Tsukiyama was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents were educated immigrants from Japan. He attend both Japanese language school and English Standard School. During the Pearl Harbor attack, he had been a part of the University of Hawaii…
Tsukiyama describes his feelings toward Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about his efforts to volunteer to join the US Army, starting with his participation in the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV) and describes the formation of the…
Tsukiyama was among the 2,500 recruits from Hawaii accepted into the 442nd Regimental Team and sent to Camp Shelby for basic training. He talks about how this experience, his first time away from Hawaii and describes interactions between Hawaiian…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about his transition from the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion to the Military Intelligence Service. After graduating from the Military Intelligence Service Language School, he was assigned to a team that was sent to Florida for…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about his experience during the China-Burma-India Campaign. Instead of continuing his military service in the Occupation of Japan, he decided to return home to Hawaii to continue his college education. He received a Bachelor's…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about his work in preserving to Nisei veteran story, through oral history programs and preserving the 442nd Regimental Combat Team Archives. He talks about how privileged future generations are because of the contributions made by…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about the effects of Martial Law in Hawaii during wartime, and how it affected the Japanese community. He describes how the war created more opportunities for Japanese Americans, especially in the workforce -- before the war, jobs…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about his law career, starting from graduating from Yale Law school to starting his own private practice in arbitration. He also talks about Hawaii statehood, and it's impact on Hawaii's political and economic stature. He…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about Questions 27 and 28 of the loyalty questionnaire that all Nisei, both in Hawaii and in the concentration camps on the Mainland, had to answer during the outbreak of war. He talks about the history of the Hawaii Territorial…
Matsumoto describes his early life growing up in Los Angeles and later moving to Japan with his grandparents to attend school. Upon returning to the Los Angeles area, Matsumoto settled in Long Beach, graduating from the local high school and worked…
Matsumoto returns to the topic of his grandfather and his days working as a contract laborer in Hawaii, before coming to the mainland U.S. Following this discussion, Matsumoto describes the living conditions during his time at the Santa Anita…
Matsumoto discusses his assignments after the end of the war in Southeast Asia, including his transfer to China. In China, Matsumoto became involved with the Office of Strategic Services. He describes his duties within the OSS, which he was forced to…
Matsumoto describes his role in tutoring language officers and helping them with their Japanese. Later he encounters his cousin and younger brother as captured Japanese soldiers in China. After a reunion, Matsumoto is relived to hear that his parents…
Matsumoto describes being chosen for a secret mission with Merrill's Marauders and his journey from San Francisco to India. Assigned to a group and having gone through training, Merrill's Marauders moved through northern India and into Burma to…
Matsumoto discusses his time serving in the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon in Burma. In his time scouting the Japanese soldiers, Matsumoto was able to utilize his knowledge of many Japanese dialects to gather important strategic information.…
Matsumoto discusses a battle in Nhpum Ga in which the Second Battalion were forced to protect a hill location. Stranded on the hill and running short of water and supplies, Matsumoto spies on the Japanese forces and learns of an attack planned at…
Matsumoto describes his time serving as a master sergeant and helping younger and more inexperienced soldiers cope in battle. Later reflecting on oath and loyalty, Matsumoto gives his thoughts on serving his country and describes discrimination he…
In this segment Ben Uyemura talks about his upbringing in a poor neighborhood of Los Angeles. His parents did not have a lot but he remembers they both were hardworking people. He talks about the activities he was in as a kid in grammar school, and…
In this segment Uyemura talks about where he got the means to build his Ford Model T car and the beginnings of his service in the Army upon being drafted. After Pearl Harbor, he talks about his reaction to the attack, his family being relocated, and…
In this segment, we briefly hear Uyemura talking about his shoes and how he only wore one pair of boots. The interviewer picks back up in mid conversation about Uyemura using his military leave to visit his family in camp and how easy it was to sneak…
In this segment, Uyemura talks about the military campaigns he participated in during the war. He talks about his experiences in Italy and France and also describes the Champagne Campaign. Another campaign Uyemura took part in was Bruyeres, which he…
In this segment, Uyemura talks about firing off different kinds of weapons while at Camp Roberts. Based off of points he accumulated while serving, he was able to go home before his group and was later discharged. After finding his family, they…
Roy Nakawatase begins the interview by discussing the background of his father and mother, detailing his parents' travels to the US and working on the farm. He describes his childhood on the farm, the presence of the Japanese culture in his home, and…
In this segment of the interview, Nakawatase is asked about the types of social circles his family encountered in Stockton, California. He also talks about his time in primary school, as well as Saturday school. Other topics discussed in this segment…
In this segment of the interview Nakawatase is asked about the racial makeup of his neighborhood and different ethnic groups that lived amongst each other. He speaks about the beginning of the war and how it became a concern among the Japanese and…
In this segement, Nakawatase explains his feelings towards not being able to recall much of his time at camp due to being a young child. At the age of 16, Nakawatase was the head of the family upon leaving the camp. In high school, Nakawatase…
In this segment, Nakawatase talks about his responsibilities related to the transition to leaving camp prior to the war's end. After going back to Stockton, Nakawatase got work to care for the family by becoming a Farmer. After 3 weeks, the family…
