Seijiro Inose
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SEIJIRO INOSE 1897-1993
 |
| Seijiro Inose and Yoshiko Shibuya September 16, 1932 |
Seijiro Inose was born on August 1, 1897 in Toyota, Ishige-machi Ibaragi-ken, Japan. Seijiro is the second son of five children of Kumakichi Inose and Iwa Masuda. He first attended Shimozuma High School in Ibaragi-ken but became ill and had to recuperate for a few years. Due to better climate in Kanagawa-ken, Japan, Seijiro transferred to Fujisawa High School and graduated there in 1920.
Illustration 1, a photo of Seijiro age 20.
Illustration 1 – Seijiro Inose age 20 in Kanagawa-ken
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Descendants of Seijiro Inose and Yoshiko Shibuya
1. (Ken) Kenichi Inose (m. Kay Kayoko Sakai)
Donald Takashi Inose
Judy Inose (m. Gregory Boden Jobes)
Krislyn Kayoko Jobes
Jonathan (Jack) Steele Jobes
Robert Jiro Inose b. 8-2-66, d. 8-3-66
2. (Rose) Kiyoko Inose (m. Ray Isao Yoshiyama – d. 1-21-1992)
Kathy Akemi Yoshiyama (m. Craig Masayuki Handa)
Anthony Thomas Handa
Derek William Handa
Bryan Shoji Yoshiyama (m. Nancy Chiyeko Nozaki)
Lauren Kiyomi Yoshiyama
Lindsey Hisae Yoshiyama
Karen Sayuri Yoshiyama (m Alexander Bunuan)
Austin Takeo Bunuan
Brandon Takeji Bunuan
3. (Helen) Hiroko Inose (m. Masao George Sakamoto)
Steven Masao Sakamoto
Jeffery Yutaka Sakamoto (m. Carol Shizuyo Ito)
Jessica Mie Sakamoto
Tyson Masa Sakamoto
Diane Misako Sakamoto (m. (Lance) Tsuyoshi Kuramoto)
Corey Takeshita Kuramoto
Casey Mariko Kuramoto
4. Lily Yuriko Inose (m. David Takeshi Nakatani)
Cynthia Yoshie Nakatani (m. Niels Kirk Thomsen)
Thomas Thomsen (son of Niels Thomson)
Hanne Takeko Thomsen
Sharon Seiko Nakatani (m. James Alexander Goddard)
Helena Yuriko Goddard
Evelyn Yoshiko Goddard
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In 1920, Seijiro came to Los Angeles as the adopted son of his uncle, Inosuke Inose and wife, Sen, who were childless. Inosuke and Sen Inose were already in Los Angeles since 1901. Illustration 2, A photo of Seijiro Inose arriving to the USA
Illustration 2 – Sen Inose, Seijiro Inose, Inosuke Inose, Seijiro’s arrival to the USA in 1920.
Shortly after attending Central Jr. High and Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, Seijiro was admitted to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California and majored in Commerce. He initially majored in religion but changed to commerce. On weekends, he worked his way through college as an office clerk at the Nanka Nihonjin Byoin – Japanese Hospital of Southern California – where his adopted father, Inosuke Inose, was president.
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In 1928, Seijiro received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Commerce. In college, Seijiro chose the name Louis as an English name for himself. Sometimes you would see L.S. Inose on business cards and signatures.
Illustration 3 – USC graduation photo of Seijiro Inose
Illustration 3 – USC graduation photo of Seijiro Inose
In 1928, it was almost impossible for a Japanese person to seek employment at an American firm, so Seijiro joined his friend, Masaji Takeuchi, in the fertilizer and insecticide business.
Since Seijiro’s father was president of the hospital, Seijiro was acquainted with many of the doctors. One of the doctors was Dr. Suski. Dr. Suski had 4 daughters
Derek William Handa
Bryan Shoji Yoshiyama (m. Nancy Chiyeko Nozaki)
Lauren Kiyomi Yoshiyama
Lindsey Hisae Yoshiyama
Karen Sayuri Yoshiyama (m Alexander Bunuan)
Austin Takeo Bunuan
Brandon Takeji Bunuan
3. (Helen) Hiroko Inose (m. Masao George Sakamoto)
Steven Masao Sakamoto
Jeffery Yutaka Sakamoto (m. Carol Shizuyo Ito)
Jessica Mie Sakamoto
Tyson Masa Sakamoto
Diane Misako Sakamoto (m. (Lance) Tsuyoshi Kuramoto)
Corey Takeshita Kuramoto
Casey Mariko Kuramoto
4. Lily Yuriko Inose (m. David Takeshi Nakatani)
Cynthia Yoshie Nakatani (m. Niels Kirk Thomsen)
Thomas Thomsen (son of Niels Thomson)
Hanne Takeko Thomsen
Sharon Seiko Nakatani (m. James Alexander Goddard)
Helena Yuriko Goddard
Evelyn Yoshiko Goddard
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In 1920, Seijiro came to Los Angeles as the adopted son of his uncle, Inosuke Inose and wife, Sen, who were childless. Inosuke and Sen Inose were already in Los Angeles since 1901. Illustration 2, A photo of Seijiro Inose arriving to the USA
Illustration 2 – Sen Inose, Seijiro Inose, Inosuke Inose, Seijiro’s arrival to the USA in 1920.
