Life in Japan and the decision to move to America

Toshiro and Keiko share stories of their upbringing in Kosa, a small village alongside the Midori River in Kumamoto Prefecture. Their paths begin to converge as a common relative through marriage sponsors their immigration.

Toshiro watches Japan disappear from sight as he sets sail for the two-week ride to San Francisco. Upon arrival, a relative picks him up and takes him to Clarksburg where he works on a farm, at a grocery store, and to his surprise, the U.S. army.