Ben Umeda begins the interview talking about his family, his father and mother being from Hiroshima and their journey to get to Selma in California. Next, he talks about growing up in California, picking grapes to make raisins for work and doing…
Tsuneishi speaks about the Christian church being an influence in his life and how the Evergreen Methodist church helped support him during his volunteering in Haiti. He also discusses a multitude of issues including anthrax in Haiti, terrorism, and…
After finishing his time in the Philippines, Tsuneishi arrived back in California until he was discharged at Camp Beale near Sacramento. Seeing that he already had over two years of college units, he decided to get his degree, attending UCLA with a…
Tsuneishi continues his recollection of his time working with the War Crimes Investigation Detachment in the Philippines. Next, he talks about members of the Army that ended up marrying local girls and trying to get leave to go to Japan to visit his…
When joining the US Army, Tsuneishi started with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), taking Japanese language classes and becoming an interpreter. Once the training was complete, he was shipped out to the Philippines on a long journey across the…
Tsuneishi discusses his short stints at Pomona Temporary Detention Center and Heart Mountain Concentration Camp. He briefly is released from camp to attend the University of Wyoming before being drafted into the Army and heading to Camp Savage.…
Tsuneishi discusses more of his childhood including nicknames, Christianity and Sunday school. Next, he talks about facing discrimination, giving an anecdote of going to a barber shop and being asked to leave. After that, he speaks about Pearl Harbor…
The conversation continues on what it was like to grow up on a farm with nine siblings. Tsuneishi talks about the sleeping arrangements, spare time and chores. Next, he talks about the Japanese language school he attended, as well as his high school…
Tsuneishi begins his interview going through his family background, speaking about his father and mother and their journeys to Monrovia. Next, he talks about his responsibilities growing up on a farm and the recreational activities. After that, he…
K. Tsuji discusses the legacy of Nisei participation in the U.S. military. He talks about the value of education within Japanese and Japanese American culture. He shares photographs and anecdotes regarding: mentors, good character, and WW2
K. Tsuji talks about his to the U.S. from Japan and his military discharge. He discusses returning to the University of Minnesota and getting his first job post graduation. He also talks about wife and children. In addition he shares anecdotes…
K. Tsuji discusses his experiences working in Occupied Japan. He talks about how he got assigned to Japan, and aspects of his duties being a receptionist. He also describes post-war Japan and visiting with his relatives in Wakayama.
K. Tsuji discusses his MISLS training at Fort Snelling. He talks about how he sought out MISLS upon draft and details of curriculum in MISLS. He also shares anecdotes regarding college before draft and his first assignment after MISLS.
K. Tsuji talks about his experiences living at both as assembly center and internment camp. He discusses he left his family while in internment to attend college. He shares anecdotes regarding: childhood excursions to San Francisco; applying for…
K. Tsuji discusses his family background and early life in California's Central Valley. He also talks about the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack. He shares anecdotes regarding: his grandfather's and mother's immigration; and his father's strategy…
Tsuchimochi talks about his involvement in a local veterans group; reminisces about his Military Intelligence Service (MIS) class and classmates; and talks about his experiences in the Philippines. Lastly, Tsuchimochi talks about some of his…
Tsuchimochi talks about receiving senninbari (good luck charm) from his mother; creating a rubber compound during his job as a chemist; and recreational activities after retirement such as golf, poker, and reading. He then talks about the differences…
Tsuchimochi discusses the loyalty questionnaire, getting his draft notice, and being assigned to Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). He then talks about basic training at Fort McClellan, training at Fort Snelling, and censorship…
Tsuchimochi discusses the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor including talking about curfew, having to leave belongings behind during forced removal, and discussing Japanese American community leaders getting picked up by the FBI. He then talks…
Tsuchimochi discusses his nickname; and talks about his childhood in Tacoma, Washington including discussing attending school, playing sports, and talking about the Japanese community and his involvement in community activities. He then talks about…
Teragawa discusses his time overseas in both Manila and Japan, working as an interpreter and translator. Spending over two years in Japan, he was able to do some exploring, including visiting his family, and seeing Mt. Fuji. After his discharge from…
After the forced removal from Los Angeles, Teragawa and family were rounded up and sent to the temporary detention center at the Santa Anita race tracks, where they would live in a horse stall with other families. After a couple of months, they were…
Teragawa begins the interview speaking about his family background and early childhood, where he moved to Japan at the age of four with his brother to get a Japanese education. Next, he speaks about moving back to the United States to work at his…
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…
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 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 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 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…
Tanaka discusses his military experiences in Occupied Japan. He talks about cave flushing, working in Saipan, and sightseeing in Japan during his off time. He also talks about his return to Hawaii and his military discharge.
