George Suyeoka

George Suyeoka was drafted into the Military Intelligence Service, based on his Japanese language skills. He served in Tokyo, Hokkaido and Ishikawa. Afterwards he decided to pursue an art career and came to Chicago to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He worked as a commercial artist for major corporations and advertising agencies, and as a fine artist. He is prolific illustrator of children's books, and of several books on Japanese folk tales. His latest work is a series of bronze drinking fountains with animal motifs in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Updated June 2007

Stories from This Author

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Voices of Chicago

December 7, 1941

June 29, 2007 • George Suyeoka

December 7, 1941 Kakaako, Honolulu, Hawaii. Sunday It is very early in the morning. I look out and it is still night. 4 a.m. I usually don’t get up until 6:30 or 7 a.m. I’m still sleepy, but I quickly snap to and brush my teeth. There is always a not unpleasant rush of tightness or adrenaline just under my breastbone when I anticipate doing or going to an event. I have this feeling of excitement this morning as I …