Shimo discusses being kicked out of the MIS program for his "yes", "no" answers on loyalty questionnaire. While loyal to the United States, he would not serve in combat so long as the Japanese Americans were incarcerated in the American Concentration…
Shimo discusses the end of the war and his discharge from the Army. He later discusses the difficulties his parents had near the end of the war, especially his father, as he was an FBI suspect. After may hearings, his father was finally released and…
Shimo discusses his family and how he met his spouses. He later discusses bringing together many Niseis who had differing experiences during the war for a book project--Soldiers of Conscience: Japanese American Military Resisters in World War II.…
Yoshiaki Fujitani grew up in Maui, Hawaii on a plantation camp in a parsonage. His father was a missionary, so he and his seven siblings grew up in a Buddhist temple. His family took in three orphans and they became a part of their family. He…
In this video clip, Yoshiaki Fujitani talks about his father's influences about Japanese cultural values and his decision to study Buddhism. He describes what it was like to grow up in Pauwela, Maui. Growing up in a Buddhist temple, Yoshiaki…
After moving to Oahu with his family at age 12, Yoshiaki Fujitani had to adjust to his new life while attending Washington Intermediate School. At Washington Intermediate School, he was a part of an extortion case, in which a fellow student tried to…
In this video clip, Yoshiaki Fujitani continues to talk about his time at McKinley High School. The teachers at McKinley made a positive impact on his life, even encouraged him to take public speaking classes. He describes his identification as a…
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Yoshiaki Fujitani joined the Hawaii Territorial Guard, which later became the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). Because his father was a Buddhist minister, he was blacklisted as a "potentially dangerous enemy…
Yoshiaki Fujitani was able to visit his father while he was interned in Santa Fe. When he was enlisted into the United States Army, he was sent to Camp Savage, Minnesota for Japanese military language (Heigo) training. He talks about the Nisei…
After receiving his training in Minnesota, Yoshiaki Fujitani was sent to Camp Richie to work in the Pacific Military Intelligence Service Research Section (PACMIRS), where he translated captured Japanese documents. When the war ended, he was sent…
In this video clip, Yoshiaki Fujitani continues to describes his experience in Tokyo during the occupation -- he only witnessed one casualty during his entire military service. He and his Military Intelligence Service team were awarded the…
Fujiu describes his family history and childhood before recalling the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The forced removal from his family's home to the Santa Anita Temporary Detention Facilities and the subsequent move to Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp.…
Fujiu continues his retelling of his experience in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and recalls the impact of his service had on his family. He discusses racism and racial prejudice, basic training at Camp Shelby, being assigned to the Antitank…
In this video, Fujiu discusses his experience during the "Champagne Campaign," fighting battles in Pisa, Italy, and returning home after the war. He describes his return home starting in New York and returning to Los Angeles by train and how proud he…
Fujiu recounts meeting his first wife and her passing. He then discusses meeting his second wife as well as the interest of both his children and grandchildren in his service. Fujiu concludes with a message for his grandchildren, as well as his hopes…
Oka, a native of Hawaii, describes witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent government and military presence in his family's home, including the monitoring of his brother's shortwave radio and the FBI's interest in his knowledge of…
Oka discusses his observations while in Occupied Japan. He details about his interactions with Japanese citizens. Oka also discusses his work with the Military Intelligence Service.
Oka discusses more about his experiences in Occupied Japan. He details about his family and how he ended up in Ohio. Oka also discusses about the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV), Aikido, and his name and citizenship.
In this segment, Tsuneo "Cappy" Harada introduces himself and begins talking about his early life in Santa Maria, California. He describes his family and his time spent working on the family, which he eventually was charged with managing. In addition…
In this segment, Tsuneo "Cappy" Harada describes much of his life prior to the war. He first describes his awareness of the tensions between countries that eventually boiled over into total war. Next, Harada recalls his family moving to Japan prior…
In this segment, Tsuneo "Cappy" Harada describes many of his war experiences. First, Harada recalls meeting two Navajo code talkers in New Guinea. Next, he recalls being wounded during a Kamikaze attack at Leyte and having to be evacuated to treat…
In this segment, Tsuneo "Cappy" Harada discusses his work as a baseball promoter and adviser during his service in Allied-occupied Japan. Serving as an aide for General Marquat, Harada was given the freedom to re-introduce professional baseball to…
In this segment, Tsuneo "Cappy" Harada discusses his career working as a baseball promoter, executive, and entrepreneur. He recalls many memories from his career, including events, professional relationships, friendships, and changes he made to…
In this segment, Tsuneo "Cappy" Harada discusses some memories and highlights from his work as a part of the Allied occupation forces in Japan in addition to his career as a sports executive. Harada also shares a message meant for future generations…
Roy Yokote talks about his childhood growing up in rural California and how Japanese culture played a part in it. He also goes into his family history-- in particular, the backgrounds of his mother and father before moving to the United States and…
In this segment, Roy Yokote focuses on his education from grammar school through his first semester of college. He also recalls the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the reactions of his parents and fellow students afterwards.
