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TI: So let's go back, I was going to ask, how did your mother and father meet?

LI: I think it was by baishakunin or matchmaker. And I think it was Dr. and Mrs. Sato. Their son became the doctor, I don't know the age difference, but they knew each other, the families. So that's the way they were.

TI: But what's interesting, for that generation, a lot of times the matchmaking happened because they were from the same village or prefecture.

LI: That's right.

TI: But in this case...

LI: They're far away.

TI: They're far away. So it was more they just knew the families.

LI: I guess so.

TI: And I'm sorry, and you mentioned the baishakunin was the Satos?

LI: Dr. and Mrs. Sato.

TI: Sato, okay.

LI: So it's been a long time ago.

TI: So your father was about twelve years older than your mother. Tell me a little bit about your father. What was he like? What was his personality?

LI: He was very gentle and very kind. He didn't show a lot of emotions. I used to go to some of his judo tournaments, I mean, I was pretty little as far as that goes. But I remember his being there. And he never did practice chiropractic per se, but he was working -- not working, but when the judo people were injured or something, then he would be right there for them also.

TI: And so at these judo tournaments, was he, I'm guessing he competed. Was he pretty good at judo?

LI: I guess he was a black belter, I don't know what number or anything. But he not only... well, I didn't ever see him do the judo per se, but I knew that he was... what would you call it? He was with his students, and he was sort of a... what would you call it? Teacher?

TI: Sensei?

LI: Sensei, very possible. And he had other people, too. I have a picture of him with all the other senseis, and the elder one was the one that talked like my father, etcetera.

TI: And do you know where the dojo, the judo dojo was located?

LI: I don't know that, but I know that I had gone to Hood River for one of the tournaments. And it must have been right in town because... I don't know where he actually (taught) or trained.

TI: But it's interesting, so they would have tournaments where they would go to different parts, regions?

LI: I think so.

TI: And the people he trained, were they pretty much Japanese Americans?

LI: Yes.

TI: Good. So I know a little bit more about your father. Let's talk about your mother. What was she like? What was her personality?

LI: She was a gentle person. She did a lot of handwork, and as she grew older and I did, too, she used to dance. She took lessons, and she used to dance and ohana, (learning) flower arrangement. And she sewed a lot for me, apparently. I had a lot of handmade clothes (...).

TI: Now if you ever needed... I can't imagine this, but I'm sure there might have been a time when you needed to be disciplined, or if they, someone needed to talk to you sternly, who would that be, your mother or your father?

LI: Well, maybe my mother. Yeah, very possible. She didn't really yell at me, she was very gentle, too.

TI: Yeah, I think I asked this in the pre-interview, but I should follow up on this. So brothers and sisters?

LI: None.

TI: So you were an only child.

LI: Yes, uh-huh.

TI: And now that we know a little bit about your father and mother, and they're both, you described them as gentle, and in some ways cultured also, in terms of your mother dancing.

LI: (Yes), she liked all that.

TI: And your father into the martial arts, what was their relationship like? I know there was an age difference of twelve years, but how would you describe their relationship?

LI: They were not lovey-dovey. But they were kind to one another. I never heard them yell or anything. They got along very well, I think.

TI: So I'm always kind of curious in terms of the first generation, the Isseis. How would you describe or how would they show their affection to each other? I know in most cases you don't hear too much, but I'm wondering if you ever noticed something that would show affection one way or the other.

LI: They spoke kindly to one another. I've never heard them yell. And I guess she cooked and all that, so he was satisfied with the cooking. [Laughs] But other than that, I really can't tell you.

TI: Now if there was a difficult time in the family, and they had to really figure out something, how would that be worked out? Did you ever see them kind of have to discuss something difficult, and if so, how did they do that?

LI: Gosh, I really can't remember. As long as he brought some money home and they could live comfortably, that was great. But other than that, I can't really remember. I can't.

<End Segment 4> - Copyright © 2013 Oregon Nikkei Endowment and Densho. All Rights Reserved.