Browse Items (1253 total)

Takejiro Higa was born in Hawaii, but spent most of his childhood in Okinawa. When his parents died, he lived with his uncle in Okinawa until the age of sixteen, where he moved to Hawaii to live with his sister. Living in Hawaii was very different…

Takejiro Higa describes his experience on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. He talks about how reluctant and hesitant he was to volunteer for military service when the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was recruiting Nisei in Hawaii. His brother finally…

Higa discusses his duties providing intelligence about Okinawa for his commanding officers, as they prepared for a beachfront invasion. He describes the feelings that he had upon his return to Okinawa, and his experience cave flushing, which helped…

Higa describes his experiences interrogating Okinawans during the Okinawa Invasion. During his service in Okinawa, he was able to visit his relatives. When the war ended, he did not have enough points to be sent home, so he was sent to Korea to…

Higa recalls returning to Hawaii after being discharged from service. He returned home to finish high school, then became a butcher. He then returned to school to earn his accounting degree, after marrying his wife and having two sons. He presents a…

In this video clip, Sho Nomura describes his childhood growing up in Sierra Madre. He talks about his Issei parents and about attending Japanese language school. He talks about his sister, who had been sent to Japan to live with their grandparents,…

In this video clip, Sho Nomoru describes his experience hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about how his life changed once he and his family were relocated to an assembly center, and later, a concentration camp. He explains his…

In this video clip, Sho Nomura talks about his parents' reaction to him volunteering to serve in the United States Army. He describes his first experiences in military life during training at Camp Savage and Camp Shelby. He also describes his journey…

In this video clip, Shosu Nomura describes his experience in the China Theater during the Dixie Mission. He explains the purpose of the Dixie Mission and about Communist China during that time.

In this video clip, Shoso Nomura talks about his experience working with the Chinese Communist leaders during his time in the China Theater. He discusses the end of the war and his homecoming.

In this video clip, Shoso Nomura talks about the morals and values that he learned from his Issei parents, and delivers a message to future generations. He discusses the reunion trip that he took with his war buddies back to China -- where they…

Harry Fukuhara describes his childhood growing up in Washington during the Great Depression. He and his family moved to Japan after his father passed away, where he attended high school. He describes the emerging wartime atmosphere in Japan during…

In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara talks about what it was like living in Japan during the Sino-Japanese War -- his family was required to house Japanese soldiers. He explains the situation of the Nisei during this time. He returned to the United…

Harry Fukuhara describes the anti-American and anti-Japanese feelings that emerged prior to the outbreak of war between the United States and Japan. He talks about the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and the confusion he felt when he heard the news.…

Harry Fukuhara was evacuated to Tulare Assembly Center in California. In this video clip, he talks about his experience living there. He and many other Japanese American internees were relocated to the Gila River concentration camp. From there, he…

Harry Fukuhara discusses his recruitment into the Military Intelligence Service, and the difficulty most Nisei and Kibei had with the decision to volunteer for military service while being interned. He talks about being sent to Minnesota (Fort…

Harry Fukuhara talks about being stationed on Angel Island on the way to the Pacific Theater. He describes his first experience with interrogating a Japanese prisoner of war, which was during a demonstration for government officials at 6th Army…

In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara describes some of his experiences in the New Guinea Campaign: crossing the Bismarck Sea, the beach landing of Finch Island, PT Boat excursions (in search of Japanese POWs), interpreting New Guinea natives, and the…

During the New Guinea Campaign, Harry Fukuhara was assigned to interrogate a Japanese POW -- who reportedly was giving everyone a hard time. Upon meeting the Japanese officer for interrogation, Harry realized that the prisoner was his childhood…

In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara describes driving through Japan to reach Hiroshima, where he returned to his old house to find his Mother and Aunt. After helping his relatives in Hiroshima, he was discharged from service, but was able to return to…

During the Korean War, Harry Fukuhara worked in Counterintelligence Operations while in Japan. He talks about his 40 year military career in Military Intelligence. At the end of the video clip, he offers his advice to future generations.

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.

