Hirano begins the interview speaking of his family background, including his mother, father and siblings. At the young age of 4, he was moved to Japan to begin his schooling and would not return to the United States until the end of high school.…
After joining the Army, Hirano is sent to Camp Savage in Minnesota to join the Military Intelligence Service Language School. From there he was assigned to work in New York, translating words for a dictionary that the Army was putting together. It…
Hirano continues his recollection of his time in Japan, starting with his arrival in Hiroshima. There, he would see the devastation after the atomic bomb and be assigned to the Counter Intelligence Cops (CIC). After leaving that, he would stay in…
Hiroki talks about his early life in Kauai. He discusses his family's move to Honolulu. He describes his mother. He talks about his childhood leisure time and being drafted. Hiroki talks about family finances and his high school experiences. He…
Howard Hiroki continues to talk about his high school experiences. He describes his time in Japanese language school. He discusses his studies at the University of Hawaii. He reflects on courting his wife. Hiroki explains how he paid for college. He…
Hiroki talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and his voyage to the mainland. He describes landing in the mainland and what Camp McCoy was like. He revisits basic training. Hiroki talks about Camp Savage. He describes military language and Japanese…
Hiroki remembers the recording he made for his wife. He talks about recruiting for Camp Savage. He gives an overview of the work he did in the South Pacific. He describes an interview he did with a Japanese admiral. Hiroki talks about being…
Hiroki continues to describe his children and grandchildren. He talks about sharing his war time experiences and values with family. He revisits his religious background. Hiroki explains several newspapers articles that are shown on the video. He…
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…
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…
Ikeguchi discusses his parents and their employment; and talks about growing up in a farming community in California. He then talks about his parents' physical traits and personalities; discusses values he learned from his parents; talks about family…
Ikeguchi discusses his experiences with prejudice; talks about his childhood friendships and recreational activities; and discusses school including his favorite subjects, involvement in clubs, and playing sports. He then talks about his goals for…
Ikeguchi talks about his experiences at Camp Robinson, his Signal Corps assignment, and his assignment at Camp Carson as a shipping clerk in Quartermaster Corps. He then talks about his promotion in rank; discusses going to Military Intelligence…
Ikeguchi discusses the treatment of Japanese POWs; describes the term "comfort women"; and talks about his experiences during his interrogation assignment. He then talks about his interactions with Japanese POWs; discusses casualties of war; and…
Ikeguchi discusses his experiences during his tour in China; talks about weapons he carried; and discusses the end of the war and returning home to California. He then talks about going back to college to finish his degree; discusses his brother's…
Ikeguchi discusses how he located his father who was living in Japan; talks about visiting his relatives in Japan; and discusses his duties while assisting the Osaka police with the black market. He then talks about his assignment in Yokohama;…
Ikeguchi discusses the work done by the Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) and double agents; talks about his assignment during the Vietnam War; and discusses attending Counter-insurgency school and Vietnamese language school. He then talks about…
Ikeguchi provides a message to future generations regarding prejudice; and discusses religion and politicians. He then talks about the importance of Nisei veterans legacy; and discusses the 9/11 attack and how it relates to the experiences of…
Inaba discusses about his family and growing up. He details about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and volunteering for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). Inaba also discusses about his experiences while in the Military Intelligence Service. He…
Inaba discusses about what it was like growing up on a coffee farm. He details about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). Inaba also discusses about his career with the credit union.
