Saito discusses going to Switzerland on furlough; talks about his experiences with snow; discusses his exercise hobby; and talks about his post-war employment. He then talks about returning home; getting discharged; and the restrictions Japanese…
Koyama and the interviewers introduce themselves. He describes his hometown Nampa, Idaho. He talks about his father's immigration to the United States. He discusses his father's employment ventures. He describes his family home. He talks about his…
Koyama continues to talk about his experiences in Japanese language school. He describes what he did in his leisure time, including hunting. He continues to discuss his work on his family farm. He talks about his childhood education. He briefly…
Koyama talks about his teachers. He describes his basic training. He explains how Japanese American soldiers were grouped together. He discusses his journey to Europe and travels through Europe. He talks about the wild boars that he encountered. He…
Koyama talks about transporting prisoners. He talks about the types of injuries he saw, including million dollar wounds. He discusses the end of World War Two. He explains how he communicated with his family while he was overseas. He briefly talks…
Nagasaka begins the interview with an introduction and talks about what it was like to grow up on a hog ranch near Portland, Oregon. He talks about the various ways that they made money off of the hogs and where he was when he first head of the…
Nagasaka discusses attending Japanese language school as a child and coming from a Buddhist family. He also talks about his recreational activities in school, such as handball, in which he was always the best. Next, he talks about the after effects…
After Nagasaka was at Minidoka Concentration Camp, he would be drafted into the Army and get inducted at Fort Douglas. While at basic training, he would train to be a part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, where he would learn to use various…
Nagasaka discusses gambling that occurred during and on the way home from the war, making a nice profit while he ran the craps games with two other friends. He also talks about the cigarette rations they received and how you could sell them on the…
Nagasaka talks about the facial discrimination that he faced after the war, including ignored restaurant service and equipment sales. He also talks more about his career, which included tuna fishing, working as a houseboy in college and having a…
Teramura begins the interview talking about growing up in Lents, Oregon. His family would come over from Shiga prefecture in Japan and start a farm, where Yasu would work from the age of 7 on. During the Great Depression they had to move from Lents…
Teramura continues his recollection of his school years in Oregon, his favorite subject being math. He discusses some of the impactful teachers he had and some of the discrimination that he faced during his childhood. After graduating from Oregon…
Teramura discusses seeing Ambassador Nomura while living near Portland and what it was like to work on the sugar beet farms. There, he would face some prejudice which gave him a little bit of a scare. Next, he talks about visiting his family at the…
Teramura discusses more about his time in Europe during the war. One of his assignments there would be processing German prisoners of war. He discusses the SS and the power that they had in the Nazi Army. After the war had ended, he would work as a…
Termaura continues to talk about his marriage and the wedding that they had. Next, he lists out his children and grandchildren. After this, he talks about his farming career and how he's kept up with agriculture even after he's retired. He also talks…
Iwasaki discusses his youth growing up in Manoa Valley. He talks about his father's arrival in Hawaii from Japan; and his parent's devotion to him and his siblings. He also shares anecdotes regarding: family leisure trips; working on family farm; and…
Iwasaki talks about some of his experiences in Hawaii before the Pearl Harbor attack. He shares his memories of the Pearl Harbor attack and it's aftermath. He also talks about his early military experiences after getting drafted.
Iwasaki discusses the end of his military service and his post-war life. He also talks about spouse and children. He shares anecdotes regarding: time in Europe, courtship with spouse, and Nisei veterans' legacy.
Yano discusses his prefecture origin and familial description. Yano grows up in a rural community in Canada. As a young child his parents divorce and Yano and his brothers live with their father. He describes his childhood activities, daily routines,…
Yano discusses moving to Ontario, Oregon because his Issei Father finds work as a farmer there. Yano plays sport and experiences racism in high school. After December 7, 1941 Yano's Mother is arrested and he visits her. He recalls the treatment of…
Yano discusses basic training, weather conditions and getting measles before heading out overseas to the European Theater. He details about his experiences in France. Yano also discusses about his experiences in Italy
Yano discusses his near death experience from surgery, Army Day Parade, and going to the East Coast. While visiting the East Coast, Yano experience discrimination. He details about being discharged, education, and adjust to civilian life. Yano…
Ozaki begins the interview with an introduction of his family background, his family coming from Wakayama prefecture in Japan and eventually settling in Eau Gallie, Florida. After this, he talks about his whereabouts when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor…
Ozaki talks more about what it was like to grow up in Florida, including the segregation that he saw, being in the South and how that compared to the segregation at Camp Shelby. Next, he talks about his assignment while in Italy, which was to guard…
Ozaki discusses hearing about Executive Order 9066 and the evacuation of all Japanese from the west coast. Being on the east coast, he never had to deal with an evacuation, but felt sympathy for those who did. Next, he talks about the members of his…
Ozaki talks more about his marriage background and a little bit about the discrimination that he faced from sailors in Florida. Next, he talks about his inherited farmland and his children and grandchildren. After this, he speaks about what it was…
Ozaki talks about his correspondence with other members of the Army and supporting their legacies. Next, he speaks about his projects, rebuilding his in-laws home on an island, and being able to rebuild his own home later. After this, he speaks about…
Sakato discusses what it was like growing up in California. He details about his education. Sakato also discusses he experiences from when he moved to Arizona.