Shortly after attending Central Jr. High and Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, Seijiro was admitted to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California and majored in Commerce. He initially majored in religion but changed to commerce. On weekends, he worked his way through college as an office clerk at the Nanka Nihonjin Byoin – Japanese Hospital of Southern California – where his adopted father, Inosuke Inose, was president.
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In 1928, Seijiro received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Commerce. In college, Seijiro chose the name Louis as an English name for himself. Sometimes you would see L.S. Inose on business cards and signatures.
Illustration 3 – USC graduation photo of Seijiro Inose
Illustration 3 – USC graduation photo of Seijiro Inose
In 1928, it was almost impossible for a Japanese person to seek employment at an American firm, so Seijiro joined his friend, Masaji Takeuchi, in the fertilizer and insecticide business.
Since Seijiro’s father was president of the hospital, Seijiro was acquainted with many of the doctors. One of the doctors was Dr. Suski. Dr. Suski had 4 daughters
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and lived near Temple St. Mrs. Suski and Sen Inose were good friends. Mrs. Suski pursued Seijiro for one of her daughters. Clara Suski was Nisei Week Queen and another daughter was editor of the Rafu Shimpo.
But Seijiro must have had other plans because in 1932, he returned to Tokyo, Japan to marry Yoshiko Shibuya. The two were married on September 16, 1932.
They honeymooned in Japan before returning to the United States.
In 1933, Kenichi Inose was born on September 18th. Kiyoko was born on March 8, 1935 and Hiroko was born on March 16, 1939. A family photo is shown in
Illustration 4.
Illustration 4 – family photo 1937
In 1934, Seijiro and his friend, Masaji Takeuchi, established the Union Chemical Products Company at San Julian St. near 9th St. in Los Angeles. They manufactured their own insecticide named “Blackbird 100 “. This product along with fertilizers
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were sold to the Japanese farmers in and around Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, Imperial Valley, Guadalupe and Santa Maria, California.
The business was quite prosperous but at the start of WWII, the company had to be closed. Not until almost 50 years later, did Seijiro divulge to his family that because of WWII and the relocation, he never collected on $100,000 due to the company by the farmers in Southern California.
On March 16, 1939, Hiroko was born in Los Angeles. The family at that time lived a good life in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California. A family photo is shown in
Illustration 5.
Illustration 5 - 1941
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At the start of WWII and Executive Order 9066, in May of 1942, the family entered Santa Anita Assembly Center, California. In October of 1942, the family was taken by train and were relocated to Rohwer Relocation Center in Arkansas. All the windows of the train were shuttered, and no one knew where they would eventually end up. Kiyoko remembers that the seats were covered with burlap
and the train was so slow. Hiroko came down with whooping cough (pertussis) and the family was given their own sleeping unit on the train.
Two events happened during their time at Rohwer. Seijiro had an uncle, Mr. Masuda, his birth mother’s brother who lived in Stockton, California before WWII.
Uncle Masuda was at the Gila River Relocation Camp in Arizona – where he passed away during the war. Seijiro asked for permission to attend the funeral and his request was granted. He traveled to Arizona by Greyhound Bus and posed as an American Indian as he traveled to Arizona and back.
Another time, Seijiro asked the superintendent of the Rohwer Camp if he could take his family to Little Rock to go shopping. Even if the time was at the height of WWII, the request was granted (son, Ken Inose is still astounded that Seijiro had the gumption to ask the superintendent for this request). The family also asked a neighborhood girl, named Yoko Umeda, to travel with them. They traveled by bus
to McGehee, Arkansas, to board a train to Little Rock. The family hadn’t seen the outside world in a long time and really enjoyed the trip. Ken remembers that they rode on a street car, and the family had the most delicious ice cream soda at a Walgreens Drug Store. The most astonishing fact is that even though the family was considered “enemy alien” – they were told to sit in the front of the streetcar and buses and not in the back with the black people.
The Relocation camp at Rohwer was organized by blocks. There were 40 blocks and 200 people in one block. Each block had a block manager and that manager got volunteers to do jobs in the camp – cooks, janitors, laundry, traffic managers, fire fighters, etc. If a person volunteered to do a job, he/she received $16.00 in pay per month. If you were a foreman in that job, the pay was $19.00 a month.
Seijiro volunteered to do several jobs – cook, crossing guard at the school, kept track of time for those who worked jobs in the camp, made natto, made geta (Japanese wooden slippers), entertained at social events doing magic tricks (will
and lived near Temple St. Mrs. Suski and Sen Inose were good friends. Mrs. Suski pursued Seijiro for one of her daughters. Clara Suski was Nisei Week Queen and another daughter was editor of the Rafu Shimpo.
But Seijiro must have had other plans because in 1932, he returned to Tokyo, Japan to marry Yoshiko Shibuya. The two were married on September 16, 1932.
