Furumoto discusses his decision to attend veterinary school at Kansas State University. He recounts his feelings during the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. He also discusses his decision to join the army.
Nishimura discusses his childhood including his family, favorite childhood activities (including his excellence in Judo), experiences and lessons he learned while in Japanese language school, and his choice to become a teacher.
Tsubota discusses his childhood and childhood activities before moving on to his high school experiences and eventually enrolling at the University of Hawaii.
Tsubota discusses his time at the University of Hawaii as a member of the College of Agriculture and ROTC. Along with his experiences at college, Tsubota also talks about finishing college and deciding to become a teacher.
Tsubota discusses a wide variety of personal topics, including his Catholic faith, memories traveling through Europe with his children (and their background), and meeting his first wife and his second wife. Lastly, he reflects on his experiences in…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama discusses his family's emigration to the United States, as well as his familial makeup. He also recalls specific events during his adolescence, such as spending time in his father's barbershop,…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls his time spent in the Army and his experiences during the war. He gives details in regards to witnessing the bombing of Pearl Harbor and his family's experience after the attack. This part of…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls volunteering for the 442nd, his military training, and the racial discrimination he witnessed during his time in Hattiesbug. This part of the interview concludes with Ichiyama discussing when…
During this portion of the interview, Edward Ichiyama recalls his duties within his military unit. Specifically, he gives detail s on regards to being a fuseman and forward observer. In addition, Ichiyama recollects his experiences marching with the…
Nelson Akagi continues his story with the final leg of his family's journey to Idaho and volunteering for the army. He recounts his reaction to the loyalty questionnaire and goes over his induction and basic training at Camp Shelby. Finally, he tells…
In this video clip, Ray Nosaka talks about his family and growing up in Hawai'i. He recalls instances where he faced racial discrimination in the work force.
Tsukiyama was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents were educated immigrants from Japan. He attend both Japanese language school and English Standard School. During the Pearl Harbor attack, he had been a part of the University of Hawaii…
Ted Tsukiyama talks about his law career, starting from graduating from Yale Law school to starting his own private practice in arbitration. He also talks about Hawaii statehood, and it's impact on Hawaii's political and economic stature. He…
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…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori recalls details about his adolescence and attending trials at the local courthouse. Moreover, James recounts his educational background and his recollects on his school trip to Japan, China, and…
During this part of the interview, James Mitsumori discusses the discrimination that Japanese Americans faced after the war. In addition, he goes on to recount his parent's evacuation experience, as well as his wife's experiences during the war.…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori recalls his time working as a military citations clerk, as well as the qualifications for earning a Congressional Medal of Honor. Next, recalls meeting his wife and he explains why he felt she…
Paul recollects his forced removal and incarceration experience and details regarding his military embarkation to Europe. Paul discusses his first visit to New York City and military experience as a merchant marine, as well as his experiences during…
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…
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…
Kawamoto talks about growing up in Hawaii and his life before the war. He also recalls seeing the bombing of Pearl Harbor and his reasons for enlisting in the army.
Kawamoto discusses his basic training and engineer training, the sea voyage to Europe, and his impressions of Italy. He also recalls his first battle, the Lost Battalion, and getting injured.
Kawamoto tells us of the mission to cross the Arno and his experience at the Lost Battalion battle. He also discusses a deadly mine demonstration and his passes in Europe. Finally, he recounts how he got his injury, the war's end, and his homecoming…
In this segment, Wally Yonamine introduces the audience to his family's background. He discusses remembering his roots and his modest upbringing when he was making a name for himself in Japan as a successful professional baseball player. He also…
In this segment, Matsuji Sakumoto begins by introducing himself and proceeds to describe his childhood home in Hawaii. He also discusses a variety of other topics, including school, his family, and different activities he participated in as a child.…
In this segment, Matsuji "Mut" Sakumoto discusses a variety of topics, including the Japanese language and culture, sports, his family religion, and taking up smoking cigarettes. Throughout the storytelling, Sakumoto also discusses his parents in…
In this segment, Matsuji "Mut" Sakumoto begins by discussing his favorite school subjects before elaborating on his interest in history, and specifically military history. He then recalls visiting Gettysburg while stationed on the East coast and how…
In this segment, Matsuji "Mut" Sakumoto discusses a variety of topics, including family, post-war activities, and his career working overseas. Specifically, Sakumoto discusses his feelings on General Dahlquist before concluding on his war…
In this segment, Matsuji "Mutt" Sakumoto first recalls meeting Jack Wilson, a member of the "Lost Battalion," at a military hospital. He elaborates, stating that he and Wilson had remained in touch for several years after the war ended. Sakumoto…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku introduces himself and begins by talking about his family background and childhood in Hawaii. Kaku also discusses his experiences in school and his community, conveying his memories of Hawaii during that period of time.