Inoshita explains how his parents immigrated. He talks about his grandfather. He describes his fathers personality and skill sets. He shares his fathers experiences with discrimination. He explains how moving to the coast of California affected his…
Masaji Inoshita describes his Japanese identity. He shares his experiences with discrimination while in high school. He explains how the concept of Shikata ga nai helped him deal with discrimination. He talks about his acting experience in more…
Inoshita talks about his Caucasian friends who offered support during the forced removal process. He describes the living conditions at Tulare Temporary Detention Center. He describes the propaganda surrounding the forced removal of Japanese…
Masaji Inoshita explains the possible economic motivations of the forced removal of Japanese Americans. He talks about Fort Snelling. He discusses his time in Military Intelligence Service Language School. He describes his journey to the Pacific,…
Inoshita talks about several objects that are shown on camera. He talks about some letters that he found with a Prisoner of War. He explains how he communicated with his family while overseas. He discusses the conflict between the Communist party and…
Inoshita talks about his return to the United States. He describes what his family did after leaving Gila River. He discusses his return to farming. He explains how he dealt with aging. He explains how he met his wife. Inoshita talks about his wife,…
Ishikawa discusses growing up in San Jose, California's Japantown including talking about his parents; discussing childhood discipline and values; recreational activities; his childhood home; and experiences going to a public bathhouse as a child. He…
Ishikawa discusses the forced removal of Japanese Americans during World War Two; discrimination against Asian Americans; provides some thoughts regarding citizenship and loyalty; and discusses his experiences at Fort Riley including what happened…
Ishikawa discusses Japan's surrender; his experiences on Negros and Panay Islands; describes a Japanese battle flag he found; and talks about his experiences after landing in Korea including his interactions with Korean civilians and Japanese…
Ishimoto begins the interview talking about his whereabouts when he first heard of the surrender of Japan. At this time, he was already beginning preparations to move into Japan for scheduled invasions, and therefore, when shipped to Japan, he would…
Ishimoto continues his discussion on the importance of Nisei linguists during the military occupation of Japan. He talks about the various campaigns and things that the MIS had to deal with, that were much more than just interpreting and translating.…
Ishizaki begins the interview with his outlook on the surrender of Japan. As he had previously volunteered for the Army, he was already in Manila, awaiting his shipment to Japan. Once arrived at Atsugi Air Base, he immediately noticed the flat…
Ishizaki continues his recollection of his time in occupied Japan, including discussion on the black market and women's rights. After his time in Japan, he was moved to Australia to begin work with the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section,…
Yoshio Izumi was born September 15, 1918, in South Pasadena, CA. His parents are Riozo and Otomi Izumi. Yoshio's mother was previously married and has two children from the previous married. There are nine children in the family.
Yoshio Izumi goes to Japanese language school first before starting English school. When his family moves from Malibu to Santa Monica, Yoshio attends Santa Monica School. The makeup of the school is primarily Caucasians students and half a dozen…
On December 7, Yoshio Izumi is on his weekend leave and hears about Pearl Harbor on the radio at home. Yoshio was born and raised in the United States, and he feels he would be loyal to his homeland. He feels he is one hundred percent American.
At Camp Savage, Yoshio Izumi is assigned to Headquarter Company and does clerical work. He is tasked with morning reports and supplies inventory. Yoshio recalls being inducted at the same time as John Aiso and seeing him at basic training at Fort…
Yoshio Izumi shares his story about how he knows Sadao Munemori. Both Yoshio and Sadao meet at Camp Savage and visit Manzanar on a pass. There is news of a Nisei group being formed, and Sadao volunteers for the 442nd. Yoshio describes Sadao as…
Robert "Rusty" Kimura begins the interview talking about how his parents came from Japan and settled in Oroville, California. He would grow up there, getting into a lot of fights as he grew up a small child and people were always picking on him. He…
Kimura discusses how he came to get the nickname "Rusty" and his sports career during high school, winning a championship for the C Team. He talks about the Great Depression and having the chance to attend college in Los Angeles, but deciding against…
Kimura continues talking about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, including getting forced to evacuate and move into a temporary detention center at Tanforan racetrack, where his mother would pass away. Next, they would move to Topaz Concentration Camp…
While at the Topaz Concentration Camp, Kimura would see Army recruiting teams, looking for Japanese speakers to join the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). He would volunteer and pass the tests, giving him a sense of patriotism and a reason to get…
After his language training and basic training, Kimura would ship out, heading first to Australia, where they would set up in tents and settle in at Camp Chelmer. There, he would join up with Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS) and get…
Kimura talks about his experiences as an interrogator throughout the war, speaking with Japanese prisoners of war and trying to get as much information as possible. He talks about finding a piece of paper which showed the date and location of an…
Kimura discusses his brothers that were also serving in the Army, one of which would be wounded at the Lost Battalion campaign. He also talks about correspondence with his family and what it was like to be on the front lines. He talks more about his…
Kimura discusses meeting his wife while living in Japan as a soldier and then marrying her as a civilian. Next, he talks about becoming a civilian translator, working for double the pay after being discharged from the Army. He would return to the…
Kimura discusses his experiences working in Occupied Japan as both a military lieutenant and later a civilian. He talks about his time in Yokohama and Tokyo, working on translation services. He also shares anecdotes regarding: the Japanese citizenry,…
Kimura discusses how both the Japanese citizenry and Nisei soldiers worked to make Occupied Japan successful. He talks about the value of Nisei and Kibei being participants. He also talks about the cultural resilience of Japan.
