Ken shares a message for future generations is to simplify your life. The more possessions you have, the more you have to worry about. Ken suggests not to listen to too many people, be honest, and have integrity. With honestly, and integrity people cannot hurt you. Ken recalls how he is raised by his Issei parents and raises his children the same way.

After opening a watch store for serval years, Ken changes his career to electronics. He works as an instrument mechanic for five years and retires at 65 years old.

Towards the end of the interview, Ken describes some photos.]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

Ken returns to Chicago in 1948, after his two-year contract. Ken has aspirations of going to college to repair watches. He attends school on his GI Bill. Also, Ken and his father decide to purchase a building in a diverse neighborhood. In Chicago, Ken is surprised there is interracial discrimination. He shares a story about his greek neighbor.

Ken continues his education with his GI Bill and takes classes in accounting and business law. While going to school for a year, Ken gets a part-time job at Brunswick Bowling Company as interoffice mail distribution. Later he is promoted to an accountant position.

On January 10, 1953, Ken gets married to Betty Toda. Ken decides on his plans to open a watch store after saving some money. He is in the watchmaker business for 12 years. ]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

When Ken returns home after the war, he is contacted to volunteer for the Pacific. Ken takes the language exam and passes. He reports to Camp Snelling for Japanese Language School for six months. The Military Intelligence Service Language training ends in April, and Ken is sent to Japan.

Ken discusses the lack of food in Japan. At Camp Zama, Ken is there for three weeks on guard duty. The areas in Japan are burned down and destroyed from the bombing. He describes the differences between what Japan looks like in 1939 and post-war. After Camp Zama, Ken is assigned to Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS) in Tokyo, Japan.

Later Ken is informed to return to the United States. However, Ken takes a civilian job to stay longer in Japan. Ken signs a one-year contract for civilian work. He describes his salary and living conditions as a civilian. ]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

In Italy, Ken is transferred to Company C and becomes a litter bearer. Sometimes the locals will befriend soldiers to get food. Food is valuable during wartime. He shares his experience as a litter bearer, and how a local asks to help carry the litter.

Post-war, Ken's duty changes to processing German soldiers, and has a pass to go to Milan, Italy. ]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

In Chicago, Ken enlists in the Army. After passing his physical exam, he goes to Camp Carson for his induction into the Army. On June 30, Ken reports for active duty at Fort Sill Oklahoma, and travels to Camp Blanding. Ken has seventeen weeks of basic training at Camp Blanding. After his weapons training at Camp Blanding, Ken goes to Camp Kilmer before going overseas. On January 6, Ken leaves with the convoy and lands in Marcé, France.

Even with the distance apart, Ken and Woody maintain their friendship. Ken discusses Woody's service in the Marine and Guadalcanal. ]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

In Japan, Ken and his family live at their grandmother's home (Ken's mother's mother). Ken discusses adjusting to living in Japan and going to school.

When Ken is almost eighteen years old, the Tamura family moves back to the United States and resides in Los Angeles, CA. Ken recalls December 7 and evacuating to Pomona. Ken describes camp life and Heart Mountain Wyoming. ]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>
He is born in Okmulgee, OK on March 27, 1923. His parents are from Japan, and he has three sisters and a brother. Ken grows up in an isolated area on a farm.

At home, Ken speaks mainly Japanese. However, when he starts school, Ken learns English and finds it difficult at times to communicate at home. Ken is close to his siblings and has a good relationship with his father.

Ken remembers spending time helping his father on the farm and watching movies on Saturdays with him. Their favorite movie genre is cowboys.

Besides enjoying movies with his father, Ken's child activities are marbles, toppers, rope climbing, swimming in the river, and hunting.]]>
Tamura, Ken: narrator]]> Lim, Reuben: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>