Browse Items (4008 total)

Hirabayashi recounts his early life being raised on a farm in Washington state and later attending school in Japan. Upon returning to the United States and joining the military, Hirabayashi dealt with the dichotomy of serving his country while the…

Hirabayashi discusses his time at Jefferson Barracks and studying in the Military Intelligence Language School. He discusses being chosen for a secret mission with the Military Intelligence Service and deployed to Southeast Asia with Merrill's…

Hirabayashi discusses his service with Merrill's Marauders and the 5307th division in Burma. Upon arrival, Allied forces were pushed back by the Japanese army before making inroads to reclaim Burma for the Allies. Hirabayashi discusses the struggles…

Hirabayashi discusses his specific role in Merrill's Marauders, including details of covert missions and interrogation tactics. The interrogation of POWs is discussed as well as the capture of "comfort girls", women forced into sexual slavery. The…

Hirabayashi discusses his time serving as an interrogator in Chongqing, China where he learned of the development of a Japanese atomic bomb. This portion contains thoughts on the dropping of both American atomic bombs on Japan and Hirabayashi's…

Hirabayahi offers a descriptive account of the Japanese surrender in China and discusses his role in various war crimes trials. Much discussion is placed on life after the military including a reunion with his parents, attending college, meeting his…

Kagawa discusses family, his early childhood and adolescence experiences in Gardena, California, his family's "voluntary evacuation" to Rexburg, Idaho, the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, third person accounts of incarceration camps and a visit to the…

Kagawa discusses his first impressions of Camp Shelby, visiting Rohwer Concentration Camp, his brother's military experience, his boot camp experiences and the influences of cultural traditions on attitudes towards military service. He also discusses…

Kagawa discusses combat experiences including the Po Valley Campaign, recognizing German soldiers as individuals, "Ohio Mountain," capturing towns, and his feelings about taking a life. He also discusses his charge of bringing home the 442nd…

Kagawa discusses returning home on the Wilson Victory, treatment of Hawaiian soldiers in California, current social climates reflective of discrimination and prejudice, his communicating home while in the war, post-war treatment of Japanese American…

Kagawa shows and discusses photographs from his album during the war and upon returning to the United States.

Akaki describes his new training regiment with longer and more strenuous exercises. He writes about a check for Hatsume Akaki to cash. At the end of the letter, he writes about a dance held by the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion. Letter was started…

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…

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…

Harry Fukuhara describes his childhood growing up in Washington during the Great Depression. He and his family moved to Japan after his father passed away, where he attended high school. He describes the emerging wartime atmosphere in Japan during…

In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara talks about what it was like living in Japan during the Sino-Japanese War -- his family was required to house Japanese soldiers. He explains the situation of the Nisei during this time. He returned to the United…

Harry Fukuhara describes the anti-American and anti-Japanese feelings that emerged prior to the outbreak of war between the United States and Japan. He talks about the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and the confusion he felt when he heard the news.…

Harry Fukuhara was evacuated to Tulare Assembly Center in California. In this video clip, he talks about his experience living there. He and many other Japanese American internees were relocated to the Gila River concentration camp. From there, he…

Harry Fukuhara discusses his recruitment into the Military Intelligence Service, and the difficulty most Nisei and Kibei had with the decision to volunteer for military service while being interned. He talks about being sent to Minnesota (Fort…

Harry Fukuhara talks about being stationed on Angel Island on the way to the Pacific Theater. He describes his first experience with interrogating a Japanese prisoner of war, which was during a demonstration for government officials at 6th Army…

In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara describes some of his experiences in the New Guinea Campaign: crossing the Bismarck Sea, the beach landing of Finch Island, PT Boat excursions (in search of Japanese POWs), interpreting New Guinea natives, and the…

During the New Guinea Campaign, Harry Fukuhara was assigned to interrogate a Japanese POW -- who reportedly was giving everyone a hard time. Upon meeting the Japanese officer for interrogation, Harry realized that the prisoner was his childhood…

In this video clip, Harry Fukuhara describes driving through Japan to reach Hiroshima, where he returned to his old house to find his Mother and Aunt. After helping his relatives in Hiroshima, he was discharged from service, but was able to return to…

During the Korean War, Harry Fukuhara worked in Counterintelligence Operations while in Japan. He talks about his 40 year military career in Military Intelligence. At the end of the video clip, he offers his advice to future generations.

