Oregonians

Miyo Iwakoshi (c. 1846-1931): Little is known about Iwakoshi’s early life. However, persistent rumors that her adopted daughter was her actual, illegitimate daughter may have led her to seek a new life in the United States. Australian Captain Andrew McKinnon taught animal husbandry near her home, and she decided to leave with him when he moved on to the US, taking her brother Riki and daughter Tama Jewel Nitobe with her. Iwakoshi and McKinnon’s relationship remains a mystery; they did not marry or have children. Nevertheless, they settled near Gresham in 1880, building a sawmill named Orient Mill. Iwakoshi helped other Japanese immigrants in the area, providing aid and contacts.

Hazel Ying Lee (1912-1944): A pilot, the first Chinese American woman to fly for the U.S. military. As a teen, she saved money from her job to take flying lessons. In 1942, she was accepted to the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (which later became Women’s Airforce Service Pilots [WASP] in 1943). She died in 1944 from injuries suffered during a collision. At that time, women were not awarded military benefits, nor did the military pay for her funeral; this practice was finally overturned in 1977.

William “Bill” Sumio Naito (1925-1996): Investor, philanthropist, and advocate for downtown Portland, Naito and his brother Sam bought and renovated many buildings, while also encouraging investment in the city, including encouraging the use of streetcars. He received dozens of awards. Front Avenue was renamed Naito Parkway in his honor in 1996.

Ing Hay (1862-1952): Known as “Doc Hay,” Hay was a respected and sought-out doctor in John Day, Oregon, known for his compassion. He cared for many patients hit by the Influenza pandemic in 1919-1920. His wife and children remained in China and they were never reunited. Hay partnered with Lung On to form the Kam Wang Chung and Co, a trading post that offered groceries, religious services, car dealership, and more. The building is now a heritage site and museum. 

Minoru Yasui (1916 – 1986): Born in Hood River, OR, Yasui received his law degree from the University of Oregon. He fought laws enacted during WWII that impacted Japanese Americans. He deliberately broke laws regarding curfews and travel in order to test their constitutionality. He was found guilty and, despite being born in Oregon, was declared a non-citizen. The Supreme Court ruled he was a citizen, but that the curfew was legal. His conviction was finally overturned in 1986. After leaving the internment camp in 1944, Yasui moved to Colorado, where he remained an activist for Japanese American rights.