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https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/interviews/clips/1099/

Agricultural Livelihood after Coming to the U.S. (Japanese)

(Japanese) Since I was determined to carry on the family business, I worked very hard. Yes, there was no winter or summer for me. I always say this, but we had the three-month harvest time. We harvested produce such as tomato, cantaloupe melons, and squashes. Some nights, I only had 3 to 4 hours of sleep for the entire time. It last almost three months.

The reason why is because for a farmer, even if he is not shipping, there is preparation work – much preparation work for the next harvest, especially at night on weekdays. Early in the morning, we pick up labor boys, take them out to the fields and when they are done, take them back to the camp. After all that, I need to prepare for the next day, such as preparing the water, and other things. But there is no time for everything. My uncle used to say, “Well, let’s sleep early tonight.” But it’s usually past 11PM when I went to bed. And then, I have to wake up early the next morning and since I have to eat or else I can’t work, there is really no time to sleep.

I’m not bragging but my uncle used to say, “You really work hard. I have never seen anyone work as hard as you do.”


Date: May 8, 2007

Location: California, US

Interviewer: Mistue Watanabe

Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum

Interviewee Bio

Mr. Yoshihito Yonezawa was born in 1930 in Nakaniidamachi, Miyagi Prefecture. After graduating from school in Japan, he learned agricultural technology at an agricultural testing facility and became an agricultural technician for the prefecture. Because of this background, his uncle who was a farmer in the United States, asked him to help his business. In July 1956, Mr. Yonezawa immigrated to the United States.

For the first 2 years, Mr. Yonezawa cultivated vegetables and fruits at his uncle’s farm in Imperial Valley, California. Around this time, his uncle starts taking Mr. Yonezawa to Miyagi Kenjinkai activities. Afterwards, his uncle suggested him move to Los Angeles to study English. While going to school, Mr. Yonezawa experienced various jobs to sustain his living. Finally, Mr. Yonezawa landed a job with UPS (United Parcel Service) and until his retirement in 1992, worked for the company for 32 years.

After retiring, Mr. Yonezawa became the president of the Miyagi Kenjinkai. Currently, he continues his duties as president and is active in his role. (February 2009)