In this video clip, Sho Nomura describes his childhood growing up in Sierra Madre. He talks about his Issei parents and about attending Japanese language school. He talks about his sister, who had been sent to Japan to live with their grandparents,…
In this video clip, Sho Nomoru describes his experience hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about how his life changed once he and his family were relocated to an assembly center, and later, a concentration camp. He explains his…
In this video clip, Sho Nomura talks about his parents' reaction to him volunteering to serve in the United States Army. He describes his first experiences in military life during training at Camp Savage and Camp Shelby. He also describes his journey…
In this video clip, Shosu Nomura describes his experience in the China Theater during the Dixie Mission. He explains the purpose of the Dixie Mission and about Communist China during that time.
In this video clip, Shoso Nomura talks about his experience working with the Chinese Communist leaders during his time in the China Theater. He discusses the end of the war and his homecoming.
In this video clip, Shoso Nomura talks about the morals and values that he learned from his Issei parents, and delivers a message to future generations. He discusses the reunion trip that he took with his war buddies back to China -- where they…
Harry Fukuhara describes his childhood growing up in Washington during the Great Depression. He and his family moved to Japan after his father passed away, where he attended high school. He describes the emerging wartime atmosphere in Japan during…
In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara talks about what it was like living in Japan during the Sino-Japanese War -- his family was required to house Japanese soldiers. He explains the situation of the Nisei during this time. He returned to the United…
Harry Fukuhara describes the anti-American and anti-Japanese feelings that emerged prior to the outbreak of war between the United States and Japan. He talks about the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and the confusion he felt when he heard the news.…
Harry Fukuhara was evacuated to Tulare Assembly Center in California. In this video clip, he talks about his experience living there. He and many other Japanese American internees were relocated to the Gila River concentration camp. From there, he…
Harry Fukuhara discusses his recruitment into the Military Intelligence Service, and the difficulty most Nisei and Kibei had with the decision to volunteer for military service while being interned. He talks about being sent to Minnesota (Fort…
Harry Fukuhara talks about being stationed on Angel Island on the way to the Pacific Theater. He describes his first experience with interrogating a Japanese prisoner of war, which was during a demonstration for government officials at 6th Army…
In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara describes some of his experiences in the New Guinea Campaign: crossing the Bismarck Sea, the beach landing of Finch Island, PT Boat excursions (in search of Japanese POWs), interpreting New Guinea natives, and the…
During the New Guinea Campaign, Harry Fukuhara was assigned to interrogate a Japanese POW -- who reportedly was giving everyone a hard time. Upon meeting the Japanese officer for interrogation, Harry realized that the prisoner was his childhood…
In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara describes driving through Japan to reach Hiroshima, where he returned to his old house to find his Mother and Aunt. After helping his relatives in Hiroshima, he was discharged from service, but was able to return to…
During the Korean War, Harry Fukuhara worked in Counterintelligence Operations while in Japan. He talks about his 40 year military career in Military Intelligence. At the end of the video clip, he offers his advice to future generations.
Fuyuume begins the interview speaking about growing up in Pasadena, being neighbors with Jackie Robinson, and his family background. Next, he talks about the activities he grew up doing, including playing baseball, piano lessons and helping out in…
Fuyuume tours around the Seabrook Farms museum and explains the artifacts which includes many historical items, paintings and a model of Seabrook Farms.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss part of their childhoods. They give details their parents, siblings, and attending Japanese language school. They compare then to now and their experiences with prejudices.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss their dreams before the war started. They detail about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. The three also discuss Executive Order 9066 and how it affected them and other Japanese Americans.
Sato and Wada discuss their experiences surrounding the temporary detention centers. Sato, Wada, and Ito detail about their first day and other experiences in the American Concentration Camps. They also recollect their fondest memories from camp.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss about the social life and culture within the American Concentration Camps. They detail about the unpleasantries of camp life and how they heard about the 100th Infantry Battalion. The three also discuss their draft…
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss their experiences during basic training. They discuss their experiences going into town and discrimination. Lastly, they reference the food they had in basic training and in the American Concentration Camps.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss preparing to ship off and the voyage on the Queen Mary. They detail about their experiences in France and the mindset of a replacement. The three also discuss their first experiences with combat.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss their interactions with the Italian people and give their impressions of the Hawaiian soldiers. They detail about heading to Italy, The Gothic Line, and encounters with the enemy. The three also discuss a patrol mission.
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss their worst experiences during the war. They detail about the events after Po Valley, the end of the war, and their experiences in Europe after the war ended. The three also discuss their homecoming experiences.
Sato discusses his homecoming experiences and gives his closing remarks. Ito and Wada leave a message for future generations. The three all give their closing remarks. Photographs and artifacts are also shown.
Shigenaka discusses about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. He details about forced removal. Shigenaka also discusses about going to and his experiences in Gila River Concentration Camp.