They honeymooned in Japan before returning to the United States.
In 1933, Kenichi Inose was born on September 18th. Kiyoko was born on March 8, 1935 and Hiroko was born on March 16, 1939. A family photo is shown in
Illustration 4.
Illustration 4 – family photo 1937
In 1934, Seijiro and his friend, Masaji Takeuchi, established the Union Chemical Products Company at San Julian St. near 9th St. in Los Angeles. They manufactured their own insecticide named “Blackbird 100 “. This product along with fertilizers
6
were sold to the Japanese farmers in and around Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego, Imperial Valley, Guadalupe and Santa Maria, California.
The business was quite prosperous but at the start of WWII, the company had to be closed. Not until almost 50 years later, did Seijiro divulge to his family that because of WWII and the relocation, he never collected on $100,000 due to the company by the farmers in Southern California.
On March 16, 1939, Hiroko was born in Los Angeles. The family at that time lived a good life in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California. A family photo is shown in
Illustration 5.
Illustration 5 - 1941
7
At the start of WWII and Executive Order 9066, in May of 1942, the family entered Santa Anita Assembly Center, California. In October of 1942, the family was taken by train and were relocated to Rohwer Relocation Center in Arkansas. All the windows of the train were shuttered, and no one knew where they would eventually end up. Kiyoko remembers that the seats were covered with burlap
and the train was so slow. Hiroko came down with whooping cough (pertussis) and the family was given their own sleeping unit on the train.
Two events happened during their time at Rohwer. Seijiro had an uncle, Mr. Masuda, his birth mother’s brother who lived in Stockton, California before WWII.
Uncle Masuda was at the Gila River Relocation Camp in Arizona – where he passed away during the war. Seijiro asked for permission to attend the funeral and his request was granted. He traveled to Arizona by Greyhound Bus and posed as an American Indian as he traveled to Arizona and back.
Another time, Seijiro asked the superintendent of the Rohwer Camp if he could take his family to Little Rock to go shopping. Even if the time was at the height of WWII, the request was granted (son, Ken Inose is still astounded that Seijiro had the gumption to ask the superintendent for this request). The family also asked a neighborhood girl, named Yoko Umeda, to travel with them. They traveled by bus
to McGehee, Arkansas, to board a train to Little Rock. The family hadn’t seen the outside world in a long time and really enjoyed the trip. Ken remembers that they rode on a street car, and the family had the most delicious ice cream soda at a Walgreens Drug Store. The most astonishing fact is that even though the family was considered “enemy alien” – they were told to sit in the front of the streetcar and buses and not in the back with the black people.
The Relocation camp at Rohwer was organized by blocks. There were 40 blocks and 200 people in one block. Each block had a block manager and that manager got volunteers to do jobs in the camp – cooks, janitors, laundry, traffic managers, fire fighters, etc. If a person volunteered to do a job, he/she received $16.00 in pay per month. If you were a foreman in that job, the pay was $19.00 a month.
Seijiro volunteered to do several jobs – cook, crossing guard at the school, kept track of time for those who worked jobs in the camp, made natto, made geta (Japanese wooden slippers), entertained at social events doing magic tricks (will
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discuss magic hobby later in this document). Seijiro asked permission from camp supervisor if he could purchase pigeons for his magic tricks. Ken remembers that the pair of pigeons that arrived early during the camp years became over 100 pigeons when camp ended in 1945.
On August 7, 1945, the family left camp and relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, hoping to start a chicken farm. They boarded the train to New Orleans, and Ken remembers it was a chaotic scene with celebration because of the end of the war.
Seijiro made arrangements for a house with a big back yard. Since he wasn’t cleared to return to Los Angeles because he was still classified as “unnaturalized immigrant”, he planned to raise fryer chickens and hired a contractor to build some chicken houses. He felt that the contractor was going to take advantage of him, so he cancelled the job. It was then that Kiyoko was ill from the climate of New Orleans and Seijiro was now cleared to return to Los Angeles. In October of 1945, the family relocated back to Los Angeles.
The family was met at Union Station in Los Angeles by a family friend and were taken to the Evergreen Baptist Church Hostel as temporary housing. After 10 days, Seijiro moved the family to an apartment in Boyle Heights on Pleasant Avenue in Los Angeles. Seijiro went to work initially at a mattress factory, then he worked as a gardener’s helper in West Los Angeles where he thought of the idea to start a nursery.
In June 1946, he bought an acre of land in Gardena – 1615 W. 135th St. – for $6500.00. In addition to starting the nursery, Seijiro began preparing natto in the back room of the house and selling it to Hinode Tofu. He became known as the “Natto Man”.
Kiyoko remembers that initially at the Gardena property, there were a lot of farm animals. Nancy, the cow, came with the property and Mr. Johnson down the street gave the family a goat, a duck and a pig. The cow had a calf and Seijiro also raised rabbits and chickens. He sold eggs and made butter as well. Lily Yuriko was born on July 29, 1946. A photo of the 1615 W. 135th St property is shown in
Illustration 6 and 7.
