Mutsuo Hirose oral history interview, May 15, 2005

Hirose discusses his birth date and being born in San Pedro, California. Growing up he lives in Rolling Heights, California near the Peninsula. Part of his childhood activities includes fishing and skin diving. He recalls one incident with blue…

Hirose discusses what is blue stone and his experience in court. He shares his interment camp and military service experiences to the Judge. Hirose is only fined a small fee and is place on probation.

Hirose recalls his Father wanting to make a…

Hirose discusses forced removal and the management of Rolling Heights kicking them out earlier than Executive Order 9066. Hirose then moves to Los Angeles to live with his Father's friend before going to camp.

Hirose recalls going to Santa Anita…

Hirose discusses his Father being arrested and going to North Dakota in suspicions of using a short wave radio. Hirose's Father rejoins the family at Tule Lake Concnetration Camp. Hirose recalls going to Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp, Ellis…

Hirose discusses the difficulties of transitioning into the school life after being in camp. At 18 years old, Hirose is drafted and recalls a special moment on the troopship playing chess.

Post-war, Hirose goes to Japan for occupation. He passes…

Hirose discusses playing baseball in the military and shares memorable stories. In the military here is segregation units and Hirose reflects on discrimination.

During Hirose's time in occupation there are many orphan children in Japan and he…

Hirose discusses the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the relationship they have with Issei and Nisei in its early years.

After working for as a teacher for 40 plus years, he recalls on the experiences that forces him into early…