Roy Yokote recounts the events leading up to his family's evacuation, the resulting economic losses, and the emotional toll. He describes his family's experience and living conditions at the Marysville Assembly Center and Tulelake Relocation Center…
Roy Yokote reflects on the German POWs he guarded towards the end of the war and the difference between German and American weaponry. He also describes his experiences working as an x-ray technician both in Naples and in the US after his return.…
Roy Yokote shares photos of his time in Europe serving with the 442nd. In particular, he shares photos and experiences of his time working and traveling in Italy.
Thomas Takemoto was born in Waimea, Kauai, but moved to Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of 6. His parents were Japanese immigrants from Hiroshima, Japan, and became rice farmers on Kauai. When they moved to Honolulu, Thomas and his siblings helped their…
In this video clip, Thomas Takemoto talks about his experience in Japanese language school -- he was placed in the highest class. After graduating from high school, he was very active in social clubs at the YMCA, and even helped create the Senior Y…
Thomas Takemoto describes the Big Five law firms' political control over Hawaii's economy. Before the war, it was difficult for the people of Hawaii to find jobs, especially if they were blackballed by the Big Five. His friend convinced him to attend…
At the University of Hawaii, Thomas Takemoto learned to speak proper English, instead of Pidgin English. During his time in college, he became acquainted with Hung Wai Ching, who was responsible for the creation of the Varsity Victory Volunteers. On…
Thomas Takemoto was part of the 1399 Engineer Construction Battalion. During World War II, the 1399 Engineer Construction Battalion's job was to construct facilities that were needed by the military -- i.e. water tanks, jungle training facilities.…
After being discharged from the 1399 Engineer Construction Battalion, Thomas Takemoto was hired as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service. He talks about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He believes that future generations should have…
Toshiko Hattori describes her childhood growing up in foster homes in New York City. She attended nursing school after high school, and joined the United States Army to work as a nurse. During World War II, she was sent overseas to Korea, but was…
In this video clip, Toshiko Hattori talks more about her childhood, and how she became interested in nursing. She describes her basic training experience upon joining the United States Army. At the time of the end of the war in Europe, she was still…
After moving to East Los Angeles, Toshiko Hattori took care of her mother-in-law, and later, her husband, who had developed lung cancer. Her husband passed away from his illness, leaving her a widow. She developed osteoarthritis which made it…
In this video clip, Toshiko Hattori talks about living a healthy lifestyle, sharing her life experiences with her family, and about her visits to Japan. She talks about how many people do not know about Japanese American women's contribution to the…
Masako "Mary" Yamada was a United States Army Nurse during World War II. She was born in Belvedere, California, but moved to New York City during her youth, where she attended nursing school and volunteered to be a US Army Nurse. She describes her…
Mary Yamada describes how her family's different religious affiliations. She never attended Japanese language school growing up, but she always wanted to learn to speak Japanese. Instead, she learned other languages in school, such as Spanish, Latin,…
Mary Yamada shares a photograph of herself during a bivouac at Fort Dicks. She describes her experience at Fort Dicks, where she treated different patients. She mentions that she was often the first Japanese American that people encountered -- an…
Mary Yamada explains why she wanted to be sent overseas during the war, even after receiving numerous rejections. After the war ended, she returned home to look for a house for herself and her mother to live in. She also took that time to go back to…
In this video clip, Mary Yamada shares some newspaper clippings about herself becoming the first Japanese American teacher eligible to teach at public schools. She also shares some photographs of herself in her Army Nurse's uniform, her…
Mukai discusses about his family and childhood. He details about a typical day and the communities he grew up in. Mukai also discusses about his educational experiences.
