Densho Digital Repository
Seattle JACL Oral History Collection
Title: In Memory of Phil Hayasaka Interview
Narrator: Lois Hayasaka
Interviewers: Camila Nakashima, Bill Tashima
Date: October 27, 2020
Densho ID: ddr-sjacl-2-22-8

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BT: Yeah, you know, I think what we're gonna do right now, I'm going to turn it back to Camila for one or two last questions. We may have some follow up questions that I'm just going to, I don't want to take up a lot of time, so I probably will, Camila and I will talk and maybe email you a few.

LH: Sure.

BT: But Camila, did you want to ask one or two other questions before we wrap up here?

CN: Yeah, I think what I'm curious about is how you think that Phil and also yourself feel about like, Japanese American activism today. And like, in recent years, like, the direction that it's going, how he felt about that.

LH: Oh, I think we've been very happy to see that there has been increased attention and participation of Japanese Americans. And that they seem very aware of the issues, and of working toward trying to make life better for their communities as well as the larger community and the city as a whole. It's good that, that the young people be involved with the Japanese American Citizens League. Because I think they're on the right track, to keep the focus on all the issues that we face today. And they, they have a very deep, deep rooted reason for being vigilant and tackling these issues. I think the younger generation has recognized the sacrifices and the suffering that the older Japanese have gone through. And they are eager to try to prevent that kind of thing from happening again. I think with the kind of awareness and leadership they're developing today, they will help to see that it doesn't happen. However, there are signs of problems in our country. The racism that seems to be heightened at this time, rearing its ugly head once again, and all the attendant evils to that racism. So it's important to always be vigilant and to participate. Dr. Min Masuda, who is with the University of Washington, and wrote a piece for us when we did a public hearing at one time on Asian American discrimination, something that Phil spearheaded, it was the first of its kind ever. And Dr. Masuda said, "The present finds its tap roots deep into the past and is nourished by elements therein." And I think that's worth pondering to recognize the connection to the past, and always keep it in mind as we go forward.

BT: Very powerful. I want to thank you so much. And just again, give you an idea of what to expect here is, you know, this interview will be looked at by our committee, and I think shared and we will keep it online. And get information from it. Camila and I will talk a little bit after this, after you leave the recording, and then we will also send you a follow-up email. Feel free to get back to us with any questions. Before I end, Camila, did you want to add anything right now?

CN: No, I think that's it. Thank you again...

LH: You're welcome.

CN: ... so much for your time and for talking to us. Yeah.

BT: And Lois, I just, I'll end this way because I was just jotting notes and at one point I was writing just words as I was listening to you and this is about both you and Phil. I just wrote: remarkable, powerful, fascinating, forward-thinking and, you know, you are just so articulate.

LH: Oh, thank you.

BT: And for me, it's a joy to listen to you. And I am so impressed to see the spark of an activist still inside you. And that's just, it's kind of like, gives me hope. But I just want to thank you so much. I know this is it's been a long interview. But I very much appreciate you taking your time.

LH: Thank you.

BT: And we will send you some follow-up information and some requests. And after you, after David signs off, Camila, if you could stay on the line for a little bit, that'd be great. Well, thank you, Lois.

LH: Oh, you're welcome.

BT: Thank you, David.

CN: Thank you.

<End Segment 8> - Copyright © 2020 Seattle Chapter JACL. All Rights Reserved.