All I Asking for Is My Body summary

Struggles of a Japanese Immigrant Family

In All I Asking for Is My Body by Milton Murayama, we follow the life of Kiyoshi Oyama, a young Japanese boy growing up in the harsh conditions of the Hawaiian sugar plantations. The novel begins with the Oyama family's arrival in Hawaii, their struggles to adapt to the new environment, and the challenges they face working for the plantation owners. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, a time of extreme poverty and social upheaval.

Kiyoshi, or Kiyo as he is often called, grows up under the strict control of his father, who embodies the traditional Japanese values of hard work, obedience, and respect for authority. His father, a loyal plantation worker, is determined to save enough money to return to Japan and buy land there. However, his dream is shattered with the outbreak of World War II, when the Japanese living in Hawaii are viewed with suspicion and hostility.

Struggle for Identity

As Kiyo grows older, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with his father's values and the plantation life. He yearns for freedom, individuality, and a sense of identity that is not tied to his Japanese heritage. His struggle for self-identity and independence is further complicated by his father's rigid expectations and the racist attitudes prevalent in Hawaiian society during that time.

Despite his father's disapproval, Kiyo enrolls in college, a decision that marks his first step towards breaking free from the traditional Japanese way of life. At college, he starts to embrace his American side, developing friendships with people from different ethnic backgrounds and exploring new ideas and experiences. However, he is still haunted by the weight of his family's expectations and the stigma attached to being Japanese in America.

War and Its Aftermath

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal event that forces Kiyo and his family to confront their dual identity. As Japanese-Americans, they are perceived as enemies within their own country, facing discrimination and internment in camps. Kiyo's internal struggle intensifies as he is torn between his loyalty to America and his Japanese heritage.

After the war, Kiyo returns to the plantation, but he is no longer the obedient son his father expects him to be. He is disillusioned with the old ways and determined to forge his own path. He marries a Hawaiian woman, a decision that further alienates him from his family and the Japanese community. His father's dream of returning to Japan is shattered, and he dies a broken man.

Quest for Freedom and Identity

In the final part of All I Asking for Is My Body, we witness Kiyo's quest for freedom and identity. He leaves the plantation and moves to Honolulu, where he starts a new life as an independent man. He becomes involved in the labor movement, advocating for the rights of plantation workers and fighting against the injustices of the system he once served.

The novel ends with a sense of hope as Kiyo finally embraces his dual identity, reconciling his Japanese heritage with his American upbringing. Through his journey, we gain a profound understanding of the complex struggles faced by the Japanese immigrants in Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century. In conclusion, All I Asking for Is My Body is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, and the quest for personal freedom and identity.