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What's in a Name

mkochiyama
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Janet Maloney

Interesting oral history passed down from my father about my maiden name: Chikami.  According to “Jeto” – his father, my grandfather, was adopted by a famous sumo wrestler in Japan – he was like a movie star in Hollywood!  “Chikami” had no children and felt it was his wife’s fault – he married 8 times but still no children – so he adopted my grandfather who was from a farming family with many children, it was common in those days.  Grandfather’s original name was Sato – there are very few Chikami’s – most of them are Aunts, Uncles, Cousins.  From what I understand, there are several Chikami’s in Northern California that we don’t know.  I’ve been meaning to contact them.  I’m sure we’re isolated – maybe Great Grandfather’s 9th and 10th wives had children?

One thing I have to remember with fondness is that my Dad was a great “storyteller”.  

Based on this original

Girl Kokeshi
uploaded by mkochiyama
Girl Kokeshi 2011 Courtesy of Akemi Imafuku Mora More »


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