Shigenaka discusses about his experiences in Tulare Temporary Detention Center and Gila River Concentration Camp. He details about his family, volunteering, and his thoughts on military service. Shigenaka also discusses about basic training,…
Shigenaka discusses about his experiences in Italy. He details about his journey back home and and his post-war. Shigenaka also discusses about meeting his wife and hope for future generations.
Shigenaka discusses about his post-war experiences and hobby of barbecuing. He discusses his family Shigenaka ends the interview by showing various photographs.
Sakaji discusses his parents including his mother's death, father's employment, and their reasons for immigrating to the United States. He then talks about his siblings; his childhood chores; discusses the differences between past and present day…
Sakaji talks about his childhood bicycles; discusses how he got his nickname; talks about his father's fish market business; discusses the aunt who raised him; and talks about his relationship with his cousin. He then talks about his grammar school…
Sakaji discusses his employment assisting his father and tells a story where he attempted to fix a tractor. He then talks about his post-war employment working for a mechanic; the attack on Pearl Harbor and aftermath; and discusses his forced removal…
Sakaji talks about his friendship with a sheriff prior to forced removal; discusses restrictions and the curfew that was enforced after the attack on Pearl Harbor; and discusses volunteering for the Army and his brother's military service. He then…
Sakaji discusses his experiences at the end of the war taking POWs from Wisconsin back to Japan. He then talks about his translation and interpreting assignment in Japan working for motor pool; discusses his relatives in Japan; and talks about his…
Sakaji discusses his wife including her personality, how they met, corresponding with her while he was in Japan, and his favorite memories of her. Lastly, Sakaji provides a message to future generations regarding values and education.
Sachio Takata was born on March 14, 1923, in Southern California. Sachio's father, Kizo, was from Kagoshima, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. He met Sachio’s mother, Hatsumi, from Hawaii, and they married. Sachio is the oldest of ten…
In 1940, Sachio Takata graduated high school and went to the Delta Islands to work in the celery field. Sachio wanted to save money to further his education and attend medical school.
After the signing of Executive Order 9066, Sachio and his…
Sachio Takata recollects his time at basic training at Camp Blanding training to be a replacement for the 442nd. He made a few friends in the Army. However, if you were not in the same company or platoon, it was harder to build a relationship. Sachio…
Mori begins the interview speaking of his parent's background, immigrating from Japan to Santa Barbara, California. While attending school, Mori took an interest in horticulture and would end up farming after his high school graduation and before the…
Mori continues his recollection of his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi and the preparation for the war. After that, he was sent back to Fort Snelling before being shipped out, and at that time also got married. Next, he would be shipped…
Mori continues his discussion on cave experiences while serving overseas in Okinawa. Following Okinawa, he is moved back to the Philippines until the end of the war. After thinking they would be sent back home after the atomic bombs, they are instead…
Mori recalls a time when he was watching television with his children and saw himself on a Walter Cronkite special. Next, he gives a message for future generations, which includes enduring and persevering in everyday life. After this, he talks about…
Muto discussing his childhood including talking about attending grammar school and Japanese language school; discusses the languages he spoke at home; talks about his neighborhood and the Japanese community in Sacramento; and discusses friendships.…
Muto talks about playing sports, his experiences prior to and immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, his childhood home, and corresponding with his wife while overseas. Next, Muto talks about his family’s forced removal to Turlock temporary…
Muto discusses his life at [Gila River] Concentration Camp, discusses basic training at Camp Shelby, and talks about the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about fighting with other soldiers, his Army job delivering…
Muto talks about his duties as a Sergeant; traveling to Europe and landing in Italy; and his combat experiences near Anzio. He then talks about his duties as a radio man, getting wounded, spending time in a hospital, and his experiences with enemy…
Muto talks about a mountain he climbed in Italy during combat; discusses friendships with fellow soldiers; and talks about soldiers who were wounded and killed in action. He then talks about getting wounded, discusses close calls in combat, talks…
Muto shows and describes pictures of his wife, discusses his former girlfriend, and talks about meeting his wife and their courtship. He then talks about receiving decorations such as the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Presidential Unit…
Muto discusses his journey returning to the United States, getting discharged, and getting married. He then talks about his children, attending reunions, and discusses the reasons why he volunteered for the Army. He then talks about the living…
Imada discusses about his family and schooling. He details about his childhood and career aspirations. Imada also discusses about the Japanese community, photography, Pearl harbor and its aftermath.
Imada discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. He details about his experiences at Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center. Imada also discusses about his experiences at Gila River Concentration Camp, leaving camp, and getting drafted.
Imada discusses about his experiences in Ohio and getting drafted. He details about his experiences in basic training and at Fort Snelling. Imada also discusses about his experiences in the Philippines and post-war Japan.
Imada discusses about his experiences in post-war Japan. He details about his post-war life. Imada also discusses about his family and gives a message to future generations
Brian Imada (son) discusses about the Nisei and they where. He details about about his father's history. Imada also reflects on his father's service and gives a message to future generations.
