<Begin Segment 4>

RP: You said that your mother came from a different background, a samurai?

HN: Yeah. My mother's family was a samurai family and she came to America in 1919 to, as a "picture bride." But she knew my dad from before the war, though, from a long time ago, I mean, when they were growing up.

RP: Growing up as kids?

HN: As kids they must have met each other somehow.

RP: Did your, did your father or mother ever talk to you about their early years in this country, their experiences?

HN: Not really. 'Cause my... in 1920... what was it, five years... '22? My oldest brother was born. So my mother was pretty much involved. 1919 to '22, that gives it three years. She didn't do much. She, she helped at the store later when he opened it up in '28. But until then she, she was busy having kids and taking care of us, I guess.

RP: You said she was kind of the disciplinarian of...

HN: Yes. She kind of ran the household. [Laughs] I remember that very clearly.

<End Segment 4> - Copyright © 2008 Manzanar National Historic Site and Densho. All Rights Reserved.