<Begin Segment 6>

TI: So tell me about that. I was going to ask about Pearl Harbor, so this is December 7, 1941.

RY: Well, December 7th, yeah, we were out in Gardena. They had this big field where they had model airplane and about I forget what time it was but somebody said, "Japan attacked Pearl Harbor," and I go, where's Pearl Harbor? I didn't have any idea where it was and then they start using the J-word and I go --

TI: I'm sorry and who was using the J-word?

RY: Well, all these people listening to the radio.

TI: Oh, so just around --

RY: "The Japs are attacking Pearl Harbor," and at that time it was funny because I didn't feel the difference. I thought I was just one of the kids in the neighborhood. I knew I wasn't a Caucasian but nobody ever called me a "Jap" or they didn't say I was different or anything until that day. And it was sort of a weird feeling to have... 'cause then I realized that I was Japanese and they were referring to "Japs" and I knew I was a "Jap" because that's what they were talking about. But the worst thing was the next day when we went to school.

TI: But before we go there, you talk about this family you're really close to. Did they say anything to you?

RY: No.

TI: Or how about the car ride back home? Because Gardena's pretty far away?

RY: Yeah.

TI: Do you recall the car ride home and what people were talking about or anything like that?

RY: No, I don't recall that but I just... I know I felt kind of bad, you know, knowing that my ancestors attacked my country.

TI: Okay and then you were talking about the next day.

RY: Yeah, next day when we went to school.

TI: Before that, when you got home, did you talk to your parents or your sister about what happened?

RY: No, I don't remember. I think my dad said something but I don't remember what he said.

TI: And I'm trying... so you were, what, thirteen years old?

RY: No, twelve.

TI: Twelve, okay twelve years old.

RY: Actually I was eleven because we didn't go to camp 'til I was twelve.

<End Segment 6> - Copyright © 2011 Densho. All Rights Reserved.