Mukai discusses about experiencing discrimination, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. He details about working outside of camp, being drafted, and basic training. Mukai also discusses about the journey to and arriving Italy.
Mukai discusses about being assigned to a company, first combat experiences, and his experiences towards the end of the war. He details his relationship with other soldiers. Mukai also discusses about Lecco, Italy, good luck charms, and a friend.
Mukai discusses about coming, medal received, and his post-war life. He details bout his family and gives a message to future generations. Mukai also discusses about his on President Roosevelt and souvenirs picked up.
Kazuo Yamaguchi was born and raised in New York. His father came to America from Japan to start a living. Kazuo mentions that his father was always homesick, and his fondest memory with him was singing Japanese folk songs. The reason how he and his…
Kazuo Yamaguchi describes the difference between the attitudes of East Coasters and West Coasters in regards to the term "shikata ga nai." He talks about the way he grew up influenced by the Asian American stereotype in school -- good student,…
Kazuo Yamaguchi describes how his grandfather was taken by the FBI and interned at Ellis Island. The local newspaper soon started to defame his family, but through the support of his friends and local neighborhood, they put a stop to the harassment.…
In this video clip, Kazuo Yamaguchi talks about his experience in Manila, where he oversaw a Japanese prisoner of war camp. His job was to repatriate the Japanese POWs. He was later sent to the Occupation of Japan in Tokyo. He describes the image of…
Kazuo Yamaguchi describes his job working at GHQ (General MacArthur Headquarters) in Tokyo. While on one of his errands at the Tsukiji Fish Market, he helped resolve a miscommunication between an American GI and a Japanese laborer. The Japanese…
Kazuo Yamaguchi talks about his cousin's military service in the Imperial Japanese Army during the war. He describes his journey home, after receiving news of his father's death. When he returned home, he received a Bachelor's degree and started his…
Frank Mizufuka was born in Compton, California. His parents were from the Kumamoto prefecture on the island of Kyushu. They became sharecroppers and worked on a vegetable farm in Montebello, then moved to Whittier to become flower farmers. Frank…
Frank Mizufuka was a troublemaker in high school -- he dyed his hair red to fit in with his Caucasian classmates. He took judo lessons and wrestling, and also played football for Whittier High School. In high school, he was a part of student…
On the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Frank Mizufuka was on weekend furlough at his family's home. Once the news of the bombing was publicized, he had to report back to training camp. Instead of being sent overseas with the Caucasian units, he…
Frank Mizufuka describes his visit to the Amache concentration camp, where he visited his girlfriend at the time. He also visited his family at the Rohwer Relocation Center, and describes the living conditions there. He talks about Yuri Kochiyama,…
Frank Mizufuka was assigned to F Company within the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. F Company, along with L Company, were a part of the O'Connor Task Force, which carried out secret missions during the Battle of Bruyeres. He describes the journey…
Frank Mizufuka talks about his experience with the bazooka team in F Company for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He also describes his encounters with German soldiers, and German prisoners of war. Frank was wounded on the front lines when a German…
In this video clip, Frank Mizufuka talks about life after being discharged from the Army. He relocated to Chicago, where he met and married his wife. They soon moved to Los Angeles to be closer to his family. He describes his participation in the Van…
Frank Mizufuka describes Colonel Young Oak Kim's escape from being captured by German soldiers. He also talks about his experience working at a retail business in San Francisco. After working there for some time, he left to start his own sandwich…
Jack Sameshima was born in Seattle, Washington. His father came from Kumamoto, Japan, and his mother was a Nisei from Hawaii. When he was younger, his family moved from Seattle to Minot, North Dakota, then to Whitefish, Montana, and back to Seattle…
Jack Sameshima talks about being drafted into the army and his basic training experience at Camp Shelby. He was sent to the European Theater, landed in France, then was transported to the Champagne Campaign. He describes his experience in the BAR…
Jack Sameshima talks about his experience fighting on the Gothic Line, which was his first experience in combat. During the battle, he was wounded from a piece of shrapnel, and was taken to a general hospital in Naples. He was later shipped back to…
Jack Sameshima talks more about his children and how he pushed them to receive a college education. While working for the Army, he also worked at a local grocery store and was a bartender at a country club. He talks briefly about the Red Ball Express…
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.