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Illustration 6 – 1615 W. 135th St, Gardena, California house
Illustration 7 – 1615 W. 135th St, Gardena, California after nursery was established
In 1949, Seijiro started shipping nursery plants for dish gardens to the Eastern states, Midwest and Florida through his partner, Masaji Takeuchi, who relocated to New York after the war. See Illustration 8 for a photo of Mr. and Mrs. Takeuchi standing in the back of the house by the “garage” which was a former barn.
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Illustration 8 – Yoshi Inose, Ken Inose, Yuriko Inose, Masaji Takeuchi, Shizuko Takeuchi
Seijro worked very hard and saved money to take the entire family to Japan in June of 1950. The Korean War started while the family was on the ship traveling to Japan. See Illustration 9 and 10 a photo aboard the USS President Cleveland and a photo of the ship.
Illustration 9 -The family aboard the USS President Cleveland traveling to Japan
Ken – 16, Kiyoko -14, Hiroko- 11, Yuriko – 4
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Illustration 10– The USS Cleveland leaving from San Francisco for Japan
There were two reasons for this trip to Japan. One was that Seijiro’s cousin’s husband, Mr. Iwasaki was trying to take away Sen Inose’s home from her. Sen Inose is Seijiro’s adopted mother who lived in Asagaya, Tokyo, Japan. He had to deal with this problem. Another reason was that both Seijiro and Yoshiko were anxious to see their relatives and be reassured that they were all in good physical condition after the war.
Kiyoko remembers that on the train ride to Ibaraki from Tokyo, they saw remainders of the war – such as big holes made in the earth from bombs. She also remembers that when they arrived at the home in Ibaraki, the entry floor was made of dirt and the kitchen floor was dirt as well.
discuss magic hobby later in this document). Seijiro asked permission from camp supervisor if he could purchase pigeons for his magic tricks. Ken remembers that the pair of pigeons that arrived early during the camp years became over 100 pigeons when camp ended in 1945.
On August 7, 1945, the family left camp and relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, hoping to start a chicken farm. They boarded the train to New Orleans, and Ken remembers it was a chaotic scene with celebration because of the end of the war.
Seijiro made arrangements for a house with a big back yard. Since he wasn’t cleared to return to Los Angeles because he was still classified as “unnaturalized immigrant”, he planned to raise fryer chickens and hired a contractor to build some chicken houses. He felt that the contractor was going to take advantage of him, so he cancelled the job. It was then that Kiyoko was ill from the climate of New Orleans and Seijiro was now cleared to return to Los Angeles. In October of 1945, the family relocated back to Los Angeles.
The family was met at Union Station in Los Angeles by a family friend and were taken to the Evergreen Baptist Church Hostel as temporary housing. After 10 days, Seijiro moved the family to an apartment in Boyle Heights on Pleasant Avenue in Los Angeles. Seijiro went to work initially at a mattress factory, then he worked as a gardener’s helper in West Los Angeles where he thought of the idea to start a nursery.
In June 1946, he bought an acre of land in Gardena – 1615 W. 135th St. – for $6500.00. In addition to starting the nursery, Seijiro began preparing natto in the back room of the house and selling it to Hinode Tofu. He became known as the “Natto Man”.
Kiyoko remembers that initially at the Gardena property, there were a lot of farm animals. Nancy, the cow, came with the property and Mr. Johnson down the street gave the family a goat, a duck and a pig. The cow had a calf and Seijiro also raised rabbits and chickens. He sold eggs and made butter as well. Lily Yuriko was born on July 29, 1946. A photo of the 1615 W. 135th St property is shown in
Illustration 6 and 7.
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Illustration 6 – 1615 W. 135th St, Gardena, California house
Illustration 7 – 1615 W. 135th St, Gardena, California after nursery was established
In 1949, Seijiro started shipping nursery plants for dish gardens to the Eastern states, Midwest and Florida through his partner, Masaji Takeuchi, who relocated to New York after the war. See Illustration 8 for a photo of Mr. and Mrs. Takeuchi standing in the back of the house by the “garage” which was a former barn.
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Illustration 8 – Yoshi Inose, Ken Inose, Yuriko Inose, Masaji Takeuchi, Shizuko Takeuchi
Seijro worked very hard and saved money to take the entire family to Japan in June of 1950. The Korean War started while the family was on the ship traveling to Japan. See Illustration 9 and 10 a photo aboard the USS President Cleveland and a photo of the ship.
Illustration 9 -The family aboard the USS President Cleveland traveling to Japan
Ken – 16, Kiyoko -14, Hiroko- 11, Yuriko – 4
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Illustration 10– The USS Cleveland leaving from San Francisco for Japan
There were two reasons for this trip to Japan. One was that Seijiro’s cousin’s husband, Mr. Iwasaki was trying to take away Sen Inose’s home from her. Sen Inose is Seijiro’s adopted mother who lived in Asagaya, Tokyo, Japan. He had to deal with this problem. Another reason was that both Seijiro and Yoshiko were anxious to see their relatives and be reassured that they were all in good physical condition after the war.