R. Tanaka discusses his experiences in Occupied Japan. He talks about interpreting assignments he had and interactions with Japanese citizens. He also talks about visits with relatives in Fukuoka both as a child and during his furlough in Occupied…
Seiki Tamae talks about General Douglas MacArthur and his firing by President Truman. Next he talks about President Roosevelt's Death. Lastly, he discusses his relatives military service in WWII, the affects of marrying Japanese women to a military…
Seiki Tamae discusses his time at Fort Snelling's Japanese Language School. Next he talks about the Invasion of Okinawa and the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan. Seiki then relates his deployment experiences to Japan and South Korea as an…
Seiki Tamae describes the attack on Pearl Harbor, his return to high school in Hawaii, and his feelings about his family back in Okinawa. Next Seiki talks about the 442nd and the feelings Hawaiians and Nisei felt about the unit and their battles in…
Seiki Tamae gives a broad introduction from being drafted in 1945, the Occupation of Japan and time in South Korea, to his post war life to retirement. Seiki then discusses his family and time in Hawaii, their decision to return to Okinawa in 1940,…
Louise Kashino talks about Shiro's medals and awards. She discusses the children that she had with Shiro. Raymond Jiro Takisaki returns to the interview. She explains how she met Takisaki. Takisaki also talks about how they met. He talks about their…
Kashino describes her family's second grocery store business. She talks about her New Years Eve celebrations with family. She discusses her birthplace. She explains what happened to her family's grocery business after they were forced to leave the…
Takisaki talks about separating from his girlfriend. He explains how he met his first wife. He describes his marriage with his first wife. He talks about his children and grandchildren from his first marriage. He briefly discusses his dry cleaning…
Takisaki talks about his birthplace. He describes his mother and father's early lives. He explains why his father immigrated to the United States. He discusses his parents marriage. He talks about the Japanese cultural concept of a Mukoyoshi.…
Takeuchi discusses about his family and his childhood. He details about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, being drafted, and basic training. Takeuchi also discusses about his experiences at Fort Snelling, his experiences in occupied Japan, and his…
Post-war, John Akira Takekawa sat in on the war crime trial of General Tomoyuki Yamashita. The General Yamashita trial was daily and took approximately 30 to 60 days for the hearing. John also attended General Masaharu Homma's trial in Manila.
…
John Akira Takekawa was born on August 27, 1923, in Seattle, WA. John's parents immigrated from Japan to the United States. John lost his father when he was ten years old. John's mother raised three boys by herself. John recalls his mother was a…
Takekawa discusses his assignment in Okinawa training police officers in the Provost Marshal’s office; and talks about his wife, life in Okinawa, getting discharged, and returning to Hawaii. He then talks about working as a sales manager in…
Takekawa talks about Earl Finch, discusses his participation in the 171st Training Battalion, going to Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning; and his assignment at a training regiment in Fort McClellan. Next, Takekawa went to Military…
Takekawa discusses getting kicked out of the Hawaii Territorial Guard and the formation of the Varsity Victory Volunteers. He then talks about incarceration camps in Hawaii, volunteering for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and traveling to the…
Takekawa discusses memorable teachers from his school days, playing sports, and high school activities including becoming class president. He then talks about going to college and studying to become a physical education teacher and his experiences…
Takekawa talks about his father and his various occupations, and discusses his mother, siblings, and growing up in Hawaii. He also talks about some of the recreational activities and games he played as a child, friendships, and discusses attending…
Tabata discusses about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), the wars end, and coming home. He details about his post-war life. Tabata also discusses about seeing Ghandi and gives a message to future generations.
