Konoshima begins by speaking about his time in occupied Japan. After spending time in the American concentration camps, he would be shipped to Tokyo as part of the Headquarters team. When arriving in Tokyo, he would remember the destruction of…
Meyer discusses what is was like working with different groups of people. He also details about the time he spent stationed in Japan during the American Occupation. Meyer discusses his awareness of the American Concentration Camps.
Ishimoto begins the interview talking about his whereabouts when he first heard of the surrender of Japan. At this time, he was already beginning preparations to move into Japan for scheduled invasions, and therefore, when shipped to Japan, he would…
Ishimoto continues his discussion on the importance of Nisei linguists during the military occupation of Japan. He talks about the various campaigns and things that the MIS had to deal with, that were much more than just interpreting and translating.…
Shinbo discusses about his experiences in the Philippines. He details his experiences in post-war Japan. Shinbo also discusses about his life after being discharged.
Hanamoto discusses translation duties and the 187th. During Occupation Japan, Hanamoto recalls visiting a Japanese National at their home and topics of discussion that they discuss. When he is discharge, Hanamoto see discrimination still exists,…
Mr. Saiki discusses how his family came to the United States and his early life growing up in Stockton, California. His parents first worked in Hawaii before coming to California and working on a farm in the Sacramento Delta. Eventually the family…
Mr. Saiki focuses on the period leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack and discusses the period after his family was forced to leave their home. Among the topics discussed are Mr. Saiki earning his degree from UC Berkeley, the discrimination and…
Mr. Saiki discusses helping his father be reunited with the rest of the family at Rohwer. Mr. Saiki was able to the leave the internment camp, and traveled to Chicago where he got a job working as a foreman in a bomb factory and helped establish…
Mr. Saiki discusses volunteering to serve with the Counterintelligence Corps and traveling to Japan. It was while he was in Japan that Mr. Saiki was reunited with his brother. Mr. Saiki discusses his brother's citizenship issues and how he was able…
In the final video, Mr. Saiki further discusses his reunion with his brother, discussing what his life was like in Japan, and the conditions of Japan post-war. Additionally, Mr. Saiki describes his role in the Counterintelligence Corps as well as the…
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…
Bright and Sam continue their recollection of the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Their stepfather would be taken in by the FBI and they had to continue working until they heard about Executive Order 9066. With that, they were forced to evacuate their…
Kaji discusses about joining the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and experiences at Fort Snelling. He details about his experiences in post-war Japan and the Philippines. Kaji also discusses about rank, coming home and post-military life.
Moriyama and the interviewers introduce themselves. Moriyama talks about the surrender of Japan. He describes his experience in Military Intelligence Service Language School and Japanese language school. He discusses the languages that were spoken in…
Moriyama describes his military duties during occupation. He explains the attitudes of civilians during the occupation. He describes what he did during his leisure time. He discusses his friendship with a Japanese family. He shares his other…
Takekawa talks about Earl Finch, discusses his participation in the 171st Training Battalion, going to Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning; and his assignment at a training regiment in Fort McClellan. Next, Takekawa went to Military…
In this first interview with Senator Daniel Akaka, Mr. Akaka discusses his family background, childhood, and what his life was like growing up in Hawaii. Senator Akaka describes the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, what news he heard about the…
Senator Akaka focuses on the importance of recognition of Nisei soldiers and describes the role he played in upgrading awards and helping secure Medal of Honor designations for a group of Nisei veterans. Senator Akaka also discusses a book which…
Nakamura begins the interview talking about being born in America and quickly being moved to Japan as a child, where he would spend the next 8 years of his childhood. It was there that he would learn the culture of Japan and begin his elementary…
Nakamura discusses arriving in Japan and exploring Tokyo before joining the 11th Airborne in Sendai. Once in Sendai, he was sent to Shiogama to join the 188th regiment where they would patrol around and investigate for weapons that could be used…
Nakamura continues his recollection of his time visiting Hiroshima and how the Japanese there were very welcoming to him. Next, he speaks about his discharge from the Army and staying in Tokyo to work as a civilian. He first joined the Civil…
Nakasone talks about the reactions to the Japanese attacking the Americans at Pearl Harbor and the effect that it had on his family. His parents understood that they would be seen as enemy aliens after the attacks but also understood that their…
Nakasone talks more about the occupation of Japan and the recreational activities such as dancing and the caucasian soldiers that were there. Next, he goes back and talks about his language courses at Fort Snelling, learning kanji and the root…
Nakasone talks more about the movie "Pearl Harbor" and his disappointment in the accuracy of the film. After this, he talks about the military programs that he has been involved with, including one that helps the Navy establish educational programs.…
Ethel Uchida describes her childhood and memories of her family including the values her father instilled in her. She also describes her childhood wish to study in Japan and her subsequent employment there during the occupation.
Ethel Uchida describes her living conditions in Japan and her work as a pictorial censor with Japanese nationals. She also describes getting married and starting a family while still in Japan.