Nishimoto talks about his parents, religion, and his family’s businesses. He then talks about his siblings, the assistance his family received from a lawyer, and some of his experiences with discrimination growing up. Next, Nishimoto discusses…
Nishimoto talks about his family’s forced removal and what happened to his family’s store and property during that time; living conditions and life at Fresno temporary detention facility; playing in a band while in an incarceration camp; and his…
Nishimoto discusses his experiences at Fort Snelling taking interpreters courses, and being sent to Japan as a typist. He then talks about the importance of education and hard work; how he met his wife; and his experiences working with schools and…
Nishimoto describes his duties as a typist and interpreter in Japan; discusses spending time traveling to cities such as Kamakura and Chugoku; and talks about Japanese civilians he met. Lastly, Nishimoto provides some thoughts about his legacy, and…
Matsuhara discusses and gives an overview of his life. He details about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and his experiences at Tule Lake Concentration Camp. Matsuhara also discusses about volunteering for service, experiences at Camp Savage,…
Matsuhara discusses about working for the California Youth Authority and his retirement. He details about his involvement with the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) and coaching. Matsuhara also discusses about his family and friends.
Matsuhara discusses about his experiences in the Philippines. He details about his fear of flying and his experiences in Japan. Matsuhara also discusses about his experiences with discrimination, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.
Matsuhara discusses values, playing basketball, friends, and Japanese language. He details about meeting his wife and experiences overseas. Matushara also discusses about his experiences in Japan and the legacy of the Military Intelligence Service…
Matsuhara discusses about his land lords, friends, and family. He details about his relationship with other soldiers. Matsuhara also discusses about various photographs.
In the first part of Mr. Mac Nagata's interview, he discusses his family history, and his father's military service in the Japanese Army during the Russo-Japanese War. Next, Mr. Nagata remembers the Sanger, CA community he grew up in, attending…
In the second part of Mr. Mac Nagata's interview, he remembers his return to the United States and attending school in Sanger, as well as wanting to become a farmer and focusing on agriculture courses. Next, he describes how he learned to drive and…
In the third part of his interview, Mr. Mac Nagata describes Presidio and the surrounding area, volunteering for the Military Intelligence Service, and what his studies included while at the Military Intelligence Service Language School. In addition,…
In this interview segment, Mr. Mac Nagata describes translating Japanese correspondence, his time spent in New Caledonia, the Guadalcanal Offensive, and translating Japanese code books. Then, he recalls interrogating Japanese P.O.W.s, fighting…
In part 5 of his interview, Mr. Mac Nagata describes the Battle of Bougainville, such as scouting Hill 260, and talks about receiving a Bronze Star for his actions at Guadalcanal and Bougainville. Finally, he ends with a discussion about the Military…
In the final part of his interview, Mr. Mac Nagata describes the point system and his furlough, being discharged, and his life after the Army. This includes farming, becoming a machine operator until his retirement, meeting and marrying his wife, and…
Kuniyoshi discusses and describes his parents upbringing, background, characteristics, personalities, and careers. Hideo discusses his childhood growing up in Hilo, Hawaii including his childhood activities, neighborhood, attending Japanese language…
Mr. Kuniyoshi discusses how he received the nickname "Lefty" and shares his memories from the morning of the Pearl Harbor attack. After the attack, he decided to serve his country by first enlisting in the Hawaiian Territorial Guard and later the …
Mr. Kuniyoshi describes his time at Camp Shelby, discussing his role as a squad leader and discusses some of the former members of his squad. He next talks about being shipped to the frontline in Italy and describes a situation in which his platoon…
Kuniyoshi discusses the action he saw throughout Europe, including battles which liberated the city of Bruyeres, France and helped rescue the "Lost Battalion." Shortly after fighting in the Gothic Line, the war ended in Europe and he was discharged…
In this final part of the interview, Mr. Kuniyoshi talks about his daughters and grandchildren. He discusses values passed on by his parents and helping work in the family's jewelry store when he came back from Europe. Mr. Kuniyoshi also discusses…
Tanna discusses about his family and career aspirations. He describes Honolulu growing up. Tanna also discusses about his schooling and best childhood memories.
Tanna discusses about his life after high school and baseball. He details about discrimination and geopolitics. Tanna also discusses about his family, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.
Tanna discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. He details joining the Army and experiences in Mississippi. Tanna also discusses about basic training, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and his journey to Europe.