Tabata discusses about his experiences at Camp Shelby and the Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). He details about his team leader and being to sent to India. Tabata also discusses about his experiences in India, Burma, and his…
Tabata discusses the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and joining the Army. He details about his early experiences in the Army. Tabata also discusses about heading to the Mainland and experiences at Camp Shelby.
Tabata discusses about his family, childhood, and rememberingPearl Harbor and its aftermath. He details about growing up in Lahina (Maui), Hawaii. Tabata also discusses about his schooling
George Suzuki was drafted and went to Military Intelligence Service Language School. The experience at Fort Snelling was easygoing because he already knew some of the Niseis. Also, his girlfriend lived in St. Paul.
George Suzuki was born on April 6, 1922, in Astoria, OR. He went to Fort Snelling for Military Intelligence Service Language School. n May 1945, he completed training and was assigned to the Philippines for guard duty. When Japan surrendered in…
Suzuki discusses his military history and changing assignments during his 28 years of service. He details about his family and his experiences in post-war Japan. Suzuki also discusses about his views of the military, camp experience, and the Nisei…
Suzuki discusses being at Fort Benning when the war ends and going to Japan for occupation. He details about his experiences in post-war Japan.
Suzuki discusses his military career and the additional training he received.
Suzuki discusses leaving Gila River Concentration Camp and going to Chicago. He details about his experiences in Chicago and being drafted. Suzuki also discusses about his experiences in basic training.
George Suzuki discusses Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and his experiences there. He details about his social activities in Santa Anita and Gila River.Suzuki also discusses about his experiences at Gila River Concentration Camp.
Suzuki discusses parents and their background. He details about his sister. Suzuki discusses about his educational experiences. Suzuki also details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath.
Suzuki discusses his childhood and living in California. He details about his family and social activities. Suzuki also discusses about his educational experiences.
When the government changes the status from 4C to 1A and requests service for the Army, Tadayoshi Sugiyama decides to volunteer for Military Intelligence Service (MIS) at Camp Savage.
Tadayoshi talks about an array of topics from Fred Oshima…
Tadayoshi Sugiyama discusses the two forms of citizenship. One by birth and one by bloodline. Although Japanese Americans are born in the United States, their treatment after Pearl Harbor shows otherwise. Tadayoshi says the FBI has a lot of…
Tadayoshi Sugiyama arrives in Manila, Philippines, and goes to the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS). He is stationed in Manila for a month. In November, Tadayoshi arrives in Yokohama, Japan.
After Pearl Harbor, Tadayoshi Sugiyama remembers being cautious and hearing rumors about General Dwight Eisenhower and evacuation orders. In April 1942, the Sugiyama family evacuate to the Turlock Assembly Center in Tracy, California.
Tadayoshi "Tad" Sugiyama is originally from San Francisco City, few blocks away from Japan Town. Tadayoshi's Issei parents come to the United States in the early 1900s and work at Tadayoshi's grandfather's restaurant in San Francisco, California.…
Shintaku discusses about his experiences at Fort Snelling. He details about being chef in camp. Shintaku also discusses about his post-war life and family.
Shintaku discusses his children, racism, and how time has change with the notion of Japanese culture and products. Shintaku witnesses racism in Denver and goes to Philadelphia. Shintaku's status of 4C is now change to 1A to join the army. He is in…
Shintaku discusses basic training in Texas as a machine gunner. Shintaku recalls how he is in forced removed to the assembly centers and interment camp due to being classification of 4C, enemy alien. Shintaku is at Salinas before going to Arizona…
Shintaku discusses his Father, Mother, and siblings. His Father is a share cropper for a Danish Family. Due to the Alien Land Law, his father is unable to purchase his own land. Shintaku faces discrimination at school and when he gets older, he takes…
Shinmoto discusses the family business and meeting his wife. Shinmoto and his wife have three children, two grandchildren, and a great grandchild. He shares advice for the future generation and photographs prewar and post-war.
