Yutaka Kikkawa
My grandfather, Yutaka Kikkawa, immigrated to the United States in 1961. He originally lived in Japan with his family until his early 20s, when he decided to leave Japan and come to America in hope of better opportunities. It was very hard for him to leave his culture, family, friends, and society he had grown to love in Japan. Even though he feared the uncertainty, he decided to leave for America.
My grandfather came to America because he was interested in studying medicine. In Japan, all his friends and family urged him to leave in hope of going to college at a university in America. He was able to get into University of California Irvine, a very difficult school to get into, which gave him motivation. However, he still struggled with the language barrier. He took basic online English courses while studying at UC Irvine. He struggled socially, and he did not have many friends because all of them knew how to speak English, and he was look down upon because he was Asian. He also had trouble adapting to the American culture, society, and way of life. Even simple things like eating, transportation, English slang, and relationships were all different. In Japan they would eat only authentic Japanese food, walk or take the train, and people’s interactions were much more formal.
My grandfather’s life changed forever when he met my grandmother. They were both living in Southern California at the time. They immediately fell in love. My grandfather would get English help from my grandmother, and overtime he started to become more fluent. He adapted to the culture and society, and eventually became to adore America. After my grandfather graduated, he secured a job at UC Irvine Medical Center and worked there for over 20 years. My grandparent’s started a family in Southern California, and my grandfather never had any intention of going back to Japan.
My grandfather’s choice to leave his life in Japan and come to America, is the reason why I am here. My grandfather was able to work through all the hardships he faced, and America went from the country of confusion for him to the country he would not leave. My grandfather’s hard work and ambition, ultimately led him to a life for of success and happiness.
