A young American I want my son to emulate.

Friends of Historical Accuracy regarding the ethnic Japanese Evacuation of 1942

First off, thanks to all of you who took the time to send a message to the National Park Service. I had received feedback that some of your messages were returned and cannot give a specific explanation for this. Perhaps NPS will provide a response. I would like to think that so many emails were sent in favor of "Option A" that the NPS email server crashed! I'll ask and try to provide an explanation.

The following piece I found on Dr. Masugi's blog. Hopefully my posting it here will not ruffle any feathers. Granted I cannot be sure the writer is who he says he is, but for me that doesn't matter because it is a wonderfully written piece. Much of the commentary from young Japanese Americans is regurgitated reparations-speak, I shudder at the thought of my own kids taking on the same tone as they grow older. God forbid they should grow up with chips on their shoulders regarding this history. The writer who calls himself Sato gives me hope. Thank you Sato. I hope you find yourself in a position to teach other American young people the same.

History


It is a fact that Japanese Americans were supporting the Japanese Armies for many years with collections of money from their Japan Business Associations, Clubs, and especially the pool halls and baths all up and down the west coast even 4-5 years before America was bombed at Pearl. Heck, all the Japanese Consulates were involved as well as secret organizations that came from Japan to collect money and recruit Americans of Japanese Ancestry and Hakujin (white people) to help fight for the emperor. And they did!


Today, some Japanese Americans (JA) who are more American these days, whose fathers (Issei and Nisei) contributed to the Japanese war effort and received thank you letters from Japanese Army Generals are often confused on what to do with these letters of thanks. You surely won't see Densho like organizations in Seattle ever exhibit these because they are on a mission to distort the facts and continue to draw attention as victims. Densho only gives you a biased or one sided story. Please note that it's only about 25% of the Japanese American population that support these kind of VICTIM organizations as Densho and they do NOT represent the whole JA community in Seattle and most like 50% of the Seattle JA community wants nothing to do with Okada and this raciest Densho Project in Seattle. Many would just like to forget the incidents like many Americans and live together in peace and mutual respect.


I think Densho organizations ought to take a hard look at themselves and really ask if you are doing anything to help the better good of the community, of Seattle, of America or are you just trying to aline history your way for yourself. I think they are doing more harm than good for our JA community, themselves and America. They are distorting the truth about our fathers (mine also) of Japanese ancestry. Remember, not all the JA’s were involved with supporting Japan but it did happen and the JA’s or at least some knew about it and that’s why the JACL helped the FBI. Let’s get real. Where’s the honor?


I am really concerned with the teaching of these JA stories in the Seattle communities and colleges that are going on by Nisei’s and Sansei who tell their story of unfairness and their country’s blatant disregard for their American rights. Most of these Nisei and Sansei victims were quite young or not even born yet and even though the conditions were appalling for some, for many it was the best time of their lives. I can only think they are the showboating type of Japanese American. Every culture has them but these lie about the hardships when they didn’t recall experience them as they say.


When America was at war, these JA’s who were paid a monthly stipend while in camp didn’t have to worry about food or rationing when everything was given to them. My father’s camp had stores, churches, boy scout’s, and lots of dances when hundreds of thousands of Americans were defending the world. Why do we just have to remember the 442nd. Also, remember that the west coast JA’s didn’t join the 442nd until the heroics were told of the 100th battalion. They wouldn’t have fought for America on there own! Many had to be pressured into fighting and to prove there loyalty as Americans. And wasn’t it only 8% of the JA population they were eligible to fight for America enlisted. 8%!!! Are you kidding?!? This is embarrassing.


Also, remember Tule Lake, over 250 Japanese and Japanese Americans disavowed their citizenship to return to Japan and support the murdering Japanese Emperor and his armies via Brussels I think by ship. How many of these could have been spies and how many were spies? My father also told he was afraid for my grandfather, if the authorities found out about the support that he gave to the Japanese Consulates for the Emperor.



Poor Kim, dated August 20, 2004 doesn't really know her JA history, must be a Densho supporter. And I bet she doesn’t want to know. I am a 18 year old Yonsei (forth generation) Japanese American living in Seattle but would rather be just a called an American.


My name is Sato.


I haven’t read Malkins book but can’t wait. Maybe when I’m done I’ll send Densho Project the copy as a donation to the cause.


Sato August 21, 2004 09:39 AM