Iwasaki discusses the end of his military service and his post-war life. He also talks about spouse and children. He shares anecdotes regarding: time in Europe, courtship with spouse, and Nisei veterans' legacy.
Nomura talks about his youth in Washington through the attack on Pearl Harbor. He provides background on his parents' immigration to U.S.; explains how some of his siblings lived in Japan for a period; and life on the family farm in Washington. He…
Nomura shares details about his experiences in internment camp and the European Theater. He talks about working a farm laborer in Montana; how he met his wife; and army enlistment. He also discusses his basic training and time in Italy.
Nomura discusses his experiences in the European Theater. He talks about combat experiences; illness he endured; and interactions with Italian citizens. He also discusses his life after military service: career, marriage, and family.
Takashima begins the interview discussing his family background, including how they became farmers in Chula Vista, California. He talks about various parts of his childhood from the small home he grew up in to the celebrations and values that his…
Takashima continues his discussion on self identity during this time, as his family was being held in the camps and he was drafted by the Army. He began his basic training in Alabama where he would train for heavy weaponry, including the antitank…
Takashima talks about his correspondence with his family while he was overseas and finding them once he was back in the United States. After discharge in California, he meets with his brother and begins courses at Los Angeles City College before…
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…
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…
Kurokawa begins the interview speaking about his family background. He would grow up first in Hawaii, and then around the age of 5, move to Kyoto, Japan. There, he became immersed in the Japanese culture and began to lose his English, so his parents…
Kurokawa continues his discussion on what it was like to be in Japan during war times, including activities that were available during that time such as watching sumo wrestling. He also speaks about the living conditions, food shortages and…
After completing his basic training at Fort Ord, Kurokawa was shipped to Germany to begin his first assignment. There, he spent time in occupation as an artillery survey specialist and would be able to travel around the area a little bit as well.…
Oda begins the interview talking about his childhood in Maui, as his father and mother would come from Kumamoto prefecture to work on the sugarcane fields. He would grow up on the plantation, playing with friends and attending regular and Japanese…
Oda continues his recollection of his time with the 3 Year Swimming Club, in which they would get to travel throughout Hawaii and the United States for tournaments, and would be known as some of the best swimmers. It was thanks to this, that he would…
Oda discusses his time in Mississippi, doing his basic training with the 442nd Regiment. There he would marvel at the amount of pine trees and the humidity of the South and would see the color segregation that was evident in the South. He would…
Oda discusses his time in Europe and the experiences he had while there. He discusses the religions he grew up with and being a boy scout for a short time and how that taught him to give respect to elders. Next, he talks about the things that were…
Oda talks about his career work after graduating from University of Hawaii with Pan-American Airlines. Next, he talks about the recreational activities he did as a child, including fishing and going to the movies. After getting married, he would…
Okabayashi discusses about his family and growing up in Texas. He details about the farm life, selling crops and his childhood. Okabayashi also discusses about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath.
Okabayashi discusses about volunteering for the Army and his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about being his duties within Cannon Company of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Okabayashi also discusses about going overseas and his first combat…
Okabayashi discusses about his experiences in Italy. He details about capturing a PT Boat in France. Okabayashi also discusses about some general experiences in Europe and coming home.
Okabayashi discusses about his life and career after the war. He details about his hobbies and family. Okabayashi also gives a message to future generations.
