<Begin Segment 2>

TI: So let's go to your father. Do you know, do you remember what your father's name was?

RS: Toichiro, T-O-I-C-H-E-R-O, Toichiro.

TI: And where in Japan did he grow up?

RS: Kyushu, same as my mother.

TI: And do you know why your father came to America?

RS: I really don't know. I think they just wanted to venture out. That's the only reason I can think of.

TI: Now, did your father know your mother before he came to America or did he come here first?

RS: Huh?

TI: Did your father know your mother before?

RS: Oh, yeah, they were married in Japan.

TI: Oh, okay.

RS: And then they came over.

TI: They came over together?

RS: Yeah.

TI: Okay, so that's a little unusual. Most of the stories I've heard, the man comes over first, they start working, and then either they sent back for someone or they go back.

RS: Yeah. Yeah, they were married in Japan and they both came over.

TI: So do you know how they got married? Was it an arranged marriage?

RS: I have no way... but I imagine in Japan it's all arranged.

TI: So your mother's name, what was her name?

RS: Sumi.

TI: And her, do you know her maiden name?

RS: Inouye. All I know is that she had about four or five sisters, and so there was no brother, all sisters. Maybe that's one of the reasons why she wanted to get away from there.

TI: And do you know what kind of work your parents' families did in Japan, in Kyushu?

RS: I don't.

TI: And your father's last name is Kuga?

RS: Kuga.

TI: Kuga. Okay. And so when they came to America, where did they go first?

RS: Well, that's a hard thing because I don't remember a lot of that. All I know is I was born in the Dalles, and then I think then Hood River, and then we moved to Troutdale, Oregon, where I started first grade.

<End Segment 2> - Copyright © 2014 Oregon Nikkei Endowment and Densho. All Rights Reserved.