Yukio Kawamoto oral history interview, October 11, 2003

Yukio Kawamoto was born in Berkeley, California. He learned to speak the Japanese language at a young age due to the influence of his mother and the Buddhist Church. He talks about what it was like to grow up in Berkeley, and he was often…

Yukio Kawamoto describes events prior to the start of World War II, and how life changed for the Japanese community after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He talks about being drafted into the US Army and about his experience in basic training at Camp…

Yukio Kawamoto describes his basic training experience at Camp Robinson and Camp Crowder. He was later recruited into the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage, Minnesota. He talks about his experience visiting his parents at…

Yukio Kawamoto describes the horrors of war that he witnessed during his military experience in the Pacific Theater. He talks about his time in Manila during the Philippine Campaign, and how he was sent on furlough back to the United States. Once he…

Yukio Kawamoto talks about his work with the War Relocation Authority during the Occupation of Japan. He met his wife during the War Crime Trials -- she was one of the transcribers of the Kido Diary. After returning to the states, he wanted to work…

Yukio Kawamoto talks about the 30 year process of becoming an American consulate in Japan. He also shares numerous photographs from his personal experiences after World War II.

Yukio Kawamoto continues to talk about some of his personal photographs. He also describes the first meeting with his uncle in Japan during the occupation. He hopes that future generations will continue to contribute to America's melting pot.