32.

Chieko had spent most of her life in Tokyo and had just come to Ashiya about six months before I met her. She knew much about the real city life that was invaluable to us later. We checked into a fashionable Japanese hotel and relaxed a- while after the long train trip. I told Chieko I would like to see some of the nightclubs but was afraid that an Amer- ican Dependent Wife might look out of place with a Japanese girl. Cheiko agreed, and said, "Ann I know of a boy who is a Neisei and speakes English like it was his own language, He is a half-brother of mine, his mother was English. He can be your chaperone."

I balked at this, I didn't mind her and Mama-san know- ing about this, for they understood and helped, but a boy!!? "No, no" she said, "he not laugh. He see many stage boy-girl-sans and he very sympathetic." I still had my doubts but I agreed to have him come over and talk before we made any decision.

In about an hour the door bell rang and my heart went into my throat. Chieko flew to the door and jumped into the incoming boy's arms. After a few minutes of welcome, she introduced him to me. It took awhile to get used to having a boy in the room, but soon I felt quite at ease, He was tall for a Japanese-American (Neisei) about 5'11" He said he was 20 also,

but thin.

9

I Cheiko explained what wanted and

he agreed to take me around. He certainly looked like an American and talked like one, even dressed like one entirely.

After about two hours of talking and some supper in the hotel room, I felt my confidance returning. I was more cur- ious than ever and could hardly wait to get started. Chieko said she would visit her parents. This startled me for I assumed that she would be going with us. However, she ex- plained that it would not seem right to take your maid to a nightclub. So with some mixed emotions and reluctance I began my first evening out in Tokyo.

The boy's Japanese name was Arieko, but he had given himself the American name of Jack. So, Jack and I made the rounds of Tokyo's best cupper clubs. He was a perfect host