Diary+Entry+2+Emily+Park

Diary 2 (MEETING WITH YAMAMOTO IROSOKU) February 7, 1940

Today my parents asked me to go with them to the factory where they work so they could introduce me to the Japanese owner, Mr. Irosoku. I went with a sad heart. My dream is to go to college. My parents assure me that they will send me as soon as they have the money, but when will that ever be? It has almost been half a year since I graduated, and they have no more money now than they did then. I fear that if I start working in the same factory, my dream may soon die.

When I got to the factory this morning, it was bustling with Korean workers starting up their sewing machines for the day and chatting loudly among one another. My parents led me directly to Mr. Irosoku’s office, but he was not there so they told me to wait while they went to their work stations to get ready. About ten minutes later, a Japanese man who appeared to be in his 50s walked toward the office. I stood up immediately to bow and asked, “are you, Mr. Irosoku?” He responded that he was Yamamoto Irosoku, the brother of the owner, Hiro Irosoku. Yamamoto said he was in town visiting his cousin, Hiro, from Japan.

As we waited for Mr.Irosoku to arrive, Yamamoto and I chatted. He told me about how Japanese fought and achieved in China-Japanese war last year and he talked about how Japanese Navy is honorable job to do and is the strongest military of all countries. I was amazed how Japanese achieved a lots of things. Before I heard of these, I was in a closed cage with no windows. After I heard of these, I want to get out of this cage and know lot more about it. I want to see about Japanese culture and lifestyle. Also he asked me if I could be one of his soldier. At first I was worried about my family but after Mr. lrosoku said that he will take good care over family and by becoming a soldiers I could get a lot of money so I accepted his request. I don’t know when I am coming back to my hometown but I wish there are more than I think.