Nakabayashi discusses a good luck charm he received from his parents, a close call in combat, an artist he knew of in Poston, and family friends in Riverside. He also talks about marching for President Truman after the war, post-war experiences such…
Nakabayashi discusses his brother, grandfather, fishing, golfing, and what it was like growing up as a Japanese American in Riverside. He then talks about Japanese American community events, attending school in Poston and his job in Poston drafting…
Nakabayashi discusses growing up in Riverside, his brothers, parents, going to Poston incarceration camp, high school, his stamp collecting hobby, and fishing. He then talks about getting drafted into the Army and his assignment, describes Riverside,…
M. Furuto talks about the end of the war and his life after the military. He talks about waiting in Europe to ship home after V-E Day. He also talks about his experiences traveling to the U.S. and his military discharge. He shares anecdotes regarding…
M. Furuto discusses his military service. He talks about his basic training as racially integrated and how in Europe he was assigned to the 442nd CRT. He talks about his battle experiences and mentions some childhood friends who were KIA. He also…
M. Furuto talks about his recollections of Pearl Harbor and events he and his family went through in the aftermath. He discusses being evacuated and moving to Manzanar, and some activities he did while incarcerated. He also talks about his receipt of…
Furuto discusses his childhood through early adulthood. He talks about his family moving from northern California to southern California before they settled in the Los Angeles. He also talks about his family going to Manzanar after the Pearl Harbor…
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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…
Omatsu discusses about his most positive and worst war experiences. He details about German weaponry, life after the Army. Omatsu also discusses about his career, family, and shows some photographs.
Omatsu discusses about arriving in Europe, a French woman, and combat experiences. He details about a close call, living conditions, and Headquarters Company. Omatsu also discusses about casualties, souvenirs, being injured, interactions with…
Omatsu his life after high school, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. He details about volunteering for the servicea and experiences at Camp Shelby. Omatsu also discusses about his experiences in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, describing Headquarters…
Omatsu discusses about growing up in Hawaii, his family, and their store. He details about his schooling and experiences with discrimination. Omatsu also discusses about his childhood and life after high school graduation.
Oura discusses the Gothic Line battle and what it took to push out the German soldiers that were there to finish off the war. After this, they would be allowed to take passes to certain European cities, but if you had enough points, you could also…
Oura talks about the various combat campaigns that he was involved with and the different experiences he had. He would first go through Belvedere, followed by Livorno-Leghorn and Rome-Arno where they would occupy various villages and do…
Oura discusses more about the discrimination he saw while in Mississippi and the struggles between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers. He also talks about his captain that made a big difference in training them and readying them for battle. He and…
Oura continues his recollection of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the subtle discriminations that he felt. After this, he decided that he would volunteer for the Army without his parents knowing. However, he was told the quota was filled, but…
Oura begins the interview talking about how his family came from Miyagi prefecture to Honolulu, Hawaii. His father came to work at the sugar plantation, where James and his siblings would grow up with very little money and food but surviving…
Takashige finishes up the interview talking about the awards that he received from his time in the war, including the Purple Heart. He also gives a message for future generations and then narrates through some pictures.
Takashige discusses more about his career work in the manufacturing business. He would have some trouble in his partnership and end up having to buy him out, running the business on his own. At the same time, he would also be heavily involved with…
Takashige continues talking about his first day in combat in Salerno, he would immediately be hit with a tree burst that would embed multiple pieces of shrapnel into his back, wounding him and necessitating medical attention. He would rejoin B…
After arriving at Camp McCoy, Takashige would be chosen to be part of a secret experiment at Cat Island in Mississippi. The Army was testing and training dogs to track down Japanese soldiers and would use Japanese Americans to help train the dogs and…
Takashige continues to talk about working during the Great Depression. Following the pineapple cannery, he would find a job as an elevator boy at Royal Hawaiian Hotel, eventually moving up to a position of bar boy. While working there, he would be…
Takashige begins the interview talking about his family background, including his mother and father coming over from Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan and settling in Honolulu. Growing up in Hawaii, he would attend both English and Japanese language…
Sasai talks about traveling back to the United States, and discusses his experiences as a sentry duty while traveling back to Hawaii. He then talks about his brother-in-law who was killed in action in Italy, discusses seeing his family for the first…
Sasai talks about his experiences as an anti-tank gunner including describing what it was like to fire weapons and fire against German tanks. He then talks about his experiences while on patrol duty in Bruyeres, his litter bearer duties in France,…
Sasai discusses about visiting Rohwer and Jerome Concentration Camps. He details about the relationship between Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers. Sasai also going overseas and first combat experiences.
