By Janet Wilcox
Very few people live to 100 and if they survive a World War, it is even more rare. Such a woman is Annette Aiko Horiuchi, (Ellen Williams’ mother). She was born Dec. 27, 1925 in Tokyo, Japan and had 1 brother and 6 sisters.
Growing up, the Mori children had only a few toys and preferred playing outdoors, climbing trees, fishing and helping grandparents. No grocery stores existed, so their meals came from vendors who came with food to sell. Sweet beans, fermented soy beans, natto (soy bean mixed with egg and fermented were some of the choices. Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 but that was far away and did not disturb their lives.
Annette attended a very disciplined Christian school in Japan with classes held 5 ½ days every week. She especially liked geography. She attended Aoyama, a prestigious Christian school. Their peaceful life suddenly ended in 1941 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and WWII began. Everyone had to contribute to the cause. At that time her younger sister who was only 14 had to quit school and begin working in a factory all day ‘til midnight making war equipment. Annette was luckier and worked as a secretary.
When the war finally ended, the effects were severe. An uncle had been killed in the war and their home was destroyed and they had to dig a temporary shelter in the ground. Radio broadcasts continued to alert them as to where B-29’s were attacking. Annette found it hard to even sleep living in such turmoil. One night she and her sister sought temporary shelter at a shrine that had tall trees. Later she realized that her leg was hurting as she had stepped on a nail. Three times they were under attack and many people died. Their brother who was in the Army in Burma survived.
Tokyo was totally destroyed and most families lost everything they possessed. Everyone went to work cleaning up the ravages of war. Annette’s sweetheart and future husband Russel Nozomi Horiuchi was on board an American Military troop ship when the cease fire was announced. Landing in the Philippines he was later transferred along with 14 other Japanese American translators to MacArthur’s headquarters in Tokyo.
Annette began working for the United States Post Exchange because she spoke English. There she met Russell who began walking her to the train station. He recalls that the first time he mustered up enough courage to give Annette a kiss, she simply took out a handkerchief and wipe her mouth. It was deflating!
Although Japanese nationals and American soldiers were not allowed to fraternize, the two met every day at lunch. From the Mezzanine balcony they watched as General Douglas MacArthur preened himself before leaving the building for lunch. The General would smooth down his uniform, insert his pipe and adjust his cap before exiting to his adoring Japanese crowd!
Annette Working at the PX
Food was scarce after the war Yet, Annette’s mother managed to feed them. Most of their courtship took place at the Mori home since Tokyo was razed to the ground. Russ would supplement his visits with a watermelon or food from the commissary. The popular item was Almond Roca, a sweet brittle candy rolled in nuts.
President Harry Truman signed an order allowing American soldiers to Marry Japanese Nationals. Russ had to get special permission since he worked in military intelligence. The couple was married August 6, 1947 in Yokohama at the American Consulate. Then they moved to Hawaii where Russ worked as a Journeyman Electrician. To keep his promise of continued schooling they eventually moved to Provo, Utah where Russell attended BYU. He graduated in 3 years, working 40 hours a week and still managed to be named valedictorian in 1953! After completing his graduate degrees, he taught Political Geography at BYU.
Though it took many years and much persistence, Annette first earned her Bachelor’s degree and was also awarded a Master’s degree in Art, focusing on watercolors. As an instructor, she taught Japanese and Asian calligraphy at BYU. They later were called to Japan where he served as mission president 1970-73 and they served as Temple President and Matron in Tokyo 1988-1991. They were married for 64 years.
The Happy Couple
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