Sakato discusses wanting to join the air force but ending up in the army. He details about basic training. Sakato also discusses about traveling on a transport ship and he also gives his opinions and thoughts about the war.
Sakato discusses his time in France. He details about his experience in combat and death. Sakato discusses about fighting and traveling in the Vosges Mountains.
Sakato discusses surviving in combat. He details the Assault on Hill 617. He also discusses his experiences while being wounded. Sakato details about receiving the Distinguished Service Cross.
Sakato gives more details about Hill 617 and being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Sakato discusses his life after leaving the army. He also discusses the aspect of discrimination.
Sakato discusses how he explains his war experiences to his daughter. He also details about what is was like being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Sakato gives some worlds of wisdom and explains a number of photographs.
Sakato discusses about the action that lead to receiving the Medal of Honor. He details about the Medal of Honor means. Sakato also discusses more about Hill 617.
Fukuzawa discusses about his childhood and parents. He details about Pearl Harbor and it aftermath. Fukuzawa also discusses about his families personal experiences with forced removal.
Fukuzawa discusses about life outside of camp including working and college. He details more about forced removal and being drafted. Fukuzawa also discusses about his send off, induction, and experiences at Camp Blanding.
Fukuzawa discusses about a friend and his experiences at Camp Blanding. He details about his family affection and his voyage overseas. Fukuzawa discusses about traveling to and experiences in France.
Fukuzawa discusses about his experiences in Italy both during and post-war. He details about his experiences in France, including the Champagne Campaign and his interactions with French citizens. Fukuzawa also discusses about the casualties of war.
Fukuzawa discusses about his fondest memory and the people he looked up to. He details about the Gothic Line, the end of the war, and his homecoming. Fukuzawa also discusses about his post-war life, going to college and becoming a teacher.
Fukuzawa discusses about his experiences with the Memorial Foundation. He details about the term Go For Broke and lessons learned from service. Fukuzawa ends the interview by giving some closing remarks and discussing a few photographs.
Iguchi discusses about his family and growing San Fernando Valley. He details how he identified himself and home life. Iguchi also discusses about school activities and religion.
Iguchi discusses about his father sending Honeydew Mel ons and life after after high school graduation. He details about being drafted and receiving training to be a medic. Iguchi also discusses about Pearl Harbor, Its aftermath, and joining the…
Iguchi discusses about the journey overseas, training to be a medic, and arriving in France. He details about his experiences during the Champagne Campaign and life as a medic. Iguchi also discusses about The Gothic Line.
Iguchi discusses about his experiences as a medic and being wounded. He details about the events after The Gothic Line. Iguchi also discusses about his best and worst experiences in the war and reflects on his military service.