In this segment, Nakawatase talks about his time training at the Military Intelligence Service Language school. He talks about negotiating his time of service as a recruiter for MIS. He also talks about the experts he met in language school and…
In this segment, Nawatase begins by talking about his last impressions of the captain he interrogated. He also recalls his leave from the army while still in Japan, which involved going to visit family in the country. He talks about how he got to the…
In this segment, Nawatase talks about his educational journey, what he studied, and the job positions he held. Education is very important to him, and he cannot stress that enough, especially with young minds. He also recalls how he met his wife and…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori gives a brief introduction of himself and his familial background. In addition, James recounts growing up in Pasadena, California and he recollects the segregation system that was in place at the…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori recalls details about his adolescence and attending trials at the local courthouse. Moreover, James recounts his educational background and his recollects on his school trip to Japan, China, and…
During this part of the interview, James Mitsumori discusses the discrimination that Japanese Americans faced after the war. In addition, he goes on to recount his parent's evacuation experience, as well as his wife's experiences during the war.…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori talks about finishing his education, enlisting in the Army, and joining the 442nd. In addition, James recounts becoming a military citations clerk, as well as other military experience. Next, he…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori recalls his time working as a military citations clerk, as well as the qualifications for earning a Congressional Medal of Honor. Next, recalls meeting his wife and he explains why he felt she…
During this part of the interview; James Mitsumori picks up mid-story in regards to a correction to one of his previous statements about Japanese koseki tohon. In addition, James discusses his involvement in the community, as well as the start of…
Robert Iso recalls his time growing up in San Jose, California and talks about attending Buddhist Temple and seeing picture shows near Japan Town. He talks about his mother's jovial personality, playing basketball and playing trumpet in the high…
During this portion of the interview, Robert Iso gives his introduction, as well as a description of his familial makeup. Additionally, Iso discusses his military experience, specifically discussing being drafted into the military, basic training,…
A recollection of military experience and including receiving the Purple Hear, Bronze Star and the Rescue of the Lost Battlion. Iso talks about time spent in Bruyeres and on the Gothic Line. He recalls being wounded during combat, his return home to…
Iso tells about his most memorable or rewarding experience in combat and other combat experiences. He discusses briefly his impressions of the relationships and tensions between Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers of Japanese ancestry. He ends his…
Paul Matsumoto gives his personal introduction, along with details regarding his familial makeup. Paul discusses his early childhood, adolescence, and early education. Next, Paul gives additional information regarding his adolescence, his early…
Paul details his early adulthood. He recollects his early work experience and he goes on to recount some of his military experience, namely volunteering and embarkation; however, in addition to forced removal and his incarceration experience. Paul…
Paul recollects his forced removal and incarceration experience and details regarding his military embarkation to Europe. Paul discusses his first visit to New York City and military experience as a merchant marine, as well as his experiences during…
Paul discusses his experience during maritime combat including details regarding the threats he faced during wartime. Moreover, Paul talks about the German's wartime strategy and how effective was against the Allied Forces. Paul recalls his…
Paul discusses the end of the war, as well as the emotional and psychological implications of his internment experience. He goes on to recount his visit to Japan, his legacy and gives details regarding his family post-war. Paul's daughter, Ilene…
Takejiro Higa was born in Hawaii, but spent most of his childhood in Okinawa. When his parents died, he lived with his uncle in Okinawa until the age of sixteen, where he moved to Hawaii to live with his sister. Living in Hawaii was very different…
Takejiro Higa describes his experience on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. He talks about how reluctant and hesitant he was to volunteer for military service when the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was recruiting Nisei in Hawaii. His brother finally…
Higa discusses his duties providing intelligence about Okinawa for his commanding officers, as they prepared for a beachfront invasion. He describes the feelings that he had upon his return to Okinawa, and his experience cave flushing, which helped…
Higa describes his experiences interrogating Okinawans during the Okinawa Invasion. During his service in Okinawa, he was able to visit his relatives. When the war ended, he did not have enough points to be sent home, so he was sent to Korea to…
Higa recalls returning to Hawaii after being discharged from service. He returned home to finish high school, then became a butcher. He then returned to school to earn his accounting degree, after marrying his wife and having two sons. He presents a…
Harry Akune describes his childhood, living and going to school in Japan after his mother died. He talks about learning discipline after living with his Grand-Uncle. He describes his experience during the Occupation of Japan, in which he helped…
Harry Akune continues to describe the Women Prisoner of War camp that he helped liberate in Japan. During the Occupation of Japan, he was reassigned to the Ration and Price Control Division. He talks about the difficulties of interpretation and…
In this video clip, Sho Nomura describes his childhood growing up in Sierra Madre. He talks about his Issei parents and about attending Japanese language school. He talks about his sister, who had been sent to Japan to live with their grandparents,…
In this video clip, Sho Nomoru describes his experience hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about how his life changed once he and his family were relocated to an assembly center, and later, a concentration camp. He explains his…
In this video clip, Sho Nomura talks about his parents' reaction to him volunteering to serve in the United States Army. He describes his first experiences in military life during training at Camp Savage and Camp Shelby. He also describes his journey…
In this video clip, Shosu Nomura describes his experience in the China Theater during the Dixie Mission. He explains the purpose of the Dixie Mission and about Communist China during that time.
