<Begin Segment 7>

JS: Now, much of this period we talked about, in fact, the entire period we talked about, roughly from 1900 up until the closure of NKS in 1906 and now we're in 1907, he's a bachelor.

ES: Yeah.

JS: He's by himself. And when did your mother come into the picture?

ES: My brother, mother came into the picture in 1911. You know, in those days, the family had picked their bride to arrange to marry someone. So he went back to Japan in 1911 and picked up the bride that was meant for him and came back to the United States. Well, in 1912, in January, I came to this country -- this world. [Laughs] So the other day --

JS: You were the blessed event in 1912, huh?

ES: So yesterday, the 25th of January, a few days ago, I was ninety-three years old.

JS: Well, you've a hearty, lived a hearty life. What was your mother's name?

ES: Tamaye Kinoshita.

JS: Tamaye Kinoshita?

ES: Yes.

JS: And was she from Wakayama as well? Because you said that there was, they had promised --

ES: Yes, Wakayama. In the little town of Gobo.

JS: Okay, okay. And she came in 1911 and a year later or so you were born. That gives me an opportunity now to transfer the interview to you. You were born here in San Jose?

ES: Yes.

JS: And how many siblings did you have?

ES: We had five.

JS: And your name is Eiichi, so that is a designation for the first son, I would imagine, is that correct?

ES: Yeah, right.

JS: And how many brothers and sisters -- you said you were one of five -- how many brothers and sisters did you have?

ES: I had two, two brothers and two sisters.

JS: And everyone is all living still?

ES: Pardon?

JS: All, all living still?

ES: No.

JS: No? Okay.

<End Segment 7> - Copyright © 2005 Densho and The Japanese American Museum of San Jose. All Rights Reserved.