Shinmoto discusses his Mother's reaction to hearing about the atomic bomb and their relatives survival. Going overseas, he arrives in Japan and sees the devastation of Hiroshima. He describes the aftermath of the city from the bomb. He recalls his…
Shinmoto discusses moving to Burlington, Iowa due to the efforts of War Relocation Authority. His family also moves to Iowa and helps at the Hotel to get away from poor living conditions. At Gila River, Shinmoto recalls taking the loyal…
Shinmoto discusses Gila River Concentration Camp and the living conditions. Approximately 10,000 Japanese Americans are interned there. At Gila River, Shinmoto finishes Senior year of High School and enjoys art classes. He creates an oil painting…
Shinmoto discusses moving to Kingsburg a Swedish farming community. Transitioning in High School is a difficult time for Shinmoto. He recalls sports help him make friends but is lonely during lunchtime. He is also put in the same grade with his…
Shinmoto discusses name, birth date, birthplace and growing up during the Great Depression. He recalls his Father and Mother's personality and child rearing. Shinmoto's Father is a quiet man and he learns about his Father history through his Uncle. …
Shindo discusses his favorite projects and his trip to Japan. He details about becoming a professor, how education played a part in his education, and gives a message to future generations. Shibdo also discusses albums and photographs.
Shindo discusses his mindset while composing music. He details about how his background played a role in his career and the Nikkei social scene. Shindo also discusses about his family Sammy Davis Jr., and gives advice to those wanting to be in…
Shindo discusses about taking the opportunity to earn more about music and visiting his family in Manzanar. He details about his life after being discharged, forming his first band, and pursing a career in music. Shindo also discusses about his…
Shindo discusses his experiences in Manzanar. He details about being drafted, joining the Military Intelligence Service, and becoming instructor. Shindo also discusses his interactions with German prisoners, favorite music, and his feelings towards…
Shindo discusses attending college for engineering and how his interest switched to music. He details about December 7, 1941 and his experiences with discrimination. Shindo also discusses about volunteering for relocation to Manzanar Concentration…
Shindo discusses growing up in Los Angeles, family, and Japanese language school. He details about his love for music came to be and his experiences as a musician. Shindo also discusses about high school.
Shimoyama discusses his time in Japan including talking about helping feed Japanese civilians; and visiting relatives and temples. He then talks about going to UCLA and working as a chemist after graduation. Shimoyama also talks about his wife and…
Shimoyama talks about basic training at Fort Snelling for Military Intelligence Service (MIS), and his assignments in Seoul, Korea translating Korean newspaper articles. He then talks about the differences between Korean and Japanese language,…
Shimoyama discusses his father including talking about helping his father with his gardening business after school. He then talks about his mother and siblings; and recalls spending time on Hollywood Boulevard as a child and being neighbors with John…
Ray Shiiki is inducted at Fort Douglas, UT then goes to Camp Hood. He is assigned to the Tank Destroyer Outfit. After Camp Hood, he goes to Fort Snelling and is assigned as Supply Sergeant, F Company.
Before the war, Ray Shiiki's parents buy land in Damascus, OR. However, due to the alien land law, the property is under Ray's sister's name. Later Ray's parents discover they have been taken advantage of by a cannery worker.
Ray Gerald Shiiki is born January 7, 1927, in Gresham, Oregon. Ray's parents are from Koga, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. They settled in Oregon. He has three sisters and one brother.
Sato talks more about his marriage background and what he did after business school at the University of Washington. He would begin his career with the Seattle School District, first becoming a high school teacher and then later becoming a vice…
Sato continues his recollection of being an interpreter and interrogator in the Philippines. When arriving there, he would immediately notice the devastation and flatness that the war had caused. He talks about the children there seeing Japanese…
Sato talks about his health and the surgery that he had and the emotions that he has had because of it, which is much different than the Japanese culture he grew up knowing. Next, he talks about being drafted into the Army and being sent to…
Sato discusses more about his childhood in Hawaii, playing football and track for Baldwin High School. He also talks about impactful people throughout his high school days. Next, he talks about the attacks on Pearl Harbor and how they had to black…