Endo discusses the reasons why he changed his last name to his mother's maiden name; and talks about his parents and grandparents including disucssing his grandparents immigration and his parents employment. He then talks about a fatal car accident…
Endo discusses working for a family in Philadelphia; talks about a scholarship he received to attend a Quaker high school; discusses the childhood car accident he was in; and talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor and aftermath which included…
Endo discusses his truck driving assignment in basic training; shows and describes photographs of his family; and discusses his experiences at Camp Blanding during basic training. He then talks about reporting to Camp Shelby and his duties there as…
Endo discusses his thoughts about serving in the Army and with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team; and talks about being stationed with the 92nd Infantry Division. He then discusses a fellow medic; talks about his relationship with fellow soldiers; and…
Endo discusses his experiences at University of Florence learning about Italian culture; talks about returning to the United States; and discusses marching in a parade in Washington D.C. He then talks about getting discharged and going back to…
Endo discusses his experiences while applying to work at UCLA; talks about visiting California prior to moving back there and seeing his mentors again; and talks about working at UCLA and getting transferred to work at University of California,…
Endo shows and describes photographs in a scrapbook during his time in Europe as a medic. Photographs depict fellow soldiers, a first aid station, medical supply truck, the 232nd Combat Engineer Company, experiences during the Gothic Line, and other…
Unoura shares his parents backstories. He talks about the churches that his father started in Los Angeles, California. He discusses his knowledge of the Japanese language. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He briefly talks…
Unoura describes the schooling he received while living in a Concentration Camp. He continues to describes his journey to Camp Blanding. He talks about what his daily life was like while stationed at Camp Blanding. Unoura explains an interaction he…
Unoura talks about traveling to Europe on the Queen Mary. He explains his role as a replacement soldier. He describes his military duties, including guarding rail yards. He explains how a soldier's last name determined what unit he was placed in.…
Unoura talks about his friendships with the other men in his unit. He also talks about what some of those men did after World War Two. He shares his memories of Germany, including his guard work. Unoura discuses being discharged. He describes his…
Unoura explains how he communicated with his family while he was stationed overseas. He describes his family home and his community in South Central, Los Angeles, California. He talks about his parents lives after World War Two. He discusses his…
Unoura continues to talk about his multicultural extended family. He briefly talks about his high school experiences. He list the people that he knew in his youth that he is still in contact with. He shares additional memories he has about his time…
Furukawa talks about his childhood growing up in Missouri and California, and differences in race relations between the two states. He describes his parents backgrounds, and shares how his older brother did not move to America with his parents and…
Furukawa talks about his experiences and recollections regarding his draft into military service, race relations between Caucasians and Japanese Americans before and after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his recruitment and training in MISLS. He also…
Furukawa discusses his experiences and assignments in Manila, Philippines and post-war Japan. While in the Philippines he met General Yamashita; while in Japan he visited with relatives. Furukawa also talks about how he met his wife and their…
Akiyama talks about growing up in the Pacific Northwest and moving as a child to eastern Oregon, Portland, and Seattle. He then talks about his father and his employment as a cook; discusses his favorite dishes his father cooked; and talks about…
Akiyama talks about encounters he had with Hawaiian soldiers, discusses Pidgin English, talks about how he learned about the [MIS], and discusses his experiences prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He then talks about his whereabouts during Pearl…
Akiyama talks about the differences between [Portland] temporary detention facility and Minidoka incarceration camp including discussing the living conditions at both locations. He then talks about his experiences working on a sugar beet farm in…
Akiyama talks about his first days in the Army which involved basic training at Camp Blanding in Florida. He also talks about his experiences at Camp Blanding during a hurricane; talks about food at Camp Blanding as well as Army rations; and…
Akiyama talks about his combat experiences during reconnaissance patrol; and describes what it was like shooting a rifle and shooting against German soliders. He then talks about different types of rifles, his first impressions of German soldiers,…
Akiyama discusses his wife, marriage, daughter, and his reasons for participating in the Hanashi Oral History Program. He also talks about his participation in the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and other post-war recreational activities…
Matsukawa begins the interview with an introduction of what it was like to grow up in Salt Lake City, Utah. While living there, he would go to school and enjoy the playing sports. As it was the Great Depression years, his family would only have one…
Matsukawa talks about his family background, including his mother and father coming over from Niigata prefecture in Japan. As the terrain of Utah was very similar to Niigata, the family would end up settling there. Next, he talks about the…
Matsukawa talks about his parent's reaction to joining the Army and his brother getting killed in action while in the war. He talks about the unfortunate casualties of young men during war time and his brother's path. Soon after his brother passed…
