Herzig-Yoshinaga discusses about seeing prejudice, values taught at home and her more about her family. She details about her high school years and her idols growing up. Herzig-Yoshinaga also discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and her…
Konoshima discusses the reasons for attending University of Wisconsin after the camps and his sister also attending. Next, he speaks about the effects of being born in Japan and not having the same rights that even Japanese Americans had, such as…
Iwasaki talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had been deferring his induction, he would have no choice this time around, and would be inducted at Fort Lewis in Washington. He would be assigned first to the armored…
Minamide discusses December 8, 1941 when he comes home from school, he learns that his Father is picked up by the FBI. His father is brought to Tunga then Bismarck,North Dakota. Minamide and his family waits for the Government to give information…
Ouchi begins the interview with an introduction and from there jumps right into Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He speaks about the hardships of selling the store they owned and the low offers for their personal belongings. After this, Ouchi would go…
Kozono discusses his experience getting drafted, and put in military reserves, before the Pearl Harbor attack. he also discusses how in the aftermath of the attack he and his family were classified at aliens and had to relocate to Tule Lake…
Part 2 of Mr. Saiki's interview primarily focuses on his life after his military service and reflections on past accomplishments. Mr. Saiki discusses an incident where he represented a delegation from Okinawa who testified in front of a Congressional…
Mr. Saiki discusses helping his father be reunited with the rest of the family at Rohwer. Mr. Saiki was able to the leave the internment camp, and traveled to Chicago where he got a job working as a foreman in a bomb factory and helped establish…
Bright and Sam continue their recollection of the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Their stepfather would be taken in by the FBI and they had to continue working until they heard about Executive Order 9066. With that, they were forced to evacuate their…
Charley discusses the opportunity to visits, Jerome and Rohwer. When traveling to New York after the war, he meets a mutual friend of Eva's who he corresponds with during wartime. During wartime, he describes how the soldiers' shower on the…
Chiye (Hayashi) Watanabe, Henry M. Hayashi, and Seiichi Nakawatase recall Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. When evacuation orders are announced, Chiye and her family plan to go to Arkansas. However, the government places travel restrictions. Chiye 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…
Dr. Coolidge Shiro Wakai was part of the 100th Company B. He was born December 2, 1925, in Kappa, Kauai, Hawaii. Coolidge's father was a missionary for Japanese Immigrants and established the first Christian church in Kappa, Kauai. Coolidge has six…
Dan Uchimoto explains the meaning of his last name "Uchimoto" in Japanese. In Japan, "Uchimoto" means original home. "Uchi" means a kind of home, "Moto" means original home or basic home. Besides farming, Dan's parents have two additional businesses.…
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…
Edward Harumi Fujii is born on April 1, 1923, in Troutdale, OR. Edward's father and mother are from Yamaguchi-Ken, Japan, and they immigrate to the United States. Edward has five brothers and two sisters.
Edward Fujii's interview is with his wife, Aya Fujii.
When Edward Fujii receives his draft notice, he reports to Fort Dix, Utah, for his induction into the Army and then goes to Camp Fannin, TX, for basic training.
After the President of the United States signed Executive Order 9066, Enoch Kanaya and his family evacuated to the Portland Assembly Center. The Portland Assembly Center was a place where horses lived. Enoch describes the living conditions of the…
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.…
Oda discusses how she met her husband and her marriage plans. When trying to get married, the Oda’s initially experienced discrimination due to their race, but eventaully got married at a YMCA. She then talks about her whereabouts during the attack…
Fukuhara continues his recollection of the time after the Pearl Harbor attacks, and his father being taken in by the FBI. Other than that, things would go on as normal until the Executive Order 9066 was signed. With just a couple days notice, he and…
Endo discusses his family's restaurant, living on Terminal Island, and his upbringing. He details about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He details gymnastics and Executive Order 9066. Endo also discusses his experiences with forced removal and about…
Frank Hiratsuka is a junior in High School when Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7. Frank and his parents move to Ridley, a safe zone termed by the government.