Kiyoko remembers that on the train ride to Ibaraki from Tokyo, they saw remainders of the war – such as big holes made in the earth from bombs. She also remembers that when they arrived at the home in Ibaraki, the entry floor was made of dirt and the kitchen floor was dirt as well.
See Illustration 11, a family photo at Kamakura Diabutsu located in
Kamakura, Japan.
Illustration 11 – The family in front of the Kamakura Daibutsu 1950
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Illustration 12 – returned to San Francisco on the USS President Wilson - August 1950
The family returned home from Japan on August 1, 1950. They traveled on the USS President Wilson shown in Illustration 12. Seijiro and Yoshiko escorted Tokiko Ishida who was adopted by her uncle, Tenkai Ishida and his wife. The ship stopped in Honolulu prior to sailing on to San Francisco. They were met by Henry Luke who drove the family to see the sights of Honolulu. Mr. Luke was also an amateur magician, friends of Tenkai Ishida.
Seijiro Inose was an amateur magician. When Seijiro and Yoshiko were traveling to America after their marriage in Tokyo, they met Tenkai Ishida and his wife on a ship. Tenkai was a professional magician. He entertained the passengers on the ship with magic tricks. At that time, Seijiro began a friendship with Tenkai-san and also expressed an interest in doing magic tricks. In 1935, the Japanese amateur Magicians’ Society was formed in Los Angeles. The first president was Dr. Tsuneo Murakami from 1935-1955. The next president was Seijiro Inose from 1955 to the late 1960’s. Their instructor was the world-famous professional magician, Mr. Tenkai Ishida.
From 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Tenkai were living in Los Angeles. Mr. Tenkai performed magic in Japan, the East coast, Chicago, New Orleans, and sometimes appeared on television. He performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950’s. The Japanese Amateur Magicians’ Society held monthly meetings at each member’s home and Mr. Tenkai was very kind and eager to teach all the members various magic tricks.
The group won trophies at the 1938 and 1941 Pacific Coast Magician’s
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Conventions. After the war, the group again began to meet regularly. At the height of the groups’ formation, the Japanese Amateur Magicians’ Society held joint parties and performances quite often with the American Magicians’ Clubs.
They invited and conversely were invited to New Year parties, picnics, family gatherings, and various functions.
Mr. and Mrs. Tenkai returned to Japan in 1958 and they were very active and successful until Mr. Tenkai’s death in June 1972. As time went by, some members passed away, some went back to Japan, some quit, but the group still assembled together occasionally when magicians from Japan visited Los Angeles. Seijiro Inose was always asked to perform magic. He performed at various churches, parties, picnics, retirement homes, Cub Scout and Boy Scout parties, handicapped children’s parties, etc.
Illustration 11 – The family in front of the Kamakura Daibutsu 1950
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Illustration 12 – returned to San Francisco on the USS President Wilson - August 1950
The family returned home from Japan on August 1, 1950. They traveled on the USS President Wilson shown in Illustration 12. Seijiro and Yoshiko escorted Tokiko Ishida who was adopted by her uncle, Tenkai Ishida and his wife. The ship stopped in Honolulu prior to sailing on to San Francisco. They were met by Henry Luke who drove the family to see the sights of Honolulu. Mr. Luke was also an amateur magician, friends of Tenkai Ishida.
Seijiro Inose was an amateur magician. When Seijiro and Yoshiko were traveling to America after their marriage in Tokyo, they met Tenkai Ishida and his wife on a ship. Tenkai was a professional magician. He entertained the passengers on the ship with magic tricks. At that time, Seijiro began a friendship with Tenkai-san and also expressed an interest in doing magic tricks. In 1935, the Japanese amateur Magicians’ Society was formed in Los Angeles. The first president was Dr. Tsuneo Murakami from 1935-1955. The next president was Seijiro Inose from 1955 to the late 1960’s. Their instructor was the world-famous professional magician, Mr. Tenkai Ishida.
From 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Tenkai were living in Los Angeles. Mr. Tenkai performed magic in Japan, the East coast, Chicago, New Orleans, and sometimes appeared on television. He performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950’s. The Japanese Amateur Magicians’ Society held monthly meetings at each member’s home and Mr. Tenkai was very kind and eager to teach all the members various magic tricks.
The group won trophies at the 1938 and 1941 Pacific Coast Magician’s
13
Conventions. After the war, the group again began to meet regularly. At the height of the groups’ formation, the Japanese Amateur Magicians’ Society held joint parties and performances quite often with the American Magicians’ Clubs.
They invited and conversely were invited to New Year parties, picnics, family gatherings, and various functions.
Mr. and Mrs. Tenkai returned to Japan in 1958 and they were very active and successful until Mr. Tenkai’s death in June 1972. As time went by, some members passed away, some went back to Japan, some quit, but the group still assembled together occasionally when magicians from Japan visited Los Angeles. Seijiro Inose was always asked to perform magic. He performed at various churches, parties, picnics, retirement homes, Cub Scout and Boy Scout parties, handicapped children’s parties, etc.