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku begins by recalling his personal memories from the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent Martial Law in Hawaii before discussing his decision to enlist in the Army. Kaku then recalls the initial screening process in…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada gives an introduction and a glimpse into his childhood in Hawaii. He discusses his parents and their background while describing their hard work at the plantation and the tough conditions of his upbringing. Okada…
Genro Kashiwa talks more about fighting on the Gothic Line, which was the last major German defensive during the European Theater of World War II. When Germany finally surrendered, Genro was assigned to guard the German prisoners of war at Ghedi Air…
Oka, a native of Hawaii, describes witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent government and military presence in his family's home, including the monitoring of his brother's shortwave radio and the FBI's interest in his knowledge of…
Kuniyoshi discusses and describes his parents upbringing, background, characteristics, personalities, and careers. Hideo discusses his childhood growing up in Hilo, Hawaii including his childhood activities, neighborhood, attending Japanese language…
Kuniyoshi discusses the action he saw throughout Europe, including battles which liberated the city of Bruyeres, France and helped rescue the "Lost Battalion." Shortly after fighting in the Gothic Line, the war ended in Europe and he was discharged…
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.
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…
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…
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 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…
In this interview, Samuel Harano describes his early childhood in Hawaii and the tragic loss of his mother in a house fire. He recalls being sent to Japan where he spent his school years rebelling against an increasingly militaristic culture. Upon…
Tanaka discusses what it was like growing up in Hilo, Hawaii. he details about the aftermath if pearl harbor and his draft experience. Tanaka discusses about his experiences during basic training.
Tanaka discusses his post-war experiences. He details about his major events in his life and his participation in veteran organizations. Tanaka also gives a message to future generations, explains Shikata ga nai, and explains the legacy of the 100th…
Oba discusses his childhood and how he became a cook in the army. He details about what he remembers from Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. Oba also discusses how the 442nd Regimental Combat Team formed and why he joined. Oba also details about his…
Akamine discusses about his childhood experiences. He details about working on the sugar plantation. Akamine also discusses attending Japanese language school and his personal values and habits.
Akamine discusses about enlisting into the service. He details about the events surrounding Pearl Harbor and his thoughts from it. Akamine also discusses some of his experiences while on guard duty.
Kodama discusses his family and having to work to the help them. He details about his educational experiences, playing sports, and martial arts training. Kodama also discusses being drafted, basic training, and Pearl Harbor.
Kodama discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign and the medals he received. He details about returning back to Hawaii, finding employment, and meeting his wife. Kodama also discusses about what he learned from the war, revisiting…
Hamashige begins the interview speaking about his background growing up in Laie in Hawaii, including his childhood home and foods. Next, he talks about the background of his mother and father, who both came to Hawaii from the Yamaguchi prefecture in…
As reading interested Hamashige, he began reading a lot about the racism throughout the United States government which led to a deeper understanding of the modernization of Japan, which eventually turned to the attacks on Pearl Harbor. He speaks…
Ota discusses visiting Hawaii both during his childhood and while in the service, talks about his hobbies, and traveling to the Philippines. After his assignment in the Philippines, Ota went to Japan to be an interpreter for Allied Translator and…
Sumida discusses his experiences at Arno River, in the Vosges, and in the city of Bruyeres. He details about mail, visiting Jerome Concentration Camp, and relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. Sumida also discusses his homecoming…
This interview is with both Lawson Sakai and Paul Teruya. First, Teruya discusses his father including his immigration to Hawaii, and his employment; and talks about his mother's immigration. Next, Sakai talks about his father including his…
Teruya discusses Daniel Inouye; talks about attending Japanese language school; discusses his experiences with prejudice; and talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sakai then talks about his experiences with prejudice; his enemy alien…
The interview begins with Paul Yamashita talking about his life, growing up in Hakalau Hawaii on a sugarcane plantation. He would attend regular and Japanese school and enjoyed playing games with friends and pounding mochi on New Years. Next, he…
Yamashita talks about his whereabouts during the end of the war. At the time of the V-J day, he was guarding German prisoners of war in Italy but would get the chance to come home due to the points system. He would ship back to the Hawaii, but would…
Kubota discusses his Father immigration from Hiroshima, Japan. His Father is able to come to the United States in 1903 through sponsorship of his own Father. He works on the plantation before returning to Japan to marry his Mother. His parents…
Inouye discusses the events before and after Pearl Harbor. He details about The Battle of Midway. Inouye also discusses the journey to the Mainland and the differences between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He details about the events before…
Sakoda discusses his family and life growing up in Waimea, (Kauai) Hawaii, including the time he spent living on a sugar cane plantation, and becoming a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). He also talks about his whereabouts during the attack…
Edward Kanaya and the interviewers introduce themselves. He talks about his parent's immigration. He describes his early life in Honolulu, Hawaii. He discusses his parent's employment. He shares his parent's backstories. He lists his siblings. He…
Teraoka discusses growing up on a plantation on Hawaii and talks about the workers on the plantation as well as the plantation store. He then talks about his childhood including discussing recreational activities, his family's home, working, school,…
Choichi discusses being discharged, his journey back to Hawaii and how he met his wife. He details about his admiration for Nisei veterans and gives a message to future generations. Choichi also discusses about his life and career after the army.
