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Description
Dale Sato interviewed Jack Takeshi Omatsu on April 21,2004 in Torrance, California, although he had moved to Bullhead City, Arizona. The recording equipment was monitored by Ed Mitoma and Ike Hatchimonji took notes during the interview. Jack Takeshi Omatsu was born and raised in Torrance, California where his parents farmed and grew flowers. Omatsu worked on the farm and attended local schools until his family moved to Utah to avoid incarceration during WWII. After the war the family restarted the flower growing operation. Omatsu joined the National Guard and served in Alaska during the Korean War. He returned to work at the farm and flower market and later at the family's liquor store. He retired around 2000 and now lives in Bullhead, Arizona. Takeshi was interviewed as part of the South Bay Historical Project created by the South Bay Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. Includes sixteen oral histories reflecting the various experiences of South Bay Issei and Nisei. Some grew up on farms and others in suburban area; some were incarcerated during WWII in incarceration camps and some spent all or part of the war working and living in other parts of the US or Japan. All of them returned to the South Bay after WWII and observed the changes that have occurred in area through the end of the twentieth century.
Identity and values--Nisei Geographic communities--California Industry and employment--Agriculture--Strawberries Industry and employment--Agriculture--Flower growers World War II--Mass removal ('Evacuation') Military service Community activities--Associations and organizations--Japanese American Citizens League
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