Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
@ShoxShokichi “Shox” Tokita is a retired career U.S. Air Force navigator and Vietnam veteran who enjoys working out regularly, like playing pickle ball, when gathering in gyms is allowed. His present plans include submitting articles periodically to the North American Post, for which he retains “a soft spot.”
Updated November 2021
Stories from This Author
Maryknoll
Jan. 19, 2024 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
Beacon Hill, or Queen Anne hill. Except a knoll is a small hill, probably one that is a lot smaller than those two well-known Seattle landmarks. But whatever that hill is, it’s called Mary? “Mary Knoll?” Well, no. Maryknoll is not the name of a local hill. It has nothing to do with everyday geography, except to note that the priests and nuns of the Maryknoll Catholic Order are in all parts of the world wherever people are. It’s part …
The Seattle Area
Jan. 5, 2024 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
In my eighty-plus years on this planet, I’ve had the opportunity to look at and live in various places including the continental United States, Alaska, the Pacific Islands and Asia. And, you know what? I’ve come to the conclusion that we who live in the Seattle area live in the best place in the world. Let me tell you why. I was born and raised in Seattle. In my early years, I detested the rain and cool weather that prevailed …
Rice Krispies for Christmas
Dec. 22, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
Did you ever receive a can of Rice Krispies for Christmas? Or, did you ever think of giving a large gallon can of Rice Krispies for Christmas? Well, I did. I received a gallon can of Rice Krispies for Christmas while I was in Vietnam. In a combat zone, of all places! One of the many assignments I received while in the military was to serve a tour of duty in South Vietnam. It was an assignment that many of …
You’re Kidding — A Military Career?
Dec. 8, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
I can’t believe I did that! A 24-year military career? Me? Someone who purposely scheduled class breaks before and after scheduled (ROTC) classes so that I wouldn’t have to wear the U.S. Air Force ROTC uniform on campus? That’s right! After Garfield High School, while attending the University of Washington where ROTC was mandatory, I would always schedule a class break before and after my ROTC class so that I would not have to wear that military uniform any more than was absolutely necessary. …
Papa Was a Samurai Warrior!
Nov. 7, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
What’s this about your papa being a samurai warrior? Your dad was a samurai? Whatever gave you that idea? Do you even know what a samurai is? Of course I know what a samurai is! I know that just like in England, they were the “knights of olde” who protected the royalty as well as various lesser heads of state, and performed good deeds among the people. In Japan, the samurai were the ones who protected the hierarchy. In the …
Losing a True and Trusted Friend
Sept. 25, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
After my father died in 1948, my mom used the bus to go from place to place including taking her children when occasions demanded. Fortunately, as she expanded her businesses, they were all located in areas where bus routes were available; she became quite skilled in the fine art of bus travel. However, as her children grew older and became of driving age, several also acquired cars and assisted in her travels as her destinations and their time permitted. This …
A Dream Deferred, A Dream Fulfilled
Sept. 13, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
My mother, Haruko Ann Tokita, came to the United States from Japan when she was 12 years old and settled with her father and stepmother in Seattle. After living in various homes for a few years, the family eventually acquired the Wilson Hotel, which was located between 5th and 6th Avenues South on Dearborn, where the Uwajimaya parking lot is presently located (Read his previous story about Wilson Hotel). While growing up, much of Mom’s activities pertained to anything dealing …
Japanese Family Protocols
Aug. 29, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
Have you ever had a discussion about your family protocols with your father, mother, or both? In the Kamekichi and Haruko Tokita family, it was a regular topic that came up an awful lot of times. Basically, it was between my father and me. Generally, a short discussion occurred between us, followed by a prolonged litany about why from my mother. And, you know what? It was, I swear, just me–never with my seven younger brothers and sisters! Let me …
Mom Was Young Once, Too!
May 25, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
The North American Post Editor’s note: Tokita’s present-day recounting of Issei and Nisei life is rare today. It is possible largely because his mother arrived as a 12-year-old with her parents from Japan in 1919. Thus, while she was indeed an immigrant, she was what Korean Americans call “1.5 generation,” a person culturally halfway between adult immigrants and second-generation children born in the U.S. According to author Mary Yu Danico, writing on KA 1.5ers in Hawaii, “1.5ers have been socialized in …
Lessons Realized
March 5, 2023 • Shokichi “Shox” Tokita
Have you ever thought about the lessons you learned from your parents? When did you realize that they were lessons? At the time you were learning these lessons, did you understand and comprehend that they were, in fact, “lessons?” I don’t know about you, but I never, ever realized at the time that lessons were being taught to me, primarily by my dad. In early years, they were often accompanied by a whack on the head. In later years, there …
