Doiwchi discusses his parents immigrating from Japan and his father’s job working at Rafu Shimpo. He talks about his family’s ownership of property, attending Japanese language school and church, and discusses his interest in automobiles. He also…
Doiwchi discusses high school and graduation, the Japanese American community while growing up, childhood activities such as selling newspapers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and attending Nisei dances; and discusses businesses located in…
Doiwchi discusses the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, and going to Japan with a Christian church group in 1936. He then talks about going to Camp Shelby for basic training and being a part of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion; and discusses the food he…
Doiwchi discusses his experiences during the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp as part of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, and provides some thoughts regarding concentration and incarceration camps. He also talks about his thoughts…
Fujimoto discusses his father and his employment; talks about import businesses in Hawaii; and discusses the reasons why his father immigrated to Hawaii. He then talks about his mother, languages spoken at home, and tells a story regarding how he got…
Fujimoto talks about moving to a different house after high school, discusses his siblings, and talks about how his sister helped him with school work. He then talks about food he ate during his childhood, his family’s religion, attending Japanese…
Fujimoto talks about memorable childhood experiences such as taking a trolley car in Waikiki, and going on a trip to Molokai with the Boy Scouts. He then talks about his experiences prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor as well as his experiences…
Fujimoto talks about his experiences at Camp Shelby, how he got his nickname, and getting promoted while in combat. He then talks about his combat experiences, traveling overseas, landing in Italy, and his experiences at Hill 140. Lastly, Fujimoto…
Fujimoto discusses traveling to Rome; getting a pass and spending time in the Italian countryside; and combat experiences including a story regarding a tank. He then talks about attending a battalion award ceremony, discusses his duties as a radioman…
Fujimoto talks about getting wounded and his hospital stay; and traveling to a replacement depot and his experiences there. He then talks about rejoining his unit, combat experiences, returning to the United States, and his employment driving a…
Fujimoto talks about returning back home and seeing his mother again, discusses his nephew, and talks about his family’s property. He then talks about his attempt to get a government job; his experiences with discrimination; and talks about…
Fukasawa discusses his Father immigrating to the United States in 1905 and his Mother immigration in 1909. Fukasawa has two sisters and two brothers, The Fukasawa family lives in Fillmore, California on a ranch until a flod washes away their home.…
Peter Fukasawa discusses on the day of Peal Harbor's attack. He learns about the news when he returns back from fishing . After Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 is announced for the evacuation of Japanese Americans. Fukasawa's parents are…
Peter Fukasawa discusses his happiest moment at Camp Shelby. On September 3, 1943 gets married. Fukasawa previously knows his wife due to their parents' friendship.
On the ship going overseas, Fukasawa has KP duty. He recalls the soldiers are…
Fukasawa discusses living off the land and surviving off the rations. In the rations there are meat, eggs, can vegetates, rice and bread. The Caucasian soldiers did not want the rice, therefore he is able to have a good amount of rice to eat. In…
Fukasawa discusses moving to to Oelwein, Iowa because his wife has a teaching job there. He gets a job at John Deere and saves enough money to buy a house. Later he joins the National Guard in 1947 until 1952.