George Matsui grew up in Long Beach, CA, and his parents are farmers. George's father decided to go back to Japan when George was in junior high school. In Japan, George attended Japanese Grade School and learned the Japanese language. When George…

George Matsui discusses his reaction to December 7 and the aftermath. His feeling was shikata ga nai. George evacuated to Santa Anita and Tule Lake.

At Tule Lake, George remembered the barbed wires around the parameter, barracks, and guards in…

George Matsui was reassigned to MacArthur's Headquarters, Army Intelligence G2, Natural Resources Section after Japan surrendered. He recalls traveling to Fukuoka to see his family for the first time.

After being discharged, George returned to…

Tanakatsubo begins the interview talking about his family background and the origin of his name. Growing up in Sacramento, he was exposed to a very diverse population and made for a pretty happy childhood and schooling, including a well-known glee…

Tanaktsubo continues his discussion on moving from the main basic training camp to a segregated unit made up of all Japanese American soldiers. The team is moved to Fort Lewis then Camp Crowder, and finally to Camp Savage, doing menial military work…

After spending time at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage, Tanakatsubo was sent overseas to begin interrogating in the Aleutian Islands where the Japanese were occupying some islands. It was there at the Battle of Attu…

Tanakatsubo discusses his years following his Army service, finding work in Chicago at a machine shop, working hard and making his way up the ranks, eventually ending in quality control. At the same time, he decided to start volunteering with…

Katagiri discusses what it was like growing up in Portland, Oregon. Katagiri paints a picture of his family life. Katagiri also details what is was like being a Japanese American before and after the events of Pearl Harbor.

Katagiri discusses what it was like living after the events of Pearl Harbor. Katagiri discusses what is was like living in the temporary detention facilities. Katagiri relates stories about moving and staying at the American Concentration Camp…

Katagiri discusses life after leaving Tule Lake, including moving to Minnesota and going to college. Katagiri also details about the experiences of being drafted and basic training. Katagiri discusses what it was like being stationed in Japan after…

Katagiri continues to discuss his experiences while in Japan after World War Two. Katagiri discusses about his life after returning from Japan, including finishing college and becoming a teacher. Katagiri answers questions from the audience.

Taniguchi describes his parent’s backstories. He talks about his early life in California. He describes his father’s physical features and his mother’s personality. He discusses his siblings. Taniguchi describes his experiences in Japanese language…

Taniguchi continues to talk about his community in Cortez, California. He briefly explains Kendo martial arts. He discusses day trips that he took with his father. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and Executive Order 9066. Taniguchi reveals…

Taniguchi describes the physical features of his community in Cortez, California. He talks about his stay in the Merced Temporary Detention Facility He also discusses his experiences in the Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. Taniguchi describes…

Taniguchi expresses his feelings about having to take a loyalty questionnaire. He explains the draft and induction process. He briefly talks about volunteering for Army service. He shares his knowledge of the 100th Infantry Battalion. He discusses…

Taniguchi revisits his experiences in the Amache Concentration Camp. He talks about the translation work that he did in Japan. He explains how the younger generation differs from his generation. Taniguchi describes how he met his wife. He talks about…

Mayeda discusses about his family and his parents immigration. He details about his childhood and life on the farm. Mayeda also discusses about his schooling.

Mayeda discusses about his schooling, childhood home, and community. He details about his childhood, family, and the events prior and after Pearl Harbor. Mayeda also discusses about forced removal and his children.

Mayeda discusses about his experiences at Santa Anita Detention Center. He details about his experiences in Jerome Concentration Camp, getting drafted, and basic training. Mayeda also discusses about joining the the Military Intelligence Service…

Mayeda discusses about his experiences in post-war Japan. He details about his involvement in veteran's organizations and the community. Mayeda also discusses about his post-war life and gives a message to future generations.

Tanji discusses about growing up in Cressey, California and his family. He details about his schooling, hobbies, and friends. Tanji also discusses about his experiences with forced removal.

