Nishijima discusses his experiences at Granada (Amache) incarceration camp including discussing his father's job; flags; school; recreational activities such as playing baseball and watching movies; and making mochi. He then talks about his father…
Ken Nihei was a 16 years old high school student when he went to Topaz, Utah. The perimeter was open at camp, and there were no barb wires yet. Life was different at Topaz.
Ken received his draft letter to report to Fort Douglas when he was 18…
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…
Namba talks about leaving Minidoka to go to Fort Douglas for induction; describes barbed wire; and talks about basic training at Camp Blanding and Camp Shelby. He then talks about his brother's military service; traveling overseas on the Queen Mary;…
Nakayama discusses basic training and the living conditions at Camp Blanding, traveling overseas to Marseille, and his assignment in B Company. He then talks about his experiences as a replacement soldier, his interactions with other soldiers, and…
Nakauchi discusses his parents, siblings, and working on a plantation while growing up in Hawaii. He also talks about traveling to attend high school, going to Japanese language school, and having to work in sugar cane fields to earn his high school…
Nakasone discusses attending Japanese language school and his involvement with Buddhism and judo. After this, he talks about the attacks on Pearl Harbor; living just three miles from Pearl Harbor, he would see firsthand the Japanese zero's flying…
Nakashima discusses basic training and the cultural difference between Mainlanders and Islanders. He shares stories about dominance of power and resentment of authority at Camp Shelby. Before going overseas, Nakashima sees his Mother and receives a…
Nakao discusses growing up in Sacramento, California, where he attended Japanese language school, learned martial arts, and was a liquor salesman for Japanese liquor. He also talks about encountering racism during his time in the Quartermaster Corps…
Yoshio Nakamura talks about his school experiences while at Gila River, and his involvement setting up student organizations. Next, he discusses getting his draft notice, traveling to Camp Blanding, and the training he did there. Lastly, he talks…
Nakamura would get drafted into the Army and be assigned to the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) at Schofield Barracks. They would head first to San Francisco, then get on a train leading to Fort McClellan in Alabama to begin boot camp. While in…
Nakamura begins the interview talking about being born in America and quickly being moved to Japan as a child, where he would spend the next 8 years of his childhood. It was there that he would learn the culture of Japan and begin his elementary…
Nakamoto explains how he was classified in the military. He talks about his girlfriend and her family's forced removal. He shares his experiences with discrimination. He discusses his family's lives during World War Two. He talks about being…
Nakamoto discusses prefecture origin and familial description. Nakamoto's Father is a Founder of the Second Buddhist Church and his Grandfather is a Founder of the First Buddhist Church. Nakamoto grows up on a farm and helps with the farming chores.…
Nakabe talks about his duties being in charge of meal tickets on the train while traveling to Camp Shelby; discusses 'Axis Sally; and talks about segregation at Camp Carson and in the Southern United States. He then talks about the relationship…
Nakabayashi discusses his brother, grandfather, fishing, golfing, and what it was like growing up as a Japanese American in Riverside. He then talks about Japanese American community events, attending school in Poston and his job in Poston drafting…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss being in basic training for almost a year before deployment overseas. Both men go to France and share their first time seeing action and…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their experience leaving Hawaii and going to the Mainland. They arrive in Oakland, CA, and go to Mississippi.
On the train ride to…
In the second part of Mr. Mac Nagata's interview, he remembers his return to the United States and attending school in Sanger, as well as wanting to become a farmer and focusing on agriculture courses. Next, he describes how he learned to drive and…
After Nagasaka was at Minidoka Concentration Camp, he would be drafted into the Army and get inducted at Fort Douglas. While at basic training, he would train to be a part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, where he would learn to use various…
Wallace Nagao talks about his family's history and his early life growing up on one of Hawaii's sugar plantations. Nagao goes through his educational history-- from elementary school through college and his experiences at Japanese language school. He…
Nagano provides some thoughts about getting his draft notice; discusses a military questionnaire he was given while at Manzanar incarceration camp; and talks about his experiences at Manzanar including discussing food, friendships, attending dances,…
Nagano discusses his high school days, which included playing basketball and being able to take a trip down to Mexico to play against a team there. He would also take part in socials and be part of a club called the golden bears. He would attend…
In the relocation center, James Murata worked as an ambulance driver. For entertainment, there were plays and sports. The Assembly Center was a racetrack and some internees lived in horse stalls. James described how he made most of the situation. He…
After the war, Kenichi Muranaga gets married in 1946 and works serval jobs before starting his laundromat business in 1963. Kenichi and Yoshiko have one son, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Kenichi and Kiyoshi Muranaga leave Amache to work on a sugar beet farm. Kenichi describes their living accommodations and their duties at the farm. Their father also has a job but he works in the mess hall at Amache.