Hara starts the interview discussing his family background and what it was like to grow up in a small rural town in Honolulu, Hawaii. Growing up, Hara's father went through a multitude of jobs, with a laundry business as the most memorable. As the…
During his high school summer years, Hara would work at a pineapple cannery to earn money for his family, while he lived with his uncle. Later, while working as a carpenter, the Pearl Harbor bombings occurred and all the Japanese were rounded up by…
Following Hara's voluntary service to the Army, he was shipped out from Schofield Barracks in Hawaii to Camp Shelby in Mississippi to undergo basic training. Along with the various training exercises, Hara also discusses fishing and the origin of his…
Hara discusses pass forging and sneaking out of the training barracks to go dancing with the locals. Next, he speaks about the differences between fighting in France and Italy. As a Jeep driver, Hara was able to get a lot of experience and was…
Hara was a bit of a troublemaker, and he gives a couple of anecdotes to prove it. Later, the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion found itself at the Dachau concentration camp after it had closed, and Hara speaks about the sights and smells of being in…
After his stint overseas, Hara is shipped back over to the United States and shortly after, home to Hawaii. He discusses getting back to Hawaii and finding work as a drafter and then architect technician. Next, he talks about meeting his wife and…
Hibino and the interviewers introduce themselves. He talks about his family. He describes his early life in Berkeley, California. He discusses his involvement in the Berkeley Japanese American community. He talks about his experiences in primary…
Hibino explains how his parents and grandparents immigrated to the United States. He briefly talks about his aunt. He describes the influence of his grandparents. He discusses his relationship with his brother. He shares his brothers life story. He…
Hibino describes his experiences while living at the Tanforan Temporary Detention Center. He talks about the journey to Topaz Concentration Camp. He shares his first impressions of Topaz. He discusses the living conditions in Topaz. He lists the…
Hibino continues to explain how he was assigned to an artillery unit. He describes his journey to Europe and landing in Bari, Italy. He talks about joining the allied forces. He discusses how other soldiers reacted to Japanese American soldiers. He…
Hibino talks about his combat experiences on the Gothic Line. He describes war-torn Nuremberg, Germany. He discusses his interactions with civilians. He explains what happened when his unit found Dachau Concentration Camp. He talks about advancing…
Hibino talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He lists the contributions of Japanese American soldiers. He explains how he met his wife. He describes his courtship with his future wife. He discusses his emergency return to the United States.…
Higashino and the interviewers introduce themselves. He talks about his parents. He describes what it was like to grow up in a household with three generations of family. He discusses his educational background. He shares his knowledge of Japanese.…
Higashino describes photographs shown on camera. He continues to talk about Japanese language school. He describes his cultural heritage. He discusses volunteering for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He talks about his journey to the Mainland and…
Higashino talks about his interpretation and interrogation work. He describes his return to New Delhi. He discusses volunteering to go to China. He talks about his return to the United States. He shares his other memories of South East Asia. He…
Hirasaki discusses his family background and his youth in northern California. He talks about how his father emigrated to the United States as a youth with his father; and eventually became a landowner. Hirasaki also shares anecdotes regarding: going…
Hirasaki talks about his father being picked up by FBI agents after Pearl Harbor bombing; and his father's experience in captivity. He also discusses how he became part of the 522nd battalion and his duties. In addition he shares recollections of:…
Hirasaki talks about his Louisiana Maneuvers training and experiences overseas in the military. He shares his perspectives on the benefits of a segregated military unit and his motives for enlisting in the military. He also talks about cultural…
Hirasaki discusses his experiences in Europe during World War 2. He talks about the military jobs he had: his duties as laying wire for the 522nd and being part of a MP unit. He also shares recollections of close calls he endured and handling…
Hirasaki discusses his MP duties and other military experiences. He talks about what he observed Dachau concentration camp after it was vacated. He shares other anecdotes of his time in Germany: food he ate, duties he had; general observations.
Hirasaki discusses his life after World War 2. He talks about how he reunited with family of origin and eventually created a family of his own. Hirasaki talks about his career in the farming industry, how he tried different aspects of farming. In…
Hirayama discusses about his family. He details about childhood and the values he was taught. Hirayama also discusses about his schooling and growing up in Kauai (Maui), Hawaii.
Hirayama discusses about his childhood and schooling. He details about food, building a canoe, and growing in Hawaii. Hirayama also discusses about his career, being self-driven, and Sparky Matsunaga.
Hiryama discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. He details about enlisting into service and leaving the island of Kauai. Hariyama also discusses about going to and his experiences at Camp Shelby.
Hariayama discusses about basic training. He details heading overseas, landing in Italy, and his experiences in Italy. Hariayama also discusses about his first combat experiences, his experiences in France, and his duties during combat.
Hirayama discusses his experiences with combat and the Lost Battalion. He details about the Champagne Campaign. Hirayama also discusses about his experiences in Germany and visiting Dachau.
Hariayama discusses about coming home and post-war life. He details about going to and his in Korea. Hirayama discusses about his employment and family.
