‚The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Japanese American Tale of Love, Incarceration, and Resistance‘

In her memoir, author Ina shares the touching story of her parents‘ love and resilience during one of the darkest periods in American history. The discovery of letters after her father’s passing in 1977 unlocked a treasure trove of memories from her parents‘ time at the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939, through their harrowing experience in prison camps during WWII, and finally to their eventual release in 1946.

The journey begins with Ina’s parents, Itaru and Shizuko, both Kibei Nisei, who met at the Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco. Itaru, a bookkeeper with a passion for haiku poetry, was captivated by Shizuko, who represented Japan’s silk industry at the fair. Their courtship led to a swift engagement, and they were married in San Francisco just before the outbreak of WWII.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor changed everything for Itaru and Shizuko, as they were forced to register at Kinmon Hall in Japantown and given the family number 14911. They were then sent to Tanforan racetrack in San Bruno, where they experienced the dehumanizing conditions of incarceration. Despite the hardships, acts of kindness from strangers, like the gift of a hand-quilted blanket, offered glimpses of humanity in a time of adversity.

The couple was subsequently moved to different prison camps, including Tule Lake, where they were presented with the loyalty questionnaire. Their principled stand as „no-nos“ led to further hardship, as they were labeled disloyal and segregated in Tule Lake. Despite being critical of both the Japanese and American governments, Itaru and Shizuko remained steadfast in their belief that their resistance was a matter of principle, not disloyalty.

The separation of Ina’s parents, with her mother and siblings remaining in Tule Lake while her father was sent to another camp, added another layer of hardship to their already tumultuous journey. The discovery of letters exchanged between her parents during this time, cleverly hidden from censors, shed light on their unwavering love and determination to stay connected despite the odds.

Ina’s exploration of her family history through the translation of diary entries and letters not only uncovered the past but also influenced her professional and activist endeavors. Her work as a psychotherapist specializing in community trauma and her involvement in social advocacy highlight the enduring impact of her parents‘ experiences on her own life.

Through her documentary and now her upcoming book, Ina honors her parents‘ legacy and fulfills their silent plea to keep their story alive. The tale of Itaru and Shizuko serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those who faced injustice and adversity with grace and dignity. Ina’s memoir is not just a personal account but a testament to the enduring spirit of those who refused to be silenced by oppression.