An Ushiro Family Visit
Trip Start
Oct 16, 2007
1
2
9
Trip End
Nov 07, 2007
Tabuse, Japan
Friday, October 19, 2007
It tok us abou 6 hours to get to Tokoyama, where we were greeted by Fujio-san. Fujio is the grandson of our great grandfather's brother and is the big brother of Yasunori, who we met yesterday. I met another Ushiro in two days. The name is starting to not feel as rare as i though now that we are meeting them frequently. Tabuse was about a 40 minute drive from Tokuyama. It was neatto see the land where my great grandfather was raised and how many relatives are still in the area. Upon arrival we were also greeted by two other Ushiro's, Kiyoko (Fujio's wife) and Toyoko (Fujio's mother). It was good to see how healthy are family is and how well they are doing. I was very happy. Toyoko is 92 years old and she is probably healthier than both my parents. She isable to walk and clean up around the house. And amazingly, were hearing is acute. It's quite remarkable.
We spent the night looking at photos of past times Turns out my great grandfather was a very important person in our family. He was a rich man compared to others in the family. He often bought gives for his relatives for he was given a great opportunity to live and work in Hawaii as a farmer. At the time, the dollar was a very powerful currency and the exchange rate was a whopping 365 yen to the dollar. With that type of exchange rate, my great grandfather was able to help lots of people. It was cool to see old pictures of my great grandfather and the family. It gave us a sense of belonging and a vivid understanding of where a part of me if from. After tonight, I am already calling this trip well worth it.