Joseph Ichiuji begins the interview talking about growing up in Pacific Grove, California, fishing and playing football with his siblings. He talks about facing discrimination in the job market and attending Japanese language school while also…
Ichiuji would be drafted into the Army, getting inducted in San Francisco and taking his basic training at Camp Roberts. There, he would learn to shoot the Howitzer gun and join in on maneuvers. However, once the attacks on Pearl Harbor occurred, he…
Ichiuji continues to talk about being in Poston concentration camp with his family, the living conditions being poor but they were able to set up a shoe repair shop. He would then volunteer to join the 442nd and talks about the loyalty questions they…
Ichiuji talks about being shipped overseas, first going to Newport News before going on a 28 day convoy to Italy. When arriving in Italy, he would immediately notice the destruction of Naples, and would then move up to Bagnoli, where they would be…
Ichiuji talks more about his combat experiences, going back to Naples to wait for replacements, before being sent back to France, liberating the town of Bruyeres and the rescue of the Lost Battalion. The 522nd would continue on through the French…
Ichiuji continues to talk about the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp and the inhumanity of it. Next, he talks about the end of the war and his trip back to the United States, celebrating when he saw the Statue of Liberty. He would be…
Ishihara discusses growing up in Enumclaw, Washington, including his experiences living near a lumber mill, his hobbies such as fishing and playing sports, the demographics and community within Enumclaw, and going to school. He also talks about going…
Ishihara describes his experiences working in Alaska including discussing the process of trapping and canning fish. He then talks about the discipline he received growing up, what life was like after the attack on Pearl Harbor including his…
Ishihara describes the living conditions and food at Minidoka Incarceration Camp, how he got his nickname of "gas house", and the rules and regulations at both Minidoka Incarceration Camp and Puyallup Detention Facility. He also talks about the…
Ishihara discusses going to Fort Logan for orientation and then Camp Shelby for basic training and talks about the differences and tensions between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers at Camp Shelby. He also talks about the weather and living…
Ishihara discusses arriving in Italy and traveling to Naples, what it was like being a part of an artillery battery, his assignments picking up water and rations, and experiencing enemy fire while in a bivouac area. He then talks about his…
Ishihara discusses what it was like seeing Hitler's underground bunker and experiencing V-E Day while in Germany, volunteering for Military Intelligence Service (MIS), returning to the United States, and getting furlough. He then talks about his…
Kawanishi begins the interview with an introduction and talking about his family that immigrated from Japan to Los Angeles. He would briefly go back to Japan and then return where he would fish with his father and get involved with various sports…
Kawanishi continues his recollection of his time at Camp Shelby in Mississippi as he began his basic training with the 442nd Regiment. He talks about the Hawaiian soldiers and segregation he saw in the South, as well as a few times he got in trouble…
Kawanishi discusses reactions to coming home from the war and beginning his career as a watch maker. After this he would work in grocery stores, where he would meet his second wife and start a family with. He then talks about his past interactions…
Kono discusses his family life and childhood. He details about discrimination and his friend. Kono also discusses about Pearl Harbor, aftermath, and joining the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). He also details about volunteering for the army.
Kono discusses he experiences at Camp Shelby and during basic training. He details the structure of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion and about the duties if the wire section. Kono also discusses about going overseas and landing in Italy.
Kono discusses his early experiences in Italy, laying the wire, and the Arno-Rome Campaign. He details about heading and his experiences in France. Kono also discusses about his experiences in Germany and liberating Dachau Concentration Camp.
Kono discusses receiving passes, traveling, and communicating with his family during the war. He details about awards received and coming home. Kono also discusses his career and family (wife, children, grandchildren).
Masuda talks about his early life in Livingston. He describes his life as a Japanese farmer and social activities in his community. Masuda briefly talks about his Methodist background and primary school. He explains what happened to his family after…
Masuda discusses his college years and marriage. He talks about Camp Roberts and Japanese language school. Masuda explains why he was transferred to Fort Sill. He describes how he trained Japanese and Hawaiian soldiers at Camp Shelby. He also…
Masuda describes the trip to Europe. He talks about his assignments while in Italy. He discusses his combat experiences in Germany, including how the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp. Masuda talks about the end…
Masuda talks about how life was different when he returned to Livingston after the war. He talks about other changes after the war and his children. Masuda discusses his marriage and grandchildren. He briefly describes his post war career and his…
Matsumoto gives us a thorough recollection of his family background and growing up in Hawaii. Next, he talks about being 17 and seeing Japanese planes fly overhead as he played football with friends, which a year later resulted in his volunteering…
To begin, Matsumoto talks about training and assignments overseas, including a jeep driver and a radio man. He then briefly discusses the Gothic Line breaking and getting a head wound in battle. Next, he talks about recovering from his wound and…
Miho discusses about the hotel business and working during high school. He details about customs, working after high school, and going to college. Miho also discusses about his family and political climate in 1941.