Fujiwara talks about his birthplace. He describes his father's early life. He discusses his Japanese identity. He talks about his siblings. He explains how his father immigrated to the United States. He describes his father's family. Fujiwara…
Fujiwara talks about his interview with the V.A. Hospital. He describes his first car. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discusses his fathers life in Japan. He explains why the FBI arrested certain members of the Japanese…
Fujiwara talks about his journey to Europe. He describes landing in Glasgow, Scotland. He discusses traveling through Europe, so he could join the 422nd Regimental Combat Team. He talks about his combat experiences during the Gothic Line. He talks…
Roy Fujiwara talks about being hospitalized after his injury. He describes his medals and awards. He discusses his return to the United States. He talks about his hospitalization in Texas. He talks about being discharged. He describes the first time…
Matsumoto gives us a thorough recollection of his family background and growing up in Hawaii. Next, he talks about being 17 and seeing Japanese planes fly overhead as he played football with friends, which a year later resulted in his volunteering…
Robinson Jr. and the interviewers introduce themselves. Robinson shares stories from the front lines. He talks about his parents. He describes his early life in Maine. He discusses his childhood education. He talks about his work on his family farm.…
Robinson Jr. describes his journey to Europe and landing in Naples. He talks about the connections that he had in Naples. He discusses corrupt army officers. He describes the 141st Infantry Regiment. He talks about Commander Marty Higgins. He…
Robinson Jr. describes tree burst. He continues to talk about his capture by German forces. He discusses his interactions with civilians. He describes his relationships with guards. He talks about the Munich Prisoner of War Camp where he was…
Robinson Jr. explains why he shot a civilian. He describes his experiences in Le Havre, France. He discusses his gambling. He talks about his return to the United States. He describes a lifelong friendship. He explains how he reconnected with his…
Kenneth Inada begins the interview talking about his childhood home and what it was like to grow up in Honolulu. He would be immersed in Japanese culture and ethics, watching Japanese movies and attending Japanese language school after his normal…
Inada talks more about his family background, including his mother's interests and discipline as a housewife and the languages they spoke in their household. He would grow up in the Great Depression, but still enjoy going to the movies and joining…
Inada continues talking about his high school years, talking about associations with Daniel Inouye, who later became a Medal of Honor recipient and American senator. He also discusses the discrimination that was faced before the war, such as not…
Inada talks about his shipment to mainland America, seeing the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge on the way and then landing in Oakland. When arriving, all soldiers would have their diaries taken away and told they would not be able to get them back.…
Inada discusses more about his unit detail, going from C Company to K Company as replacements were all moved. He also talks about replacements and his brother that passed away in Europe after the war had ended. Next, he talks about his first combat,…
Inada continues talking about his war experiences, including joining up with I Company, before getting wounded in action. He talks about being in combat and getting a hand injury, causing him to leave and head to a field hospital. There, he begged…
Suga discusses his family's business growing flowers, his father's childhood in Japan, and his mother. He then talks about his childhood including discussing the importance of education and working;attending Japanese language school; and the…
Suga discusses the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack; and talks about the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He also talks about Nisei soldiers; Jewish concentration camps; discusses some of the uncertainties Japanese American faced…
Suga talks about his first combat experiences in Italy including digging a foxhole; discussing the terrain; and witnessing soldiers wounded and killed in action. He also talks about studying different European languages while overseas; different…
Suga discusses his private practice when he was a lawyer, talks about working for the IRS while he was preparing to pass the bar exam, and discusses the letter he received from his boss when he retired from the Los Angeles district attorney's office.…
Tanaka begins the interview with an introduction, being born in southern California. He also talks about how his parents came from Wakayama prefecture in Japan to California, his father actually going through Mexico and making his way across the…
Tanaka would grow up in southern California, helping his family work on the vegetable farm and playing with friends. During this time, the Great Depression occurred and he talks briefly about that. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the…
Tanaka discusses his time at Poston concentration camp in Arizona. He would work outside of the camp, but when the loyalty questions came about, he would end up answering no, yes and getting drafted into the Army. He was attending art school in…
Tanaka talks about his cousins that were living in Japan during the war and the communications he had with them. Next, he talks about the route to joining the 442nd in Nice. After this, they would march forward to begin a surprise attack on the…
Tanaka talks about the surrender of both the German and the Japanese Armies and how he had to stay in Italy for a little bit longer, guarding prisoners of war. Next, he talks about the medals and awards that were received for his time with the 442nd…
Tsuya and the interviewers introduce themselves. Tsuya talks about his early life on the plantation. He describes Lihue, Kauai. He discusses Japanese language school. He lists the languages spoken in his home. He shares his parent's backstories. He…
Tsuya continues to talk about his involvement in a Buddhist church. He talks about working in a restaurant. He explains his interest in cooking. He describes his journey to Honolulu, Hawaii. He discusses his work on a planation as a chef. He talks…
Tsuya talks about his friend's war record. He discusses his time at Schofield Barracks. He describes Iolani Palace. He talks about his journey to the Mainland. He discusses his time at Camp Shelby. He describes being assigned to E Company. He talks…
Tsuya describes the discrimination he witnessed and experienced. He talks about rations. He explains how he communicated with his family while he was overseas. He discusses his military wages. He explains how he prepared to go overseas. He talks…
Tsuya describes what winter was like on the front lines. He briefly talks about the Lost Battalion. He discusses the Champaign Campaign. He explains how he was injured. He describes his return to the United States. He talks about his time in business…
Okada discusses his given name, prefecture origin and familial description. He describes his first home he grows up in and describes the relationship between his family-in-law and his family. His brother Charles is one of the last Japanese Americans…
Okada discusses elementary school and his family living through the Great Depression. In high school he plays wrestling and post-war he becomes a pro-wrestler. He recalls December 7, 1941 hearing about Pearl Harbor. Okada's family evacuates to Utah.…
Okada discusses sister and being volunteer evacuee. Before Okda tries to enroll for service but is unable to. The second time he is drafted and joins the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France. Okada recalls basic training, going overseas, getting…
Okada discusses Sergeant Ogawa and being in Italy. Okada is in Company I and talks about his assignments. He shares his combat stories in Italy. Okada is wounded at the Headquarter explosion and the war is over.
