Browse Items (118 total)

Watanabe talks about his family background and childhood in Exeter, California. After speaking about his childhood interests and high school experiences, he talks about being drafted into the Army and the different challenges he experienced, in…

Watanabe discusses Executive Order 9066 and the impact that it would have on him, a member of the military, and his family. He also talks about the instances of discrimination he faced, the occasional surprise of others defending him, and instances…

Watanabe discusses his experiences Korea and serving more on the front lines and seeing the horrors associated with that. He also talks about his time spent in Japan during the occupation after the end of World War II. He elaborates upon that…

Watanabe discusses his experiences serving in the Korean War and living in Korea in general. He also talks about his family's struggles while he was away during World War II related to losing their farm and possessions with no redress. Later,…

Harvey Watanabe describes how he met his wife and the family that they started together. Watanabe then transitions to discussing his outlook on war, enemies, and the necessary emotional transition to perceiving former enemies. Lastly, after giving…

Jack Sameshima was born in Seattle, Washington. His father came from Kumamoto, Japan, and his mother was a Nisei from Hawaii. When he was younger, his family moved from Seattle to Minot, North Dakota, then to Whitefish, Montana, and back to Seattle…

Jack Sameshima talks about being drafted into the army and his basic training experience at Camp Shelby. He was sent to the European Theater, landed in France, then was transported to the Champagne Campaign. He describes his experience in the BAR…

Jack Sameshima talks about his experience fighting on the Gothic Line, which was his first experience in combat. During the battle, he was wounded from a piece of shrapnel, and was taken to a general hospital in Naples. He was later shipped back to…

Jack Sameshima talks more about his children and how he pushed them to receive a college education. While working for the Army, he also worked at a local grocery store and was a bartender at a country club. He talks briefly about the Red Ball Express…

In this interview, Richard "Dick" Narasaki shares his childhood battle with tuberculosis and the loss of several members of his family to the disease, living with his grandparents in Santa Clara, and attending high school. He also recounts hearing…

Narasaki recalls his time at Tanforan Detention Center and tells us about his job washing dishes and the music and recreational activities. He recounts the journey to Topaz Internment Camp and the living conditions. He also describes the rift the…

Narasaki describes his embarkation and the journey across Europe to meet up with the 442nd Infantry Regiment. He recounts moments from combat including his first time using his rifle and the realization that German and US soldiers were similar.…

Narasaki continues his interview by sharing the first time he used his rifle in combat, and the conditions the soldiers endured. He also recounts hearing about the end of the war and earning enough points to return home. Finally, Narasaki tells us…

In the final part of his interview, Richard Narasaki shares his message to future generations on the importance of education and perseverance. He also implores youths to remember the impact that the 442 had and to take advantage of the opportunities…

Morihiro discusses his childhood and family. He details about his experiences with discrimination. He also discusses about Executive Order 9066 and the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.

Morihiro discusses his memories from Puyallup and Minidoka. He details about his journey to the army. Morihiro also reads a letter written by his father.

Morihiro discusses V-mail and the realities of war. He details about his journey to Camp Shelby and his experiences at Camp Shelby. Morihiro also discusses discrimination.

Morihiro discusses the relationship Mainland soldiers and Hawaiian soldiers. He details about his journey to the front line. Morihiro also discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign.

Morihiro discusses more about the Champagne Campaign and his other combat experiences. He details about how he got wounded and the aftermath. Morihiro also discusses Shiro Kashino.

Morihiro discusses fear, how to over it, and his mindset during the war. He details about how a friend got captured and the treatment of prisoners of war. Morihiro also discusses The Gothic Line and Po Valley.

Morihiro discusses more about The Gothic Line and Po Valley. He details how war can affect a person and the role of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Morihiro also discusses his post-war experiences in Italy and learning about Japan's surrender.

Morihiro discusses his careers after he left military. He gives details about the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). Morihiro also discusses redress and gives a message to future generations.

Morihiro discusses a story about E Company's first combat experience. He details about his speech on Shiro Kashino. Morihiro also goes through the Go For Broke book pointing out details.

