Discover Nikkei

https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/interviews/clips/1103/

Big Dream (Japanese)

(Japanese) I really think that the bigger the dream, the better. Also, I think all the efforts you put into your goals will always come back and reward you. You will be successful. I always thought if I am going to be a farmer, I might as well do something big. But in reality, I did not have the capital to do something big. I also did not know America, the country, well enough. If I knew my wife or somebody else here before I come here, it might have changed the circumstances. That is why I think it’s very important to find out about the country you are coming to. Also, try not to suppress your dreams, go towards your goals and that will lead you to success.


Date: May 8, 2007

Location: California, US

Interviewer: Mistue Watanabe

Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum

Interviewee Bio

Mr. Yoshihito Yonezawa was born in 1930 in Nakaniidamachi, Miyagi Prefecture. After graduating from school in Japan, he learned agricultural technology at an agricultural testing facility and became an agricultural technician for the prefecture. Because of this background, his uncle who was a farmer in the United States, asked him to help his business. In July 1956, Mr. Yonezawa immigrated to the United States.

For the first 2 years, Mr. Yonezawa cultivated vegetables and fruits at his uncle’s farm in Imperial Valley, California. Around this time, his uncle starts taking Mr. Yonezawa to Miyagi Kenjinkai activities. Afterwards, his uncle suggested him move to Los Angeles to study English. While going to school, Mr. Yonezawa experienced various jobs to sustain his living. Finally, Mr. Yonezawa landed a job with UPS (United Parcel Service) and until his retirement in 1992, worked for the company for 32 years.

After retiring, Mr. Yonezawa became the president of the Miyagi Kenjinkai. Currently, he continues his duties as president and is active in his role. (February 2009)