This oral history interview with Corky T. Kawasaki was conducted by Etsu Osaki at Kawasaki’s home in Portland, Oregon, in two sessions, on April 12 and May 10, 1995. The interview was recorded as part of the Japanese American Oral History Project, which was conducted by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library to preserve the stories of Japanese Americans. In addition to the audio recording of the interview, a transcript is available.

In the first interview session, conducted on April 12, 1995, Kawasaki discusses his family background and early life in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, and talks about immigrating to the United States in 1924. He describes adjusting to life in the U.S., including learning to speak English and attending public schools in Seattle. He talks about operating a grocery store in the 1930s. He shares his memories of the aftermath of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan, including selling his store, and being incarcerated by the U.S. government at the Minidoka and Tule Lake camps. He talks about how his father ended up in Japan during World War II, describes living conditions in the camps, and discusses the work he did as executive director of the Chicago Resettlers Committee after the war ended. He discusses participating with the American Friends Service Committee in their Japan relief work, including helping to transport goats to Japan. He also talks about his decision to send his children to Quaker schools.

In the second interview session, conducted on May 10, 1995, Kawasaki discusses moving to Portland, and talks about owning and operating the Bush Garden restaurant, an upscale Japanese restaurant in downtown Portland. He speaks about his children, their families, and their careers. He talks about his retirement activities, including his involvement with the Japan Society. He closes the interview by talking about his marriage to Yuriko Kawasaki, and by sharing his personal philosophy.