In 1982, Takuo Otani filmed for posterity the official reversion to Japan of Honmoku Dependent Housing Area in Yokohama, including a rare glimpse inside the 200-acre complex. This is an edited and enhanced version of his film.
Lived in Area 2 between 1974-1978, I remember that PX, commissary, the gas station, and of course the Bill Chickering theater! Used to play my little league baseball games in Area 1, where the local Japanese baseball teams always kicked our butt. Area 1 was also where the swimming pool was located. Great times, thanks for the upload.
This brings such great memories of growing up in Yokohama. I especially remember the huge bonodori that took place every year in the parking lot of the NEX and Commissary. No bon odori these days compares to it. I sure miss Honmoku the way it use to be in the 70s.
While in the Army I was stationed in Yokohama and lived in Bayside Courts 1968-69. I remember the Peanuts Club, Sankeien gardens, the Seaside Club, Motomachi and all the yakitori I ate. Great people, great place. Thank you for posting this memorable video.
Takuo Otani/San and Mr. Tom Barry, thank you deeply and kindly for preserving such an important part of many of our lives with your superb video of Honmoku’s last look. Many of us lived in the area as children of parents working for the US military and even today more than 50, 60, and even more years this video finds a very special place in our hearts. Doomo Arigatoo Gozaimasu. Linda Enga Fujikawa YoHi. Class of 1972 Retired Professor of Japanese Language and Culture University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College Retired Board of Trustee Hawai’i Tokai International College
Linda, thank you for your kind words. I, too, have fond memories of Honmoku. My parents and I regularly visited friends in the area and shopped at the NEX. Best regards to you and my kama'aina friends in Hawai’i, especially my fellow Zama and Aiea High alums. Mahalo nui loa! Tom Barry Phoenix, Arizona
Never thought I would be able to see Kinnick Middle! I used to live up Yamate and went to Kinnick till 1977. Totemo natsukashii kichou na video arigatou! Mukashi ni modotte bowling alley ya cafeteria ni mata ikitai desu.
Although I did not live at this American Community. I love the Japan Brats club and series of videos. We lived at Sagamihara Housing Community and my father was in Charge of the finance center at Camp Zama 1967 through 1970.
Thanks Mike! We lived at Sagamihara Housing 1968-70. My father was with U.S. AID and Army Logistical Command at Sagami Depot. I attended Zama Middle School at Camp Zama. I'm sure we crossed paths.
Christopher, pleasure to meet your acquaintance here. Are you by chance related to Leslie Helm? Is he your father or brother? I have his book Yokohama Yankee. It's an indispensable addition to my library. I'm a retired newspaper editor, so Leslie and I both have newsprint in our veins. And, our Japanese heritage.
I lived in Honmoku Housing around 58-62, at the time our house was right on Tokyo Bay. Thanks for the glimpse into the past. I wish I could see more details of what was then and what is now. I remember climbing a hill by LIght House Nursery School, where I think that tank was. and wonder if that is that park today....
I,too, lived there during those years on Bayview...the big Japanese house. Beautiful view of the Bay. Too bad it's gone...I, also, wonder what took its place.