Enro Okada discusses being on the hospital ship and learning that the European war ends. In California, Okada receives treatment at the VA hospital. Okada receives the Purple Heart . He gets married in July 1945 after being discharge from the…
Okada discusses Honolulu Hank his wrestling identity and his wrestling matches. He recalls in Arizona wrestling under a different name. After wrestling, Okada decides to go into the bakery business. He shares advice for the future joining the…
Arthur Nishimoto begins the interview talking about his childhood home and what it was like to grow up in Honolulu, Hawaii. He then talks about his family background, including his father, who was a top car salesman for Chevrolet and Ford. After…
Nishimoto talks about meeting his wife during his junior year of high school and the activities they used to do for fun. He also talks about going to Japanese language school for a few years, where he would learn discipline and leadership. He would…
Nishimoto discusses facing discrimination when in the South, taking leave in Mississippi and seeing all the segregation between white and colored. Next, he talks about his decision to join the Army, volunteering with friends, not even telling his…
Nishimoto talks more about his time at Camp Shelby for his basic training, including the mental and physical challenges and the inner spirit that made the Nisei soldiers so balanced. He also talks about the responsibilities of being a sergeant and…
Nishimoto talks more about his war experiences, including seeing German soldiers and the weapons that they used. He talks about his dislike for snipers and wanting to catch one so that he could take care of him himself. Another assignment included…
Nishimoto talks more about his war experiences, including learning some Italian and even seeing the Pope. After this, he talks about the rescue of the Lost Battalion, dealing with extreme darkness and heavy casualties. Next, he speaks about the…
Following the end of the war, Nishimoto would return to Hawaii and join the 442nd reserves. He would then be called for active duty again for the Korean War, and would be on assignment in Japan. He would join the Military Intelligence Service with…
Kanatani discusses about his family, interactions with Hawaiian soldiers, combat experiences, and being wounded. He details about his religion, the Champagne Campaign, and the Lost Battalion. Kanatani also discusses about George T. "Joe" Sakato and…
Kanatani discusses his upbringing, remembering Pearl Harbor , and its aftermath. He details about his family's forced removal and visiting both Heart Mountain and Poston Concentration Camps. Kanatani also discusses basic training, being assigned to…
Kanatani discusses about growing up in California, family, and, his childhood home. He details working as a child, schooling, and a typical meal at home. Kantani also discusses childhood activities and segregation.
Kanatani discusses his post-war career and his family fared after leaving camp. He details about his wife, children, and grandchildren. Kanatani gives a message to future generations and showing photographs.
W. Oshiro discusses his family life in Hawaii before World War Two. He describes his early education, parents, siblings; and moving from a plantation camp to Honolulu. He also talks about attending college, and joining the military before graduation.
W. Oshiro talks about his experiences at Camp Shelby. He describes his voyage to, and impressions of, the Mainland for the first time. He shares stories about the formation of L Company; how he felt when he heard his older brother was KIA; and his…
W. Oshiro talks about his travel to, and arrival at, Italy. He discusses aspects of Hawaiian/Mainland Nisei relations; his religious practices in the military; and early combat experiences. He also talks about enduring casualty loss in his platoon…
W. Oshiro talks about his experiences in France. He discusses battle experiences in Bruyeres and the Lost Battalion rescue. He also shares anecdotes regarding his brother's death performing military service; the dedication of the squad he lead; and…
W. Oshiro talks about life after his military service. He discusses how losing his leg from a land mine impacted his life; his post-military education and career path; and participation in various veteran's organizations. He also talks about how he…
W. Oshiro discusses his post-military life reflecting on his military service; the 442nd legacy; and his family values. He talks about visiting Europe after the war He also talks about his professional career and family.
