<Begin Segment 22>

MN: Now currently you're a docent at the Japanese American National Museum.

IH: Right.

MN: Why is it important for you to volunteer your time to be a docent?

IH: Well, I think it's necessary that we tell the experience of Japanese Americans to most Americans there. And I don't think enough has been said, not enough people know about it. I think that it's a story worth telling. I enjoy, I enjoy when young people come and listen to me and ask questions. I really think it's... well, you've heard the expression "giving back to the community"? I think that's part of it. But I also think that, I hope that I'm doing it you might say as a memorial to my parents, because of their struggles in this country, I really feel that I owe it to them. And I just hope there would be others with the same attitude. We could use more.

MN: In general, what has been the audience reaction when you lead people through the museum?

IH: You mean on the war years?

MN: Yeah, in general.

IH: Well, it's a revelation for most people. They haven't heard about it they can't believe that such a thing could happen in the United States, and that I always try to emphasize the lesson that something like this should never happen in this country again. Hopefully as good Americans, they would learn the lessons of the past. And I always remind them of the Arab Americans and Muslim Americans and what they've gone through, and what they've learned from our experience. I think, I hope we've had some effect. But I think just being at the museum is, you're helping to make history, Japanese American history, and the people you work with are fine people.

MN: You've had this opportunity to work in different countries. And how has that given you a perspective about the World War II camps and redress?

IH: Having worked in different countries?

MN: Uh-huh. How has that given you a different --

IH: Well, I think from a worldwide perspective, I think that the benefits of living in this country would never happen in most of the countries in the world. This is the country that is unique in that respect. I don't think you would have seen redress and that sort of thing happen in any other country in the world, including the developed countries, most advanced countries in the world. It's the uniqueness of democracy, facing up to what the truth was. So, yeah, I think there is a definite connection with my experience, my personal experience with redress and the war years and my experience abroad, especially in developing countries. 'Cause I saw so much abuse and so much poor government and human suffering. Just so great to be an American. All the countries that I've worked in, I'm sure they represent most of the developing countries in the world.

MN: Well, I've asked all my questions. Is there anything else you want to add?

IH: Well, I appreciate this opportunity to tell you something about myself and my family, my views on certain issues, being able to record some of my life and history, and some of the high points of my life. I think, well, hopefully my family will be interested in the things I've told you, and that leaves something here that will be here for a long time to come after I've gone. And I think, I believe Densho is doing an outstanding thing. They really accomplished a great deal. Thanks to you and what you're doing, they'll move ahead.

MN: It's a community effort.

IH: It is; it's unique. I'm not sure all communities could do something like what Densho is doing.

MN: But we need people like you to be willing to share your stories.

IH: Well, yeah, that's a small part of it, but it's the people that take the initiative --

MN: But that's the important part.

IH: -- and do the actual work, and organize and promote, that's important. I think that's, I can say the same thing about the museum. So appreciate your time.

MN: We appreciate your time, too, coming out here. Thank you, Ike.

IH: Okay.

<End Segment 22> - Copyright © 2011 Densho. All Rights Reserved.