Tanji discusses about forced removal and his experiences at Merced Temporary Dentition. He details about his experiences at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. Tanji also discusses about volunteering for the Army, joining the Military Intelligence…

Tanji discusses about his duties in Washington D.C.. He details about his post-war life in California. Tanji also talks about his first wife, second wife, and children.

Kishi discusses about his family. He details about what it was like growing up inLivingston, California. Kishi also discusses about Pearl Harbor and his experiences with forced removal.

Kishi discusses about his experiences at Merced Temporary Detention Center. He details about his experiences at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. Kishi also discusses about joining the Army, going to the Military Intelligence Service Language…

Kishi discusses about his impressions of Hawaiian soldiers. He details about his duties and experiences Japan. Kishi also discusses about coming home and his experiences with discrimination.

Kishi discusses about going to college and then working on the farm. He details about his community involvement, family, childrearing, and gives a message to future generations. Kishi also gives his opinion about redress and discusses more about his…

Mita discusses his experiences in Okinawa. He details about his time in Korea. Mita also discusses his reenlistment and his duties afterwards.

Mita discusses his experiences working with the Civil Censorship Detachment in occupied Japan. He also details about working with the Counter Intelligence Corps and the rest of his career in the military. Mita discusses the veteran organizations he…

Mita discusses more about his involvement with veteran organizations. He reflects on values and gives a message to future generations. Mita also discusses family and trying to find his missing brother.

Mita discusses the medals he received and the paratrooper training he went through. He reflects on joining the Military Intelligence Service and his experience during the Pacific Theatre. Mita also discusses raising his family.

Yamamoto discusses what it was like growing up on a farm. He also details what it was like growing up in Watsonville, California. Yamamoto discusses the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and his memories from Camp Poston.

Yamamoto discusses his early training and how he ended up in the Counterintelligence Corps. Yamamoto details his work during the occupation of Japan. He discusses how he met his wife and his life after leaving the army.

Yamamoto discusses the organizations that he is apart of. Yamamoto details his families knowledge from his time in the service and the interviewer gives thanks. The last three minutes of the interview shows personal documents and memorabilia, while…

Fujimori discusses what it was like growing up in California. He details about the affects that Pearl Harbor had on him and his family. Fujimori also discusses his experiences in Manzanar.

Fujimori discusses what it was like to grow up in Hollywood and cultural values. He details about his journey to the army. Fujimori also discusses his experiences at Camp Savage and Fort McClellan.

Fujimori discusses what happen after basic training. He details his experiences at Fort Snelling. Fujimori also discusses the time he spent in the Philippines.

Fujimori discusses more about his time in the Philippines. He details about his duties while stationed in Japan. Fujimori also discusses his road to being discharged.

Fujimori discusses his homecoming experiences. He details about his career after being in the military. Fujimori also discusses raising children and moving to west coast.

Fujimori reflects on being sent to American Concentration Camps and his experiences in the military. He details about the role MIS played during the war. Fujimori also discusses veteran organizations and gives a message to future generations.

Hirose discusses he childhood and family. He details about his experiences with forced removal and incarceration camps. Hirose also discusses about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).

Hirose discusses more about his experiences in post-war Japan. He details about facing discrimination and starting a business in Japan. Hirose also discusses his family and Japanese culture.

Ohama discusses his grandfather's life in Japan and his immigration to the United States; as well as his childhood relationship with his grandfather and his grandfather's personality. He then talks about his father including his personality and…

Ohama talks about playing sports; and discusses his high school social life, hobbies, food, and socioeconomic status. He then talks about his relationship with his mother; high school graduation; and religion including discussing how Christianity…

Ohama defines "evacuation" and discusses his thoughts and feelings regarding forced removal. He then describes barbed wire; talks about leaving his belongings behind; discusses the reasons why his family sold their farm; and talks about traveling to…

Ohama describes a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR); discusses the duties of an interrogator; talks about the end of the war and getting sent to Japan; and discusses the goals of an interpreter. He then talks about his experiences in Japan including his…

Ota discusses his father and grandparents, including talking about his grandfather working on a citrus farm. He then talks about religion and going to temple, and attending Obon Festivals. When Ota was a child, his family moved to Japan and he talks…

