Kazuko+Yoshi+8+February+1938

8 February 1938 Kazuko Yoshi

Dear Diary, it's been a little over a year since I've been engaged to Man Sook. Yes, you might find the term "engaged" weird, but nope we are not officially married. In Korea, it is illegal for a Japanese woman to be on the marriage record - so I don't even exist on the record. Man Sook has an elder brother, which makes it a bit easier. Our first son, Sang-Bo, was born three months ago, and we had to put him as Man Sook's brother's son for the record.

Learning Korean has been and is actually the hardest task I have attempted in my life. The vowel system is totally different, and the pronunciation is quite unique. However, the order and structure, and the fact that it takes basis from the mouth shape is just so beautiful. I am learning new words every day as my nice, handsome husband-teacher teaches me.

As I help out Man Sook's mother and father with the farming, I don't really have a hard time earning their favors. I was actually the main helper back in Nagoya, doing the main chores everyday. Korea and Japan have similar climate, so adjusting to Korean farming wasn't arduous. I kinda regret viewing Korea as undeveloped and low in technology. From what I see, Japanese propaganda affected my viewpoints a lot. Throughout the year, the crop system clearly proves that Korean agriculture is great. Since the Japanese take away all the food and crops, the Koreans are still hungry...

In the household, I back cookies and bread for the family. I even baked some for myself when I was pregnant, since I was hungry a lot but there wasn't sufficient food. Man Sook's elder brother is now moving out of the house, since he has to work with the Japanese and earn some savings.

My mother and brothers returned to Japan exactly 3 months ago, after our short visit to Seoul. While I was there, I met a young girl on the streets name Yoon-Joo. She was crying for so long that I couldn't just walk past her. Using the basic Korean I knew, she explained her job as a comfort woman to the Japanese. I felt terrible and pity for her, thinking of the psychological confusion and shock she would receive. I witnessed her getting taken away by Keisuke, on to a Kuangtong army truck.

I had a sad farewell with my family but I don't regret choosing my husband. True love comes rarely, and following my heart has proved me correct for the past year. I know they wouldn't probably come back, but I do dearly miss my mother's presence.