Sasai discusses the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and talks about Japanese community leaders getting picked up by the FBI. He then talks about volunteering for service; discusses the 100th Infantry Battalion and replacement soldiers; talks about training…
Sasai discusses his experiences in English standard school including talking about his classmates and teachers. He then talks about speaking Pidgin English, friendships, and his mother's travels to Japan. Next, Sasai, talks about childhood activities…
Sasai discusses his parents including retelling the story about how and why they immigrated to Hawaii. He also talks about his father's childhood, and discusses his grandfather on his mother's side. Next, Sasai talks about attending school; playing…
Nakasone discusses his squad mates in the Cannon Company and being busted down a rank. He details witnessing discrimination and experiences in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Nakasone also discusses about life after retirement, his family, and gives a…
Nakasone discusses about being in the Cannon Company of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He details about his experiences in both Italy and France. Nakasone also discusses in me detail about the Champagne Campaign and the living conditions in the…
Nakasone discusses about his childhood experiences and his family. He details about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath from it. Nakasone also discusses about volunteering for the Army and his early experiences in the Army.
Kajiwara describes the comradery in Company K. He extensively talks about the 442nd Veterans Club. He shares funny memories from when he was stationed overseas. He list Company K's medals and awards. He explains the legacy of the Nisei. He talks…
Kajiwara talks about his guard duty assignments. He briefly talks about the Champagne Campaign. He describes his unit's successful attempt to take a hillside from German soldiers. He discussing being discharged and his return to the United States.…
Kajiwara shares memories of his experiences in Belvedere. He talks about Hill 140 and the Arno Campaign. He describes his journey to Marseilles, France. He also describes Company K. He discusses his combat experiences in Southeastern France. He…
Kajiwara describes the cohesiveness of Company K. He talks about his interactions with a top officer at Camp Shelby. He shares his memories of his visit to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He discusses his friendship with Earl Finch. Kajiwara describes his…
Kent Kajiwara continues to talk about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discusses the FBI's attempt to arrest his father. He talks about his security work while working at Hawaiian Pineapple. He talks about enlisting in the Army. He…
Kajiwara talks about his father's visits to Japan. He briefly describes working for Hawaiian Pineapple. He discusses the work he did on a sugar plantation. He talks about having a twin brother. He talks about primary school. Kajiwara describes his…
Kajiwara describes his early life on a sugar plantation. He explains how and why his father immigrated to the United States. He talks about his parents marriage. He describes Japanese language school. He describes his mother's childhood. He…
Kanatani discusses his post-war career and his family fared after leaving camp. He details about his wife, children, and grandchildren. Kanatani gives a message to future generations and showing photographs.
Kanatani discusses about growing up in California, family, and, his childhood home. He details working as a child, schooling, and a typical meal at home. Kantani also discusses childhood activities and segregation.
Kanatani discusses his upbringing, remembering Pearl Harbor , and its aftermath. He details about his family's forced removal and visiting both Heart Mountain and Poston Concentration Camps. Kanatani also discusses basic training, being assigned to…
Kanatani discusses about his family, interactions with Hawaiian soldiers, combat experiences, and being wounded. He details about his religion, the Champagne Campaign, and the Lost Battalion. Kanatani also discusses about George T. "Joe" Sakato and…
Following the end of the war, Nishimoto would return to Hawaii and join the 442nd reserves. He would then be called for active duty again for the Korean War, and would be on assignment in Japan. He would join the Military Intelligence Service with…
Nishimoto talks more about his war experiences, including learning some Italian and even seeing the Pope. After this, he talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion, dealing with extreme darkness and heavy casualties. Next, he speaks about the…
Nishimoto talks more about his war experiences, including seeing German soldiers and the weapons that they used. He talks about his dislike for snipers and wanting to catch one so that he could take care of him himself. Another assignment included…
Nishimoto talks more about his time at Camp Shelby for his basic training, including the mental and physical challenges and the inner spirit that made the Nisei soldiers so balanced. He also talks about the responsibilities of being a sergeant and…
Nishimoto discusses facing discrimination when in the South, taking leave in Mississippi and seeing all the segregation between white and colored. Next, he talks about his decision to join the Army, volunteering with friends, not even telling his…
Nishimoto talks about meeting his wife during his junior year of high school and the activities they used to do for fun. He also talks about going to Japanese language school for a few years, where he would learn discipline and leadership. He would…
Arthur Nishimoto begins the interview talking about his childhood home and what it was like to grow up in Honolulu, Hawaii. He then talks about his family background, including his father, who was a top car salesman for Chevrolet and Ford. After…
Maeda recalls his favorite story of receiving a religious cross during the war, getting married and starting a family. Maeda also discusses his military awards. Later in the interview, his wife Lily Chisato Maeda joins in. Lily recalls the Pearl…
Maeda discussing the battle of Bruyeres, duty in 2nd platoon for Lost Battalion, taking care of the Prisoners of War and plans after retiring from service.
