Johnny And Ichiro... They're Two Fine Fellows

Johnny Nakata and Ichiro Nagatani, a couple of swell fellows...

Johnny, proprietor of one of the Island's finest groceries--Eagle Harbor Market, Winslow--took a Review reporter into his back room Tuesday. He didn't talk much about the difficulty he was having trying to find a leasor or purchaser of his store. He seemed to feel that was his problem.

"I want you to write a little piece in the paper about how I appreciate all that the Island has done for me," Johnny, whose brother, Momoichi (Pork Chops), recently was inducted into the Army, said. Johnny nervously slapped his thigh as he spoke.

"Tell them I thank them for their many kindnesses and offers to help. Tell them..."

Then a funny think happened. Johnny stopped talking. He wiped his eyes with his hand and went back into the store.

Ichiro Nagatani, Island Center, leader of the Japanese-American Citizens' League on the Island, didn't have much time to talk to The Review. He was busy all day trying to aid Army officers orient themselves on a strange Island.

"The only people to blame are those darn Japs in Japan," Ichiro said. "Are we worried? Why, we ran out of worries a long time ago. The majority of our people are not bitter about this. We go with the hope that we'll make a good impression.

"We are just as good Americans as the next guy ... only we haven't had a chance to prove it."

Johnny and Ichiro ... a couple of swell fellows.