Shoji Kumasaka

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Shoji Kumasaka (1884-1950) came to Seattle in 1907 and worked in greenhouses with other immigrants. He acquired the lease of a greenhouse at North 85 and Latona in 1911 at which time he sent for and married Matsumi (1887-1954), the eldest daughter of Tanematsu and Masa Ishii of Fukushima. 

Four children were born at this home: Akira (1912-1952), Mitsuko (1914), Mayko (1916), and Haruo (1910). It was during this time that many of Shoji's brothers and sisters came to Seattle.  The family visited Japan for a few months in 1918 and returned in time for Akira to start grade school. Mitsuko remained in Japan at the Ishii home for 10 years and returned to Seattle at the age of 14.

In 1919 the family moved to North 100 and Meridian where three children were born: Mariko (1921), Mutsuko (1923-1923) and Roland (1930). The greenhouses were so rundown an arrangement was made with the landlord in 1923 to rebuild three of them. This property was purchased in 1928 and named Green Lake Gardens. Additional greenhouses and structures were built in 1931, 1936 and 1938.

As the patriarch, Shoji had the respect and trust of the Kumasaka families. His leadership was evident when he served as an elder of the Japanese Presbyterian Church, an officer of the Japanese Community Club and president of the Furuya Company.

During the family's internment in Puyallup and Minidoka, Shoji was interned in Montana and New Mexico. By the time he was reunited with his wife and youngest son in Minidoka in 1943, the older children had relocated to Sugar City, Idaho, and Chicago, Illinois. Shoji, Matsumi and Roland moved to Vale, Oregon, to live and work with Mitsuko's family in 1945. 

They returned to Seattle in 1946 to help Akira and his family at Green Lake Gardens. The infliction of internment did not diminish Shoji's faith that the children would have the opportunity to live in freedom and to remain as a family.

He went to Japan for two months in 1949 to make sure that his father, brother, sisters and the Ishii family were all well.

The circle of responsibility and concern was complete.

Shoji and Matsumi survived the hardships of immigrants because of their Christian beliefs and values. Their moments of sadness and joy, their guidance with strength and understanding, these are their legacy to the family.