Hirose discusses playing baseball in the military and shares memorable stories. In the military here is segregation units and Hirose reflects on discrimination.
During Hirose's time in occupation there are many orphan children in Japan and he…
Hirose discusses the difficulties of transitioning into the school life after being in camp. At 18 years old, Hirose is drafted and recalls a special moment on the troopship playing chess.
Post-war, Hirose goes to Japan for occupation. He passes…
Hirose discusses his Father being arrested and going to North Dakota in suspicions of using a short wave radio. Hirose's Father rejoins the family at Tule Lake Concnetration Camp. Hirose recalls going to Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp, Ellis…
Hirose discusses forced removal and the management of Rolling Heights kicking them out earlier than Executive Order 9066. Hirose then moves to Los Angeles to live with his Father's friend before going to camp.
Hirose discusses what is blue stone and his experience in court. He shares his interment camp and military service experiences to the Judge. Hirose is only fined a small fee and is place on probation.
Hirose discusses his birth date and being born in San Pedro, California. Growing up he lives in Rolling Heights, California near the Peninsula. Part of his childhood activities includes fishing and skin diving. He recalls one incident with blue…
Kodama continues talking about the end of the war, helping with the interrogation process of German prisoners of war. He would miss the first pool of soldiers to head home on the points system but be granted a 30-day leave, in which he would travel…
Kodama talks about his shipment overseas following his basic training at Camp Blanding. He would get on a liberty ship and head for Southampton, thinking they would meet up with the 442nd in Belgium, but instead they would join up at Sospel, France.…
After the evacuation, Kodama and his family would head to Santa Anita race track where they would spend some time in a temporary detention center, where they would have almost no privacy. It was there, that he would meet his first wife, who taught…
Kodama discusses the feeling he had that Japanese Americans were limited in their activities during his childhood, including dances and sports. He had hopes of attending UC Berkeley and was originally accepted but was later rejected and would end up…
Kodama continues to discuss growing up as a Seventh-Day Adventist, having many restrictions such as not being able to go to football games or movies. After this, he talks about the holidays he grew up celebrating, including New Years and Christmas,…
Kodama begins the interview talking about his parents and how they came from Japan and settled down in Mountain View, California. They would become farmers, specializing in fruit, and help to run an on-sen as well. He also talks about his sisters and…
Kojimoto talks about volunteering to go to Fort Snelling. He discusses his employment at a laundromat. He describes his return to San Francisco, California. He explains how he reunited his future wife. He talks about his employment as an accountant.…
Kojimoto talks about his machine gunner squad. He explains the difficult aspects of using a machine gun. He describes his positive and negative experiences during wartime. He discusses the injuries in his unit. He describes landing in Naples, Italy.…
Kojimoto explains how he met his wife at Santa Anita Assembly Center He describes what he did in his leisure time at Santa Anita Assembly Center. He talks about his employment at Santa Anita. He discusses working and living in Utah. He talks about…
Kojimoto talks about applying to Southern Pacific Railroad. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He talks about his friend who was in the intelligence service. He discusses the purpose of the Japanese American Citizens League.…
Kojimoto continues to talk about his extended family. He describes a trip that he took to Los Angeles, California. He discusses his parent's plans after World War Two. He talks about his involvement in high school sports. He describes his…
Kojimoto and the interviewers introduce themselves. Kojimoto talks about his parents marriage. He explains the origin of his name. He discusses his father's backstory. He shares his father's employment ventures. He describes his father's name. He…
Fujikawa talks about his time training at Fort Snelling, studying Japanese language with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). He briefly talks about his marriage background, his wife moving to Minnesota while he was at Fort Snelling. After this,…
Fujikawa talks more about growing up in Los Angeles, specifically about the time that he spent in the Japanese language school. In regular school, he would take an interest in sciences, such as botany and would face some discrimination throughout his…
Fujikawa begins the interview talking about his family background and how his family moved from San Francisco down to Los Angeles with the changing of the crops. There, he would be raised as a Christian and attend Japanese language school. He talks…
Misuo and Miyo Fujikawa talk about their time after the war, moving back to Los Angeles and beginning a career in gardening. There, they would settle down and have more children, which they then talk about and the values that they've tried to teach…
Fujikawa continues talking about the surrender ceremony that he was on a committee for. He talks about what it was like being on the HMS Victory during the ceremony and what his duties were during that time.
