Japanese American Community in Indiana

The interviewee, born in 1933, discusses growing up in Japan and her family's background. She tells of meeting her first husband, a member of the U.S. military, and moving to the United States. She mentions the roles she and her second husband had in the the formation and operation of the Indianapolis Japanese American Citizens League. The interviewee also talks about her work as an interpreter for Japanese businessmen in the 1980s and her current work with Japanese dance and painting.

Tae Carter, born in 1929, recalls growing up in Sendai, Japan, and her educational background. There she met her first husband, who was a member of the American military, and moved to Indiana when he left Japan. She recounts her involvement in the Japanese American Citizens League and that group's role in promoting a sense of community among people of Japanese descent in Indianapolis. Finally, she discusses her trips back to Japan and the importance of traditional Japanese customs in her everyday life.

George Hanasono discusses his time working for Eli Lilly and Company, focusing specifically on the increasing presence of minority workers in the organization. He then talks about the state of Japanese culture in the United States, with specific emphasis on differences between his generation and younger Japanese Americans. Hanasono talks about his role in the Japanese American Citizens League, especially regarding the need to understand the impact of interracial marriage on the organization's membership. In reference to the JACL, he also discusses the differences between Japanese community organizations in the Midwest and on the West Coast.

Larry Ingraham begins by recalling his experiences as a serviceman during the war in Vietnam, when he was stationed in Taiwan and northern Japan. He describes this period of his life as the source of his interest in Asian culture, which culminated in his education at the University of Michigan. From there, Ingraham describes his role as a liaison between the state of Indiana and Japanese businesses, especially foreign autmotove companies. He specifically discusses his work with groups like the Japan America Society and Indiana Japanese Chamber on fostering international business relationships.

Frances Ito, born in 1920, talks about growing up in Oregon and the Japanese community in Portland. After her family was moved to an internment camp during WWII, Ito joined her husband at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. She recalls the scarcity of other Asian Americans in the city soon after the war, an experience that persisted until her somewhat recent involvement in the local Japanese American Citizens League. Ito discusses community involvement through other avenues, specifically her conversion to Christianity and work within the church..

Chieko Jacobs, born in 1929, discusses growing up in Japan before meeting her American husband through the military. In her discussion about coming to America, Jacobs focuses on the difficulties of the language barrier and of being a military wife. She talks about her employment history in Indianapolis, Indiana, at length. Finally she talks about her participation in Minyo dance groups through the local Japanese American Citizens League.

Theresa Kulczak discussed her educational background and her experiences teaching conversational English in Japan. She explained her involvement with the Japan America Society located in Indianapolis, specifically as it related to international business. In particular, Kulzcak explained the role of liaison performed by the JSA between the state of Indiana and Japanese businesses.

Charles Matsumoto, born in 1932, recalls his childhood on family farms in California and Colorado prior to and during World War II. He explains his family's decision to voluntarily move to Colorado before the forced internment of Japanese in California. Matsumoto discusses his educational background in pharmacology and his job at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. Matsumoto tells of his involvement in the Japanese American Citizens League and specific initiatives like the Redress Movement. He also explains his involvement in other organizations, both within the Japanese American community and in groups outside of his ethnic affiliation. Matsumoto concludes by discussing variations within the Japanese American community, specifically mentioning geographic factors and generational differences in the culture and social politics of the community.

Anne Moore, born in 1935, discusses growing up on her family's farm in California, before being forced into internment camps during World War II. Moore tells about life in the camps, including the importance of her family and the educational system. Moore also reflects on the different internment experiences of her neighbors. She recalls her career in art museums at a number of universities in the Indianapolis area and her involvement in the local Japanese American Citizens League. Moore also reflects upon her own ideas about the existence of a distinct Japanese community in Indianapolis and the role of language in constructing these networks.

Jean and George Umemura, born in 1926 and 1923 respectively, discuss their family backgrounds growing up in Seattle, Washington, prior to World War II, including the extent to which the Japanese language was prevalent in their homes. Both discuss the experience of moving to internment camps during the war, and the ways in which their families managed to maintain contact with Japanese friends from Seattle. Jean and George talk about how they came to be married. George discusses the formation of the Japanese American Citizens League in Indianapolis, Indiana. He emphasizes his experiences facing prejudice as a Japanese American.