SAKAKURA
All families are as branches of a tree. We grow in different directions, but our roots remain the same.
All families are as branches of a tree. We grow in different directions, but our roots remain the same.
Juichi and Hae Fujimori's second oldest daughter Bessie Kiyome married Kenji Sakakura (whom the Sansei Generation only knew as Mr. Sakakura). Their three sons were Arthur Yoshikazu who married Takeko, Dave Hideyaki who married Emi, and Bill Norio who married Yukiko. Yoshikazu's son is Yoritaka. Norio's children are Lainie, Derek, and Greg. Lainie's children are Avelina and Isabelle.
Juichi and Hae Fujimori's second oldest daughter Bessie Kiyome married Kenji Sakakura (whom the Sansei Generation only knew as Mr. Sakakura). Their three sons were Arthur Yoshikazu who married Takeko, Dave Hideyaki who married Emi, and Bill Norio who married Yukiko. Yoshikazu's son is Yoritaka. Norio's children are Lainie, Derek, and Greg. Lainie's children are Avelina and Isabelle.
Social Links to Lainie, Alex, Avelina, Isabella, Derek, Greg Link to SANCHEZ
Mr. Sakakura at the home where he served as house boy. Our elders told us he sold his family's swords to finance education for his sons Yoshikazu, Dave Hideyaki, and Bill Norio. He knew that education determined the future.
Mr. Sakakura at the home where he served as house boy. Our elders told us he sold his family's swords to finance education for his sons Yoshikazu, Dave Hideyaki, and Bill Norio. He knew that education determined the future.
Wedding of Kenji Sakakura and Bessie Kiyome Fujimori possibly 1926 or 1927, possibly in Stockton or San Francisco. Second top row, first man Masakuni Iguchi and Juichi Fujimori is last man, same row. Third row child is possiblyJean Takako standing next to groom Kenji Sakakura, seated next to bride Bessie Kiyome Fujimori.
Wedding of Kenji Sakakura and Bessie Kiyome Fujimori possibly 1926 or 1927, possibly in Stockton or San Francisco. Second top row, first man Masakuni Iguchi and Juichi Fujimori is last man, same row. Third row child is possiblyJean Takako standing next to groom Kenji Sakakura, seated next to bride Bessie Kiyome Fujimori.
Kenji and Kiyome, circa late 1920s
Kenji and Kiyome, circa late 1920s
Norichan met the love of his life Yukiko Hirasawa
Norichan met the love of his life Yukiko Hirasawa
Norio's surprise birthday party with family
Juichi, Hae, and Dave Hideyaki Sakakura
Juichi, Hae, and Dave Hideyaki Sakakura
Dave Hideyaki holding Christina Yamaoka Kusaba, Bill Norio, Mr. Sakakura, Hae Fujimori, Juichi, Mom Jean Takako Yamaoka and Don Hiroshi Yamaoka in front of Don's 99 Liquor Store
Dave Hideyaki holding Christina Yamaoka Kusaba, Bill Norio, Mr. Sakakura, Hae Fujimori, Juichi, Mom Jean Takako Yamaoka and Don Hiroshi Yamaoka in front of Don's 99 Liquor Store
Bill Norio (whom everyone was in love with), Julia Yamaoka Thorn, Don Hiroshi Yamaoka on our trip to the San Francisco Aquarium in front of the indoor crocodile pit.
Bill Norio (whom everyone was in love with), Julia Yamaoka Thorn, Don Hiroshi Yamaoka on our trip to the San Francisco Aquarium in front of the indoor crocodile pit.
Point of needed forgiveness: The California Fujimori family did not attend Bessie's funeral in 1946 in Cambridge, where Yoshikazu was at school at MIT. Many of the family were still in the Relocation Camps. Yoshikazu's family had had special permission to leave because of his matriculation to MIT. Jean Takako was 27 years old and had just given birth to Christina in the Rohwer Camp itself. Remember that the Japanese had been transported to Camps largely by train - and I'm not sure if there was even seating available. Jean felt tremendous guilt over the pain that Kenji suffered and hallucinated over this until her own death 58 years later. She wept when Kenji told her about this terrible event in 1960, particularly when Kenji presented her with Bessie's katami.
Point of needed forgiveness: The California Fujimori family did not attend Bessie's funeral in 1946 in Cambridge, where Yoshikazu was at school at MIT. Many of the family were still in the Relocation Camps. Yoshikazu's family had had special permission to leave because of his matriculation to MIT. Jean Takako was 27 years old and had just given birth to Christina in the Rohwer Camp itself. Remember that the Japanese had been transported to Camps largely by train - and I'm not sure if there was even seating available. Jean felt tremendous guilt over the pain that Kenji suffered and hallucinated over this until her own death 58 years later. She wept when Kenji told her about this terrible event in 1960, particularly when Kenji presented her with Bessie's katami.
Mr. Sakakura, Chris, Jean, Hideyaki, Julia
Dave, Bill, Yoshikazu
Yoshikazu and son Yoritaka
Yoshikazu and son Yoritaka
Aunt Bessie Kiyome loved her baby sister Jean Takako for her loyalty to her during the bad times. Kiyome gave her engagement diamond to Takako as her katami. Takako gave the diamond to Julia which she wears to this day as a symbol of love and loyalty.
Aunt Bessie Kiyome loved her baby sister Jean Takako for her loyalty to her during the bad times. Kiyome gave her engagement diamond to Takako as her katami. Takako gave the diamond to Julia which she wears to this day as a symbol of love and loyalty.
Derek and Greg
Derek and Greg
Yuki high kick
Alex, Lainie, and the girls Avelina and Isabella
2017 memorial for Juichi
Lainie's comment on Yoshikazu's passing
