MAKINO​,​ Shino

I came to this home in 1974. Before that, no Japanese people were allowed to enter. Then they decided to open it to Japanese residents, and I heard they held many meetings about it. After that, more Japanese people began to come, starting with Mr. Hamaguchi, and now there are nine of us here—six men and four women. I got married when I was twenty-three, and came to America with my husband when I was twenty-eight. That was about sixty years ago now. I didn’t know much English at all, but somehow I managed. Not knowing English has never really bothered me. After the war, our son—who was with the Occupation forces—insisted that he wanted us to come see what Japan was like then, so he sent for us. But about six months after we went, my husband suddenly passed away. By that time, we had already become naturalized citizens. We built his grave at the Foreigners’ Cemetery in Yokohama. Our son was working at the American Embassy, training to become a diplomat. My husband’s relatives were all gone by then, so he was the only one left. That trip was our farewell to Japan. People in Japan seemed to think that being here—living in a home like this—was like being in an orphanage. But I don’t feel the need to explain anything to people who think that way. I don’t shed a single tear over it. Things changed after more men came here—it’s not as nice anymore. American men are well-mannered, but Japanese men sometimes get into arguments right there in the dining room. It just doesn’t go smoothly. I don’t have any problem with the food, but the men seem to. Before I came here, I couldn’t end a meal without a bowl of ochazuke. But since moving here, I’ve completely changed—I don’t mind at all anymore. I feel so comfortable here, because I don’t have to worry about anyone. Living quietly on my own is actually very pleasant. I used to live in an apartment, but that was scary—truly frightening. I can’t cook for myself anymore, and that’s a little sad, but even so, life here feels peaceful. This interview is part of the DMHJNY's new exhibit Issei: Portraits Of The First-Generation Japanese New Yorkers which is on view here: https://www.historyofjapaneseinny.org/issei/