Kadena 65-66/ Naha 70-71
by dy95I was delighted to find this site and read all the wonderful memories of others. My Dad was stationed at Kadena around 1966. Although I was only 6 yrs old, it was a most memorable time in my life! We lived off-base at first, and I remember walking down the hill with my Mom to buy fresh bread at the bakery. Whenever I smell fresh-baked bread, I picture that time of my life. There was also the time the Okinawan neighbor began pounding on our front door screaming in a very foreign language. Upon opening the door, we discovered that one of the small children had hit their brother/sister in the head with a large concrete block! Quite distressing for my Mom. Maybe this explains my penchant for old horror movies? I also remember a book store, which I believe was called “Tuttles”. At Naha, around 1970, I attended the elementary school at the top of the hill. Also spent many days exploring “Devil’s Cave” which was right across the street from our house. When I had saved up enough allowance, I’d go out the front gate to the Blue Store and spend my small fortune on Felix bubblegum, cracker balls and other assorted fireworks. My fondest memories concern our housekeeper while we were there. Her name was Hatseko and she quickly became a friend and member of our family. I often wonder if she recalls those times as well…
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Wow me to. I lived there four times and it is home to my soul. Each time i went back it was great but not as great as the time befor. I was at Naha air base (no longer ther) and kadena while my father was in the air force and thin i was stationed at kedina twice whin i was in the air force. If i ever go back they will have to pry my dead bones out of the okinawa soil to make me leave. I loved the island, the people, the culture, and even the weather.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Hi, I was reading your blog and noticed that your housekeeper was Hatseko, do you know if her last name was Nokosona? My father was also stationed in Okinawa in the 1960’s and we lived at Kadena circle and our housekeepers name was Hatseko. She was also like family to us, she called me her little morning flower. I loved her so much. My family tryed to get her and her family to come to the states with us when we left Okinawa. She sent us a letter in July 1967 and said that she was working for a very nice family and they were so kind to her. I would love to go back to Okinawa and see if she is still there. If you have any pictures of Hatseko please let me know I would love to have a copy of them, the only pictures we have are on 8mm films that’s all we had back then. Please email at adean7@sbcglobal.net if you can remember anything about Hatseko I would appreciate knowing how she and her family were after we left the islands. Thanks and God Bless