Ota discusses his family’s work on Driscoll Farms, life after Executive Order 9066, and his family’s forced removal to Salinas temporary detention facility. He then talks about life at Poston incarceration camp, discusses getting drafted and going to…

Ota discusses visiting Hawaii both during his childhood and while in the service, talks about his hobbies, and traveling to the Philippines. After his assignment in the Philippines, Ota went to Japan to be an interpreter for Allied Translator and…

Ota discusses lessons he learned from his family and values to pass on to future generations, and talks about the Japanese American community past vs. present. Lastly, Ota describes and shows pictures taken at Fort Snelling, the NYK Building in…

Sakaji discusses his parents including his mother's death, father's employment, and their reasons for immigrating to the United States. He then talks about his siblings; his childhood chores; discusses the differences between past and present day…

Sakaji talks about his childhood bicycles; discusses how he got his nickname; talks about his father's fish market business; discusses the aunt who raised him; and talks about his relationship with his cousin. He then talks about his grammar school…

Sakaji discusses his employment assisting his father and tells a story where he attempted to fix a tractor. He then talks about his post-war employment working for a mechanic; the attack on Pearl Harbor and aftermath; and discusses his forced removal…

Sakaji talks about his friendship with a sheriff prior to forced removal; discusses restrictions and the curfew that was enforced after the attack on Pearl Harbor; and discusses volunteering for the Army and his brother's military service. He then…

Sakaji discusses his experiences at the end of the war taking POWs from Wisconsin back to Japan. He then talks about his translation and interpreting assignment in Japan working for motor pool; discusses his relatives in Japan; and talks about his…

Sakaji discusses his wife including her personality, how they met, corresponding with her while he was in Japan, and his favorite memories of her. Lastly, Sakaji provides a message to future generations regarding values and education.

Morishima recounts his father and mother's emigration to the United States from the Shizuoka Prefecture on the Izu Pensinsula. His father landed first in Mexico, came across the border illegally, met his mother in the U.S., and then returned to…

Morishima reflects on the ethnic slurs directed towards him and those that he directed towards others. He explains that, as children, there was rarely always mal-intent behind the use of such terms. He then describes his passage to Japan for…

Morishima reflects on the pleasant experience of attending school in Japan as a Japanese American, even after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He then describes his mother and siblings being stranded in Japan due to illness while his father was held in…

At War's end, Morishima was a Japanese soldier and feeling a sense of defeat until he met some Hawaiian soldiers who helped him secure a job with the Civil Censorship Detachment (CCD) in Tokyo. He excels there and is well-liked, but he conceals his…

Morishima discusses his post-War occupations and the accomplishments of his children. He speaks passionately about the value of family and about the general goodness of both Japanese and American people. He is grateful for both experiences and…

Kubota discusses his Father immigration from Hiroshima, Japan. His Father is able to come to the United States in 1903 through sponsorship of his own Father. He works on the plantation before returning to Japan to marry his Mother. His parents…

Kubota discusses his decision to enlist. At the beginning of the war, non-citizens are barred from enlisting due to the enemy alien law. Kubota first learns about the Nisei Regiment Formation assembly from Japanese Community Leaders and decides to…

Kubota discusses meeting Sus Oshabata at basic training. The two becomes friends when Sus takes care of Kubota when he is sick. In mid-training Sus is selected as jeep driver and goes to a different company. After the war, they remain friends even…

Kubota discusses about digging a trenches for sleeping during wartime and how he suffers from a back injury. In the Vosges Mountain, soldiers are afraid of tree burst from shrapnel. So the trenches are covered to protect them from danger. In the…

Kubota discusses about that during the Lost Battalion Rescue mission, he is in hospital for his leg injury.

After the Lost Battalion rescue, Kubota rejoins I Company on November 3 when he hears the company is getting ready to head south for…

Kubota discuss sharing war experiences as a Scout Master at camp with children. He would tell the kids the funny experiences from the war.

Another way that Kubota shares his war experiences is in the I Company book. In 1943, Kubota goes to have…
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