<Begin Segment 21>

[Translated from Japanese]

NM: I would like to ask one last question. What was the biggest challenge after you came over to the States?

TF: What was the biggest challenge? We moved around a lot because of promotions, every two or three years. Every time we went to a new place, we saw good things about it first. We didn't experience anything unpleasant. I have only good memories about the good places. What was the hardest? It is like making a confession at church every Sunday, and I am hesitant to say this, but I wish the family members were more responsible.

NM: Your family members in the States?

TF: I don't know why they are like that. They are grown-ups now and independent. The eldest has to shoulder a lot of responsibilities.

NM: Because younger siblings need help...

TF: It is always, "It's my family," and I cannot say no to that. I did it once. We were in Anchorage. The area was not really developed, and the rent was a half of the monthly salary. Utility bills were big in the winter, and we had to be frugal to survive. I was frustrated and expecting some hardship. His father was already gone, and he was shouldering responsibilities over the family. He could not avoid it. We didn't even have a kitchen canister set. You know those matching containers for sugar and flour in the kitchen. I was using some jars, but we needed to send money if they asked us. Once, only once, I said, "I don't even have a canister set. How can they ask for money to replace their broken mixer every year?" [Laughs] Turquoise was the color for a kitchen back then. There were turquoise color refrigerators and everything. Mike rushed out to get a turquoise color canister set. That was when his mother told us that her mixer was broken. I didn't have a mixer. I mixed with my hands.

NM: He was trying hard to make you happy. [Laughs]

TF: Turquoise color. I thought the color was too bright and didn't like it. I told him I would not use them and put them in a closet. [Laughs] I think I was very frustrated then.

NM: What makes you think coming over to the States was a good decision?

TF: I truly think it was. I knew you can make it here if you try hard here. There is a saying. "A diamond does not shine without polishing. It is all up to your effort." I was brought up with the philosophy, and I knew you can make it if you try in the States. I tried hard in this land of opportunity. People can go back to school even when they are aged. It was not possible in Japan. People did not have time once they got a job.

NM: That is true.

TF: Until you retire. It might be different now. I thought this county was great. I had to try hard. I achieved not one hundred percent but ninety percent of my goals and hopes.

NM: Your hard work paid off.

TF: I am happy that I came to this country, and I think I came in a good time. Things were simpler then.

NM: Your husband started his own business, and it was a big success.

TF: It was. We worked hard together, and I am happy that we are not living in a tent.

NM: Your hope for higher education was not granted in Japan, and you came over here.

TF: I am still asked. People started a book club in our neighborhood, and they picked up the book Mike wrote. They asked me why I didn't go to school when I was free to do so.

NM: Why didn't you go back to school?

TF: That was the question asked the most. The answer that came to my mind is that it seemed like a waste of our resources. I don't drive, and we would need two cars if I did. All kinds of logistics. We know three FAA couples, and the wives went to college when they got settled down. All three couples divorced. [Laughs] That was what I said, and everyone was laughing. I don't mind giving up on what I wanted. This country has been so good to me, and I would rather see someone who was born here achieving success. That makes my life easier. I have given up on what I wanted long ago. That's how I feel. Was it a mistake? I don't know.

NM: You two have been working side by side.

TF: Yes, we have. We now almost need a third person to support us though. [Laughs] I'm glad that I came over to this country. If you try hard, you can make it here, and I believe it is still the case. I look at young people coming here from Japan and sometimes think they are wasting an opportunity.

NM: You would like to encourage those young people from Japan to take advantage of the opportunity to be here.

TF: I would like see them working hard and make the best of the opportunity. Sky is the limit. They are very fortunate. It is very easy to come over, just like visiting your neighbor. I said the last farewell to my family when I left.

NM: Because you didn't know when you could see them again?

TF: I didn't intend to go back, and I didn't know if it would be even possible. I know some people dishonored by the family. That is not my situation, and I did not have to worry about it. It is very easy these days.

NM: Traveling is much simpler now.

TF: People come over just like they were visiting a neighbor. That is fortunate, but sometimes I wonder what they are trying to achieve here.

NM: Then, we would like to encourage the young generations to go for it.

TF: That's what I would like to tell them.

NM: Thank you very much for your time. Do you have anything else you would like to talk about?

TF: Life is full of mistakes and funny stories. I would like to say if you work hard, you can have a good life.

NM: Indeed. Thank you very much for your life story today.

TF: Many people have different stories, but unfortunately everyone does not have a chance to share them. Some people have sad stories.

NM: Your story today is very encouraging. [Laughs] Thank you very much.

TF: Thank you.

NM: Thank you.

<End Segment 21> - Copyright © 2016 Densho. All Rights Reserved.