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.
Kitajima discusses about his childhood and family. He details about living in Honolulu and moving to California. Kitajima also discusses about being drafted, Pearl Harbor, and the events that followed.
Kitajima discusses his family situation during the war. He details about being sent to the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and his experiences at Camp Savage and Fort Snelling. Kitajima also discusses about his experiences in the Philippines.
Kitajima discusses more about his experiences in the Philippines. He details about his experiences in Korea and Russia post-war. Kitajima also discusses about Communism.
Kitajima discusses his journey back home and his life after the army. He details about meeting his wife and his involvement the community. Kitajima also discusses his family and gives a message to future generations.
Kazuo Komoto begins the interview with detailing his father's reasons for leaving Japan and then returning to Japan to find a bride before starting a family in the United States. Next, he discusses his mother's wishes for her children to get a…
Kazuo Komoto discusses his high school life in Japan and witnessing the increasing militarism of the Japanese society during the conflict in Manchuria. Next, he talks about not feeling attached to the Japanese society and wanting to return to the…
Kazuo Komoto talks about performing guard duty over an aircraft plant in California, and how a newspaper picture of Nisei's guarding the plant created some issues with the local community. Next, he discusses his transfer to Camp Savage and the…
Kazuo Komoto discusses the trip from Camp Savage to his first overseas duty on Fiji Island as a team leader of a 10 man Japanese language team, and then he discusses the duties performed while on Guadalcanal. Next, he describes how he volunteered for…
Kazuo Komoto discusses returning back to the United States to recover from his wound, his mother receiving letters from Washington DC informing her of his wounding, and his chance to visit his mother at the Gila River Concentration Camp. Next, he…
Kazuo Komoto concludes this interview by showing some personal photographs taken while in the military, family photos, and then some military documents and a selective service ribbon.
Kono discusses his parents immigration from Japan; talks about growing up in a village where sugar cane is produced; and talks about attending school and Japanese language school. He then discusses the reasons why he was sent to Japanese language…
Kono discusses his employment after high school and during the war in the grocery department of Theo H. Davies Company and talks about witnessing discrimination there. He then talks about his high school friendships and classmates; attending high…
Kono reads a poem he wrote and sent to his niece while overseas; discusses his experiences going to New York during rest and relaxation (R&R); and talks about his Military Intelligence Service (MIS) assignment after training. He then talks about…
Kono discusses his experiences cave-flushing which involved talking Japanese civilians and soldiers out of caves. He then talks about his assignment in occupied Japan; getting discharged; and his experiences interrogating Japanese POWs. Next, Kono…
Kono discusses suicides of civilians on Saipan; and discusses his best wartime memories which included food, and recreational activities. He then talks about seeing his family again and his post-war life in Hawaii; discusses the end of the war; and…
Kono discusses his post-war career working for the Dole Company, the East-West Center, his work on a project regarding the centennial of Japanese immigration to Hawaii, and some of his other employment opportunities. He then talks about some of his…
Kosaki begins the interview speaking about his childhood and schooling in Hawaii, attending Japanese language school in Waikiki. Next, he jumps into his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. After spending some time at the University of…
Kosaki continues his discussion on his time in occupied Japan. He speaks about how he was able to travel through different areas of Japan, such Hiroshima and Kochi, where he had family. Next, he talks about his other assignments and duties which were…
G. Koshi discusses his experiences through childhood to early adulthood. He talks about his adolescence in Colorado and his childhood in Japan. He also discusses his entrance into the military.
G. Koshi discusses his training and teaching experiences in the U.S. MISLS. He talks about the work he did for MISLS and how he eventually got transferred to work in the Pentagon. He also discusses his parents' immigration to, and early experiences…
G. Koshi discusses his experiences working in Occupied Japan and the Pentagon. He talks about Japanese military documents he translated and Japanese military leaders. He also discusses how he met his wife in Washington DC.