After being moved to Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho, he was drafted into the Army. He would attend his basic training at Camp Landing in Florida, where he would be trained as an infantryman until being chosen to switch over to the Military…
Inami discusses about his time living in Japan and childhood. He details cultural differences and Japan's surrender. Imani also discusses about his experiences at Fort Snelling, the Nisei mindset, Japanese culture, and Japanese Americans.
Inami discusses about the effectiveness of Japanese Americans during the Occupation of Japan, loyalty, and visiting Japan post-occupation. He details about the Occupation of Japan. Inami also discusses about his family and the "Zebra platoon".
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…
Fujimoto begins the interview with the surrender of the Japanese Army and the end of the war. As he was already in the Philippines, they would begin the military occupation in Japan shortly after. He would get over to Tokyo by ship and begin his…
Fujimoto continues his recollection of his time in occupied Japan, working as an interpreter. After coming back from his tour of Japan with the Colonel, he would work at the Dai-Ichi Hotel at the front desk, interpreting and watching for signs of…
Fujimoto looks through various pictures and narrates the subject matter. The pictures include General MacArthur's wife and son, Colonel Mark Logie, gymnastics sessions at Pasadena City College, various pictures throughout occupied Japan, and finishes…
Murakami talks about his observations of Japanese nationals during his participation in Occupied Japan. He talks about cultural nuances in Japan and the politics of Niseis interactions with Japanese citizenry. He also discusses his work after his…
Murakami discusses basic training and Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). He goes overseas and describes the environment and climate of Japan after the bombing. During occupation, Murakami's duties deal with translation,…
Otoshi discusses his role during his assignment in Japan interrogating repatriates and families in Maizuru and Hakata. He then discusses the treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs), returning to Hawaii, and attending college. Lastly, Otoshi talks about…
Ariyoshi discusses his experiences in Minnesota while at Military Intelligence Service (MIS), including the cold weather, building an ice skating ring in the barracks, and becoming friends with the local townspeople. Ariyoshi was then shipped out to…
Fujimori discusses more about his time in the Philippines. He details about his duties while stationed in Japan. Fujimori also discusses his road to being discharged.
Hara discusses his occupation experience in Japan and his contribution as a Nisei. During occupation, Hara's duties involve translation and interpreting. Hara describes first experience in an interrogation is with a Japanese Admiral. He also helps…
Sano discusses his experiences during his military service in Japan including visiting relatives, traveling to Hiroshima, and his interactions with Japanese civilians. He then talks about getting discharged and returning home to Maui; his…
Kobayashi talks about his assignment censoring letters while at Camp Stoneman and then being sent overseas to Japan where he was assigned to translate documents. While in Japan Kobayashi also taught English, visited relatives, went on sightseeing…
Kobayashi talks about his assignment translating documents in Japan, and his involvement with city government including being a manager for city council member Ken Nakaoka; and working as a fish and game manager and as a treasurer. He then talks…
Kobayashi discusses his family's thoughts about his assignment with the Military Intelligence Service; and also talks about his translation work while in Japan, seeing General MacArthur, and his assignment teaching English to the Japanese prince and…
Suzuki discusses being at Fort Benning when the war ends and going to Japan for occupation. He details about his experiences in post-war Japan.
Suzuki discusses his military career and the additional training he received.
George Aratani recounts meeting two Nisei in prewar Japan and their subsequent experiences during WWII fighting for Japan. Next, he discusses the origins of the Mikasa chinaware company and how he managed to get Macy's to buy into the dinnerware.…
Kaneshiro gives some final notes about Rohwer Concentration Camp, including how they received news of the 442nd, recreational activities and where to go after the war had ended. Once he had left Rohwer and back in Los Angeles, Kaneshiro had trouble…
Yoshino begins the interview speaking about the surrender of Japan and a little about his childhood, growing up as a Japanese American. Next, he talks about spending a small amount of time at Tule Lake Concentration Camp and working at farms and on…
Yoshino discusses about going overseas and his experiences in both Manila and Japan. He details being discharged, going to college, and meeting his wife. Yoshino also talks about his life during retirement and the legacy of the Niseis.