Naito discusses his experiences living in Kent, Washington before and up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He grew up on a farm and married a German-American woman, these events made an impact on his internment experiences. He also discusses his…

Naito shares recollections of cultural tensions between Hawaiian and mainland soldiers during basic training; and overall race relations during the era. He also discusses his battle experience and what it was like to get wounded in combat. He also…

Oye begins the interview speaking about his family and how they came from Japan to Seattle, Washington. His father would work for various places while his mother would volunteer as a midwife to those in need at the Buddhist church. Growing up in…

Oye continues his recollection of joining the Army by taking his brothers draft spot and reporting to Camp Robinson. He would first begin his training there before being sent to Camp Crowder to begin training with the Quartermaster Corps, and not…

Oye discusses his first landing in Civitavecchia and the first combat that he saw during the war. He talks about the team that he was with and how they were commanded to put their weapons aside and become litter-bearers to help the medics out. Next,…

Oye would be discharged from the Army after some guard duty in Europe and being shipped back to the United States, passing the Statue of Liberty on the way back. He would end up in Philadelphia, where he would meet his wife and begin his career as a…

Oye begins the interview speaking about her family background and how her father and mother began their journey to California. Once settled in Salinas, her family opened a parlor, selling candy and dry-goods. During her childhood, she was able to…

Oye discusses the music and dance that she was involved with, traveling all the way down to Long Beach to perform. Next, she talks about her childhood home and the various things she was involved with as a kid, which included such things as skating,…

Horikawa discusses growing up in the Seattle area; talks about attending school; and discusses the Japanese American community including the employment of Issei at fishing canneries in Alaska. He then talks about his father including discussing his…

Horikawa discusses his father's life in Japan; his parents marriage; and his father's employment at a hardware store and as an inventor. He then talks about some of the inventions his father created; discusses his family's religion and attending…

Horikawa discusses his mother's death; and talks about his forced removal to Pinedale temporary detention facility where he assisted with set up prior to other incarcerees' arrival. He then talks about his forced removal to Tule Lake incarceration…

Horikawa talks about his first experiences in Europe which involved first landing in Scotland and then traveling to France to join up with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He then talks about the Lost Battalion; and provides some thoughts about…

Horikawa talks about his combat experiences in Livorno; discuses the capture of Italian POWs; and talks about his hospital stay after getting wounded in Bologna, Italy which earned him his second Purple Heart. He then talks about receiving a Bronze…

Horikawa discusses majoring in art at the University of Washington; teaching high school art; meeting his wife; and provides a message to future generations.

G. Koshi discusses his experiences through childhood to early adulthood. He talks about his adolescence in Colorado and his childhood in Japan. He also discusses his entrance into the military.

G. Koshi discusses his training and teaching experiences in the U.S. MISLS. He talks about the work he did for MISLS and how he eventually got transferred to work in the Pentagon. He also discusses his parents' immigration to, and early experiences…

G. Koshi discusses his experiences working in Occupied Japan and the Pentagon. He talks about Japanese military documents he translated and Japanese military leaders. He also discusses how he met his wife in Washington DC.

G. Koshi talks about his experiences and reflections working in Occupied Japan. He shares anecdotes regarding: General MacArthur; documentation regarding Japan's declaration of war; and working on Japanese government reformations. He also discusses…

G. Koshi discusses his participation in the war crime trials and gives general details regarding the trials. He talks about Japanese military leaders he defended, and describes American POW camps in Japan. In addition, he talks about social…

G. Koshi discusses awards he received from the Japanese government for his work during the American occupation. He also talks about his life after military service, and returning to America. In addition, he talks about his children and descendants.