Illustration 13 is a photo taken at the Magician’s
Conference in 1937. Mrs.Houdini, wife of the world-famous Harry Houdini, is seated in the middle and Seijiro Inose is standing in the third row to the left of Mrs. Houdini in the photo. Illustration 14, Seijiro Inose performing magic in the 1950’s.
Illustration 13 - Magician’s Conference 1937
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Illustration 14 - Seijiro Inose performing magic – 1950’s
In 1953, Seijiro and Yoshiko bought seven acres of land on Avalon Blvd near Alondra Blvd. in Gardena. He also bought a brand new green 1953 Buick Super.
The family took many vacations in the Buick. Almost every year, the family drove to Pismo Beach, CA to get Pismo clams (large clams about 3 inches wide).
Illustration 15 - trip to Crater Lake in the new Buick.
Illustration 15 - Trip to Crater Lake 1953 in the new green Buick Super
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Seijiro enjoyed cooking – something he practiced while in camp. He had a Chinese friend who taught him how to make Chinese food. One he was especially skilled at was preparing Ham Yuk. He also made hand-made udon, soba, tofu, tsukemono, Kenchin (Japanese stew), natto, and tokoroten . The smelliest food was Mexican tripe stew (menudo). Seijiro loved it but the rest of the family ran away when he prepared it. Thanksgiving in the 1950’s is shown in Illustration 16. A Family photo 1954 is shown in Illustration 17.
Illustration 16 - Thanksgiving turkey made by Seijiro Inose
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Illustration 17 - Family photo 1954
In 1956 Seijiro’s nephew, Isao Inose, immigrated to live in America. Isao was the son of Seijiro’s sister, Yasu. Isao was the first relative for the US Inose family to live in the US. In 1957, Kazuo Inose, son of Seijiro’s brother Saburo, also immigrated to live in the United States. Isao and Kazuo were the only relatives for the US Inose family who resided in the U.S. See Illustrations 18 and 19. Isao Inose is to the left of Seijiro in Illustration 18. Isao is to the left of Seijiro and Kazuo is seated on the right edge in Illutration 19
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Illustration 18 - nephew, Isao, comes to the USA
Illustration 19 - Isao’s parents’ visit 1969. On the right on the sofa is Sachiko and Kazuo Inose with son, Eugene
In 1958, Seijiro and Yoshiko built a new home designed by their good friend, Tom Makino. The nursery moved first, then the family moved into their new home in
the summer of 1958. Seijiro made a Japanese garden outside the terrace of the
living room which he was especially proud of. See Illustrations 20,21, and 22
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Illustration 20 – Front View of new home 16325 So. Avalon Blvd., Gardena, California
Illustration 21 - Tom Makino, Kimiko Shibuya, Yaeko Nagakura, Yoshiko Inose, Tsuneo
Nagakura, Tomoko Makino. Photo was taken at the Makino house.
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Illustration 22 - Seijiro in his newly created Japanese garden outside the living room of his new
home.
From 1964 until 1992, Seijiro and Yoshiko traveled to Japan multiple times. They
also traveled to Las Vegas many times with their friends, Tom and Tomoko
Makino.
Illustration 23 and 24 are photos during a tour of Japan and a photo with relatives.
Illustration 25 is a photo of Seijiro’s birth mother’s birthday celebration.
Illustration 23 one of many trips to Japan
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Illustration 24 - 1st row – Taka Yoshimizu, Yoshiko Inose, Saburo Inose, Michio Inose
2nd row – Seijiro Inose, Shuji Inose, Makoto Yoshimizu
3rd row – Makoto’s 2 daughters
Illustration 25 - Seijiro’s real mother, Iwa Masuda Inose, lived to 1963 and died at 96 years old.
She is surrounded by family celebrating her birthday.
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In 1974, the family celebrated Seijiro’s 77th birthday. All the relatives, his best
friends, and some of the long-time nursery workers were all invited. See
Illustration 26 and 27
Illustration 26 – special tree of 1000 cranes made for Seijiro Inose on his 77th birthday
Illustration 27 – all the guests of the 77th birthday celebration of Seijiro Inose
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Seijiro and Yoshiko had 10 grandchildren. The year 2006 would mark 100 years since the first graduate from the University of Southern California for the Inose family (Yoshiko Inose’s father’s graduation). See Illustrations 28 and 29.