In Ridley, Frank and his parents work on a peach farm until they receive…
Inami talks about what he learned in Japanese language school including Japanese ethics (shushin) and values,. He then talks about school and the community he grew up in; childhood experiences with discrimination; and discusses the reasons why he…
Morimoto discusses growing up in Monrovia, California and recalls working at his family's general store, playing football and participating in track and field, attending Japanese language school, and experiencing discrimination during his childhood.…
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…
Frank Tadao Matsuda is born on January 9, 1922, in Seattle, Washington. His father, Saiki Frank Matsuda, and mother, Masae Miyoshi, are from Japan. Frank has an older sister Aiko and a younger sister Kathryn Sumiko. Frank is closest to Aiko because…
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…
Frank Matsuda talks about the Nisei legacy and how their service opens the door for many Asians. The 442nd receives 20 to 21 medals, and K Company received two of the medals. Frank feels many other soldiers deserve recognition for their service,…
Fujimoto talks about his family background and his childhood, growing up in southern California. Next, he speaks about his self identity and what it was like to grow up being a Japanese American, amongst a neighborhood of caucasians. Next, the…
Murakami discusses going to Tanforan Temporary Detention Facility and the living conditions. He shares his thought on how the camp experience is different from Nisei to Issei. When Murakami goes to Rochester for seminary school, he contributes…
Fujimoto continues his recollection of Pearl Harbor and the aftermath of the attacks, including curfews and getting rid of all illegal contraband. Shortly after, they would get notification of Executive Order 9066, which would force them to be moved…
Yoshida talks about her father's sports interests and his gardening job; her parents' laundry business; her mother's schooling; and her knowledge of pre-war Japan. She then talks about attending Japanese language school; taking kendo classes; values…
Fujimori describes his experience of moving away from his home and into Manzanar Concentration Camp and his experiences living in the camp. He also describes volunteering for the army and his basic training at Fort Snelling.
Hara discusses his influential teachers during his school years and before evacuation, the High Y Club through him a banquet. As a a result of his Mother's values to work hard and higher education, Hara's aspiration is to go to medical school. He…
Ishihara describes his experiences working in Alaska including discussing the process of trapping and canning fish. He then talks about the discipline he received growing up, what life was like after the attack on Pearl Harbor including his…
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.
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.
Suzuki discusses parents and their background. He details about his sister. Suzuki discusses about his educational experiences. Suzuki also details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath.
George Suzuki discusses Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and his experiences there. He details about his social activities in Santa Anita and Gila River.Suzuki also discusses about his experiences at Gila River Concentration Camp.
Kaneshiro continues his discussion on the start of the war, including various reactions from family and Executive Order 9066. After preparing for the relocation camps, they were first taken to Santa Anita race track where they would stay for a couple…
Yamada discusses Executive Order 9066 and its effect on Japanese Americans; talks about his experiences working as a railroad laborer; discusses witnessing incarcerees traveling to Heart Mountain; and talks about his thoughts on loyalty. Next, Yamada…
Saisho begins the interview speaking about his family background and how his father came over to the United States to attend school, and found his mother while working on a farm. He would grow up in various places in California until the attacks on…
Sakaguchi discusses leaving on a troop carrier to Europe. He shares experiences in Italy, and the Germans retreating. When the war ends with Japan, he remains in the military for a year guarding the army supply. After being discharged, Sakaguchi…
In high school, Harold Horiuchi enjoys playing basketball. In Seattle, Harold plays basketball for the Fieldhouse Team as a Center. Harold plays basketball in the Japanese American Community too.
In 1938, Harold graduates high school and goes to…
Tanabe discusses growing up in Marysville, California. He details about his educational experiences. Tanabe also discusses Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. The effects of Executive Order 9066 and his experiences at Tule Lake Concentration Camp were…
Sakaji discusses his high school activities and classes; and talks about learning how to dance and playing sports. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor; discusses race discrimination against Japanese Americans; and talks about Executive…
Kitaoka discusses going to school the day after the Pearl Harbor bombing. Although it is uncomfortable not knowing how his classmates feels, Kitaoka does his best in class. He recalls the climate on the school campus , the Unites States President's…
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…
On the day of the evacuation, Henry Gary Shiota recalls the check-in process by the JACL and going to Stockton Assembly Center. At the Assembly Center, the Japanese Americans are assigned Barrack numbers and given medical shots.
