Daughter Nisei by Monica Sone tells the true autobiographic tale of growing up as a young Japanese-American on Seattles waterfront during the 1930s, the experience of being "relocated" during World War II, and her initial adjustment to life outside Camp Harmony. Monica (Kazuko) story is told from her personal perspective in a chronological narrative highlighting the high points of her life. Kazuko is initially shocked to find out she has Japanese blood in her, "one day when I was six-year-old, I made the shocking discovery that I had Japanese blood. I was Japanese" (3). Young Kazuko at this early stage in her life was not concerned with whether or not she was "plant or animal" (3). Kazuko up until this time has believed that she was a Yankee due to the fact that is what she hears the hotel guests call her. Kazuko is generally confused on her identity at such a young age it is not hard to understand her confusion and relate to a young individual who is trying to figure out where exactly she fits into this world. At the age of six her parents decide it is important for her to attend Nihon Gakko a Japanese school after grammar school every night. Kazuko was initially concerned by stating "So thats what it meant to be a Japanese to lose my afternoon play hours! I fiercely resented this sudden intrusion of my blood into my affairs" (4). This lack of understanding is typical of a young child who does not fully grasp the ideas of culture or heritage. Kazuko is Japanese in the sense that her parents are both Japanese immigrants, coming over the United States in the early 1900s. Kazukos family also observed Japanese holidays such as Tenchosetsu the celebration of the current Emperors birthday. Her family also participated in Nihon Gakkos annual picnic called a undo-kai. This picnic which was held in June included the whole Japanese community, Kazuko describes the event as "The Japanese school picnic was one occasion when every Japanese in the community turned out and all parents
bought new clothes for their children" (71). The picnic was an event that allowed the Japanese community to come together and celebrate their proud heritage. Kazukos parents decide that the family will visit her grandfather in Japan. Kazuko will find out later in life the reason that her grandfather is unable to come to America to visit is due to an immigration law that kept all Orientals from migrating to the United States. One will be distraught with emotion after reading Kazukos touching account of her grandfather Ojih-chans touching story he makes up so the children are not upset "We didnt understand, but we nodded our heads for he looked so sad and wistful even when he smiled" (107). Kazukos experience was mixed the children even though they were Japanese found themselves outcasts and foreigners. In Japan they were considered Americans and therefore outcasts and at home in Seattle they were considered Japanese and outcasts. Originally the Japanese children disliked Kazuko and her brothers "At first we had to play by ourselves for the neighborhood children had taken an immediate dislike to us" Unlike (96). most Japanese-Americans Kazukos family celebrated a more American style New Years staying away from most Japanese New Years traditions "It was customary for the Japanese to eat buckwheat noodles on New Years Eve, but every year whenever Mother wondered aloud whether she should make some, we voted it down. Father said, ,,No noodles for me either, Mama. A good hot cup of coffee is what will please me most."(82), this is a prime example of the influence of American culture on Itoi family. Originally Monica does not accept her Japanese heritage in fact she does not really seem to even begin to understand it until she travels to Japan with her family. Later when she is the sanitarium she realizes how her Japanese culture has made the Nisei girls who were taught that "The important thing was to sit quietly and let the other folks talk about what they wanted to talk about, smile agreeably at all times, and keep the guests teacup brimming full" (142). These
actions would be considered cold and rude to Americans who are taught to converse with new acquaintances. In her first night at Camp Harmony Kazuko has many fears and doubts about her current life "What was I doing behind a fence like a criminal? If there were accusations to be made, why hadnt I been given a fair trial? Maybe I wasnt considered an American anymore. My citizenship wasnt real, after all. Then what was I? I was certainly not a citizen of Japan as my parents were. On second thought, even Father and Mother were more alien residents of the United States than Japanese nationals for they had little tie with their mother country. In their twenty-five years in America, they had worked and paid their taxes to their adopted government as any other citizen" (177). This realization shook her beliefs of the American born in her. Towards the end of her tale we get a great look into how she felt as an adult. Her conflict with her American and Japanese heritage is over. She tells her idea to her parents that "If only you knew how much I have changed about being a Nisei. It wasnt such a tragedy. I dont resent my Japanese blood anymore. Im proud of it, in fact, because of you and the Issei whove struggled so much for us. Its really nice to be born into two cultures, like getting a real bargain in life, two for the price of one. The hardest part, I guess, is the growing up, but after that, it can be interesting and stimulating. I used to feel like a two-headed monstrosity, but now I find that two heads are better than one." (236).This quote is easily the most important group of sentences in the book. It clearly shows Kazukos growth throughout her life as a Nisei daughter. The emotion a reader feels for Kazuko a person who has grown up through so much turmoil, hate, discrimination, and confusion. It is remarkable to witness the clarity and the peace she has with such a rocky past and her ability to not harbor any hate or dislike towards any one specific group. Any American reader is sure to walk away with a sense of shame for the way
Kazuko and her family are treated just because of the Japanese blood running throughout their veins.