Takashi Matsui begins the interview talking about his family background and his parents coming from Japan and moving to the west coast of the United States. At the young age of three, he would actually move back to Japan, where he would attend school…

After returning from Japan, Matsui would settle in Seattle, noticing the differences between American and Japanese community and culture. He would work as a houseboy for a caucasian family, earning $15 a month and working at the salmon cannery in…

Matsui talks about his whereabouts when he first head of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing it on the radio and getting drafted into the Army at Fort Lewis. He would attend basic training at Camp Robinson, where he would immediately get friendly…

While Matsui was at Camp Savage instructing classes, his uncle would be at Minidoka Concentration Camp, where the living conditions were very poor. He talks about how he met his wife and his outlook on the war while at Camp Savage. Shortly after, he…

Matsui continues stories from occupied Japan, including talking with desperate civilians trying to sell things on the black market. He would also help with the war crimes trials as an investigator with the 8th Army Judge Advocate section. His…

Matsui discusses a war hero that grew up in the same town as him, named Frank Hachiya. He also talks about facing discrimination after the war, including trying to buy a home in Seattle, but being denied because of prejudice. After this, he talks…

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…

Kvamme discusses about his childhood and growing up. He details about Pearl Harbor, being drafted, and studying language. Kvamme also discusses about being sent to Tokyo and his experiences and duties while there.

Background of Hiro Nishimura's parents and growing up as a Japanese American and a Buddhist in Seattle, Washington.

Hiro Nishimura grows up attending Japanese language school and public school with many different races of children. He also experiences enough racial discrimination to consider moving to Japan. He also speaks about employment and attending college.

Hiro Nishimura remembers the events and consequences surrounding the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He is drafted into the army and experiences segregation before serving in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). His family experiences forced removal to…

Hiro Nishimura is upset to be separated from Kazuo Otani to go to Military Intelligence Service Language School. He describes how Kazuo Otani earned the Medal of Honor as well as his efforts later to contact Otani's family. He also describes Steve…

Hiro Nishimura further speaks about his connections to Harry Fukuhara and John Aiso. As a soldier he ships out and serves in the China-Burma-India theater as a translator in the MIS.

Hiro Nishimura admires Merrill's Marauders and talks about their accomplishments and the conditions they served under. He also testifies about the Japanese American incarceration which in turn psychologically prepares him to write his memoirs.

Hiro Nishimura reflects on Japanese American redress and the contributions of Nisei soldiers during World War II. He also shares some photographs from his military service.

Ota begins the interview talking about his family and how his parents came from Nagasaki to Washington. His father would work his way up from being a janitor to owning hotels and restaurants while Kenneth and his siblings went to school and played…

Ota talks more about his childhood in Washington and being able to travel around the state playing sports. He would enjoy playing basketball at the YMCA the most and would continue to help his dad working at the hotels they owned. During the summers,…

Ota continues his recollection of going to Camp Shelby for basic training. He talks about the rivalry between the Hawaiian soldiers and the mainland soldiers and seeing segregation in the South. He would spend a year at Camp Shelby before being…

After getting wounded during the Lost Battalion campaign, Ota would return to the United States to recover and rehabilitate for about a year and a half. He discusses the recognition he received from other members of the military after the war and the…

Hagiwara begins the interview talking about how his parents came from Nagano and Shiga in Japan and both settled down individually in Ketchikan, Alaska. He talks more about his family, such as his family learning how to cook and becoming a baker and…

Hagiwara continues talking about his time growing up in Ketchikan, Alaska. He would take an interest in basketball, and even be able to travel to different areas for competitions. Next, he talks about the population of his neighborhood and the…

Hagiwara continues talking about his experience in the National Guard and the times leading up to Pearl Harbor, as they worried more about Russia invading than Japan. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing…

Hagiwara talks more about seeing his parents and gives background on how he met his future wife. While at Fort Sheridan, he would often visit his wife but would get word that he would get transferred. After moving around to a couple of places, he…

Hagiwara discusses his shipment overseas, taking a U-boat through the Strait of Gibraltar and ending in Oran. There, they would train some more and prepare to join the rest of the men in Italy. He also talks a bit about various members of his unit…

Hagiwara talks more about his war experiences, starting with the Bruyeres-Biffontaine area, which included the Lost Battalion campaign. He also talks about the dense forest of the Vosges Mountains and getting into fights when other soldiers used…

Hagiwara discusses his whereabouts during the end of the war, and his route to get back home. He would get on a plane and take a long trip home, stopping along the way in Puerto Rico, then Miami, before taking a train to Chicago where his wife and…