Yoshitake talks about his family's forced removal and having to leave belongings behind. He then talks about his experiences going to Santa Anita temporary detention facility and the living conditions there; discusses Executive Order 9066; and talks…
Kuida discusses his schooling and education while living in Gardena. While a junior in high school, the Pearl Harbor attacks occurred which changed things for his family. Hours after Pearl Harbor, his mother was picked up by the FBI as a detainee…
Takusagawa continues his discussion on growing up in Santa Barbara, including the impactful people that he grew up with, helping him to become a more rounded person. Eventually, this guided him to joining the school band, playing the snare drum,…
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…
Yoshimoto discusses the effects that Pearl Harbor had on him and his family. He also discusses about his time spent in the Army Air Corps before being reassigned. Yoshimoto details about the time he visited Minidoka.
Kumagai talks about working at a farm full-time after graduating high school, and discusses his uncle who was in the Japanese Army. He then talks about his experiences with discrimination; and discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath…
Growing up in Pasadena, CA, Hitoshi G. Sameshima's favorite event is the Rose Parade. He recalls attending the Rose Parade at age four and has attended every year.
As a child, Hitoshi's knowledge of Japan is shaped by his parents and Japanese…
Hitoshi G. Sameshima recalls going to Gila in the first part of September. He says the first place you go when you enter camp is the employment office. Hitoshi recalls his interview with Kimiko Murakami. Hitoshi is assigned to be an interviewer since…
Taniguchi continues to talk about his community in Cortez, California. He briefly explains Kendo martial arts. He discusses day trips that he took with his father. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and Executive Order 9066. Taniguchi reveals…
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…
Matsuda discusses his father, childhood vacations and mushroom hunting. He details the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and his experiences with forced removal. Matsuda also shares his experiences at Salinas Temporary Detention Center and Poston…
Isamu "Sam" Saito discusses his friends' and parents' reactions after Pearl Harbor. One evening after the attack, Sam's parents burned items connected with Japan.
When Executive Order 9066 (EO9066) was announced, Sam's family prepared for…
Isamu Shimada begins the interview with his family background and what it was like to grow up in California. As his family was poor, he would grow up in a small house and would work for most of his childhood on the farms. It was there that he learned…
Jackson Morisawa discusses visiting an American Concentration Camp and the living conditions. He details about going to art school and meeting his wife. Morisawa discusses about his family and post-war employment. He shares his thought on the Issei…
James Mamoru Fujii was born on May 28, 1926. His parents were Bukichi "Ben" Fujii and Yoshino Yamakado Fujii. James' mother was the second wife after the first wife passed away. In the first marriage, James' father has three children.
Besides attending primary school, James Jin Kobayashi attends a Japanese Language School. At home, he speaks half English and Japanese to his Issei parents.
James recalls the day of the bombing of Pearl harbor. He says it is regular business at…
James Murata stopped attending Japanese Language School in high school to help his parents in the fields harvesting carrots. He discusses his obligation to help his parents in farming. If there were any family outings, the family would pay. Unlike…
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…
Urata continues to talk about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He describes the "Oliver Bunch" organization in his community. He discusses Executive Order 9066 and the forced removal of his family. He describes his experiences at the…
Janet Nakakihara and Janice Trubitt say their grandmother is big on celebrating New Year and birthdays. Janet recalls her mother mentioning her mother adopted all of the American holidays and celebrations. Even though they did not have much money,…
Tazoi discusses growing up in Garland, Utah. He details about facing discrimination. Tazoi also discusses the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and joining the army.
Makino discusses his father and his employment; his parents' marriage; his sisters; and his parents market. He then talks about attending Japanese language school, speaking English at home, friendships, grammar school, and his neighborhood growing…
Inami discusses forced removal. The Inami family receives support from their Chinese friend to help watch over their Grocery Store while they are interned. Inami recalls the military regulation of what is allowed to be carried into camp. On the day…
Inami discusses Jerome Concentration Camp and the living arrangements. Due to the conditions of camp, Inamai compares it welfare and how welfare is shameful to the Japanese culture. In camp, jobs are available. Inami recalls the jobs his family…
Nagano talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath including restrictions, Executive Order 9066, and forced removal. He then talks about his family's friendship with neighbors who took care of their property when they were forced to…
Hamanaka discusses his parents orign and growing up as an only child. During his adolescent years he helps with his Father's business after school and is active in journalism at school. Hamanaka recalls learning how to cook in Puyallup and making…
Jumpei "Jumpy" Mine is born on August 4, 1920, in Montebello, CA. Jumpei's father is a hard-working man. Jumpei's mother, Jen Mine, passes away early.
