Last year, NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, aired an episode of its popular program “Tokoro’s Case Files” featuring the emotional journey of third and fourth-generation Japanese Americans from Hawaii as they visited the birthplace of their first-generation ancestors.
The first-generation Japanese immigrants (Issei) endured unimaginable hardships after leaving their homeland and crossing the ocean. Their descendants, the second and third generations, faced the additional trials of World War II, including the tragic internment of Japanese Americans. Against this tumultuous historical backdrop, the story of a Japanese-American family retracing their roots moved many viewers.
The protagonists of this story were third and fourth-generation Japanese Americans living in Hawaii, whose ancestor was originally from Okinawa. Their journey began with a visit to the location where their first-generation relative once lived. However, they were met with a bitter reality: the area had been turned into a U.S. military base, and they couldn’t enter. This irony—that their ancestor’s birthplace was now inaccessible—left them with a deep sense of disappointment.
But the journey didn’t end there. Their efforts to locate living relatives bore fruit, and they reunited with two family members. Among the most poignant moments was meeting the 100-year-old niece of their first-generation ancestor. For her, hearing about her uncle who had crossed the ocean was a childhood memory, but meeting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in person felt like a dream come true.
The journey concluded with a visit to the cemetery where their ancestor was laid to rest. Standing at the gravesite, one fourth-generation family member said with heartfelt emotion, “This place has become an irreplaceable treasure for me.” This remark captured the profound connection they felt and their gratitude for rediscovering their family ties.
Watching this program reminded me of the importance of understanding our family history. Creating family trees and investigating one’s ancestry can yield remarkable connections and unforgettable experiences, as demonstrated in this story.
If you’re curious about your roots or want to explore your family’s history, why not take the first step now? You may just uncover discoveries that will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.
Photo Julie Fader
