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…
Asai discuses his family. He details about his childhood and farming community of Cortez, CA near Turlock. Asai also discusses Pearl Harbor and the resulting forced removal.
Asai discusses his childhood. He details his experiences at Merced Temporary Detention Center. Asai also discusses his experiences at Amache Concentration Camp and leaving camp to work in Cleveland.
Asai discusses his experiences in basic training at Camp Blanding. He details his experiences going overseas. Asai discusses his combat experiences in Italy and France.
Asai discusses being wounded and combat experiences. He details his experiences in Italy, most dealing with his non-combat experiences. Asai also discusses his homecoming experiences and the medals he received.
Asai discusses his post-war life. He gives a message to future generations and details the importance of the Niseis. Asai also discusses being apart of the advanced party for Turlock.
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…
Fujimoto discusses his experiences growing up in rural Colorado as a youth. He talks about how his father immigrated to Mexico before settling in the U.S. He talks about how his mother arrived in the U.S. too. He shares anecdotes regarding: his…
H. Fujimoto talks about his recollections of the Pearl Harbor attack and the aftermath which prevented him from going off to college, and how Colorado's governor Ralph Carr offered refuge for evacuated Japanese Americans. He also discusses his…
H. Fujimoto talks about how his MISLS training emphasized patience and accuracy in interpreting for the military. He also discusses his post-war life: marriage, family, and career; and the racial discrimination he faced post-war while looking for…
Fujimoto discusses how he got his nickname; and talks about growing up in Bell, California including talking about his family, his father’s occupation on a farm, and his own duties helping out on the farm. He then continues to talk about his…
Fujimoto tells a story regarding a whiskey distillery and Al Capone, discusses his father getting arrested by the FBI, and talks about his family and friends’ forced removal experiences. He then talks about his life and the living conditions at Santa…
Fujimoto discusses life experiences and luck, meeting his wife, working while at Rohwer Concentration Camp; and going to the hospital for pleurisy. He then discusses taking an Army questionnaire, getting his draft notice, and basic training at Camp…
Fujimoto discusses going to Camp Kilmer, traveling overseas; and going to the hospital for measles after landing in France. He then talks about being assigned to G Company and describes the terrain traveling to meet up with them with his squad. Next,…
Fujimoto talks about his combat experiences, discusses the end of the war, and tells a story regarding going to hospital for food poisoning. He then talks about receiving a Bronze Star, provides his thoughts regarding military service and the 442nd;…
Fujimoto discusses about his family and early life. He details about his life after high school, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. Fujimoto also discusses about forced removal and his experiences at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp.
Fujimoto discusses about his experiences in Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp and leaving camp. He details about getting drafted and training. Fujimoto also discusses about his experiences as a replacement in Italy.
Fujimoto discusses about his experiences in Switzerland and coming home. He details about his experiences in the Army and his family. Fujimoto also discusses about his post-war life, receiving the Bronze Star, and the values he were taught.
Mr. Fujimoto discusses about his family message to future generations, and photographs. Mrs. discusses about about her family. She also details about going to Japan and her experiences there.
Fukasawa talks about his memories of growing up in Los Angeles. He discusses his family and how his father maintained a nursery. Fukasawa describes the Japanese community and Japanese celebrations. He attempts to describe the Los Angeles landscape.…
Fukasawa describes his experiences while at Santa Anita Temporary Detention Facility. He talks about life in the Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. He reveals what happened to his father after he was released from a Prison camp. Fukasawa discusses…
Fukasawa discusses his life in Davenport, being followed by the FBI, and receiving his draft notice. He also talks about his basic training experiences at Camp Blanding. He explains how frequent illnesses delayed his deployment. Fukasawa talks about…
Fukasawa talks about what V-E day was like in Italy and New York . He explains what he did in Europe after the war and describes his journey home. He talks about memories of his mother. Fukasawa discusses his jewelry making education. He then goes…
Fukuhara talks about growing up on Twitchell Island in California, his father’s farming occupation, and moving around to different islands as a child. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses school; working on farms; his family’s…
Fukuhara discusses getting drafted and going to Camp Blanding for basic training; traveling overseas; weapons he carried; Army friendships; and his relationship with Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about landing in France and traveling to…
Fukuhara begins the interview speaking about his family background and his father coming over from Japan. At a young age, his mother would pass away, and his father would later re-marry. Growing up in Washington, he had a very diverse upbringing,…
After being moved to Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho, he was drafted into the Army. He would attend his basic training at Camp Landing in Florida, where he would be trained as an infantryman until being chosen to switch over to the Military…
Fukuhara would finish up his assignments in Japan, working in Kumamoto and befriending the Yakuza. However, before heading back home, he decided to go AWOL and see other parts of Japan while he was there. He would end up seeing his father and…
Fukuhara continues his recollection of the time after the Pearl Harbor attacks, and his father being taken in by the FBI. Other than that, things would go on as normal until the Executive Order 9066 was signed. With just a couple days notice, he and…
Taira Fukushima discusses the importance of family. For example, when he is a student, he gets a paper route job, and with the money earned, he shares it with the family. In the 1930s, there was a notion that tuberculosis was hereditary. By getting…
Taira Fukushima and his brother Jim are together for 442nd and replacements. On the mainland, Taira is a medic aide, and Jim is a litter bearer. Taira has limited training as a medic, but Tech Sergeant Hirata and Sergeant Matsuda give him support…
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.
