Arao discusses about growing up in Watsonville, California and family. He details about volunteering for service and witnessing prejudices. Arao also discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and his early experiences in the Army.
Arao discusses about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about the 100th Infantry Battalion, losing friends, and German weaponry. Arao also discusses about his experiences in Italy and France.
Arao discusses about his experiences during the Lost Battalion rescue. He details about his experiences at The Gothic Line. Arao also discusses about casualties and General Clark.
Arao discusses about wounded, earning the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), and the 442nd book. He details about his experiences in Italy and the bond amongst soldiers. Arao also discusses about the realities of war, returning home, and the progress…
Azumano discusses his childhood and social activities. He details his experiences with higher education and his post college life. Azumano also discusses being drafted and the aftermath from Pearl Harbor.
Azumano discusses his experiences with forced removal and at Portland Temporary Detention Center. He details his experiences at Minidoka Concentration Camp and his family. Azumano also discusses his post-war life and medical issues.
Shigeru Iba is born on April 1, 1917, in Los Angeles, CA. His parents are from Wakayama-ken, Japan, and he has two brothers. During Shigeru's childhood, he helps his father in the nursery business. Besides attending primary school, he goes to a…
After graduating from Manual Arts High School, Shigeru Iba helps with his Father's nursery business. In March of 1941, Shigeru is drafted into the Army. Springtime is the busiest time for the nursery business. Therefore, he requests a deferment for…
Shigeru Iba discusses Australia and POWS. In Australia, he is in the hospital for a year. During this time in the hospital, he hears about the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and the war ends.
Shigeru's family is in Amache, CO, while he is in the Army.…
Post-war, Shigeru Iba he meets his wife, Toshi Beverly Iba. They have been married for 54 years and have three children, Gary, Glenn, and Alan. Glenn has two sons, and Alan has two sons.
In 1946, Shigeru and his brother buys a nursery together…
In 1948, Toshi Beverly Iba returns to the United States. She reunites with her older brother and helps him with his nursery business. Toshi also attends a Los Angeles Costume Design School and later graduates.
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…
During the occupation of Japan, Paul Ichiuji worked for the CIC to gather information. Paul got information from the butokai and couriers. Although Paul’s Japanese was not that proficient, he knew important words to communicate with the butokai.…
Ikeda discusses how he got his nickname; and talks about his parents and growing up on a farm in Clovis, California. He then talks about playing softball, high school, attending Japanese language school, and religion. Lastly, Ikeda recalls being at…
Ikeda discusses his family’s forced removal, the story behind how he was transferred to Military Intelligence Service (MIS), and talks about his MIS training and the classes he attended. He then talks about receiving a furlough to visit his family at…
Ikeda talks about his Military Intelligence Service (MIS) assignments in China translating captured documents, discusses the differences between interrogation, interpretation, and translation, and talks about kibei involvement in MIS. He then talks…
Ikeda discusses meeting his wife, provides some marriage advice, and discusses his children. He then talks about purchasing and working on a farm, discusses the importance of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) to the war effort and MIS receiving…
Imoto talks about his early years growing up in Lindsay (CA) on a farm owned by his family; and shared with his uncle and his family. He discusses the community they lived in and his primary and secondary education. He also provides background…
Imoto discusses his adolescence in his rural hometown of Lindsay (CA). He talks about the local ethnic communities and his experiences in high school. He also discusses how he got drafted in the army and began artillery training.
Imoto talks about his military service. He discusses the various military bases he was stationed at during basic training, and his experiences in combat in Europe. He also talks about his father's experience in custody with the FBI.
Imoto shares details about his war injuries, how he got wounded and where his wounds are. He talks how he recuperated. He also discusses his life after the war ended.
Iwataki discusses his nickname, parents, his father's business, and his family in Japan. He then talks about how his parents met, his mother, and discipline during his childhood. Next, Iwataki talks about his siblings; and discusses his childhood…
Iwataki talks about his childhood including discussing his neighborhood, attending school, friendships, experiences with discrimination, playing sports, and influential teachers. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses his…
Iwataki discusses discrimination in the Army as well as Kibei experiences in the military. He then talks about experiences with discrimination at Fort McClellan, describes the process of getting a field commission, and describes the term, cadre.…
Iwataki talks about landing in Naples, discusses Italian civilians, and talks about a good luck charm called "the flying duck". He then talks about his experiences during the Lost Battalion rescue; the battle at Bruyeres; discusses his interactions…
Iwasaki talks about the end of the war and returning to the United States where he participated in a parade in New York. He then talks about corresponding with his wife while overseas, and discusses seeing his daughter prior to going overseas. Next,…
Iwasaki talks about his children and their occupations; discusses his grandchildren; talks about the history of his last name; and discusses the contributions of Nisei soldiers in regards to the community. He then provides a message to his children…
Kaihara discusses his parents origins. He talks about his community and primary school experiences. He also explains what he did with his leisure time as a child. Thomas Kaihara talks about his relationships with family members. He describes his…
Kaihara continues to talk about his high school experiences. He also describes his high school graduation. He discusses his work as a cadre in Hawaii. Kaihara describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He reveals that his father passed away at Tule Lake.