In this video clip, Shoso Nomura talks about his experience working with the Chinese Communist leaders during his time in the China Theater. He discusses the end of the war and his homecoming.
In this video clip, Shoso Nomura talks about the morals and values that he learned from his Issei parents, and delivers a message to future generations. He discusses the reunion trip that he took with his war buddies back to China -- where they…
Kimoto discusses his family background, growing up in Hawaii on the island of Oahu, attending school, and excelling in baseball. Following high school, Kimoto held a variety of jobs before volunteering to join the Army after the attack on Pearl…
Kimoto discusses his trip from Hawaii to San Francisco and later the train ride to Camp Shelby in Mississippi. Arriving at Camp Shelby, Kimoto received basic training as part of the engineering unit, and learned how to find and diffuse land mines.…
Kimoto discusses friends and leisure time when at Camp Shelby, also discussing discrimination in Mississippi, particularly from fellow soldiers. Kimoto next discusses his trip aboard a liberty ship and later his deployment to Naples where his…
Kimoto discuses his involvement in campaigns in France before returning to Italy as the war wound down. He describes a comical celebration among his army friends and discusses returning to the United States. Receiving his discharge in Honolulu, Mr.…
Kimoto discusses his time after his discharge in Honolulu visiting friends after the war and his marriage proposal to his wife. After moving to Los Angeles, Kimoto took up jobs in the liquor distribution business, before purchasing his own liquor…
In this segment, Frank Kimura introduces himself and his hometown of Fresno. He also talks about his family and how his parents' had a difficult journey to the United States. As Kimura talks about his family and growing up on a farm, we learn he is…
In this segment, Frank Kimura recaps the celebrations and holidays his family would participate in. He also shared his feelings about living in America and the meaning of being an American. Being an American citizen, Kimura decided to join the…
In this segment, Kimura begins by talking about traveling to Naples, Italy. He talks about a typical day aboard the troop ship and the feeling and morale of the men. Upon arrival to Naples, they set up tents and awaited orders. He recalls hearing…
In this segment, Kimura talks about his time in Nice and how fast his company came to the rescue of the 92nd division. He also mentions his reaction to hearing the war had ended. Kimura also talks about his time as Sergeant and the special treatment…
In this segment, Kimura talks about the closeness of his family and how his daughter sacrificed for her sister to have a child. He states the importance of 442nd by describing the privileges the 442nd allowed future Japanese Americans and how rough…
Kawamoto talks about growing up in Hawaii and his life before the war. He also recalls seeing the bombing of Pearl Harbor and his reasons for enlisting in the army.
Kawamoto discusses leaving Hawaii and his journey to Camp Shelby. He also talks about the training he received and briefly about being wounded by a mine. Finally, Kawamoto recalls his furloughs to New York City and Camp Rohwer incarceration center.
Kawamoto discusses his basic training and engineer training, the sea voyage to Europe, and his impressions of Italy. He also recalls his first battle, the Lost Battalion, and getting injured.
