Masha, Ira and Nastia, How are you!

I am very glad to know that you are reading my story eagerly. Here are answers for your good questions.

Question 1: Sea weed we ate in the camp.

They did not feed us with water weed which grows in the river or lake. They fed us with sea weed called Konbu. Japanese, Chinese and other Asians use this sea weed as a important seasoning for soup and other dish. However they should not be served as the principal food. It was a tragedy caused because Russians did not know our culture well at that time.

Question 2: When we became ill were we sent to a hospital?

There was a medical office in the camp. There were both Russian and Japanese doctors. Serious cases were forwarded to a hospital in another city. I suffered frostbite on my little finger or erroneously cut the top side of the foot with an ax. So I went to the clinic. In such case, I did not go to work but rested in the camp. My frostbitten finger cured in one month or so.

Question 3: Why it was not allowed to bring paper out of Russia?

It was the policy of Russian government. I guess that they did not want Americans to know information such as the life in the camp, topography, armaments, etc., because of the cold war between America and Russia.

Question 4: How many of us survived?

It is said that total number of Japanese prisoners of war in Siberia was approx. 600,000. It is estimated that out of the figure, approx. 60,000 died. Even now, already since 50 years has passed but we do not know accurate figure. It is very regrettable and sad for us. The reason why we can not accurate figure may be attributed to the fact that diplomatic negotiations between two countries are not going smoothly.

There were two camps in Cherenhovo and were approx. 3000 Japanese. 521 are buried in Grishevo graveyard. As I have explained the most of them passed away in 1946 when food supply was worst. When I visited the graveyard in June 1992, there were no tombstone nor gravemaker. They lay calmly under the mound in Topoli wood. The visit is a sad memory for me.

Question 5: What I am doing now? Do I tell my experience in Siberia to Japanese?

I am a pensioner. Everyday, I take care of roses and other plants in my garden, mow the grass. Roses are now in full bloom. I enjoy listening music while I am working in the garden. When it rains, I stay at home to study computer, Russian and Chinese. I have many young friends with whom I study. I enjoy communicating with friends all over Japan.

I feel quite happy that I got acquainted with Lena-san and with help of my friend in Tokyo, I have this opportunity to talk with you in the summer camp. This is one of the most enjoyable harvest in my life.

About my life in Siberia and experience during the war, I talk to various people at various occasions. Especially, I have many opportunity this year as it is 50 years since the end of the war.

For my grandchildren, I have a notebook titled "A message to my grandchildren in which I write my story and add articles every year and hand it to them. They may be too young to fully understand what I wrote. I wish they will read it again when they grow up. My wish is that they will grow up to be people who respect peace, culminating friendship with neighbors.

Question 6: What I think about change in Russia?

It is a tough question!
People shall have right to select a form of government by themselves. What your people have chosen is very important and shall be respected. Some sort of reform seems to be desirable as time advances.

As I saw previous Russia when I was in Siberia, I estimate that this reform will continues with difficult economical conditions. I should say it is a process to materialize democracy in Russia.

Sorry for a rather complicated answer.
Please discuss with your teacher Lena-san. Interpret and judge the discussion carefully by yourself.

Question 7: When I will visit Russia again?

I started to learn Russian language at the age of 68 to visit the graveyard of our friends and to visit Hermitage. I could visited the graveyard in 1992. I could not manage to visit Hermitage yet. My Russian is not improving as planned.

I am already 75 years and have to consider whether I have enough energy to bear the long trip.

However, I have not yet given up my dream to go to Hermitage. It may be easier to visit Sakhalin as it is much closer. I will not give up.

Question 8: Climate in Hokkaido

It is not as cold as in Siberia. However in Rumoi once or twice it becomes minus 30C during the coldest season of the year. It snows very heavy in Rumoi. Japan is a long country which lay vertilaclly from the north to the south. Tokyo is not as cold as Hokkaido. There is a big difference. The southernmost island, Okinawa is located in the subtropical zone. Perpetual summer or spring. Hokkaido is the coldest area in Japan. It snows much here, and ice will float to shore in winter. But I love Hokkaido best.

Question 9: What kind of music I like?

I like to listen to music in general. As I have told you, I set speakers outside of the house to listen to music while I am taking care of flowers and mowing glass. There is a theory that flower will have better scent, beautiful color and nicer fruit. I enjoy classical music. I can not forget Russian music I learned while I was in Siberia.

Tchaikovsky and Rafmaninov are my favorite composers. As to Russian folk songs, I sometime like to sing snatches of songs such as "By the Lake Bikal", "Kachusha" and "Moskovnuie vecher".

Recently I accessed the Rolling Stone's homepage and got their music. I hear that once they were the most popular groups in the world. I listened to their music but not to my taste. Not hard but calm music seems to good for aged people.

What song is popular now in Russia? I hear old Russian folk songs are not so popular nowadays. Is it true? My answer seems to get too long.

I hope your life in the camp will be fruitful.

Dear Masha, Ira and Nascha, I wish your happiness.

Shiro Takeda