Kuwayama discusses his father's upbringing and his subsequent move to New York City. Upon arriving in New York, Kuwayama's father opened a Japanese restaurant and worked in the import/export business. Kuwayama concludes by describing his own…

Kuwayama discusses the origin and meaning of his name also giving his siblings' names and order of birth. He continues on to describe his childhood activities with his neighborhood friends and discuss attending Japanese school at a church near his…

Kuwayama discusses fond family memories and fishing trips he took with his family and siblings. He then talks about his family's austere qualities and how they did not show their emotions often, sometimes to the chagrin of Kuwayama. He concludes…

Kuwayama discusses moving to Queens with his family when he was twelve and describes his neighborhood and playmates. He recalls his college career, discussing his major, the social groups at his school, and how his family was able to finance his…

Kuwayama discusses his time just prior to being shipped out overseas, including assignment to a station hospital in Texas. Kuwayama describes traveling on a liberty ship as well as his first day in battle upon arrival in Italy. His missions took him…

Kuwayama discusses his time serving as a medic on the frontline and describes his materials and the procedures for helping wounded soldiers. Awarded the Silver Star for acts of valor, Kuwayama also briefly discusses his award. To conclude the…

Kuwayama discusses receiving a French award for his military service and describes his feelings upon receiving news that the war had ended. He next discusses his career after the war, which including him attending Harvard Business School, working in…

Part 8 concludes the interview with Kuwayama and includes a few wrap-up questions. Kuwayama gives his thoughts on the legacy of the 442nd in regards to the nation and offers advice to the next generation of listeners and viewers.

Mukai discusses about his family and childhood. He details about a typical day and the communities he grew up in. Mukai also discusses about his educational experiences.

Mukai discusses about experiencing discrimination, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. He details about working outside of camp, being drafted, and basic training. Mukai also discusses about the journey to and arriving Italy.

Mukai discusses about being assigned to a company, first combat experiences, and his experiences towards the end of the war. He details his relationship with other soldiers. Mukai also discusses about Lecco, Italy, good luck charms, and a friend.

Mukai discusses about coming, medal received, and his post-war life. He details bout his family and gives a message to future generations. Mukai also discusses about his on President Roosevelt and souvenirs picked up.

Mukai discusses about various photographs.

Nishimoto talks about his parents, religion, and his family’s businesses. He then talks about his siblings, the assistance his family received from a lawyer, and some of his experiences with discrimination growing up. Next, Nishimoto discusses…

Nishimoto talks about his family’s forced removal and what happened to his family’s store and property during that time; living conditions and life at Fresno temporary detention facility; playing in a band while in an incarceration camp; and his…

Nishimoto discusses his experiences at Fort Snelling taking interpreters courses, and being sent to Japan as a typist. He then talks about the importance of education and hard work; how he met his wife; and his experiences working with schools and…

Nishimoto describes his duties as a typist and interpreter in Japan; discusses spending time traveling to cities such as Kamakura and Chugoku; and talks about Japanese civilians he met. Lastly, Nishimoto provides some thoughts about his legacy, and…

Matsuhara discusses and gives an overview of his life. He details about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and his experiences at Tule Lake Concentration Camp. Matsuhara also discusses about volunteering for service, experiences at Camp Savage,…

Matsuhara discusses about working for the California Youth Authority and his retirement. He details about his involvement with the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) and coaching. Matsuhara also discusses about his family and friends.

Matsuhara discusses about his experiences in the Philippines. He details about his fear of flying and his experiences in Japan. Matsuhara also discusses about his experiences with discrimination, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.

Matsuhara discusses values, playing basketball, friends, and Japanese language. He details about meeting his wife and experiences overseas. Matushara also discusses about his experiences in Japan and the legacy of the Military Intelligence Service…

Matsuhara discusses about his land lords, friends, and family. He details about his relationship with other soldiers. Matsuhara also discusses about various photographs.

