Issei:
a Japanese term (pronounced ee-say) referring to the first generation of Japanese
immigrants to the United States. According to US law at the time, these newcomers
were not allowed to become American citizens. Beginning in 1868, Japanese
immigrants moved to Hawaii and to the US mainland until the Immigration Act of
1924 cut off all immigration from Asia. Kiyo Sato’s parents were Issei.
kodomo no tameni
:
a Japanese saying (pronounced koh-doh-moh noh tah-may-nee)
that means “for the sake of the children.” It expresses the philosophy that children
should not bear the weight and unhappiness of adult problems.
Korematsu v. United States
:
a US Supreme Court decision in December 1944
upholding the military initial justification for the internment of Japanese Americans
during World War II. The case was revisited in 1983, clearing Fred Korematsu of any
wrongdoing.
Momotaro:
a popular hero of Japanese folklore whose name means “Peach Boy”
Nisei:
a Japanese term (pronounced nee-say) for the second generation of Japanese
Americans born of Issei parents. Kiyo Sato and her eight siblings are Nisei. Because
they were born in the United States, they are American citizens.
ofuro
:
a Japanese hot tub made of wood
100th Infantry Battalion:
an infantry unit largely made up of Hawaiian Nisei (who
had not been incarcerated). During World War II, they fought in North Africa and
Italy, participating in the liberation of Rome.
reparations:
making amends for a wrong by paying money to or otherwise helping
those who have been wronged. In 1988 the US government officially determined that
the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II had been unlawful. The
government awarded survivors of the internment camps $20,000 each and a letter of
apology signed by the US president.
Sansei:
a Japanese term (pronounced sahn-say) for the third generation of Japanese
Americans, born of Nisei parents. Kiyo Sato’s nieces and nephews are Sansei.
Tochan:
the Sato family word for “father,” or “dad”
War Relocation Authority:
the US government agency established through Executive
Order 9102 to handle the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans
during World War II
yokata ne:
Japanese words (pronounced yoh-kah-tah nay) for “that’s good”
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