Taking her father’s ashes, going back to Japan, learning the koto and culture

Transcripts available in the following languages:

Well, I didn’t know how long, but I thought at least two, three years, you know, to learn. I learned the koto, and I learned the calligraphy. First of all your manners, which was very important. My aunt taught that. You have to hold your hands a certain way. Your feet have to, with a kimono, walk with a pigeon toe like this. It’s not for me. But that aunt, she was brought up that way. Even her language was altogether different. It’s a language, I guess that’s the way they talk in the palace. Many things, I didn’t understand what she was saying.

Date: May 24, 2011
Location: California, US
Interviewer: John Esaki
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum

calligraphy Japanese culture koto

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