Kazuko+Yoshi+14+December+1941

Pacific attack Pearl Harbor

14 December 1941 Kazuko Yoshi

It's already been three years. Everyday life here in Korea hasn't changed too much. I see the same things everyday - rape, murder, lack of food, starvation, and all sorts of problems. But look at our family, with my 3 year old son - we are living probably the best standard of living in Dang Jin since I'm getting supported by my dad who's currently meeting general Isoroku at Hiroshima. I received a letter from him, and was notified that Japan will launch a secret attack on the Pearl Harbor, which is in the Pacific Coast of the United States. I was in great shock! Is Japan certainly that strong? To face one of the biggest influential countries, America? I mean, even until a few decades ago, Japan was in lack of warfare technology, therefore learning from the Japanese themselves! Unbelievable...

My three year old son is the second problem I have everyday. He has all the attention, but it's really hard to be a single mom in a country that's not my homeland. His name is Kamoo, and he looks just like his father. Man Sook left after Kamoo's birth, to become part of this war in a different area. I know it was hard to accept this sudden goodbye, but I was expecting it, so it wasn't too abrupt. Kamoo needs all the attention and support he can, especially since he is half-half. Although in my opinion, he looks just like any other Korean kid. Perhaps he is actually a bit sticking out, and he's unique - he can form a multicultural identity under my help. I hope Korea gains independence soon so everything can come back to normal, and I could allow my child to have the proper education. His father was a wise man, so I don't want to waste his hidden capability. And lastly, I would love to see my mother and father...after everything between the nations settles.

My mother in law and father in law are very conservative. It's hard to talk to, especially since Man Sook is gone. I fell terrible sometimes, with the cultural clashes, like eating separately and having a more active response to almost everything. My shi-bumoneem (시부모님 : in law parents) are definitely annoyed sometimes, since they want silence. And of course they always worry about Man Sook.. he hasn't written back home for a long long time.