Tabo Kono Interview
Licensing |
In November, 2007 I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Takashi "Tabo" Kono. Tabo is a nisei, born in Los Angeles, CA in 1937. His family was sent to the Manzanar internment camp while one of his brothers served in the US Army. His life story connects with many of the main events that shaped the Japanese American community. This collection of clips from my interview with Tabo can be useful in describing major events to those with no background in the Japanese American community but may also provide some interesting insights to those who are well acquainted with it.
Slides in this album |
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Tabo's ParentsTabo describes the early years of his father in America as well as how his mother came here as a "picture bride".
Tabo's Parents |
Basic Description of ManzanarTabo gives his account of what happened after President Roosevelt gave Executive Order 9066. He gives an overview of what life was like in camp as well as the reason why Japanese Americans were sent there. |
The Issei Attitude in CampTabo describes the Japanese term "Shikata ga nai" and how it helped people in camps cope. He also shares the feelings of his father about the camp. |
Life Directly After Release from ManzanarTabo describes how his family was homeless after being released from Manzanar. He discusses his father's job as an inspector for the railroad and the racism his family faced in Palmdale. |
Tabo's View on Redress MovementTabo explains some of the reasons why the redress movement came about. |
Future of the Japanese American CommunityTabo uses the example of his own family to show how the Japanese American community is getting smaller. |