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…
Hamanaka discusses his parents orign and growing up as an only child. During his adolescent years he helps with his Father's business after school and is active in journalism at school. Hamanaka recalls learning how to cook in Puyallup and making…
Hamanaka discusses his experiences in Puyallup Temporary Detention Center and Minidoka Concentration Camp. During his time in camp he sees how the family dynamic changes. Hamanaka leaves camp when he goes to basic training. After graduation he goes…
Hamanaka discusses his time of occupation in Japan and his length of Military Service. He also mentions Japan's civilians thoughts on Military Intelligence Service in Japan. When Hamanaka is discharged, he goes back to school and receives two…
Hanamoto is in Junior college when Pearl Harbor is bombed. He discusses discrimination, concentration camps, and the meaning of barb wires. While in camp, Hanamoto volunteers to work on a farm. He recalls induction, Military Intelligence Service…
Hanamoto discusses translation duties and the 187th. During Occupation Japan, Hanamoto recalls visiting a Japanese National at their home and topics of discussion that they discuss. When he is discharge, Hanamoto see discrimination still exists,…
Hanamura discussing growing up in Alameda California; discusses his father, mother, and their marriage; and talks about his father's involvement with church. He then talks about his siblings including discussing his brother getting drafted, his other…
Hanamura discusses prejudice he faced growing up, and also discusses his childhood friendships. He then talks about going to college, working on an apple farm, getting drafted, and his experiences after the attack on Pearl Harbor including leaving…
Hanamura talks about his duties while at Camp Grant as part of the Quartermaster Corps; discusses receiving weapons at Camp Shelby; and talks about some of the other officers in his group and best friend in the Army. He then talks about visiting his…
Hanamura talks about his combat experiences in Bruyeres, discusses his friend who was killed in action, and talks about becoming an assistant squad leader. He then talks about the weather in Southern France, Army food, the Lost Battalion rescue, and…
Hanamura talks about church services while overseas, interactions with German POWs; and discusses the Gothic Line battle including his experiences getting shot and taken to the aid station, and his leg amputation as a result of that wound. He then…
Hanamura recites a poem he learned in school, discusses how he would like to be remembered, talks about his friendships with other veterans, and discusses meeting his wife. Lastly, Hanamura talks about his children, discusses the differences between…
Hattori discusses about his parents, family dynamic, and religion. He details about identifying as American, growing up in Monterey, California, and different aspects of his childhood. Hattori also discusses about hard-hat diving.
Hattori discusses more about har-hat diving and his finances. He details about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and what barbed wire is. Hattori also gives more details about his experiences with forced removal. Hattori briefly discusses his experiences…
Hattori discusses about abalone, his wife, and joining the Army. He details about being blacklisted, the loyalty questionnaire, and joining the Military Intelligence Service. He details about his time in Minnesota and his experiences in post-war…
Hattori discusses about his experiences in post-war Japan with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). He details about the living conditions post-war, his interactions with Japanese citizens, and Japanese culture. Hattori also evaluates the Nisei's…
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…
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.
Hozaki talks about his induction. He also talks about his wife and children. He discusses his education. He describes his employment before his military service. He talks about his physical exam for his enlistment. He discusses his experiences at…
Hozaki talks about his nickname. He explains why he volunteered for the military. He describes interrogating Prisoners of War (POWs). He discusses his relationships with Mainland Soldiers. He talks about his interactions with civilians while…
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.
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.
Karatsu talks about growing up in Los Angeles, going to school, and discusses his parents and siblings. He then talks about going to Japanese language school, values growing up, recreational activities, and childhood friends. After graduation,…
Karatsu talks about his brother’s military service as part of the H Company in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He also talks about going overseas, joining the 442nd as a replacement, and discusses his assignments as a messenger and his duties…
Karatsu talks about Italian civilians, and sightseeing after the war. He then talks about returning back to the United States and getting a job at the postal service. Karatsu also talks about working as an actor in anti-Japanese motion pictures; and…
Karatsu discusses being a volunteer at the Japanese American National Museum, the Go For Broke monument, and his involvement with veterans organizations and reunions. He also talks about his grandchildren; and describes and shows a box containing…
