Interview with Alex and Donna Yanoshita

Alex Yanoshita and Donna Yanoshita's interview was conducted on April 25, 2012 by Lisa Uyeda.

Alex Naoyoshi Yanoshita was born on March 13th, 1922, in Mission, British Columbia. Alex is the fifth child out of nine siblings. The interview begins with Alex sharing his childhood memories growing up on his family’s farm with his big family. He also recalls memories of his mother, whom he lost when he was seven years old. Alex also describes the forced removal of his family during the Second World War, their relocation to Alberta, and the harsh living and working conditions his family endured while labouring on sugar beet farms. After the war, Alex and his family moved to Chatham, Ontario, where he got a job as a stationary engineer for the local flour mill. Later, Alex got a job with Ford Motor Company, working as a skilled trades worker, which transferred him to Windsor, Ontario. Halfway through the interview, the discussion shifts to Donna Yoko Yanoshita.  Donna was born on February 19th, 1930, in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is the oldest of four sisters. Throughout her part of the interview, she shares her childhood memories living in Kamloops, British Columbia, attending St. Anne’s Academy with her sister, and working as a schoolgirl. During the Second World War, Donna and her family were interned due to the War Measures Act and were relocated to a self-supporting camp in Grand Forks, British Columbia.