Kawamoto tells us of the mission to cross the Arno and his experience at the Lost Battalion battle. He also discusses a deadly mine demonstration and his passes in Europe. Finally, he recounts how he got his injury, the war's end, and his homecoming…
Kawamoto recounts his life post-war in which he was studying to become an optometrist. He talks about working as an optometrist in Tokyo for the US military hospital and for Kaiser Permanente in Japan. He also shares how he met his wife through…
Kawamoto continues his interview by talking about looking for housing in Tokyo, going out with friends in Battle Creek, and the occupations of his family members and children. He imparts his message to future generations and states again the…
In this segment, Rose Uriyu talks about her upbringing in Kona, Hawaii. She describes how life was simple in the small town where everyone knew each other. Her grandparents came from Komoto, Japan with Uriyu's mother in 1902. Raised on a farm, Uriyu…
In this segment, Rose Uriyu talks about her favorite writer, Ernie Pyle, and his notable journalistic work during World War II, which he is known for. She talks more about her parents and describes the type of people they were. She also talks about…
In this segment, Rose Uriyu talks about her husband, George. She talks about the activities George participated in and how they met through working together. She describes their trips to Tokyo to see the sights of Japan while also visiting family.…
In this segment, Rose Uriyu talks about her two sons and the great work her husband, George, did in his lifetime. The interviewer and Uriyu recall the memory where Uriyu wore a gas mask during her graduation. Uriyu clarifies details about joining…
Ito begins his interview with recollections of his childhood in Stockton, California. He describes his experiences in primary and secondary school and auto-mechanic school, before being drafted into the Army in 1940.
Ito discusses attending Japanese language school as a child and his reasons for not enlisting as an interpreter in World War II. He discusses being drafted into the military and being assigned non-military jobs at the camp he was stationed. He…
Ito recalls what his life was like after the attack on Pearl Harbor. His family was relocated to Stockton Concentration Camp, while he was assigned to fix trucks for the artillery battalion. Instead of following his mother's request to stay away from…
Ito explains the relationship between the mainland and Hawaii boys during basic training. He also talks about the time when he visited his family at the Rohwer Concentration Camp.
Ito continues talking about visiting the Rohwer Concentration Camp. He describes the journey overseas to Italy, as well as his travels through Italy and their first contact with the German army. He also talks about watching propaganda films before…
Ito talks of his promotion to a commissioned officer a few days before the Rescue of the Lost Battalion. He describes the days leading up to the rescue -- artillery fire with the Germans, digging foxholes, and making advancements. He also describes…
Ito continues to describe the Rescue of the Lost Battalion. He talks about the Japanese good luck charm (Sennibari) that his mother made him, which he kept with him through the entirety of his military service. He discusses the gratitude expressed…
Ito talks about the atrocities of the Dachau Concentration Sub camp. He explains that while in Germany, he felt that the war was coming to an end, and how he had been looking forward to returning home. Upon returning home, he went back to school to…
Nishijima describes the Issei philosophy of "shikata ga nai." He talks about his experiences with racial discrimination. He recalls being forcibly removed from his home in connection with Executive Order 9066.
Nishijima discusses forced removal into American concentration camps. He describes what it was like to live at Pinedale Temporary Detention Facility and at the Tule Lake Concentration Camp. He also talks about his decision to work on sugar beet…
Nishijima describes his experience volunteering for the army and his time at the Military Intelligence Service Language School. He also talks about his experience at Camp Savage, as well as shipping out overseas.
Victor Nishijima talks about shipping out overseas from Honolulu, Hawaii. He describes his first experience in battle in Guam. He was assigned bodyguards so as not to be mistaken as the enemy. He talks about his experiences during the Battle of…
In this video clip, Victor Nishijima talks about the worst things he witnessed during the war. He also talks about rescuing Japanese civilians (prisoners of war). He goes on to describe the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
In this video clip, Victor Nishijima talks about the saddest and happiest experiences during the war. He also talks about how he felt when the war was declared over. At the end of the clip, he talks about his homecoming and facing discrimination.
In this video clip, Victor Nishijima talks about his experience with racial discrimination. He also shares a message to future generations about his story and the importance of the stories of other Nisei veterans.
Fujimori describes growing up in Boyle Heights, California. He also talks about playing sports, such as football and track, and his academic interests in high school. He recalls his siblings and childhood friends.
Fujimori discusses meeting his wife. He talks more about practicing Judo, and what it meant to be Japanese American. At the end of this section, he talks of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Fujimori describes his experience of moving away from his home and into Manzanar Concentration Camp and his experiences living in the camp. He also describes volunteering for the army and his basic training at Fort Snelling.
Fujimori discusses his military experience in the Philippines. He describes what his job entailed as a Military Intelligence Service interrogator. At the end of this part he begins describing his participation in the occupation of Japan after the war…
