<Begin Segment 27>

SY: And your parents, were they happy in Pasadena?

EN: Oh yes, they built a home, or bought a home in Pasadena and were working, and then when they decided to retire they returned to Tokyo.

SY: So they were, is that something they talked about, that they wanted to go back to Japan?

EN: Apparently, yes.

SY: Yeah, so it was a decision that was made after the war.

EN: Yes, after the war.

SY: I see.

EN: Well, they, they were so busy doing things all the while they were here and they were so active in the community and in their social life that I guess they decided that they were getting to the age where they wanted to lead a more serene life, and they thought going back to Japan would be the thing to do. So they decided to live in Tokyo because Mom had an older sister there and a younger brother living in Yamanashi-ken. And I don't believe my dad had any relatives left by then, but they bought a beautiful home in Tokyo.

SY: And sold everything here.

EN: Yes.

SY: So did they ever talk about why they didn't go, want to go back to Venice?

EN: There was nothing to go back to, so we never discussed Venice at all after we left.

SY: After the war.

EN: That was just gone.

SY: I see. And did you stay close to the Anderson family after your parents returned?

EN: We'd see them occasionally, yes, but we didn't socialize too much.

SY: He was able to keep your things for you during, or some things for you.

EN: All of our things.

SY: All of your personal belongings.

EN: It's amazing. He had a two story house and a huge attic, and I think he stored things for other friends too, so he was really wonderful. He did a lot for everybody.

SY: And he helped your parents in terms of resettling? Did he...

EN: Well, he found the apartment for us when they returned to join me in Pasadena.

SY: Do you know if he helped them financially at all?

EN: Oh no, nothing like that. No.

SY: So it was just his support.

<End Segment 27> - Copyright © 2011 Densho. All Rights Reserved.