AV_CTE_007A_1991_01

52m 28.0s

Interview conducted by Martin Friedman and Jeremy Strick. Noguchi’s studio in Takematsu - Noguchi’s Japanese experience. Noguchi’s presence in America is much more prominent than in Japan - question of whether Americans understood Noguchi’s work. Noguchi’s marriage to Yoshiko Yamaguchi brought brief popularity and notoriety to Noguchi. Meeting Rosanjin and living in Kamakura. Michio’s relationship to Isamu - Michio going to school at Keio University - Michio supporting Isamu as an interpreter and making introductions on his behalf. Yonejiro’s reputation allowed Michio and Isamu to meet many prominent intellectual and artistic figures. Discussion of Noguchi’s Japanese family - Isamu did not have much contact with the rest of the family. Isamu’s relationship with Yonejiro Noguchi - Yonejiro’s relationship with Leonie Gilmour. Yone’s return to Japan and marriage to Michio’s mother - finding out about Leonie’s pregnancy. Yone setting Leonie up in Chigasaki - Leonie working as an English teacher. The Japanese press reported Leonie as Yone’s legal wife - this created ill will with Yone’s Japanese family. Discussion of Ailes Gilmour - rumors regarding who was Ailes’ father. Ailes Gilmour’s marriage to Herbert J. Spinden. Ailes’ career as a dancer for Martha Graham. Isamu’s relationship with Leonie Gilmour - bitterness of being sent to America. Saburo Hasegawa - Noguchi’s interest in religions - interest in Buddhism but never really believed or studied Buddhism - same with Christianitiy - aesthetic reaction to religion. Disagreements between Michio and Isamu. Difficulties with Noguchi’s mixed heritage as a child - reflections on his character and temperament. Working with nature.

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