Massachusetts Institute of Technology © 2011 Visualizing Cultures
When my father came back from the States, he
and I went on a 2-day retreat with a group of his colleagues. There were no other children.
We went to a beach lodge owned by his university.
I remember walking with him on the beach.
Site 08: Takiguchi Workshop
My Father
site 08 photo 1.1
I am with my father, fishing boat behind us.
site 08 photo 1.2
My father, clam digging
My dad was home only on Sundays, because of his long commute to work. Until recently, Saturday was both a work and a school day (1/2 day) in Japan. I did not get to spend as much time with him as I would have liked.
site 08 photo 1.3
Another father and son trip.
My father and I went on a University of Tokyo dormitory retreat. Dad was a Professor of Physics at the University. He worked on solid state and microwave research.
He commuted from Hiratsuka to the University. Each way took 2-1/2 hours.
site 08 photo 2.1
A formal portrait we sent to father when he was away in the States. Look at my mother’s hair–this is a type of wig worn with kimono. It is very heavy. She looks beautiful.
Mr. Takiguchi, the man I videotaped today in the workshop, seems to really enjoy his work on the Tanabata festival. He took over his father’s business, as a first-born son in Japan should.
My father did not take over his father’s noodle shop, but became a scientist instead. Like him, I became a professor. Was my grandfather upset because my father did not take over the family business?
site 08 photo 2.2
Haruyo and I in Yokohama, a port city, to meet mother and father who were returning by boat from San Francisco.
This is the end of my first day
in Hiratsuka. I am worn out. This “homecoming” is tiring. A long
and somewhat surprising first day
complete.
site 08 photo 2.3
Another photo of us in Yokohama.
