Ikemoto discusses his whereabouts during the end of the war; talks about volunteering to go to Japan post V-J Day; and discusses his experiences at Military Intelligence Language School (MISLS). He then talks about traveling to Japan via a troop…
Ikemoto discusses the military service of a Japanese colonel; talks about his interrogations and discussions with Japanese officers; and tells a story regarding a Japanese officer who visited the United States. He then talks about his interactions…
Doi discusses about his early life experiences and gives some detail about his family background. He details about how he ended up in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). Doi also discusses about his experiences in the Philippines and in occupied…
Doi discusses corresponding with his wife while he was in Japan; talks about his first impressions of Japan; and discusses some of his experiences with Japanese citizens. He then talks about his involvement with the Civil Information and Education…
Doi discusses his wife; talks about education reform and equality in Japan; discusses Monbusho (Ministry of Education); and talks about private universities in Japan. Next, Doi discusses why he almost attended Todai (University of Tokyo); discusses…
Kurata discusses his parents and his other family members. He also details what it was like growing up in Lodi, California. Kurata discusses his educational experiences.
Kurata discusses the difference between Rural Nisei and Urban Nisei. He details trying to volunteer for the army. Kurata discusses being forced removed and his journey to Rohwer.
Kurata discusses life in the Rohwer Concentration Camp. He details he draft experience and his thoughts on the 442nd. Kurata also discusses how he ended up in the Counter Intelligence Corps.
Kurata continues to explain the training for the Counter Intelligence Corps. He details being assigned and what his arrival in Japan was like. Kurata discusses his duties while stationed in Japan.
Kurata continues to explain working in Chiba. He discusses more about the time spent in Japan, including the problem with communism. Kurata details about making a career within the military.
Kurata discusses his family. He also list the community organizations that he is a member of. Kurata discusses the message he wants to leave for future generations.
Hirano begins the interview speaking of his family background, including his mother, father and siblings. At the young age of 4, he was moved to Japan to begin his schooling and would not return to the United States until the end of high school.…
After joining the Army, Hirano is sent to Camp Savage in Minnesota to join the Military Intelligence Service Language School. From there he was assigned to work in New York, translating words for a dictionary that the Army was putting together. It…
Hirano continues his recollection of his time in Japan, starting with his arrival in Hiroshima. There, he would see the devastation after the atomic bomb and be assigned to the Counter Intelligence Cops (CIC). After leaving that, he would stay in…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
Masato Mauch Yamashita is born on December 27, 1924, in Lodi, CA. Lloyd Katsuto Fujitani is born January 1, 1917, in Lodi, CA. Both Masato and Lloyd are with 442nd Company I. Masato, and Lloyd's…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
Masato Yamashita and Lloyd Fujitani recall hearing the news about Pearl Harbor on the radio. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, anyone who is a leader of a Japanese Organization is taken away by…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
When the news of the war is over, Masato Yamashita hears that they might go to the Pacific, and soldiers from I Company sign up for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
Saiki discusses growing up in Stockton, California including working at his parents' restaurant, living in a hotel, attending kendo classes, and playing sports. He then recalls his whereabouts during the attack on Pearl Harbor, talks about traveling…
Saiki discusses going to Military Intelligence Language School (MISLS) in Monterey, as well as attending Japanese language school in Japan and recalls the differences in dialects. He also talks about his assignments and seeing his brothers in Japan.…
Espineda talks about his family's move from Hawaii to California. He talks about his Filipino heritage. He discusses his experiences while in high school. He describes the farm work that he did after school. He talks about what he did in his leisure…
Espineda continues to talk about his induction into the army. He describes Camp Shelby. He discusses segregated units. He describes his basic training. He talks about Hawaiian soldiers in his unit and the cultural diversity in the present day.…
Espineda continues to talk about landing in Naples, Italy. He describes his first battle. He explains how he dealt with fears of dying. He discusses the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He describes what tree burst are. Espineda talks about his rest…
Espineda talks about the military decorations he received. He describes a trip to the Vatican. He continues to talk about his injury. He discusses his friends who were also wounded. Espineda describes his scariest moments during World War Two. He…
Espineda talks about his experiences in Po Valley. He briefly talks about the Gothic Line. He discusses being discharged and his return to civilian life. He describes how he reconnected with his family. He talks about the memories he has of his…
Espineda talks about his marriage. He talks about his children and grandchildren. He describes the changes that he has seen in Stockton, California over time. He discusses the legacy of the Nisei. Espineda shares his advice for veterans considering…