Product Description

This is the story of one of the earliest Japanese Americans to settle in Florida. How did a poor Japanese immigrant transform himself into one of south Florida’s most generous millionaires? He bowed to the earth, gave thanks to the Florida moon, and grew pineapples! Here for the first time in book form is the inspirational story of George Morikami, a true Florida pioneer.

In the early 1900s, young Sukeji "George" Morikami lived happily with his family in a quiet Japanese fishing hamlet. But when his true love’s parents refused to let him marry her, he was crushed. He left to find his fortune in America, never to see the Japanese moon again.

Penniless and unable to speak English, George arrived at Yamato, an upstart farming colony in what is now Boca Raton. George’s dreams of earning enough money to return home, buy his own land, and claim his beloved would never be realized. Destiny had other dreams—American dreams—in store for George Morikami.

Today, his legacy lives on at the beautiful and unique Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1622554 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Library Binding
• 61 pages

About the Author
Virginia Aronson is the author of more than two dozen books, including Gift of the Unicorn: The Story of Lue Gim Gong, Florida’s Citrus Wizard, also in the Pineapple Press Biographies for Young Readers series. She lives in Boca Raton, not far from the site of the Yamato colony, with her husband and young son.

Customer Reviews

Fascinating book, a must read!
I am a local and have visited the Morikami Park many times.
This book, besides being well written and produced, provided a deep insight into the life of George Morikami, The Yamato Colony and George's plans for his land to be donated to Palm Beach County for use as a public park after his death.

This is also an inspirational story because Mr. Morikami arrived penniless in the US as an indentured servant from Japan.
He overcame many hardships and setbacks, never becoming bitter or giving up.

"Slowly, slowly", his persistance paid off and he acquired hundreds of acres of land and became a millionaire (at least on paper) as his
land appreciated in value as the area went from an undeveloped wilderness to an area of rapid growth.

George refused to sell his land "at any price" to developers.
He loved his land, lived on and from his land and wanted to fulfill his
dream of creating a beautiful public park for others to enjoy.

Unfortunately, since the book was written, the park has gone from a public park to a joint public/private venture, contrary to George's wishes.

I have corresponded with the author, Ms. Aronson, and she was kind enough to share her views with me.
She is also disturbed and disappointed with the direction the Park has taken.
It is no longer freely accessable to the public.

The appearance of the Park and it's tranquility have been marred by hundreds of yards of ugly, black chain link fencing surrounding the Park's perimeter.

One local community activist has launched a boycott of Morikami park.

On a final note, this book is approachable by readers in say, 7th or 8th grade, but don't let that deter you, adults will find this book an interesting read, also!