Kenichi Muranaga is born on December 21, 1924, in Los Angeles, CA. Kenichi's father immigrates to the United States from Japan and meets Kenichi's mother in Hawaii. The two get married and move to Los Angeles, CA, before settling in Gardena, CA.…
Muramoto discusses growing up in Hilo, Hawaii; and talks about his parents, siblings, recreational activities, school, speaking Japanese at home, and religion. He also talks about a classmate who was killed in action, playing softball, childhood…
Murakami continues his recollection of the Marysville Temporary Detention Center and the living conditions there. Shortly after that, he and his family were moved to Tule Lake Concentration Camp where tensions were high and at one point they were…
Mukai talks about his life after high school. He describes his family's relationship with relatives in Japan. He discusses the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He shares his knowledge of the American Concentration Camps. Mukai discuses his…
Mukai discusses the expatriation process he went through, attending Japanese school, and getting drafted. He then talks about what life was like for Japanese Americans after the start of the war, going to basic training in Hawaii and at Fort…
Mukai discusses traveling to Camp Shelby and being assigned to the 232nd Combat Engineer Company. He details he experiences from basic training. Mukai also discusses about some of the fun the regiment had.
From Fort Meade, Leo Morishita goes to Newport Dunes, Virginia, for additional training and his final medical shots. Leo boards the USS West Point and goes overseas. The voyage takes 24 days, and Leo describes the daily routine on the ship before…
Leo Morishita gives a little fun fact about his last name Morishita. Morishita means underwood in English. Before his high school graduation, on December 7, Leo is at the Japanese American Citizen League (JACL) planning on an early Christmas party.…
Morinaka discusses his time in the Army, including his basic training with Allen Funt, and being around other Japanese American soldiers. Next, he talks about what he did after his discharge, such as going back to school and working at the Tooele…
Hideo Morinaka begins the interview speaking of his family background and growing up in Utah. He would enjoy hunting, fishing and playing football while growing up on a 120 acre farm. Throughout his schooling, he would also be responsible for milking…
Kiyoji "Jonah" Morimoto discusses working at a meet market after graduating high school until he volunteers for the service. Morimoto does not feel discrimination prewar. He says during that time each ethnic group lives in their own perspective camp.…
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.
Mori describes his second round of basic training and maneuvers. He talks about his first combat experience. He explains how he got supplies while overseas. He discusses his relationship with other soldiers. Mori talks about the Dachau Concentration…
Mori continues to talk about Japanese language school. He discusses citizenship and sumo wrestling. He describes being drafted and inducted into the Army. Mori discusses basic training. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and how it caused…
Mori continues his recollection of his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi and the preparation for the war. After that, he was sent back to Fort Snelling before being shipped out, and at that time also got married. Next, he would be shipped…
Mori begins the interview speaking of his parent's background, immigrating from Japan to Santa Barbara, California. While attending school, Mori took an interest in horticulture and would end up farming after his high school graduation and before the…
Momoda discusses about his family and growing up in Seattle, Washington. He details about his education, the business he ran and working in Alaska. Momoda also discusses about being drafted, basic training and his experiences in France.
Mizuki discusses the Gila River Concentration Camp and the day-to-day lifestyle. He then speaks about working in Chicago as a bus boy and having lunch breaks with famed musician Duke Ellington. Then, he talks about getting drafted by the Army and his…
Miyashiro discusses his childhood including his community and neighborhood; friendships; and how he got his nickname. He then talks about his father's employment as a taxi driver, his mother's death, his siblings, attending Japanese language school,…
Miyasato discusses about growing up in Littleton, Colorado. He details about the draft process and basic training. Miyasato also discusses about his experiences in
Miyasako discusses about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. He details about being drafted and basic training. Miyasako also discusses about the reason the Nisei soldiers trained so hard.