Tanna discusses about his family. He details about his childhood. Tanna also discusses about baseball.

Tanna discusses about his family and career aspirations. He describes Honolulu growing up. Tanna also discusses about his schooling and best childhood memories.

Tanna discusses about his life after high school and baseball. He details about discrimination and geopolitics. Tanna also discusses about his family, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.

Tanna discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. He details joining the Army and experiences in Mississippi. Tanna also discusses about basic training, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and his journey to Europe.

Tanna discusses about his experiences in Naples and Europe. He details about the relationship between soldiers and role as a machine gunner.

Tanna discusses about the lighter sides of war and the Lost Battalion. He details about the Champagne Campaign. Tanna also discusses about his experiences with an Italian family, his squad mates, brother, and returning home.

Tanna discusses about visiting American Concentration Camps. He details about his post-war life and his family. Tanna also discusses about Bill Oda.

Saito talks about his youth in Honolulu circa 1930s. His father was a merchant from Hiroshima; his mother was Nisei with parents from Hiroshima. Saito discusses his youth on Kaheka Lane before modern development and mentions Japanese cultural…

Siato discusses his experience working for Joseph Rider Farrington. He also talks about social stratification in Hawaii pre and post the attack on Pearl Harbor; with an emphasis on the newspaper industry in Honolulu. In addition he shares his…

Saito starts this segment discussing mass media communication differences between two rival newspapers in Honolulu. Saito also discusses his military basic training and how his military assignment changed from rifleman to mail clerk. He talks about…

Saito discusses his experiences on the front lines as a mail clerk. He shares recollections of other 442nd soldiers and describes what it was like for non-combatant soldiers: medics, mail clerk, drivers, etc. He also talks about recreational…

Saito talks about the legacy of the 442nd Regiment; and shares a poem written by social activist Noriko (Sawada) Bridges. He discusses his children and descendants and his life post-war. He also displays some photographs and talks about the photos.

Hara starts the interview discussing his family background and what it was like to grow up in a small rural town in Honolulu, Hawaii. Growing up, Hara's father went through a multitude of jobs, with a laundry business as the most memorable. As the…

During his high school summer years, Hara would work at a pineapple cannery to earn money for his family, while he lived with his uncle. Later, while working as a carpenter, the Pearl Harbor bombings occurred and all the Japanese were rounded up by…

Following Hara's voluntary service to the Army, he was shipped out from Schofield Barracks in Hawaii to Camp Shelby in Mississippi to undergo basic training. Along with the various training exercises, Hara also discusses fishing and the origin of his…

Hara discusses pass forging and sneaking out of the training barracks to go dancing with the locals. Next, he speaks about the differences between fighting in France and Italy. As a Jeep driver, Hara was able to get a lot of experience and was…

Hara was a bit of a troublemaker, and he gives a couple of anecdotes to prove it. Later, the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion found itself at the Dachau concentration camp after it had closed, and Hara speaks about the sights and smells of being in…

After his stint overseas, Hara is shipped back over to the United States and shortly after, home to Hawaii. He discusses getting back to Hawaii and finding work as a drafter and then architect technician. Next, he talks about meeting his wife and…

Kikuyama discusses about his family and childhood. He details about his social life and hobbies. Kikuyama also discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and volunteering for the service.

Kikuyama discusses about his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about his combat experiences. Kikuyama also discusses about his best and worst experiences during Word War Two.

Kikuyama discusses about his friends and family. He details about his career post-war. Kikuyama also discusses about more about his hobbies and the treatment of Japanese Americans.

George Matsui grew up in Long Beach, CA, and his parents are farmers. George's father decided to go back to Japan when George was in junior high school. In Japan, George attended Japanese Grade School and learned the Japanese language. When George…

George Matsui discusses his reaction to December 7 and the aftermath. His feeling was shikata ga nai. George evacuated to Santa Anita and Tule Lake.