Nakahara discusses his family and different aspects of his childhood. He details about Pearl Harbor and volunteering for the service. Nakahara also discusses about his experiences at Camp Shelby, in Italy, and in France.
Akita talks about his early life in Hawaii. He describes his mother, father, and grandparents. He discusses what life was like on a sugar plantation. He talks about the Japanese language and Japanese language school. He briefly discusses his siblings…
Akita continues to explain what life was like on a sugar plantation. He talks about his plans after high school. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He shares his experiences with discrimination after the attack. Akita…
Akita describes his basic training experiences and joining the 100th Infantry Battalion. He talks about his basic training photograph. He discusses his journey to North Africa and landing in Casablanca. Akita explains how people responded to Japanese…
Akita talks about his involvement in the Bruyeres-Biffontaine campaign. He describes his interactions with locals. He explains how he went from transporting prisoners of war to becoming a prisoner of war. He briefly talks about how prepared he felt…
Akita continues to describe what everyday life was like for a prisoner of war. He also describes how prisoners of war escaped from his prisoner of war camp. He talks about political prisoners in his camp. He discusses the end of World War Two,…
Higa discusses about his family, childhood, and taking aver his father's business. He details Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and his reason for the army. Higa also discusses going to the Mainland and his initial experiences at Camp Shelby.
Higa discusses more about his experiences at Camp Shelby and the 100th Infantry Division. He details about heading overseas and his experiences in Italy. Higa also discusses about his experiences in France.
Higa discusses the Lost Battalion and getting wounded. He details about his recovery and coming home. Higa also discusses his life after returning to Hawaii.
Hada discusses growing up in Hawaii, living on a sugar plantation, and his hobbies. He also talks about his parents, and discusses having to take care of his siblings and help out with household chores after his mother passed away. After high school,…
Hada discusses getting drafted into the Army and basic training at Schofield barracks. Hada was at Schofield Barracks during the attack on Pearl Harbor and describes seeing airplanes flying overhead. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hada had…
Hada discusses going to Camp Shelby, and not traveling into town because he felt there was discrimination against Japanese Americans. After Camp Shelby, Hada went to Louisiana Maneuvers, where he had an assignment making dog tags. Hada then talks…
Hada discusses his relationship with Spark Matsunaga, receiving the Silver Star medal, and what it was like being out on the ridge alone during his forward observer assignment. He then talks about getting trench foot and being sent to a hospital in…
Anzai discusses growing up in Maui, before relocating to Japan with his mother and siblings when he was five years old. Anzai talks about his experiences traveling to Japan, learning Japanese, going to school in Japan, watching samurai movies, and…
Anzai discusses his assignment with the Hawaiian National Guard in Maui during the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as his feelings regarding Japan after the attack, and his brother getting drafted into the Japanese Navy. Anzai details about traveling…
Anzai talks about some of the battles he was a part of during the European Theater, and recalls praying during battle, a close call in Cassino while under fire, and describes the trench foot condition that plagued many of the soldiers. He then talks…
Anzai talks about assisting Hawaiian soldiers with writing letters to their families back home while in battle at Anzio, and also talks about his duties during battle which involved being a rifleman. He then discusses about some of the medals he…
To begin the interview, Matsunaga speaks about his family background, which included his father, mother and eight siblings. Growing up in Hawaii, he would go to school until 9th grade, at which time, the family purchased the dairy farm they were…
Matsunaga speaks about joining the Army and beginning his training at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu. From there, he was promoted to corporal and eventually to buck sergeant as he decided to volunteer for the 442nd regiment. They were shipped out to…
Matsunaga talks about his time overseas and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. At the outset of the regiment, there were many differences between the Hawaiian and mainland soldiers which were put aside after Earl Finch took the Hawaiian soldiers to…
Momii discusses about his family, childhood, Pearl Harbor, and it aftermath. He discusses about volunteering for the Army, basic training, the voyage overseas, and arriving in Europe. Momii also discusses his experiences in Italy, duties in post-war…
Suehiro discusses about his family, childhood, and schooling. He details about Pearl Harbor, volunteering for the Army, and experiences at Camp Shelby. Suehiro also discusses about the Lost Battalion rescue, getting wounded and The Gothic Line.…
Shibuya discusses his family, life on a plantation, and his education. He details about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, being drafted, and basic training. Shibuya also discusses about his experiences in Europe and his life after the service.