Yoshino continues his recollection of his time overseas in Japan during the occupation. First, he speaks about the different assignments that he had, working as an overseer for reporting and as an interpreter for officers. Next, he speaks about the…
Saisho speaks about his brothers that also served in the Army. Next, he speaks about the different things he did for the Army when in occupied Japan, including translating negotiations for a hotel that was being built near Sendai. After this, he was…
Riess discusses more about his father's background, including the legacy that he left in both Greece and the then Czechoslavakia. On trips back to those YMCA's, his father is still remembered by those that were there when it was first built. Next, he…
Riess discusses his free time in Japan and how his time in Japan helped his future career path. Next, he talks about visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the atomic bombs and how manufacturing in Japan took off after the war for companies like Honda…
Grant Hayao Ichikawa discusses his military duties during the occupation of Japan and the Nisei and Kibei contribution as translators. Ichikawa talks about General MacArthur's plan to rebuild Japan and keeping the Emperor of Japan safe. He feels the…
Grant Hayao Ichikawa discusses the language team and their assignments. He describes the difference between Kibei and Nisei and how their attributes working together up contribute to the rebuilding of Japan. Ichikawa also shares how he meets his wife…
Mukai discusses the expatriation process he went through, attending Japanese school, and getting drafted. He then talks about what life was like for Japanese Americans after the start of the war, going to basic training in Hawaii and at Fort…
Mukai talks about items sold on the black market in Japan, living in a tea house, and assignments while in Japan, including working as an interpreter for war crime trials and being an interpreter for Hideki Tojo. He then talks about Japan and…
Oishi begins the interview with his family background and moving to Hawaii from Hiroshima. He would grow up in Kona, Hawaii working at the family farm and then for his aunt at her grocery store, all while attending school and Japanese language…
Oishi continues his recollection of his time arriving in Japan during the military occupation. He would arrive in Yokosuka and head to Camp Zama, where he would see the devastation of Tokyo and the conditions for the Japanese civilians. Next, he…
Okumura begins the interview talking about his whereabouts when the war ended and Japan surrendered and his thoughts on the atomic bomb. At the time, he was already in the Army and had gone through his training, so he was sent overseas to begin his…
Kubo continues talking about his experiences in the Pacific Theater, including making sukiyaki in Luzon using meat and K rations. Shortly after, the end of the war would occur and his team would be moved to Fukuoka in Japan. There, he would be able…
Tanabe discusses about the interrogation process. He details about how he was wounded in Okinawa. Tanabe also discusses about his time in Niigata and Occupied Japan.
Yuki discusses about being sent Manila and his experiences while there. He details about his duties and experiences while in Japan. Yuki also discusses about coming back home and raising a family.
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…
Takeuchi discusses about his family and his childhood. He details about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, being drafted, and basic training. Takeuchi also discusses about his experiences at Fort Snelling, his experiences in occupied Japan, and his…
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…
Shishido continues his recollection of his time in occupied Japan, interpreting for the war crimes trials in Tokyo. He discusses the intricacies of the interpreting process, including body language and understanding various dialects and meanings.…
Shishido discusses more about going to the prisoner of war camps in Nagasaki and what it was like to interpret in that situation. He also talks about recreational activities during that time and the high costs for certain foods. After this, he would…
Yoshimoto discusses about his time in Japan during the occupation. He also details about meeting Tojo Hideki. Yoshimoto discusses his life once he was discharged from the Army.
Sameshima discusses about the end of World War Two and arriving in Japan. He details about how he helped and his interactions with Japanese citizens during the occupation of Japan. Sameshima also discusses his experiences in the war crime trials.
Sameshima discusses about the about the war crime trials. He details about different areas and changes he noticed during the occupation of Japan. Sameshima also discusses about meeting his wife and what made the occupation of Japan successful.
Nakamura talks about his finishing with Japanese language courses in Monterey and his quick furlough in Hawaii to spend some time with his family and prepare to go overseas. He would head overseas, stopping in multiple countries en route to Yokohama.…
Taniguchi revisits his experiences in the Amache Concentration Camp. He talks about the translation work that he did in Japan. He explains how the younger generation differs from his generation. Taniguchi describes how he met his wife. He talks about…
Kaneshiro begins the interview talking about his whereabouts when Japan surrendered. As he was already on a ship heading to Manila with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), he would go to the Philippines first, then head to Tokyo. Once he…
Kaneshiro discusses the reforms that occurred throughout the occupation of Japan and the reconstruction was done throughout the country. Next, he talks about the value of the Nisei linguist throughout the occupation and how it was much easier to do…
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…
Oka discusses living in pre-war Japan. He details about his duties while in the Philippines and arriving in Japan. Oka also discusses his duties while in Japan and his interactions with Japanese citizens.
Oka discusses the translation process and helping the Japanese citizens. He details about culture differences and reflects on time that he spent in Japan. Oka also gives advice to the United States Army regarding occupation.
Oka discusses his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) while stationed in the Philippines. He details about his family that were in Japan during World War Two and his experiences while in Japan. Oka also discusses returning to the…
Yokooji talks about basic training at Camp Shelby; discusses 442nd Regimental Combat Team replacement soldiers; talks about the merging of the 100th and 442nd; and discusses going to Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning. He then talks about…
Hirose discusses he childhood and family. He details about his experiences with forced removal and incarceration camps. Hirose also discusses about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
Nagano continues his recollection of his time overseas during the war. He talks about his experience in a shell hole and seeing people fish with concussion grenades. He would be an interrogator of prisoners of war while in New Guinea and was then…
Araki continues his recollection of his time after being drafted into the Army and having an assignment in Hawaii, guarding Italian prisoners of war. Next, he discusses the Japanese language and the importance of the characters that are used. He…
Araki continues his discussion on his assignments in Japan, working in Tokushima and helping to translate and interpret during the military occupation. Next, he talks about the black market during the occupation and how the big cities were the only…
Iso discusses how he ended up in Japan during military occupation and what he did while he was there. He also details about the starvation and devastation he witnessed in Japan. Iso discusses what it was like interacting with the Japanese people.
Iso discusses trying to help the Japanese people as best as possible. He highlights the role the Nisei played during the occupation. Iso also discusses Japan's agriculture and food production capabilities post-war
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…