G. Koshi talks about his experiences and reflections working in Occupied Japan. He shares anecdotes regarding: General MacArthur; documentation regarding Japan's declaration of war; and working on Japanese government reformations. He also discusses…
G. Koshi discusses his participation in the war crime trials and gives general details regarding the trials. He talks about Japanese military leaders he defended, and describes American POW camps in Japan. In addition, he talks about social…
G. Koshi discusses awards he received from the Japanese government for his work during the American occupation. He also talks about his life after military service, and returning to America. In addition, he talks about his children and descendants.
Kubo begins the interview talking about his family background, starting with his grandparents and then talking about his parents who met in the United States as his mother was a picture bride. At the age of four, he would move to Japan, to go to…
Kubo talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, coming home from work and soon after, reporting to the draft board for induction. He would join the Army, and begin learning the general orders, heading to Camp Robinson in Arkansas…
After his language training, Kubo would be shipped overseas, first going to Angel Island near San Francisco, where they would prepare for the long journey ahead. They would head out on a 50-day boat ride to Brisbane, Australia, getting sick and…
Kubo continues talking about his experiences in the Pacific Theater, including making sukiyaki in Luzon using meat and K rations. Shortly after, the end of the war would occur and his team would be moved to Fukuoka in Japan. There, he would be able…
Kubo narrates as the camera pans through all of his medals and awards that were received throughout his military life, including a Bronze Star and a combat infantryman badge. After this, he looks through various pictures, including one with his old…
At this point in the interview, Kubo is joined by his wife, Misao Kubo. They talk about their marriage and family background, Misao's career work as a designer and living in Boyle Heights. Next, they talk about the importance of passing on the…
Kubota discusses his prefecture origin and his Issei parents coming to Hawaii from Japan. Kubota's Father is contact to work in Hawaii for a few months but ends up staying longer to pay off his Brother's debt. Kubota recalls his childhood and his…
Kubota discusses harvesting pineapples and working at a bakery after high school graduation. On December 7, 1941 Kubota is teaching Sunday School when Pearl Harbor is bombed. He recalls the black armbands and combat troop recruitment. Kubota passes…
Kubota discusses changing from 442nd Regimental Combat Team to Military Intelligence Service. Arriving at Camp Savage, the camp is surrounded by riflemen and explains the reason of racism. Kubota discusses language school, Language Officers and going…
Kubota discusses going to Asia and wartime experiences in India, China, and Burma. In Burma he encounters funny situations with civilians. While in China, he gets word that Japan surrenders. Towards the end of the war, he is protected by Japanese…
Kubota discusses Major Stanley Uno and reuniting with his Brother. During the war, Kubota encounters a Chinese girl and shares his interactions of helping her. In 1946 Kubota is discharge and returns back to Hawaii. His family later finds out that he…
Kubota discusses meeting his wife and being married for 45 years. Post-war, Kubota and his wife move to California where he finds a job at the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles. He works for teh VA Hospital for 25 years before retiring. Kubota and his…
Masato Eddy Kurushima is born on December 6, 1924, in Brawley, CA.
Masato changes his name to Eddy because of the confusion of his Japanese name with his sister's name in high school.
Eddy grows up on the farm and he describes his childhood and…
Masato Eddy Kurushima records his childhood through his drawings. He shows an illustration about his home life. During Christmas and New Year's time, the family makes mochi. Making mochi on special occasions is a Japanese tradition that Eddy's…
Masato Eddy Kurushima and his family go to Japan for a few years. During his time in Japan, he sees the country militarizing. After a year of recovery, Eddy's father decides to return to the United States earlier. After living in the United States,…
On December 7, 1941, Masato Eddy Kurushima was at the free market selling their harvest and heard the news about Pearl Harbor. Eddy was in shock and felt things would go back to normal the next day. The Pearl Harbor attack changed the lives of the…
In the six months at Fresno, the Kurushima family learns how to make the most of the situation in Jerome. Masato Eddy Kurushima says the barracks at Jerome are similar to Fresno Fair Grounds Relocation Center. He describes the living conditions and…