Mr. Tsubota introduces himself and discusses his parents background and what brought them to settle in Kent, Washington. There was a strong Japanese community in Kent, and Mr. Tsubota talks about the various cultural activities his family took part…

Mr. Tsubota discusses attending Japanese school and the role of religion in his household growing up. Forced to work after high school to help support his family, Mr. Tsubota was forced to forgo college immediately after graduation, instead working…

Mr. Tsubota discusses his memories of the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and describes his subsequent assignments with 160th Infantry Division. He was eventually transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas and talks about his experience serving as an…

Mr. Tsubota discusses his role as a supply officer in the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Mr. Tsubota was shipped out after his training at Camp Shelby where he served in Italy helping to procure supplies for the infantry. Mr. Tsubota discusses his…

Mr. Tsubota discusses some of his memories from his time in the European Theater, including liberating the Dachau concentration camp and being bombarded by German shells. Mr. Tsubota describes some of his duties and assignments, including working as…

Mr. Tsubota talks about returning home from the war where he was able to meet his young daughter again and was reunited with his wife and mother. He later began a career working in the insurance business. Mr. Tsubota discusses how he met his wife and…

In this brief section, Mr. Tsubota discusses the importance of having alien land laws repealed and gives his thoughts on the "Americanization" of young generations of Japanese Americans. This section also highlights ephemera and photographs from Mr.…

Sato begins the interview talking about how his parents came from Fukushima to Maui. His father would farm silk worms and work on the sugar plantation, also learning sumo and carpentry along the way. He talks quickly about his wife's parents route to…

Sato discusses more about his childhood in Hawaii, playing football and track for Baldwin High School. He also talks about impactful people throughout his high school days. Next, he talks about the attacks on Pearl Harbor and how they had to black…

Sato talks about his health and the surgery that he had and the emotions that he has had because of it, which is much different than the Japanese culture he grew up knowing. Next, he talks about being drafted into the Army and being sent to…

Sato continues his recollection of being an interpreter and interrogator in the Philippines. When arriving there, he would immediately notice the devastation and flatness that the war had caused. He talks about the children there seeing Japanese…

Sato talks more about his marriage background and what he did after business school at the University of Washington. He would begin his career with the Seattle School District, first becoming a high school teacher and then later becoming a vice…

Yasutake discusses his personal background and family history including his parents' life in Japan, emigration and education, going to Japanese language school, his father's employment, and his siblings. He recounts growing up in Seattle and…

Yasutake continues his description of the FBI search of his home and the hardships that stemmed from the confiscated items.He discusses the communication between his mother and his father during visits, being transferred to Bozeman, Montana, and then…

Yasutake describes his early education through high school, including the various activities he participated in, as well as his ambitions after high school. This section of the interview focuses on his volunteering for the 442nd Regimental Combat…

Yasutake describes joining I Company, his travels from Italy to France, and his first medic experience. He describes what led to his "million dollar wound," missing the Rescue of the Lost Battalion, as well as the Battle of the Bulge. Finally, he…

Yasutake describes Company K's perception of James Okubo as well as his feelings about medics not having a weapon. This includes his feelings about war in general, treating his own wounds as well as treating Kiyoshi Yoshii, and his duties during the…

Yasutake recalls meeting, courting and marrying his wife who he met in New York. He recounts being employed in a gift shop after college, his graduate and doctoral work in Tokyo, correspondence with family during his military service and visiting…

Minato discusses his prefecture origin and familial description. Minato grows up in Seattle and attends school there. He recalls December 7 and his Father being taken be the FBI. Minato is drafted while his family goes to Minidoka. He also recalls…

Nishimura discusses his reaction to landing in Yokohama and duties as part of the bomb survey team in occupation Japan. He shares some interview questions and answers from his survey with women and housewives. Nishimura also recalls the aftermath of…

Nishimura discusses his free time, visiting relatives, and contact with Japanese citizens. He discloses why Japan lost the war with the United States and the objective of the bomb survey team. He contributes the success of occupation to the Kibei. …

Inui discusses about Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS). He details about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). Inui also discusses about his post-war experiences in Japan.
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