Jumpei grows up in Montebello and helps his father with farming. Jumpei's favorite sport is…
Yamamoto discusses his parents and their immigration to the United States; talks about his father's employment; and tells some of his memories from childhood including his experiences during the Great Depression, working on a farm, friendships, and…
Nishijima discusses his parent immigration from Japan to the United States. He moves to Japan to live with his Uncle when his Father passes away. He attends school and works on a silk worm farm. In his later teenage years, Nishijima returns back to…
Toyota discusses his parents immigration to the United States, his childhood and his military service. Toyota's Father is a trained as a carpenter in Japan and when he migrates to America, he becomes a barber and a farmer. During the Great…
Maeda talks about her parents immigrating from Japan to the United States, and her whereabouts during the attack on Pearl Harbor. After Executive Order 9066, Maeda and her family were forcibly removed first to Pinedale Temporary Detention Facility,…
Muto discussing his childhood including talking about attending grammar school and Japanese language school; discusses the languages he spoke at home; talks about his neighborhood and the Japanese community in Sacramento; and discusses friendships.…
Sato, Wada, and Ito discuss their dreams before the war started. They detail about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. The three also discuss Executive Order 9066 and how it affected them and other Japanese Americans.
Ken Nihei was born in 1925 in Sacramento, CA. Ken grew up in Sacramento until he was seven years old and moved to Hayward (Bay Area) during the Great Depression.
Ken's father immigrated to the United States from Fukushima-ken, Japan, to help his…
Ken Tamura discusses his childhood friend Woody and their friendship. The Tamura family sells their farm in Oklahoma and moves to Japan. Before arriving in Japan, the Tamura family visits California and Hawaii.
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.
Namba discusses his childhood and post-war experiences with racism and discrimination. He then provides some thoughts about what the Pledge of Alligence and United States national anthem mean to him; discusses his childhood ambitions and heroes; and…
Murumoto discusses Executive Order 9066 and his camp experiences. Murumoto is able to leave camp to work on the farm by answering the loyalty questions yes yes and is drafted to military service. Murumoto goes to Camp Shelby for basic training before…
Fujimoto tells a story regarding a whiskey distillery and Al Capone, discusses his father getting arrested by the FBI, and talks about his family and friends’ forced removal experiences. He then talks about his life and the living conditions at Santa…
Hirano begins the interview speaking of his family background, including his mother, father and siblings. At the young age of 4, he was moved to Japan to begin his schooling and would not return to the United States until the end of high school.…
K. Tsuji talks about his experiences living at both as assembly center and internment camp. He discusses he left his family while in internment to attend college. He shares anecdotes regarding: childhood excursions to San Francisco; applying for…
Yamate discusses getting drafted and going to Fort Warren where he had duties as a guard. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor, getting married, and provides some thoughts regarding receiving his draft notice. Next, he talks about his son…
In the fall of 1941, before the Pearl Harbor attack, Ko Stanley Sameshima, is a student at Cal Tech University. Ko is doing well in his academic studies and is on the Varsity Cross Country Team. In Ko's spare time, he attends social school functions.…
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.…
Lillian Matsudaira describes life before the war and remembers how her mother would make Udon. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, a curfew is in effect for Japanese Americans to return home early. Lillian also speaks about differentiating between…
Lillian Aiko Inouye Matsudaira is born June 8, 1925, in Seattle, Washington. Her parents are from Senkaku, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. Lillian's father goes to school to learn English and open a restaurant in 1925. The restaurant…
When Lillian Matsudaira moves to Philadelphia, she works at an insurance company as a clerk. Lillian stays in Philadelphia for nine months before going to Cleveland. In 1945 Seattle reopens, and Lillian goes back home at the end of July.…