M. Fujita shares his combat experiences in Italy, he describes the weapons he used, food, and traveling to battlefields. He also talks about his army discharge and aspects of his post-war life. He shares anecdotes regarding: friendships developed in…
M. Fujita talks about his childhood experiences in San Diego county circa 1930s. He also talks about his family's experiences in Santa Anita and Poston. He shares anecdotes regarding: basic training in Camp Shelby, getting wounded in combat, and his…
Yoshida discusses his family and the end of the war. He details about his discharge and post-war life. Lastly Yoshida discusses about the units Medal of Honor upgrades, the legacy of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and leaves a message to future…
Yoshida discusses about his experiences at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. He details about his experiences at Camp Shelby and relationship with his squad-mates. Yoshida also discusses about his experiences as a cook while serving in Europe.
Yoshida discusses his family and childhood. He details his life after high school graduation, Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Yoshida also discusses about his experiences at Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and Amache Concentration Camp. He…
Tsuida discusses about his schooling, religion, and values. He details about not getting married and how he spends his retirement. Tsuida also gives a message to future generations and discusses going to Japan for the 1964 Olympics.
Tsuida discusses family and leaving Poston Concentration Camp to work in Chicago. He details about being drafted, basic training, and his experiences post-war.
Tsuida discusses what it was like growing up in San Diego. He details about his friendship with Don Larsen. Tsuida also discusses about Pearl Harbor, his experiences with forced removal, and being sent to Poston Concentration Camp.
Sumida discusses the experiences of a Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) soldier in the 187th Infantry Battalion in Korea; talks about the loyalty questionnaire he took in Rohwer incarceration camp and getting drafted; and discusses working as a…
Sumida discusses the repatriation of Japanese citizens from Manchuria and his assignment monitoring Japanese repatriates; and talks about receiving a Bronze Star. He then talks about his assignment in Korea, his translation assignment after Korea,…
Sumida discusses his experiences as part of Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) including discussing his training and his cases. He then talks about the Japanese mafia (Yakuza); and discusses his assignment monitoring Japanese POWs who were captured by…
Sumida discusses attending high school; talks about Japanese values he learned from his parents; and describes the term, "Yamato-damashii". He then talks about how Japanese values helped him while in combat; and discusses the experiences of soldiers…
Sumida discusses values he learned from his parents; talks about attending church and Sunday school; and discusses learning Kendo. He then provides some thoughts regarding race and citizenship; talks about volunteering for Military Intelligence…
Sumida discusses his parents including how they met; their immigration from Japan; and his mother's schooling. He then talks about his childhood growing up in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles; discusses his father's immigration and employment;…
Abe discusses about his experiences being part the occupation force in Germany. He details about his post-war life. Able also comments about the changes in America, current events (2005), and gives a message to future generations.
Abe discusses about Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and getting kicked out. He details about some of his friends and his assignment with the Mobile Intelligence Training Unit (MITU). Abe also discusses about his experiences being part of the…
Abe discusses about forced removal and his experiences at Heart Mountain Concentration Camp. He details about getting drafted and father. Abe also discusses about his basic training.
Abe discusses also discusses about trying to gain weight, his father, and Chinese friends. He details Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Abe also discusses about his experiences at Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center.
Abe gives an overview of his military career and discusses his family. He details about his childhood and schooling. Abe also discusses about growing up in Los Angeles and his home life.
Fujimoto talks about his combat experiences, discusses the end of the war, and tells a story regarding going to hospital for food poisoning. He then talks about receiving a Bronze Star, provides his thoughts regarding military service and the 442nd;…
Fujimoto discusses going to Camp Kilmer, traveling overseas; and going to the hospital for measles after landing in France. He then talks about being assigned to G Company and describes the terrain traveling to meet up with them with his squad. Next,…
Fujimoto discusses life experiences and luck, meeting his wife, working while at Rohwer Concentration Camp; and going to the hospital for pleurisy. He then discusses taking an Army questionnaire, getting his draft notice, and basic training at Camp…
Fujimoto tells a story regarding a whiskey distillery and Al Capone, discusses his father getting arrested by the FBI, and talks about his family and friends’ forced removal experiences. He then talks about his life and the living conditions at Santa…
Fujimoto discusses how he got his nickname; and talks about growing up in Bell, California including talking about his family, his father’s occupation on a farm, and his own duties helping out on the farm. He then continues to talk about his…
Nishijima recalls his families forced removal to Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and then to Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. He describes the living conditions at camp and how he obtains a job as a truck driver while living there. When…
Nishijima discusses his parent immigration from Japan to the United States. He moves to Japan to live with his Uncle when his Father passes away. He attends school and works on a silk worm farm. In his later teenage years, Nishijima returns back to…
Jumpei Mine narrates photographs from his wartime.
Overseas, Jumpei encounters some close calls. He shares his stories about a hand grenade, a three-story building, and a fence. Besides his close calls, he says the scariest thing is the German…
Jumpei "Jumpy" Mine is born on August 4, 1920, in Montebello, CA. Jumpei's father is a hard-working man. Jumpei's mother, Jen Mine, passes away early.
