A. Takahashi discusses his youth growing up in the Central Valley of California. He talks about his parents' backgrounds, their immigration and characters. He also discusses his interest in aviation and how he enlisted in the military.
A. Takahashi discusses his military experience. He talks about training new recruits in rifle training; and how Nisei soldiers were sent to Camp Leonard to perform menial work. He also discusses getting assigned to the 100th Battalion and his first…
A. Takahashi discusses his experiences in the European Theater. He talks about the Champagne Campaign and other assignments. He shares anecdotes regarding: his brother's military service; cooking chicken and rabbitts; and close calls on the…
A. Takahashi discusses where he was when the war in Europe ended. He talks about his military discharge and his post-war life. He shares anecdotes regarding: his family; meeting his wife; and his career trajectory.
A, Takahashi displays his medals and a military portrait of himself. He talks about the medals, and what they were bestowed for. He also shares a newsclipping of himself.
Ohama discusses his grandfather's life in Japan and his immigration to the United States; as well as his childhood relationship with his grandfather and his grandfather's personality. He then talks about his father including his personality and…
Don Miyada is born on May 21, 1925, in Oceanside, California. Don's parents are Raiju Miyada and Masu Miyada, who both emigrated to the United States from Japan. Don shares his childhood memories working on the farm, school, holiday, and morals and…
After Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 is issued and calls for the evacuations of Japanese Americans. Don describes the preparation his family makes before going to Poston, Arizona. At Poston, Don outlines life at camp and the living conditions of…
After completing basic training at Camp Blanding and Camp Shelby, Don goes overseas on the Queen Mary. Don describes traveling in France to join the 100th and 442nd at the holding line.
Don is in holding a position in France for four months. This…
Don discusses his last duties towards the end of the war are marching and holding positions. Don mentions the dangers of minefields and German Schu-mines. Two weeks after the Gothic Line breaks, he recalls encountering friendly fire and witnessing…
Frank Hiratsuka is a junior in High School when Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7. Frank and his parents move to Ridley, a safe zone termed by the government.
In Ridley, Frank and his parents work on a peach farm until they receive…
At Fort Snelling, Frank Hiratsuka works in the postal section processing incoming mail. On his weekends off, sometimes Frank flies home to visit his parents. Frank is later assigned to go to Schofield in Honolulu, HI.
Wada begins the interview talking about his family coming from Japan and settling in Redlands. He talks about growing up in the Redlands, having picnics, and only being allowed to go swimming after it had been cleaned. He grew up as a Christian and…
Wada continues talking about the evacuation orders, forcing them to leave their homes in San Diego and head to Santa Anita racetracks. They would take their personal belongings and live in unclean horse stables, with makeshift barracks and poor…
Wada talks about volunteering for the Army, getting married before getting his notice to report to basic training. He would be inducted at Salt Lake City, feeling proud and more American in the process. He would head to Camp Shelby in Mississippi,…
Wada discusses hearing about the death of his father after battling with leukemia, and then going from basic training to overseas. They would go from Camp Patrick Henry on a 30 day trek to Naples, where he would begin his combat. He talks about his…
Wada talks more about his war experiences, including a sad memory of a friend in the Army that died of a wound. After this, he talks about the Po Valley campaign and the famous trek up the mountain to break the Gothic Line. After this, he would…
Fujimoto begins his interview with a short introduction of himself and speaking about his family background. He would grow up in southern California on various farms that his father would work on. Unfortunately, his father would pass away at a young…
Fujimoto continues his recollection of Pearl Harbor and the aftermath of the attacks, including curfews and getting rid of all illegal contraband. Shortly after, they would get notification of Executive Order 9066, which would force them to be moved…
Fujimoto discusses his post-war life and accounting career. He details about family and marriages. Fujimoto also discusses his community involvement, gives a message to future generations, and discusses some photographs and a pamphlet he wrote.
Kodama and the interviewers introduce themselves. Kodama talks about his wife and children. He briefly discusses the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He describes his early life in Imperial Valley, California. He talks about his parents and his family…
Kodama talks about his serial number. He describes embarking from New Jersey and his journey to Europe. He discusses landing in Marseilles, France. He talks about receiving his assignment at the replacement depot. He describes his interactions with…
Kodama talks about farming in Northren California and Southern California. He shares his experiences with discrimination. He describes the demographics of Lompoc, California. He shares the knowledge of his children concerning the contributions of…
H. Shibata talks about his parents, how they arrived in the U.S. and their families in Japan. He further discusses his early years growing up in California's Coachella Valley circa 1930s-1940s. He also talks about a childhood visit to Japan to spend…
H. Shibata talks about his siblings and paternal uncle. He also discusses his schooling and living conditions in Coachella Valley. In addition he talks about childhood summers spent in Terminal Island circa 1930s.