Minoru Miyasaki reported to Fort Douglas before going to Camp Shelby for basic training. At Camp Shelby, the Privates and Rookies were all Nisei with a few Hawaiian Nisei. Minoru was assigned to 442nd, Company G, 4th Platoon, and trained as a…
Minoru Miyasaki recalls the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. When President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, Minoru and his family went to Tanforan on a Greyhound Bus. The Miyasaki family left their belongings with Mr. Driscoll. However, in 1946…
During wartime, Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura worked at the Ford Agency and was the youngest mechanic at 17 years old. He recalls December 7, 1941, and hearing the news when he went duck hunting. Hershey was shocked and felt uncertain about the future…
Miyamoto discusses his familial description, child rearing, and schooling. He details about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) an in post-war Japan. Miyamoto also discusses about his experiences with Japanese Nationals.
Miyamoto continues his recollection of growing up on Hilo, where his pidgin English was heavy and his normal English was inconsistent. After graduation from high school, he and his family would move to Kalihi on Oahu. It was there that he would see…
Maya Miyamoto was born on January 28, 1922, in Carmel Valley, CA. His father and mother were from Kumamoto, Japan. Maya's father taught him respect, how to get along with others, honesty, and do not shame the family. Maya said his parents wished him…
Miyamoto recalls his experiences at various military encampments including Camp Robinson in Arkansas, and Camps Carson and Hale in Colorado. His family was incarcerated at Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp, and he recalls being denied access to…
Miyamoto talks about his siblings, living in a boarding house after high school, and his job as a foreman at an experiment station. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath including blackout restrictions, and his experiences…
Miyake talks about his wife. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He briefly talks about his military service. He discusses the forced removal of Japanese Americans. Miyake explains how he corresponded with his family while he…
After Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 is issued and calls for the evacuations of Japanese Americans. Don describes the preparation his family makes before going to Poston, Arizona. At Poston, Don outlines life at camp and the living conditions of…
Miya discusses hearing about Pearl Harbor on the radio on December 7, 1941. During this time, Miya is 18 years old attending Senior year of High School. He did not feel racism or prejudices from his classmates. However, he does experiences racism…
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…
Mr. Mitsui describes the living conditions and facilities at Tule Lake and discusses the "no-no boys" who were moved into the camp. He talks about joining the Army and the hurt of losing a close family friend who served in the 442nd in Italy. Just as…
Misaka discusses rifle training, playing touch football in basic training and making a life long friendship with Shigu Fukinama. Misaka describes the daily routine and living conditions at Fort Snelling. He spends time at Japanese Language School…
Minato discusses basic training and discharge. After his discharge he meets his wife and gets married. They have children and grandchildren. Minato shares his wartime experience. During Japanese Language School he discloses his memorable moments at…
Minamide discusses evacuating at 17 years-old to Colorado and seeing snow on the way there. Minamide would correspond with friends to join them to work on the sugar beet plantation in Colorado. Minamide would also correspond with his Father. When…
Tommy Mayekawa and his family evacuate to Santa Anita Assembly Center after receiving the evacuation orders. He describes the living conditions and life in the camp. Tommy and his family live in a horse stable, and his parents accepted the situation…
Mayeda discusses about his experiences at Santa Anita Detention Center. He details about his experiences in Jerome Concentration Camp, getting drafted, and basic training. Mayeda also discusses about joining the the Military Intelligence Service…
Matsuura talks about his parents, going to school in Spokane, being sent to Japan as a child; and returning to the United States and working on a farm. He then talks about attending high school, the Attack on Pearl Harbor, volunteering for the Army,…
Matsushita would join the Army after Pearl Harbor and be inducted in Salt Lake City, Utah. He would take a train down to Camp Shelby in Mississippi to begin his basic training, where he would start with A company. There, he would become friends with…
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…
Matsumura discusses his family background in Hawaii and hearing about the attack of Pearl Harbor on the radio. He volunteered to defend water and power installations as a civilian in the aftermath of the attack, and later enlisted into the Army. He…
Matsumoto discusses growing up in San Diego, and talks about his parents, his siblings, and attending Japanese language school. He then shares his reactions and feelings regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor, his experiences with discrimination, and…
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…
To begin, Matsumoto talks about training and assignments overseas, including a jeep driver and a radio man. He then briefly discusses the Gothic Line breaking and getting a head wound in battle. Next, he talks about recovering from his wound and…
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…
Matsumoto discusses more about Pearl Harbor and enlisting into the service. He details about the journey to the Mainland and Camp Shelby. Matsumoto also discusses about his experiences at Camp Shelby.