Jumpei grows up in Montebello and helps his father with farming. Jumpei's favorite sport is…
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…
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 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 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 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…
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…
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 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 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 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 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…
James Iso recalls his duties in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and about his experiences working for the government after completing his military career. At the end of the interview, Iso shares some memorabilia from his military service.
James Iso talks about his children, highlights about his military service during the occupation of Japan and the Korean War. He describes his role in "Project American" and about his time spent in Vietnam.
James Iso describes his experience being stationed in Occupied Japan, where he was assigned to ATIS (Allied Translator and Intelligence Service) and conducted work in the Washington Documents Center. He talks about his wife and about attending…
James Iso describes his journey to Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and Heart Mountain Concentration Camp, the living conditions there, and the process in which community life was constructed within Heart Mountain. He talks about volunteering…
James Iso describes growing up as a Japanese American, and his experiences with racial discrimination. He recalls the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the effects it brought within his life and the community.
James Iso describes the values that he learned from his family, about the Japanese culture and traditions. He talks about the difference between Japanese American assimilation into American society compared to other Asian American cultures, and…
James Iso describes his family history, including where his parents immigrated from in Japan and their settlement in the United States. He talks about his siblings, about his childhood memories, and about attending Japanese language 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…
Mayeda discusses about his experiences in post-war Japan. He details about his involvement in veteran's organizations and the community. Mayeda also discusses about his post-war life and gives a message to future generations.
Mayeda discusses about his experiences at Santa Anita Detention Center. He details about his experiences in Jerome Concentration Camp, getting drafted, and basic training. Mayeda also discusses about joining the the Military Intelligence Service…
Mayeda discusses about his schooling, childhood home, and community. He details about his childhood, family, and the events prior and after Pearl Harbor. Mayeda also discusses about forced removal and his children.
Mayeda discusses about his family and his parents immigration. He details about his childhood and life on the farm. Mayeda also discusses about his schooling.
Yoshitake talks about meeting his wife; discusses his children; talks about sharing his war experiences with his grandson; and discusses his participation in veterans associations. He then talks about sharing war stories with the public, provides a…
Yoshitake talks about the Army's regulations for height and the height of Japanese American soldiers; weapons; duties while overseas; getting injured; and discusses the Champagne Campaign. He then talks about his experiences near Monte Carlo,…
Yoshitake discusses the Gothic Line; talks about training and combat experiences; discusses navigating minefields; and talks about soldiers who were killed in action including Sadao Munemori. He then talks about his experiences with enemy fire…
Yoshitake talks about his life in Ohio, getting inducted, and the differences between Hawaiian and Mainland military service. He then talks about going to Camp Blanding for infantry training, seeing his parents prior to going overseas, and traveling…
Yoshitake talks about his family's forced removal and having to leave belongings behind. He then talks about his experiences going to Santa Anita temporary detention facility and the living conditions there; discusses Executive Order 9066; and talks…
Yoshitake talks about his parents including his father's business, discusses growing up in east Los Angeles, and talks about the differences between Issei and Nisei. He then talks about his childhood including experiences with discrimination, high…
Kitaoka discusses a bomb run experience. He releases a bomb and his radio does not work. The only available option for Kitaoka is to land and wait for his jet to be repair. Kitaoka is picked up and returns to his carrier to continue his fire pilot…
Kitaoka discusses going overseas and his occupation phase in Berlin. He recalls what Berlin look like after the devastation of the war. Many of the structural buildings are in rubles and the buildings that are still existing are being occupied by the…
Kitaoka discusses experiences of Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and Jerome Concentration Camp. At Santa Anita, the horse stables are converted into living conditions for Japanese Americans and Kitaoka relates to his farming background. At…
Kitaoka discusses going to school the day after the Pearl Harbor bombing. Although it is uncomfortable not knowing how his classmates feels, Kitaoka does his best in class. He recalls the climate on the school campus , the Unites States President's…
Kitaoka discusses the family business and routine on the chicken ranch. Norwalk is primarily a Dutch community and Kitaoka describes the high school transition. He discusses identity and his heritage.
Kitaoka discusses the Alien Land Laws and the reasons why Japanese immigrants are only able to lease land and not buy. Kitaoka recalls his Father transitioning form produce farming to a chicken ranch because farm the lease expires. At this time only…
Kitaoka discusses his birth date, birth place and his parents. His Issei Father immigrates from Japan to the United States and works on the Railroad. Eventually he returns back to Japan to marry Kitaoka's Mother who is a picture bride. Growing up…
Yuki discusses his son who died in the Vietnam War. He details about his children and grandchildren. Yuki also discusses about his life retirement and gives a message to future generations.