At Tule Lake, George remembered the barbed wires around the parameter, barracks, and guards in…

George Matsui was reassigned to MacArthur's Headquarters, Army Intelligence G2, Natural Resources Section after Japan surrendered. He recalls traveling to Fukuoka to see his family for the first time.

After being discharged, George returned to…

Konno discusses his parents and talks about his brother’s involvement with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He then talks about growing up on an orange grove in Azusa, California, his experiences with prejudice in high school, going to Japanese…

Konno discusses receiving visitors while at Pomona temporary detention facility, then volunteering to go to Heart Mountain incarceration camp to build barracks, as well as his interactions with the armed guards. He then talks about his desire to…

Konno discusses his experiences with prejudice in the 1940s, provides some thoughts regarding the end of the war, and talks about his assignments writing speeches for the Regimental Headquarters Company in Italy. While in Italy, Konno also had…

Konno discusses meeting his wife while in graduate school; and tells stories regarding their interracial relationship, including experiences with prejudice. He then talks about his children and grandchildren, and passing on Japanese culture and…

Tanakatsubo begins the interview talking about his family background and the origin of his name. Growing up in Sacramento, he was exposed to a very diverse population and made for a pretty happy childhood and schooling, including a well-known glee…

Tanaktsubo continues his discussion on moving from the main basic training camp to a segregated unit made up of all Japanese American soldiers. The team is moved to Fort Lewis then Camp Crowder, and finally to Camp Savage, doing menial military work…

After spending time at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage, Tanakatsubo was sent overseas to begin interrogating in the Aleutian Islands where the Japanese were occupying some islands. It was there at the Battle of Attu…

Tanakatsubo discusses his years following his Army service, finding work in Chicago at a machine shop, working hard and making his way up the ranks, eventually ending in quality control. At the same time, he decided to start volunteering with…

Mukai talks about Bostonia, California. He talks about his fathers birthplace and family. He discusses his fathers discrimination. He shares his fathers experiences with discrimination. He describes the ingenuity of Japanese American immigrants. He…

Mukai continues to talk about his relationships with his siblings. He describes three childhood near drowning incidents. He describes the demographics of Bostonia, California. He discusses his experiences in high school. He talks about a mentor that…

Mukai talks about the fear amongst Japanese Americans following the Pearl Harbor bombings. He talks about what happened to his family farm after his forced removal. He describes the induction process. He discusses his combat training at Camp Shelby.…

Mukai describes his journey to Europe. He talks about landing in Glasgow, Scotland. He discusses traveling trough England. He talks about his arrival in LaHavre, France. He explains how he joined M Company. He describes the conversations that he had…

Mukai describes climbing the Apennine Mountains during the Gothic Line campaign. He talks about the time he spent in Belvedere. He discusses his units travel through Italy. He talks about the end of World War two and his final duties. He describes…

Mukai talks about the discussions between members of his unit before preparing to return to the United States. He explains why it was dangerous for Japanese American soldiers to fight in the Pacific. He describes his return to the United States. He…

Mukai talks about his courtship and marriage to Eugenia Sumiye Okoshi. Eugenia Sumiye Okoshi joins the interview. She talks about her birthplace. She describes her father's early life. She describes her family's bicoastal life. She discusses her…

Sakagami discusses memories from his childhood growing up in Auburn, Washington. He details about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. Sakagami also discusses about his experiences in the Pindale Temporary Detention Facility.

Sakagami discusses more about his experiences at Pindale, but also his time at Tule Lake. He details about being drafted and basic training. Sakagami also discusses about the period before he was shipped out.

Sakagami discusses his voyage overseas. He details about his experiences at the Gothic Line. Sakagami also discusses about when he first joined up with the 100th Infantry Battalion.

Sakagami discusses more about his combat experiences. He details about his time in Italy post-war. Sakagami also discusses his journey home.

Sakagami discusses more about his journey back home. He details about how he met his wife and his post-military life. Sakagami also gives a message to future generations.

Katagiri discusses what it was like growing up in Portland, Oregon. Katagiri paints a picture of his family life. Katagiri also details what is was like being a Japanese American before and after the events of Pearl Harbor.
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