<Begin Segment 38>

[Translated from Japanese]

I2: To wrap up our interview, could you give a message to people who are coming to the Tule Lake Pilgrimage, especially to Arabic and Islamic Americans?

I1: Some Arabic and Islamic Americans were arrested and confined in some DOJ detention facilities after the 9/11 just like some Japanese were arrested right after the war started. We don't know exactly how many or where they are detained. Have you heard that similar situation is about to be repeated?

TY: No, I haven't.

I2: You heard about it for the first time?

I1: I see. I think it is one of the reasons why Arabic and Islamic Americans are joining this pilgrimage. An official apology offered closure to what happened to Japanese Americans, but it is happening again to another group of people. We should learn from our past and make sure it will not be repeated. I think that is important. Do you have any thoughts about it? Many Japanese people watch the news on Iraq and Afghan. What is currently happening in the U.S. might not be broadcasted. Have you heard anything about it?

TY: No, I haven't. I don't know why the United States decided to go to Iraq, but it reminds me of what they did in Vietnam. It looks like they are getting into the same situation again. The United States always thinks it is their mission to help those who suffer from dictatorship by democratizing the nation. I understand that view, but I wonder if the receiving end shares the same goal to rebuild their own nation by themselves. It is just a wasted effort if they are not willing. Things are going in that direction now. The U.S. should sit down with Arabs to discuss future plans. Instead of getting into a war, they should discuss what is best for them as partners. They should explore how to motivate the people to work together for the better nation. It doesn't work if one is making effort but the other is not interested in working together. I don't understand why the States are repeating what it did in the past. Arabs should be more open and tell the United States what they want. They should lay down what they are willing to do and what kind of assistance they would like from the States. If they are not open and positive about it, the U.S. would end up wasting resources both financially and militarily. If Arabs see the U.S. intention to rebuild the nation for the people, they would join and work together. They need to step closer to each other to achieve the goal. I am afraid that the world is changing to the world with terrorism. Terrorists come from frustration. Frustration comes in the form of violence. Terrorist activities happen even in Russia. Even in Japan, some religious cults did something similar. The world would be torn if we they take over. We should talk to each other and figure out how to live in a more humane way. We all need to make an effort to make this world a better place. You would have consequences if we defeat enemies with force. You need to negotiate before force is used. You need to lay the groundwork and use collective force when negotiation does not yield a result. The U.S. cannot do it all if no one else is joining. That's what I think. It takes motivated people to build a better nation. That's essential. The States should not single out a group of people because their native county did something. That is not what the leader of democracy does. They should talk to those people.

I1: Could you face the camera and talk to the people who are coming to the pilgrimage?

TY: I don't what to say. [Laughs] I am already eighty-one. I had my best youth years in the United States. The war changed my life, and I was sent to a camp. I was tortured and went through a lot. My past experiences taught me how to endure hardship and stay positive, and helped to shape who I am today. I have been always trying to move forward, and I gained a lot from it. I am thankful for everyone in my life. I came back to Japan with nothing. But I was somehow able to have my own family. I live a happy life surrounded by my grandchildren. I couldn't have done it without help and support from people around me. I live each day with appreciation. I hope that you keep positive and live happily. Thank you very much.

<End Segment 38> - Copyright (c) 2004 Densho. All Rights Reserved.