Illustration 28- Steve Sakamoto, Jeffery Sakamoto, Bryan Yoshiyama, Donald Inose, Seijiro
Inose, Yoshiko Inose, Diane Sakamoto, Cynthia Nakatani, Sharon Nakatani, Judy Inose, Karen Yoshiyama, Kathy Yoshiyama 1985
Illustration 29 - Top row - Karen Yoshiyama Bunuan, Cynthia Nakatani, Nancy Yoshiyama, Judy
Inose Jobes, Diane Sakamoto Kuramoto Bottom row – Lily Inose Nakatani, David Nakatani , Jeffery Sakamoto, Alexander Bunuan
23
Seijiro, from early childhood, was basically a healthy person. He had perfect vision – even into old age. He had perfect teeth – no cavities – ever. He had low blood pressure – never took medication. However, he suffered from occasional asthma and bronchitis. Right after his marriage to Yoshiko and returning home to the US in 1932, Seijiro contracted yellow fever. Yoshiko thought at that time that if Seijiro passed away, she would return to Japan. But Seijiro recovered and lived to 95 years of age. However, he wanted to practice a really healthy lifestyle and become really fit. In 1932, he was very active in promoting Nishi-shiki Kenkoho. He became president of Nishi-shikikai which held monthly meetings. So, his family also practiced Nishi-shiki as much as possible. They all took hot/cold baths (there is a tub of hot water and a tub of cold water and the bather alternates from one to the other after washing), was told that sugar was “poison”, avoided eating anything with a red dye, ate natto and tofu, greens and salad all the time. Seijiro was actually advanced much before his time in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Seijiro Inose was also very active in the community.
1920’s President of Young Adults Assoc Higashi Hongwanji
1938-41 President of the Ibaragi Kenjinkai
1955-81 President of the Japanese Amateur Magician’s Society
President for over 20 years of the Nishi shiki Kenko-ho Kai
Member of board of directors - Zenshuji Soto Mission
Since 1949 – Riji (board of directors) of the Gardena Buddhist Church
1961-1962 President of PTC Gardena Buddhist Church Japanese School
Advisor to Omote Senke Shinwakai (Omote Senke Tea Ceremony Los Angeles)
Vice President of Omote Senke Domonkai (Omote Senke Tea Ceremony –
Southern California
Member of the Los Angeles Japanese Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Hyakudo-kai
Member of the Meiji Club
Member of the Dai Nippon Nokai
Member of the Japanese Cultural Society of America
Member of the Gardena Pioneer Center
In 1974 Seijiro received the “Ryokuhaku yokosho” award from the Dai Nippon Nokai – a special agricultural award from The Great Japan Agricultural Society.
24
And in 1980, Seijiro was selected as one of the Nisei Week Pioneers and rode in the Nisei Week Parade. See Illustrations 30 and 31
Illustration 30– Awards and certificates from Nisei Week 1980
Illustration 31 – Riding in the Nisei Week Parade as Nisei Week Pioneer
25
On May 29, 1993, Seijiro Inose passed away at the age of 95.
Conference in 1937. Mrs.Houdini, wife of the world-famous Harry Houdini, is seated in the middle and Seijiro Inose is standing in the third row to the left of Mrs. Houdini in the photo. Illustration 14, Seijiro Inose performing magic in the 1950’s.
Illustration 13 - Magician’s Conference 1937
14
Illustration 14 - Seijiro Inose performing magic – 1950’s
In 1953, Seijiro and Yoshiko bought seven acres of land on Avalon Blvd near Alondra Blvd. in Gardena. He also bought a brand new green 1953 Buick Super.
The family took many vacations in the Buick. Almost every year, the family drove to Pismo Beach, CA to get Pismo clams (large clams about 3 inches wide).
Illustration 15 - trip to Crater Lake in the new Buick.
Illustration 15 - Trip to Crater Lake 1953 in the new green Buick Super
15
Seijiro enjoyed cooking – something he practiced while in camp. He had a Chinese friend who taught him how to make Chinese food. One he was especially skilled at was preparing Ham Yuk. He also made hand-made udon, soba, tofu, tsukemono, Kenchin (Japanese stew), natto, and tokoroten . The smelliest food was Mexican tripe stew (menudo). Seijiro loved it but the rest of the family ran away when he prepared it. Thanksgiving in the 1950’s is shown in Illustration 16. A Family photo 1954 is shown in Illustration 17.
Illustration 16 - Thanksgiving turkey made by Seijiro Inose
16
Illustration 17 - Family photo 1954
In 1956 Seijiro’s nephew, Isao Inose, immigrated to live in America. Isao was the son of Seijiro’s sister, Yasu. Isao was the first relative for the US Inose family to live in the US. In 1957, Kazuo Inose, son of Seijiro’s brother Saburo, also immigrated to live in the United States. Isao and Kazuo were the only relatives for the US Inose family who resided in the U.S. See Illustrations 18 and 19. Isao Inose is to the left of Seijiro in Illustration 18. Isao is to the left of Seijiro and Kazuo is seated on the right edge in Illutration 19
17
Illustration 18 - nephew, Isao, comes to the USA
Illustration 19 - Isao’s parents’ visit 1969. On the right on the sofa is Sachiko and Kazuo Inose with son, Eugene
In 1958, Seijiro and Yoshiko built a new home designed by their good friend, Tom Makino. The nursery moved first, then the family moved into their new home in
the summer of 1958. Seijiro made a Japanese garden outside the terrace of the
living room which he was especially proud of. See Illustrations 20,21, and 22
18
Illustration 20 – Front View of new home 16325 So. Avalon Blvd., Gardena, California
Illustration 21 - Tom Makino, Kimiko Shibuya, Yaeko Nagakura, Yoshiko Inose, Tsuneo
Nagakura, Tomoko Makino. Photo was taken at the Makino house.
