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Ike Hatchimonji

Ike is a nickname taken from a 1920’s comic strip: Ike, Mike and Mustard .  My twin brother has the nickname of Mike.  So, our Auntie labeled us Ike and Mike either late in the 20’s or early in the 30’s.

Tasuke, my given name means “help” in Japanese, given to me by my parents.  Being Christians might have something to do with the name.

Hatchimonji, a rare name in Japan is said to date back to the samurai era.  I’ve traced the name to Aomori then Miyagi prefectures where it exists today.  Very few Hatchimonji’s exist today.  However, the name maybe shared by only two families. 

In the pre-WWII era, my father, as an Issei was well known as a graduate of Colombia University who knew the English language well and was called upon for his interpretive and translation skills.  In the camp he served as a block councilman and advisor to the camp administration on issues having to do with welfare of the Issei.