Sus in New York
Sus in New York 1957.
Sus kept a diary in 1945 that was later transcribed by his son. Here are some excerpts. We are not sure to what extent Sus had ever worked as a domestic servant before this point. If you want to read up on his childhood, see this page in the Exhibit "Kids".
Before WWII, Sus had a position of possible upward mobility in a Japanese firm with offices in the United States- Mistubishi. His wife, Kiyo, did much of the housekeeping before the war as we see from her diary and through the time of incarceration where she handwashed sheets and diapers in the communal latrine and wash room. This diary shows Sus opting for any work that he can get. He is trying to keep up communication with his wife and mother in camp so that they can make decisions together about how to move forward at a time when the camp administrators were allowing and possibly encouraging people to vacate the camps.
Sus' sons note that after the war, he shaved his moustache. What this means is still a mystery. What would it be like to have been raised in Japan during childhood, educated in the United States, and possibly seeing himself as in a place to become an international businessman? Those of his generation that were educated in Japan, often are described as not being accepted in either culture or social group- as neither like their younger siblings who were brought up entirely in the United State nor like their cousins or families who were entirely culturally Japanese. How must have Sus positioned his own identity in this context?
He can't sleep the night that he learns of the first atomic bomb being deployed. He writes as though in disjuncture. "Whatever the cause couldn't get to sleep for hours." Is this self-censorship? Is this a natural emotional distancing that builds up in times of war?
Before WWII, Sus had a position of possible upward mobility in a Japanese firm with offices in the United States- Mistubishi. His wife, Kiyo, did much of the housekeeping before the war as we see from her diary and through the time of incarceration where she handwashed sheets and diapers in the communal latrine and wash room. This diary shows Sus opting for any work that he can get. He is trying to keep up communication with his wife and mother in camp so that they can make decisions together about how to move forward at a time when the camp administrators were allowing and possibly encouraging people to vacate the camps.
Sus' sons note that after the war, he shaved his moustache. What this means is still a mystery. What would it be like to have been raised in Japan during childhood, educated in the United States, and possibly seeing himself as in a place to become an international businessman? Those of his generation that were educated in Japan, often are described as not being accepted in either culture or social group- as neither like their younger siblings who were brought up entirely in the United State nor like their cousins or families who were entirely culturally Japanese. How must have Sus positioned his own identity in this context?
He can't sleep the night that he learns of the first atomic bomb being deployed. He writes as though in disjuncture. "Whatever the cause couldn't get to sleep for hours." Is this self-censorship? Is this a natural emotional distancing that builds up in times of war?
Excerpts from Sus' Diary from 1945
June 30
Old Oakaland M. E. Church folks had a get together at the Hostel.
Monday July 16 [1945]
Registered at the Ny Technical Institute.
Friday July 20
Phoned Joe Yasumura of American Baptist service re a school boy job.
Saturday July 28
Studied a little during the morning. Was hard to concentrate as I have three things coming up to my head- the welfar of K.Y. and her possible departure for Calif., accepting the job at Dr. Rice's or otherwise and my study.
Saturday, August 4
Bright but not too warm, the best day since I came to N.Y. The long awaited letter from Kiyoko finally came today via airmail. She still deosn't know when she'll leave for Berkeley. Wrote a long letter to her. Finished it 11:10pm. Went to the Hostel to get a few more of my belongings. Saw one of the most beautiful sunset across the Hudson River this afternoon (and yesterday to a lesser degree).
Tuesday, August 7
Tried to study after writing K.Y. but couldn't. Went to bed after midnight. Whatever the cause couldn't get to sleep for hours. News of the atomic bombing of Japan on Monday, August 6, came today.
Thursday, August 9
The news that Russia declared way on Japan yesterday came today.
Friday, August 10
One of the most memorable day in my life. Got the news of Japan's proposing to surrender unconditionally late this afternoon. Official Gov't news was held up this evening. The U.S. Gov't did not receive Japan's offer officially. How glad our parents must be now that thye are sure of seeing their sons coming home without a single injury during their service!
Sunday, August 19
Did not rise until 8:00 AM since the Chaplain did not wish breakfast this morning. Tuesday, August 21 I shall be forever grateful to Uncle Hisashi for his action at this time proposing to stay in camp with my family to help their departure in packing and seeing thme leave safely. Wonder what he's planning to do himself and where he intends to resettle. He's really kind.
Friday August 24
Cooked supper for him and his guest for the first time.
June 30
Old Oakaland M. E. Church folks had a get together at the Hostel.
Monday July 16 [1945]
Registered at the Ny Technical Institute.
Friday July 20
Phoned Joe Yasumura of American Baptist service re a school boy job.
Saturday July 28
Studied a little during the morning. Was hard to concentrate as I have three things coming up to my head- the welfar of K.Y. and her possible departure for Calif., accepting the job at Dr. Rice's or otherwise and my study.
Saturday, August 4
Bright but not too warm, the best day since I came to N.Y. The long awaited letter from Kiyoko finally came today via airmail. She still deosn't know when she'll leave for Berkeley. Wrote a long letter to her. Finished it 11:10pm. Went to the Hostel to get a few more of my belongings. Saw one of the most beautiful sunset across the Hudson River this afternoon (and yesterday to a lesser degree).
Tuesday, August 7
Tried to study after writing K.Y. but couldn't. Went to bed after midnight. Whatever the cause couldn't get to sleep for hours. News of the atomic bombing of Japan on Monday, August 6, came today.
Thursday, August 9
The news that Russia declared way on Japan yesterday came today.
Friday, August 10
One of the most memorable day in my life. Got the news of Japan's proposing to surrender unconditionally late this afternoon. Official Gov't news was held up this evening. The U.S. Gov't did not receive Japan's offer officially. How glad our parents must be now that thye are sure of seeing their sons coming home without a single injury during their service!
Sunday, August 19
Did not rise until 8:00 AM since the Chaplain did not wish breakfast this morning. Tuesday, August 21 I shall be forever grateful to Uncle Hisashi for his action at this time proposing to stay in camp with my family to help their departure in packing and seeing thme leave safely. Wonder what he's planning to do himself and where he intends to resettle. He's really kind.
Friday August 24
Cooked supper for him and his guest for the first time.