I have noticed that as time goes along in the book, Kazuko is becoming more accepting of her Japanese heritage. In the beginning of the book, she is horrified but I found that she is starting to enjoy learning about Japanese culture. Kazuko says, “A happier event to which I looked forward with keen anticipation was the undo-kai, the Nihon Gakko picnic held every June” (71). I think this shows that she is becoming more accepting of her Japanese culture. I noticed that at the picnic there was a mix of Japanese and American. They ate “hot dog (American), cold barbeque pork, and rice balls sprinkled with sesame seeds and with bright-red pickled plums hidden in the center” (76). It was as if the two cultures were trying to come together to find a neutral ground. It said, “The issei men shed their hats and dignity and yelled themselves hoarse for their sons and favorite team in an amusing mixture of Japanese and English” (78). I like the phrase a mixture of Japanese and English. It shows that the two are trying to work together, and to learn each other’s culture, by eating each other’s food and playing each other’s games. I remember reading somewhere that it was a Japanese and American picnic joined together. I think like the warrior woman Kazuko is trying to figure out her culture. The mix of Japanese and Japanese American. I think I have a clearer understating of the parents and children ability to speak Japanese. I have come to a conclusion that the mother can hardly speak Japanese. Kazuko said, “One of Mother’s many consuming desires was to learn to speak the English Language” (49). At the wrong party that she goes to, she cannot understand the English woman and she Is a star for a day because she could not understand the woman. I thought that scene was very funny. I also know that the children have limited Japanese-speaking abilities because when they go to the Matsui’s house for new years eve they cannot even remember a short line in Japanese. It said, “We bowed again, then started out in unison. “ake-mashite omede toh gozai masu.” A long pause followed. We forgot the rest” (84) I believe they know a little but that part shows their limit of speaking it. I noticed that the color red is brought up frequently in the Children’s clothing. Kazuko’s mother says, “It’s too red, but my daughter, she likes red. I think it is lousy!”(51). The children like to dress in red but the mother calls it lousy I think it is humorous.
Michelle, I enjoyed reading about the Nihon Gakko picnic as well. It struck me as a Japanese-American potluck picnic. I specifically remember thinking that when the Japanese mothers went around to other families trading foods on page 76. I also thought it was odd that they had to go around, offer their food, and basically claim that it was terrible. Then the other family was obliged to take it and trade some of their “terrible” food in return. I’m glad that Sone told us how good the food actually was, because I was thrown off at first. “The pickles were very tasty, but propriety kept her [Mrs. Kato] from saying that they were even edible.” (76)
I really like your quote from page 78. Along with the food at the picnic, I think that it makes a strong case for your argument that the picnic was a meeting of Japanese and Japanese-American cultures.
-Edd
At the end of Nisei Daughter, I agree that she finally accepted the life she was given and of her Japanese and American heritage. But is it that easy? Through all of Kazuko’s experiences and getting out into the world, she was able to see life from different sides. She learned to accept her differences as being unique.