19
Illustration 22 - Seijiro in his newly created Japanese garden outside the living room of his new
home.
From 1964 until 1992, Seijiro and Yoshiko traveled to Japan multiple times. They
also traveled to Las Vegas many times with their friends, Tom and Tomoko
Makino.
Illustration 23 and 24 are photos during a tour of Japan and a photo with relatives.
Illustration 25 is a photo of Seijiro’s birth mother’s birthday celebration.
Illustration 23 one of many trips to Japan
20
Illustration 24 - 1st row – Taka Yoshimizu, Yoshiko Inose, Saburo Inose, Michio Inose
2nd row – Seijiro Inose, Shuji Inose, Makoto Yoshimizu
3rd row – Makoto’s 2 daughters
Illustration 25 - Seijiro’s real mother, Iwa Masuda Inose, lived to 1963 and died at 96 years old.
She is surrounded by family celebrating her birthday.
21
In 1974, the family celebrated Seijiro’s 77th birthday. All the relatives, his best
friends, and some of the long-time nursery workers were all invited. See
Illustration 26 and 27
Illustration 26 – special tree of 1000 cranes made for Seijiro Inose on his 77th birthday
Illustration 27 – all the guests of the 77th birthday celebration of Seijiro Inose
22
Seijiro and Yoshiko had 10 grandchildren. The year 2006 would mark 100 years since the first graduate from the University of Southern California for the Inose family (Yoshiko Inose’s father’s graduation). See Illustrations 28 and 29.
Illustration 28- Steve Sakamoto, Jeffery Sakamoto, Bryan Yoshiyama, Donald Inose, Seijiro
Inose, Yoshiko Inose, Diane Sakamoto, Cynthia Nakatani, Sharon Nakatani, Judy Inose, Karen Yoshiyama, Kathy Yoshiyama 1985
Illustration 29 - Top row - Karen Yoshiyama Bunuan, Cynthia Nakatani, Nancy Yoshiyama, Judy
Inose Jobes, Diane Sakamoto Kuramoto Bottom row – Lily Inose Nakatani, David Nakatani , Jeffery Sakamoto, Alexander Bunuan
23
Seijiro, from early childhood, was basically a healthy person. He had perfect vision – even into old age. He had perfect teeth – no cavities – ever. He had low blood pressure – never took medication. However, he suffered from occasional asthma and bronchitis. Right after his marriage to Yoshiko and returning home to the US in 1932, Seijiro contracted yellow fever. Yoshiko thought at that time that if Seijiro passed away, she would return to Japan. But Seijiro recovered and lived to 95 years of age. However, he wanted to practice a really healthy lifestyle and become really fit. In 1932, he was very active in promoting Nishi-shiki Kenkoho. He became president of Nishi-shikikai which held monthly meetings. So, his family also practiced Nishi-shiki as much as possible. They all took hot/cold baths (there is a tub of hot water and a tub of cold water and the bather alternates from one to the other after washing), was told that sugar was “poison”, avoided eating anything with a red dye, ate natto and tofu, greens and salad all the time. Seijiro was actually advanced much before his time in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Seijiro Inose was also very active in the community.
1920’s President of Young Adults Assoc Higashi Hongwanji
1938-41 President of the Ibaragi Kenjinkai
1955-81 President of the Japanese Amateur Magician’s Society
President for over 20 years of the Nishi shiki Kenko-ho Kai
Member of board of directors - Zenshuji Soto Mission
Since 1949 – Riji (board of directors) of the Gardena Buddhist Church
1961-1962 President of PTC Gardena Buddhist Church Japanese School
Advisor to Omote Senke Shinwakai (Omote Senke Tea Ceremony Los Angeles)
Vice President of Omote Senke Domonkai (Omote Senke Tea Ceremony –
Southern California
Member of the Los Angeles Japanese Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Hyakudo-kai
Member of the Meiji Club
Member of the Dai Nippon Nokai
Member of the Japanese Cultural Society of America
Member of the Gardena Pioneer Center
In 1974 Seijiro received the “Ryokuhaku yokosho” award from the Dai Nippon Nokai – a special agricultural award from The Great Japan Agricultural Society.
24
And in 1980, Seijiro was selected as one of the Nisei Week Pioneers and rode in the Nisei Week Parade. See Illustrations 30 and 31
Illustration 30– Awards and certificates from Nisei Week 1980
Illustration 31 – Riding in the Nisei Week Parade as Nisei Week Pioneer
25
On May 29, 1993, Seijiro Inose passed away at the age of 95.
Illustration 32 is a photo at the Cremation service at Pacific Crest
Cemetery in Torrance. Seijiro and
Yoshiko Inose are intered together at Green Hills Cemetery in Palos Verdes, California.
Illustration 32 - Seijiro Inose Cremation Service.
Yoshiko Inose are intered together at Green Hills Cemetery in Palos Verdes, California.
Illustration 32 - Seijiro Inose Cremation Service.
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