H. Shibata discusses race relations in California's Coachella Valley circa 1930s-1940s. He talks about his school experiences in public school and Japanese school. He also talks about how the outbreak of World War 2 affected his family.
H. Shibata talks about his enlistment in the 442nd RCT and his basic training. He gives details of the organization of K Company. He also shares anecdotes regarding: friends Ted Tanouye and Rudy Tokiwa; some of the Loyalty Questionnaire resistance he…
H. Shibata talks his military experiences regarding training and combat. He shares anecdotes regarding: interactions with Hawaiian soldiers; leadership of K Company; and shipping out overseas. He also talks about being a replacement unit for the…
H. Shibata discusses his combat experiences in the European Theater of World War 2. He relays anecdotes regarding: Ted Tanouye; getting injured; the Gothic Line; and action that resulted in an award for him. He also displays photographs of himself,…
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…
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 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 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 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…
Matsuda discusses his family, childhood neighborhood and home. He details different aspects of his childhood including schooling, social activities, education, and friends. Matsuda also discusses his life after high school and remembering December 7,…
Matsuda discusses his father, childhood vacations and mushroom hunting. He details the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and his experiences with forced removal. Matsuda also shares his experiences at Salinas Temporary Detention Center and Poston…
Matsuda discusses his experiences at Poston Concentration Camp and leaving camp. He details his experiences in Colorado and being drafted. Matsuda also discusses his experiences with basic training, his time in Italy and his homecoming experience.
Matsuda discusses his post-war life and employment in Denver, Colorado. He shares about his children and grandchildren. Lastly Matsuda discusses the importance of the Japanese American story.
Sugimoto talks about his birthplace in Yuma, Arizona. He shares his parents backstories. He explains how his father immigrated to the United States. He describes his parents marriage. He discusses his siblings. He talks about high school. He…
Sugimoto talks about his friendship with Marvin Smith. He discusses the people who supported Japanese Americans amid their forced removal. He describes his family's forced removal. He explains what happened to his family's property after they were…
Isamu Sugimoto talks about what it was like spending time with other Nisei soldiers. He discusses being discharged. He describes his life in Kansas City, Missouri. He talks about his employment after the war. He discusses reuniting with his…
James Jin Kobayashi is born on November 25, 1921, in San Bernardino, California. His parents are Ishhinosuke Kobayashi and Taka Ishikawa from Japan. James's father comes to San Bernardino because his brother owns a restaurant. His father, Ishii,…
Besides attending primary school, James Jin Kobayashi attends a Japanese Language School. At home, he speaks half English and Japanese to his Issei parents.
James recalls the day of the bombing of Pearl harbor. He says it is regular business at…
James Jin Kobayashi goes overseas and meets with the 442nd in Southern France. He is part of F Company. He recalls going up the Northern Apennine Mountains and being at the frontlines.
James is at the frontline for two weeks before the…
Post-war, James returns to the United States and goes to trade school on a G.I. Bill. James learns to bake and becomes a baker for five years. Eventually, he changes professions and goes into produce because the job is stable with union pay.…
Urata talks about his birthplace. He describes his father, mother, and his family's grocery business. He talks about prominent uncles in his family. He discusses his mother's death. He shares memories of his mother. Urata talks about his religious…
Urata talks about the languages that were spoken in his family home and the lessons he learned from his parents. He describes the racial makeup of his community. Urata describes his experiences in primary school, Japanese language school, and high…
Urata continues to talk about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He describes the "Oliver Bunch" organization in his community. He discusses Executive Order 9066 and the forced removal of his family. He describes his experiences at the…
Urata continues to describes his experiences at the Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center. He also continues to talk about daily life at Poston Concentration Camp. He discusses his job at Poston Concentration Camp. Urata talks about getting married…
Urata talks about the end of World War Two. He describes his journey to Japan as well as a stop in the South Pacific. He discusses his assignments while stationed in Japan. He talks about his relatives. He talks about the horrors of war. Urata…
Urata talks about the legacy of the Nisei. He discusses the lessons his parents taught him. He shares his hopes for the future. He also shares his thoughts on 9/11. Urata talks about deaths in his family. His wife joins the interview and answers…
Sugidono discusses about his experiences at Poston Concentration Camp. He details about being drafted, experiences on the Mainland, and experiences at Camp Shelby. Sugidono also discusses about going to Europe and his early experiences in Europe.