Kaihara describes Tule Lake and how his father died. He discusses the senninbari that he received from his mother. Kaihara reveals what he thinks about the No-no boys. He goes on to talk about the formation of the 100th. He describes Camp McCoy and…
Thomas Kaihara recounts his first combat experiences. He describes the horrors of war. He talks about the Battle of Monte Cassino. Kaihara describes his injuries and he gives his reflections on the 100th. He also reflects on what it means to be an…
Kaihara compares the 100th to the 442nd. He tells some stories about his time in the 100th. He describes his marriage and family. Kaihara talks about his post-war life. He discusses his civic engagements and he gives his final thoughts
Kawagoye discusses his parents including his father's employment and death; and his mother's remarriage. He then talks about his childhood chores; siblings; attending high school; childhood friendships; and some of his post high school employment…
Kawagoye talks about his assignment at Fort Riley working with a butcher; discusses rations; and talks about his brothers' military service. He then talks about reporting to Camp Shelby and the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team; discusses…
Kawagoye discusses the civilians and countryside in Italy; talks about his first combat experiences in Italy; and discusses what it was like to experience artillery fire. He then talks about his duties as part of an Antitank Company; discusses his…
Kawagoye discusses getting wounded in France; talks about being awarded a Purple Heart; and discusses his combat experiences in Bruyeres. He then talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion; discusses the different types of mines German soldiers…
Kawagoye discusses corresponding with his family while overseas; talks about his assignment processing German POWs post-war; and discusses the Army point system. Next, Kawagoye talks about traveling back to the United States and his stopover in…
Kawagoye discusses his grandsons; talks about his friendships with veterans; and discusses his involvement in community groups and the 100th/442nd Veterans Association. He then talks about the Go for Broke monument; provides some thoughts regarding…
Kishiue discusses his early years in California's King County. He talks about his family background and their experiences evacuating their home during WW2. He also talks about being drafted in the military before the Pearl Harbor attack; and race…
Kishibue talks about his MISLS training at Camp Savage, and how he spent his free time in Minnesota. He talks about basic training experiences at Camp Robinson and his experiences at Makin Island. He also talks about race issues he faced in the…
Kishibue talks about his experiences in Saipan interrogating Japanese soldiers and civilians. He describes what the civilian camps were like; and military combat he had participated in.
Kishibue talks about his experiences in Saipan interrogating prisoners of war and cave flushing. He also discusses experiences in Okinawa and working for one week with CIC. In addition he shares a story regarding a Japanese military officer who…
Kishiue talks about medals and honors he received in the military; and his experiences regarding returning to the United States. He talks about his life after his military discharge, and his family.
Kishiue displays photographs of himself in military uniform while at Schofield Barracks and Makin Island. He also shows photographs of personnel from a civilian camp in Saipan. There is also a display of medals he earned from the Military.
Kozono discusses his experiences growing up in rural farming community outside of Sacramento. He talks about his home life and how he and his 6 sisters worked on the family farm. He also discusses how his parents dealt with obstacles to land…
Kozono discusses his experience getting drafted, and put in military reserves, before the Pearl Harbor attack. he also discusses how in the aftermath of the attack he and his family were classified at aliens and had to relocate to Tule Lake…
Kozono talks about his deployment to the Philippines after the war ended as part of the "Luzon POW Processing Team". As a staff sergeant, and due to his limited ability to speak Japanese, he often had his team conduct interviews while managed the…
Kozono mostly talks about his life after he was discharged from the army and returned home to his parents in Sacramento area. Later he married and established his own family. However, he also discusses the different kinds of POWs he encountered and…
Kunihiro discusses his early years growing up in southern California: Imperial Valley and Sierra Madre. He also talks about his father's immigration to the U.S. and how he became established in farming. Kunihiro shares anecdotes regarding: childhood…
Kunihiro discusses his youth working and attending school in Southern California. He also talks about getting drafted before the Pearl Harbor attack and how the attack impacted his family. He also discusses the different basic training camps he…
Kunihiro discusses his experiences in Europe during World War 2. He talks about how illness with Bronchitis affected him. He shares anecdotes regarding: when he got married, his experiences with Hawaiian Niseis, and battle scenes he witnessed.
Kunihiro talks about his experiences in combat and how he had to be reassigned due to Bronchitis. He shares anecdotes about sight seeing he did in Europe; his experience supervising German and Italian POWs laborers; and his being hospitalized. He…
Kunihiro discusses his post-war life. He talks about returning home to his wife, raising his children, and his career. He also talks about his participation in veteran organizations.
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…
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 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.
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…
Mukai talks about Bostonia, California. He talks about his fathers birthplace and family. He discusses his fathers discrimination. He shares his fathers experiences with discrimination. He describes the ingenuity of Japanese American immigrants. He…
Mukai continues to talk about his relationships with his siblings. He describes three childhood near drowning incidents. He describes the demographics of Bostonia, California. He discusses his experiences in high school. He talks about a mentor that…
Mukai talks about the fear amongst Japanese Americans following the Pearl Harbor bombings. He talks about what happened to his family farm after his forced removal. He describes the induction process. He discusses his combat training at Camp Shelby.…
Mukai describes his journey to Europe. He talks about landing in Glasgow, Scotland. He discusses traveling trough England. He talks about his arrival in LaHavre, France. He explains how he joined M Company. He describes the conversations that he had…
Mukai describes climbing the Apennine Mountains during the Gothic Line campaign. He talks about the time he spent in Belvedere. He discusses his units travel through Italy. He talks about the end of World War two and his final duties. He describes…
Mukai talks about the discussions between members of his unit before preparing to return to the United States. He explains why it was dangerous for Japanese American soldiers to fight in the Pacific. He describes his return to the United States. He…