Clarence "Matt" Matsumoto discusses growing up, he isnot close with parents because out playing with friends. Matsumoto says his values and morals are learned by going to church every Sunday. In 1940, he graduates high school and goes to Community…
Matsukawa gives a few anecdotes of his time in basic training at Camp Blanding, including boxing, furloughs, and visiting cities in Florida. He would be shipped out to Europe shortly after, going on the HMS Aquitania and landing in Southampton before…
Matsukawa talks about his parent's reaction to joining the Army and his brother getting killed in action while in the war. He talks about the unfortunate casualties of young men during war time and his brother's path. Soon after his brother passed…
Matsui discusses about his experiences surrounding forced removal, going back to Elko, Nevada, and being drafted. He details basic training and experiences before shipping off. Matsui also discusses about his combat experiences in Italy.
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…
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…
Matsuda discusses his experiences at Poston Concentration Camp and leaving camp. He details his experiences in Colorado and being drafted. Matsuda also discusses his experiences with basic training, his time in Italy and his homecoming experience.
Frank Matsuda hears the news the Army is accepting Japanese American volunteers. Frank signs up to volunteer and returns to camp to take his physical exam. He passes the physical exam and goes to Camp Shelby for basic training. Frank is a BAR man…
Matsuda talks about his high school graduation. He talks about his life while living in Heart Mountain Concentration Camp. He discusses his voluntary enlistment. He describes his journey to Fort Logan. He talks about Fort Logan and Camp Shelby.…
Masuoka talks about his participation in a Japanese American pharmacy fraternity at college; discusses his wedding ring; and talks about his wife's experiences living in Colorado after she left incarceration camp. He then talks about getting drafted,…
Masunaga discusses his family, the family farm, and growing up in Colorado. He details growing up during The Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath. Mansunaga also discusses about joining the service, becoming a medic, and basic training.
Masuda discusses about being drafted and basic training. He details about the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and experiences in Japan. Masuda also discusses about his family and career.
At Camp Savage, Masato Eddy Kurushima learns Japanese to be am interpreter. He recalls studying late at night to learn the vocabulary and kanji characters.
Eddy also goes to basic training for eight weeks. His learns infantry training and…
In the six months at Fresno, the Kurushima family learns how to make the most of the situation in Jerome. Masato Eddy Kurushima says the barracks at Jerome are similar to Fresno Fair Grounds Relocation Center. He describes the living conditions and…
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…
Kurihara discusses leaving Poston Concentration Camp and about his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about heading overseas and landing in Naples. Kurihara discusses about his first combat experiences in Italy, becoming a runner for the 442nd…
Kurasaki describes his journey to Camp Shelby. He also describes his basic training. He discusses his relationships with other soldiers and what he did in his leisure time. He talks about his life while at Camp Shelby. Kurasaki describes the other…
Yoshisuke Jack Kunitomi discusses his attempts to furnish and personalize his living quarters in camp. Next, he talks about military recruitment in the camps, being drafted, basic training, and some racial tensions at Camp Blanding. Lastly, he talks…
Kunihiro discusses his youth working and attending school in Southern California. He also talks about getting drafted before the Pearl Harbor attack and how the attack impacted his family. He also discusses the different basic training camps he…
Kumagai discusses having to leave his belongings behind after his family’s forced removal to Walerga temporary detention facility. He then talks about his brother’s military service, his experiences at Tule Lake incarceration camp, and describes…
Kuga speaks about how he was drafted into the Army and began his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. While there, he made friends with many Hawaiian soldiers, visited Rohwer concentration camp, and boxed. Next, he discusses various Japanese…
Kubota discusses his decision to enlist. At the beginning of the war, non-citizens are barred from enlisting due to the enemy alien law. Kubota first learns about the Nisei Regiment Formation assembly from Japanese Community Leaders and decides to…
Kubota discusses harvesting pineapples and working at a bakery after high school graduation. On December 7, 1941 Kubota is teaching Sunday School when Pearl Harbor is bombed. He recalls the black armbands and combat troop recruitment. Kubota passes…
Kubo talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, coming home from work and soon after, reporting to the draft board for induction. He would join the Army, and begin learning the general orders, heading to Camp Robinson in Arkansas…
Koyano talks about the impact of his military experiences. He reflects on his Japanese American identity. He leaves a message to his family. He discusses the 442nd Memorial and his education. He describes his civic engagement activities.
Koyano continues to discuss a trip he took to Japan when he was a child. He talks about being drafted and his duties shortly before his deployment. He describes Camp Shelby. He discusses concentration camps and racial discrimination. Koyano talks…
