Laughs] The food was different, and of course, people were still wearing a lot of kimonos in those days. And of course, I realized there was many different dialects, which I have never heard before, so I knew I had, there was a lot to learn.

TI: Now, how about your, your clothes and mannerisms? When you think about when you first came to Japan, did the clothes you wear, were they what other little boys would wear, and your haircut and your...

GH: Well, in Japan, we all wore uniforms. And as I recall, they all had to take the shoes off and wear slippers in class. But my teacher was very sympathetic, I wore my hair for a good six months, and he let me wear my shoes. Like only teachers were allowed to wear shoes in class, but I did have permission. But I, when the shoes wore out, I went "native" and had my hair cut.

TI: Well, I'm curious, by you keeping your shoes on and your hair longer, did the other boys tease you? Because I'd think you would sort of stand out.

GH: Yeah, some used to try to tease me. Of course, not being able to respond verbally, I responded physically. [Laughs] Which was a no-no. But as time went on, I was able to communicate, and by then, my hair was short, shoes was gone, and I was wearing slippers.

TI: So when you went to school, what grade did you enter?

GH: I entered fifth grade.

TI: So would you enter, were the boys the same age as you, or were you older because you...

GH: Yeah, I was older.

TI: You were older?

GH: Uh-huh.

TI: And so how long did it take you before your Japanese sort of got good enough so that you could...

GH: I'd say a couple years.

TI: And I'm curious, during this time, did you ever use your English?

GH: No. Well, yes. I had a people like Joe Hirabayashi from Seattle, distant relative, he came over, Gloria, Kunch, Peter Katsuno, and there was others like my brother. So when they came, I spoke in English. So somehow I was able to retain some capabilities.

TI: So in these early teens, you were really truly bilingual? You could still speak English...

GH: I wouldn't say bilingual, but I was able to communicate, yes.

TI: Well, when you say you weren't, I mean, what was your stronger language, English or Japanese?

GH: By the second year, I think my Japanese was stronger.

TI: Interesting.

<End Segment 8> - Copyright © 2006 Densho. All Rights Reserved.