Matsukawa gives a few anecdotes of his time in basic training at Camp Blanding, including boxing, furloughs, and visiting cities in Florida. He would be shipped out to Europe shortly after, going on the HMS Aquitania and landing in Southampton before…
Matsukawa talks about the history of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, stemming all the way back to Pearl Harbor, when the prejudice first began. He also talks about the accomplishments and strides they made by fighting for their country. Next, he…
After his war experiences in Europe, Matsukawa would head back to the United States, stopping first in New York, where he and a friend were determined to see the Statue of Liberty. He would head back to Utah and there, would decide to take advantage…
Matsukawa finishes up the interview talking about the history of the 442nd and keeping that education alive with the younger generations, as there are still a lot of people that don't realize there were American concentration camps. Finally, he talks…
Robinson Jr. and the interviewers introduce themselves. Robinson shares stories from the front lines. He talks about his parents. He describes his early life in Maine. He discusses his childhood education. He talks about his work on his family farm.…
Robinson Jr. describes his journey to Europe and landing in Naples. He talks about the connections that he had in Naples. He discusses corrupt army officers. He describes the 141st Infantry Regiment. He talks about Commander Marty Higgins. He…
Robinson Jr. describes tree burst. He continues to talk about his capture by German forces. He discusses his interactions with civilians. He describes his relationships with guards. He talks about the Munich Prisoner of War Camp where he was…
Robinson Jr. explains why he shot a civilian. He describes his experiences in Le Havre, France. He discusses his gambling. He talks about his return to the United States. He describes a lifelong friendship. He explains how he reconnected with his…
Okada discusses his given name, prefecture origin and familial description. He describes his first home he grows up in and describes the relationship between his family-in-law and his family. His brother Charles is one of the last Japanese Americans…
Okada discusses elementary school and his family living through the Great Depression. In high school he plays wrestling and post-war he becomes a pro-wrestler. He recalls December 7, 1941 hearing about Pearl Harbor. Okada's family evacuates to Utah.…
Okada discusses sister and being volunteer evacuee. Before Okda tries to enroll for service but is unable to. The second time he is drafted and joins the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France. Okada recalls basic training, going overseas, getting…
Okada discusses Sergeant Ogawa and being in Italy. Okada is in Company I and talks about his assignments. He shares his combat stories in Italy. Okada is wounded at the Headquarter explosion and the war is over.
Enro Okada discusses being on the hospital ship and learning that the European war ends. In California, Okada receives treatment at the VA hospital. Okada receives the Purple Heart . He gets married in July 1945 after being discharge from the…
Okada discusses Honolulu Hank his wrestling identity and his wrestling matches. He recalls in Arizona wrestling under a different name. After wrestling, Okada decides to go into the bakery business. He shares advice for the future joining the…
Katagiri discusses a story about his birth; and talks about his father including discussing his employment and immigration from Japan. He then talks about his childhood in Kent, Washington and discusses his experiences growing up within a Japanese…
Katagiri talks about his interest and employment in aviation including discussing building model airplanes while in Tule Lake Concentration Camp. He also talks about learning how to fly an airplane while working for Boeing, joining a sailplane club,…
Katagiri discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor and aftermath including his parents' reactions; his experiences with bullies and discrimination; and his family's experiences prior to forced removal which involved having to turn in weapons and radios,…
Katagiri discusses the loyalty questionnaire he was given at Tule Lake Concentration Camps; and getting his draft notice and his parents' reaction. He then talks about basic training, weather, and friendships at Camp Blanding; preparing to ship out…
Katagiri discusses communicating using Hawaiian slang [pidgin] for codes; and talks about the messages that were being sent and received. He then talks about some of his duties with the communications section, getting wounded, and his assignment…
Katagiri discusses returning to the United States, seeing his family for the first time, and his post-war employment. He then talks about getting married, divorced, and remarried. Next, Katagiri talks about his children and grandchildren; and…
Katagiri discusses how he got drafted after release from internment camp. He talks about becoming a replacement soldier for the 442nd regiment and being sent to Europe, eventually participating in the Gothic Line combat. Katagiri shares anecdotes…
Katagiri talks about his combat experiences in Italy. He talks his experiences at Mount Grugola; how he got injured and his recuperation. He also talks about: Medal of Honor recipient Yukio Okutsu; his recollections of Captains Hill and Keegan; U.S.…
Katagiri talks about working with German prisoners at the end of the war, and his life post war. He discusses his career in aeronautical design. He also talks about his father's background and ancestral lineage.
Kobayashi talks about his childhood including discussing his parents and siblings, going to Japanese school, working on a farm; and playing baseball and being a part of an esquire club in high school. He then talks about learning about the attack on…
Kobayashi talks about his assignment censoring letters while at Camp Stoneman and then being sent overseas to Japan where he was assigned to translate documents. While in Japan Kobayashi also taught English, visited relatives, went on sightseeing…
Kobayashi talks about his assignment translating documents in Japan, and his involvement with city government including being a manager for city council member Ken Nakaoka; and working as a fish and game manager and as a treasurer. He then talks…
