<Begin Segment 15>

TI: So, George, we're coming to the end of the time. No, this is good. But anything else you want to talk about? I mean, there were other questions, but then I realized we'd sit here for like two more hours, and then we wouldn't interview your brother, so I just want to make sure. So anything else that you wanted to talk about? I mean, here's one question for you to think about. You talk about how you felt like you were an outsider and a foreigner, and even today you feel a little bit like that?

GN: Oh, yes.

TI: But now that the Japanese Peruvian story is better known, especially amongst the Japanese American community, does that help? Do you think that you feel closer to people, or do you still feel like you're an outsider? Because when I hear your stories, you don't strike me as an outsider, so I'm just curious.

GN: Yeah, I don't feel that much, as an outsider now, as I did before. It's better now. And I don't mind talking to people about that now.

TI: It's a really important story, and I think your family story is just remarkable, and your story is remarkable, too. Because you come across as a self-effacing, oh, kind of quiet, and then your stories are pretty fun.

GN: It's too bad my parents, they suffered a lot. My mom thought she was going to be shot, killed, after they arrested us.

TI: Now, was that something that she ever told you, or was that from your sister?

GN: My sister told me that. She thought they were going to die. And you compare what happened to the Jews in Germany, right, just like that, it was happening. They'd come and take you at gunpoint, right, what an experience. For kids, the father and mother...

TI: But you're story is pretty remarkable when you think about your family was in Peru, and essentially kidnapped and brought to the United States. That story is, I mean, even in Germany, they would say, "Really?"

GN: And then after it was over, they said, "You're an illegal alien, so get out." Yeah. No money, I mean, nothing, get out. And where did you go? Peruvian government, they don't want us, because they stole everything that my parents had, Japan was surrendered, so where do you go?

TI: So your story is pretty horrendous, too.

GN: Couldn't believe that. They kidnapped you, they put you in a foreign country, and then they say we're illegal aliens.

TI: Well, they took away your parents' papers so that they couldn't go back, they couldn't leave.

GN: The Peruvian government didn't want us, because I think the Japanese community was doing better than the government of Peru. They were ashamed, I guess, I don't know, but they took everything that my father worked for in his life, the government took all that, Peruvian government. I mean, to take everything away from you and then say, "Go home," I feel sorry for my parents, that's all.

TI: Well, thank you so much for spending the time.

GN: Well, I'm glad I was able to share my...

TI: No, this was a fun one for me.

GN: Really? [Laughs]

TI: Thank you.

<End Segment 15> - Copyright © 2019 Densho. All Rights Reserved.