Sugidono discusses his family and his experiences in Europe. He details about his experiences in Headquarters Company. Sugidono also discusses the realities of war.
Sugidono discusses about his post-war experiences in Europe. He details about his life after the war. Sugidono also discusses about his family, retirement life, and discussing photographs.
Kashiki discusses growing up in Southern California, his family's farming business, going to school, his parents, and father's various jobs. He then talks about childhood activities such as fishing with his father, walking to school; and playing…
Kashiki discusses high school, what his hometown community was like, provides his thoughts on prejudice; and discusses advice for his grandchildren regarding work and education. He then talks about his children, his experience when trying to…
Kashiki discusses his reasons for volunteering, talks about the leadership in his unit including discussing Colonel Pence and Lieutenant Earp; and discusses the formation of the Cannon Company. He also talks about his duties and training in the…
Kashiki discusses a friendship, provides an explanation of a proximity fuze and other explosive devices, discusses traveling with the unit at night; and talks about German weapons and equipment. Kashiki also talks about combat experiences and terrain…
Kashiki discusses his friendships with Hawaiian soldiers, and the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He also talks about visiting friends in Hawaii; returning to the United States and seeing family again; and seeing his daughter for…
Noguchi discusses his parents and their immigration to the United States; his father’s employment and death; and his mother’s physical traits and personality. He then talks about attending school and Japanese language school; going to church;…
Noguchi talks about traveling to the Philippines and his experiences there including living conditions, food, interactions with POWs, and duties interrogating POWs. He then talks about being sent to Japan after the end of the war and his assignment…
Noguchi discusses the deaths of his parents and first wife; and talks about how he met his current wife. He then talks about his involvement with veteran organizations such as the American Legion Nisei Post and MIS club; and tells a story regarding…
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…
Katsumi Yagura tells his father and mother's immigration stories. He also shares his memories of his parents and their physical descriptions. He briefly talks about his father's farm work in Utah. He talks about his siblings and his religious…
Yagura continues to talk about his experiences while in high school. He describes his experiences with discrimination in California. He discusses his parents decision to return to Japan. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath,…
Yagura continues to describes what life was like while at Poston Concentration Camp. He talks about a work stint he had in Colorado. He explains the level of contact he had with his family who returned to Japan. He shares his thoughts on Japanese…
Yagura talks about the end of World War Two. He briefly talks about the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and enlisting. He discusses his translation work while in Japan. He describes his social activities while stationed overseas. Yagura talks…
Yagura talks about how people reacted when Korean War soldiers returned to the United States. He reveals how much he has shared his war stories with family. He explains the reasons for wars. He briefly talks about several United States presidents.…
Maruyama discusses his early years from youth through his induction in the U.S. military. He talks about his family's migration to America, and how he moved to Japan with his grandparents. He shares anecdotes regarding: living in Japan as a youth;…
Maruyama discusses his work in occupied Japan as an interpreter for the war crime trials. His wife joins the interview and talks about her family background and her experience being a Nisei civilian working for the U.S. military in Japan. The couple…
This segment is a joint interview with K. Maruyama and his wife. They talk about their courtship and their lives after World War 2. Mrs. Maruyama also talks about her family background, and experiences living in Japan circa 1940s. The couple also…
Sasano discusses growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii including his experiences in high school and what his neighborhood was like. He then goes on to talk about moving to Los Angeles and becoming a produce clerk, and his photography hobby. Sasano also…
Sasano discusses his experiences living in Nebraska with his sister after his incarceration at Poston, followed by traveling to Camp Savage for basic training after enlisting in the army. He then talks about his interactions with Hawaiian soldiers at…
Sasano discusses his time in the Philippines, including describing Japanese Prisoners of War, Philippine citizens, a tour of airfields in North Luzon, and going to Corregidor. He also talks about his experiences in Okinawa, including working as a…