Maeda discussed basic training and corresponding to family back home in Paia. Maeda's first battle experience is at Belvedere and Hill 140. Maeda also describes his BAR rifle "Brownie" and events in Italy.
Maeda discussed Japan attacking Pearl Harbor and volunteering for military service. Maeda received basic training at Camp Shelby and went overseas the first time. He experienced culture shock when he went to the Mainland. Maeda was in E Company…
Maeda discusses his adolescent years growing up on a plantation in Paia, Hawaii and the Japanese Community. He details his schooling including Japanese language school. Meada also discusses speaking Hawaiian Pidgin while in the 442nd Regimental…
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…
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 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.
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 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 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…
Tsuya describes what winter was like on the front lines. He briefly talks about the Lost Battalion. He discusses the Champaign Campaign. He explains how he was injured. He describes his return to the United States. He talks about his time in business…
Tsuya describes the discrimination he witnessed and experienced. He talks about rations. He explains how he communicated with his family while he was overseas. He discusses his military wages. He explains how he prepared to go overseas. He talks…
Tsuya talks about his friend's war record. He discusses his time at Schofield Barracks. He describes Iolani Palace. He talks about his journey to the Mainland. He discusses his time at Camp Shelby. He describes being assigned to E Company. He talks…
Tsuya continues to talk about his involvement in a Buddhist church. He talks about working in a restaurant. He explains his interest in cooking. He describes his journey to Honolulu, Hawaii. He discusses his work on a planation as a chef. He talks…
Tsuya and the interviewers introduce themselves. Tsuya talks about his early life on the plantation. He describes Lihue, Kauai. He discusses Japanese language school. He lists the languages spoken in his home. He shares his parent's backstories. He…
Tanaka talks about the surrender of both the German and the Japanese Armies and how he had to stay in Italy for a little bit longer, guarding prisoners of war. Next, he talks about the medals and awards that were received for his time with the 442nd…
Tanaka talks about his cousins that were living in Japan during the war and the communications he had with them. Next, he talks about the route to joining the 442nd in Nice. After this, they would march forward to begin a surprise attack on the…
Tanaka discusses his time at Poston concentration camp in Arizona. He would work outside of the camp, but when the loyalty questions came about, he would end up answering no, yes and getting drafted into the Army. He was attending art school in…
Tanaka would grow up in southern California, helping his family work on the vegetable farm and playing with friends. During this time, the Great Depression occurred and he talks briefly about that. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the…
Tanaka begins the interview with an introduction, being born in southern California. He also talks about how his parents came from Wakayama prefecture in Japan to California, his father actually going through Mexico and making his way across the…
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…
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 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…
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 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 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 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…
Hayakawa shows and describes 442nd Regimental Combat Team patches; campaign ribbons; his dog tags; induction papers; an issue of Stars and Stripes newspaper; and a letter from his mother. He also shows and describes photographs from Camp Shelby and…
Hayakawa describes getting assistance from a Kibei when writing letters home due to his lack of knowledge regarding the Japanese language; discusses combat experiences at Po Valley; and talks about getting sick and his hospital stay near Livorno. He…
Hayakawa discusses preparing to go overseas, getting passes to visit his mother, arriving in Europe, and joining up with the 100th Infantry Battalion. He then discusses his Company A assignment, the Champagne Campaign, soldiers who were killed in…
