Mr. Hirasaki brought World Fair Japanese pavilion to Gilroy

His family's migration to Salinas, California Father created a partnership to grow and ship vegetables Father's business partner operated their farming business during WWII Father was convinced the constitution would protect him Japanese were not welcomed back to Salinas Felt no hostility in Los Gatos, California after the war Able to settle easily in Los Gatos with foresight and luck Requested assignment in Europe to avoid combat in the Korean War Taking over his father's business after father's accident Mochitsuki tradition Feelings about redress Mr. Hirasaki brought World Fair Japanese pavilion to Gilroy

Transcripts available in the following languages:

I heard about him at the Hirasaki Farms in Gilroy. Mr. Hirasaki was very instrumental in getting the other younger farmers started. But I do recall my grandmother taking us to the World Fair Exhibition in San Francisco. When the fair was over, Mr. Hirosaki bought the Japanese pavilion and moved it over to Gilroy. My grandmother took me over to his place to the new pavilion. I still remember. I was only about five years old.

Date: May 14, 2018
Location: California, US
Interviewer: John Esaki
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum

farm gilroy hirasaki farm