Yano begins the interview talking about being born and raised in California, playing marbles and hanging out with friends and neighbors. His family would come from Hiroshima, Japan and settle in California, his father as a farm laborer and his mother…
Yano talks about the values that were passed on to him from his parents, such as "gaman" and not bringing shame to the family name. Next, he talks about his elementary school, including the population, which was mostly caucasian. He would face a…
Yano continues to talk about his schooling, taking a history class and finding the Constitution and the way the Japanese Americans were being treated was unjust. He would end up throwing the book across the room and leaving the classroom, never to…
Yano continues to talk about he and his families time at Gila River Concentration Camp and being reclassified for the draft. After this, he talks about the loyalty questionnaire and knowing he would answer yes, yes to the draft questions. He would…
Yano continues to talk about his basic training at Camp Shelby, seeing some friction between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers. He also talks about seeing one soldier die during basic training in an accident. Joining E Company, he would be shipped…
Yano talks more about his war experiences, including his involvement in the Lost Battalion and the food that he would enjoy in Europe. He next talks about the end of the war and his plan to go to occupied Japan to see his mother, but upon returning…
Asahina discusses her father, his family, his immigration to the United States, his employment as a farmer, his physical traits, and his personality. She then talks about her mother's physical traits, employment, hobbies, and personality; and…
Asahina talks about her experiences at Tulare temporary detention facility including the living conditions; and describing the guards and guard towers. She then talks about her father's thoughts regarding the war; her experiences at Gila River…
Asahina talks about her husband's participation in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and provides some of her thoughts regarding the importance of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd. She then talks about her husband's friendships with other…
Sakaji discusses growing up in California in a farming community; and talks about his father’s personality, physical traits, and employment. He then talks about his childhood home, siblings, religion, and discusses his mother. Next, Sakaji talks…
Sakaji discusses his high school activities and classes; and talks about learning how to dance and playing sports. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor; discusses race discrimination against Japanese Americans; and talks about Executive…
Sakaji discusses attending trade school; talks about his knowledge of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion; discusses getting drafted and his induction; and talks about his 4C and 1A classifications. He then talks about basic…
Sakaji discusses his encounters with French civilians; talks about the black market trade; and discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign. He then talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion and General Dahlquist; discusses General Mark…
Sakaji talks about receiving a Presidential Unit Citation; discusses getting discharged and returning home; and talks about seeing friends in Chicago while on route to California. Next, Sakaji discusses his brother’s military service and sister’s…
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…
Umeda gives more background on his siblings, and what it was like to grow up on a farm, picking grapes and saving money to go to junior college. He talks about the other recreational activities he did with his siblings, including skating and swimming…
Umeda talks more about the aftereffects of Pearl Harbor, as the Army no longer accepted Nisei soldiers, they would be reclassified as enemy aliens. Shortly after, they would be forced to evacuate their home, taking their only what they could carry…
Umeda talks more about the Gila River Concentration Camp and the living conditions in Arizona, surrounded by barbed wire but being able to go outside of the camp occasionally. He would end up leaving the camp and working at a cannery and living in a…
Umeda continues to talk about his language training at Fort Snelling with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), talking about the living conditions of the barracks and being classified as a translator. After this, he would be sent overseas, first…
Umeda talks a little bit more about his time in Seoul, translating newspapers during the occupation. He would return to Japan, where they gave him the option of staying in the military or heading home and a friend convinced him to go home and…
Umeda finishes the interview talking about passing on his personal history to future generations. Next, he talks about the legacy of the Nisei and what they've done. After this, he discusses his thoughts of what freedom is, and what makes freedom of…
Kuwabara discusses growing up in Idaho, working on his parents farm; and becoming a state champion in a public speaking contest along with his experiences going to the national championship. He also talks about living in Utah, Japan, and California;…
Kuwabara describes life at Gila River Incarceration Camp including the living quarters, the types of employment opportunities inside the camp for incarcerees, and his experiences as block manager. He also talks about his reasons for volunteering for…
Kuwabara discusses life at Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS) including the recruitment process, learning Kanji, and giving a speech at graduation. He then talks about his first assignments overseas to India and Burma, an…
Kuwabara discusses his experiences at Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS) including the demographics of the graduates and his thoughts on discrimination in the military. He also talks about interrogation techniques taught at MISLS,…
Kuwabara discusses his experiences being assigned to the 36th Infantry Division (British) and the differences between American and British operations; and what it was like to earn a British Empire Medal and Bronze Stars for his service in North Burma…
Kuwabara describes his last assignment before retirement; and moving to Japan and getting a job at a public relations company as a translator. He also talks about the differences between civilian and military employment, his three marriages, and…
Suzuki discusses his childhood and living in California. He details about his family and social activities. Suzuki also discusses about his educational experiences.
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.
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.
