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Date of Birth
On the sixth day of the eighth month I was born in Nagoya, Japan. My parents say I was smiling as I cried out into the world. I was the last child born to my mother and father before my father was killed in the Boxer Rebellion. I have three older brothers; Hayato, Ren, and Shou, respectively. My father was a very broad man who seldom smiled except for me - my only memory of him. I am writing this so I can look back on it years later and remember these events in my life. -
Goodbye, Nippon
A few weeks after my father died, my family set out for America; we left from Mihama Ward in Chiba. My mother said that there were too many memories in our home country to bear the weight of my father's death; since it has been ten years since my father died, it is time for my family to move on. Shou was strong about it and kept quiet
(Note: Nippon is the romanized Japanese form of Japan. -
Angel Island
It took eight months for my family to sail here. From what I can see, it will be a new experience for me. My mother realized that all she wants is a place to stay, after eight months at sea. I have improved on my English since I left Japan, although I prefer my native tongue. Hayato seems to have forgotten Nippon already. Ren is visibly animated and is mezmerized by the beautiful waves crashing against the shore. I am exhausted but ready for a new life in a new country. -
Ren's Failure
After five days of waiting our turn, my family finally got into the immigration station. It was troubling to have to wait that long, but the station owners were very compassionate and offered us meals twice a day.
The doctors at the station asked to perform a few tests on us. We all passed the tests...except for Ren. For the last test, the doctors flipped our eyelids inside-out for only seconds, but it hurt so much. Evidently Ren has a dangerous, contagious disease, and cannot enter the country. -
Moving In
Last week we "bade farewell", as they say in this country, to Ren. He is nineteen years of age now - he should be able to take care of himself back home. For now, my family needs a place to stay.
We found a comfortable place in a location known as Monterey, California, using our newly-converted yen. Hayato is once again excited, even after leaving brother Ren. Shou is in deep contemplation on whether he should stay in America or go back to Nippon with Ren. -
Aftermath
Ten years later America has proved to be a fulfilling experience. I have a job as a "sewing lady", as little children call me. I also have a husband, and we settled into a decent home near my old one. His name is Takeo. We met when I was taking a walk one morning and was outright assaulted by American drunkards.
Shou left for Japan a year after Ren was deported. I haven't seen him since. Hayato has been living in my mother's house since she died of tuberculosis.