Miho discusses the pre-war political climate. He details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Miho also discusses his experiences at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
Miho discusses about Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He details about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Miho also discusses about visiting American Concentration Camps, friends, and being assigned 522nd Field Artillery Battalion.
Miho discusses about artillery training and his hearing. He details about arriving in and his experiences. Miho also discusses about his first combat experiences.
Miho discusses about his experiences during Rescue of the Lost Battalion. He details about his experiences in Italy. Miho also discusses about his Experiences in Germany.
Miho discusses his experiences in Germany and Dachau Concentration Camp. He details about what he believes is the difference between American Concentration Camps and European Concentration Camps. Miho also discusses about his post-war life.
Miho discusses about his experiences in the Hawaiian Territorial Guard. He details about the Victory Varsity Volunteers (VVV) and the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Miho also gives a message to future generations.
Mori explains how his parents immigrated to America. He describes his earliest memories. He talks about his family's farming background and his primary school experiences. Mori discusses his families frequent moves. He explains childhood conceptions…
Mori continues to talk about Japanese language school. He discusses citizenship and sumo wrestling. He describes being drafted and inducted into the Army. Mori discusses basic training. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and how it caused…
Mori talks about how the Attack on Pearl Harbor affected his status as a soldiers. He discusses his father's imprisonment after Pearl Harbor. He briefly talks about the forced removal of Japanese Americans and remedial jobs he performed while in the…
Mori describes his second round of basic training and maneuvers. He talks about his first combat experience. He explains how he got supplies while overseas. He discusses his relationship with other soldiers. Mori talks about the Dachau Concentration…
Mori continues to talk about Dachau Concentration Camp. He describes how he reunited with a man he meet near Dachau. He discusses the Lost Battalion. Mori talks about marching into Germany towards the end of World War Two. He explains how he was…
Hideo Morinaka begins the interview speaking of his family background and growing up in Utah. He would enjoy hunting, fishing and playing football while growing up on a 120 acre farm. Throughout his schooling, he would also be responsible for milking…
Morinaka discusses his time in the Army, including his basic training with Allen Funt, and being around other Japanese American soldiers. Next, he talks about what he did after his discharge, such as going back to school and working at the Tooele…
Muramaru discusses his parents and their occupations; and what it was like growing up in Hawaii and living on a coffee plantation. He then talks about his siblings, childhood activities, what his house was like growing up; and discusses elementary…
Muramaru describes a rice soup dish called “chagai”; and discusses playing football and his family’s store growing up. He then talks about his uncle in Japan, his whereabouts during the attack on Pearl Harbor, neighbors who were sent to Honoluliuli…
Muramaru discusses his training and experiences as a telephone wireman, traveling overseas to Italy, and the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about corresponding with his family while overseas, discusses going to…
Muramaru discusses some of his brother’s brushes with death, Army food; and experiences during European campaigns, such as the rescue of the Lost Battalion and encounters with a Brazilian combat team. He then talks about the end of the war, the Army…
Muramaru talks about his friends he met during the war; and discusses his wife, children and grandchildren. He then talks about his wife’s experiences with work and discrimination, getting remarried, and his cooking hobby. Lastly, Muramaru provides…
Shigeru Nakamura and the interviewers introduce themselves. He talks about his nickname. He discusses his parents immigration to the United States. He describes his father's career. He talks about a trip that he took to Japan when he was a child. He…
Nakamura describes his assignments towards the end of World War Two. He talks about his journey home. He briefly discusses how he reconnected with his family. He talks about his employment after the war. He describes his children and grandchildren.…
George Oiye begins the interview by describing his family and childhood experiences growing up in Montana. Next, he describes his parents' emphasis to Americanize, as well as discussing the small Japanese American population in Montana. Lastly, he…
George Oiye describes experiences of discrimination, lack of personal relationships, and going to college. Next, he talks about community reactions to Pearl Harbor and the feelings about the west coast evacuation of Japanese Americans. Lastly, he…
George Oiye talks about the reputation of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, experiences as a forward observer, and the units transfer to France. Next, he discusses the attacks on Bruyeres and Biffontaine. Lastly, he describes the Rescue of the…