Arakaki begins the interview speaking about how his father came from Okinawa to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations. His mother was a picture bride and would join his father in Hawaii to begin their life, having five children. They would have a…
Arakaki's time in Europe would come to an end after the surrender of both the German and Japanese Armies, he would be in Marseille at the time. From there, he would return to Hawaii, and marry a french woman once returned. He would work in a security…
Sachio Takata was born on March 14, 1923, in Southern California. Sachio's father, Kizo, was from Kagoshima, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. He met Sachio’s mother, Hatsumi, from Hawaii, and they married. Sachio is the oldest of ten…
In 1940, Sachio Takata graduated high school and went to the Delta Islands to work in the celery field. Sachio wanted to save money to further his education and attend medical school.
After the signing of Executive Order 9066, Sachio and his…
Takiguchi discusses the Army point system, returning home to Hawaii, and seeing his brother while in Europe. Next, Takiguchi talks about post-war life, going to Chicago for school, his wife and children, and his worst war experiences. Lastly,…
Mori continues his discussion on cave experiences while serving overseas in Okinawa. Following Okinawa, he is moved back to the Philippines until the end of the war. After thinking they would be sent back home after the atomic bombs, they are instead…
Kazuma Taguchi talks about his involvement in sports. He discusses fishing. He describes the foods that he likes and dislikes. He talks about his military training in Kauai, Hawaii. He discusses the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He…
Meada discusses his childhood and religion. He details about being drafted into the Army and December 7, 1941. Meada also discusses working at the post exchange and his journey to California.
Tahara begins the interview talking about the origin of his name and the background of his parents. His father would come to Hawaii and begin a general store, his mother was born in Hawaii and would help out at the store, while all of his brothers…
Tahara discusses his father's incarceration at Sand Island and the living conditions that he had to deal with there. Next, he talks about his induction into the Army and the processes of getting uniforms and equipment at Schofield Barracks. Following…
Tahara talks about the end of the war, as they were marching through Europe, a plane flew overhead and threw leaflets out to them. He would return to Hawaii, seeing his mother and hearing about the death of his father. He also talks about seeing his…
Otoshi discusses his role during his assignment in Japan interrogating repatriates and families in Maizuru and Hakata. He then discusses the treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs), returning to Hawaii, and attending college. Lastly, Otoshi talks about…
Yokooji discusses how his family traveled to and from the Hawaiian Islands; discusses his reasons for volunteering; and provides some thoughts regarding World War Two and opportunities for Nisei during the war. He then talks about the "Go for Broke"…
Tokita lists his medals and awards. He describes his experiences during the Champagne Campaign. He discusses leaving France. He talks about combat in Italy. He describes climbing a mountain and chasing German soldiers. He explains the circumstances…
Tokita explains how he met his wife. He talks about his marriage and children. He explains the extent to which he has shared his war stories with family. He shares his motivations for serving in the military. He leaves a message for future…
Takabayashi talks about his mother's teaching career. He discusses his family business. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discusses his time in the Hawaiian Territorial Guard. He briefly talks about the Varsity Victory…
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,…
Miyashiro talks about his post-war experiences in Sacramento; discusses the food in the POW camp; and talks about the checkpoint between East and West Germany (checkpoint Charlie) and Russian POWs, He then talks about returning back to Hawaii and…
Hiromi Suehiro begins the interview talking about his family and how they immigrated to Hawaii. His father, coming from Japan, ended up fighting in World War I for the United States, while his mother was born in Hawaii. While growing up, he would…
Suehiro discusses more of his war experiences, including receiving a wound on his leg from shrapnel. He would help get his friends that was also wounded, back to safety and would head to the Red Cross to take care of his own wound, taking many…
Harry Tanaka discusses being born in Honolulu, Hawaii and being the second son of four children. At a young age he learns how to care for himself since his Mother passes away when he is very young. As a child he would spend time at the pier or the…
Tanaka discusses his Nisei Father being born in Hawaii, His father is drafted in 1918 for World War One and when he finishes his basic training, the war has ended. Post-war, his Father works for Sunrise Soda company as a truck driver until his…
Tanaka discusses taking a furlough to Sydney before going to the Philippines. Tanaka is diagnosis with tuberculosis. He then is sent back to the mainland to Denver for treatment and then back to Hawaii for discharge.
Tanaka discusses his post-war employment. His work is mainly in corporate and property law. In 1982 , he is appointed to Intermediate Member of Court of Appeals. Tanaka recalls the highlight of his career is being appointed a judge,
Kiyabu describes his early life in growing up in Hana (Maui), Hawaii. He details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Kiyabu also volunteering for the Army and traveling to the Mainland.
Kiyabu discusses more about his experiences in Italy and the Rescue of the Lost Battalion. He details about his experiences with trench foot and R&R. Kiyabu also discusses about getting married, his family, and life after the service.
Takekawa discusses his assignment in Okinawa training police officers in the Provost Marshal’s office; and talks about his wife, life in Okinawa, getting discharged, and returning to Hawaii. He then talks about working as a sales manager in…
Tateishi begins the interview talking about how his family came from Hiroshima in Japan and settled in Hawaii. Growing up in Hawaii, he would attend McKinley High School and pick pineapples in his spare time, before joining the National Guard. He…
Tateishi talks more about what it was like to grow up in Hawaii, including playing marbles and working at a brewery. He also gives more background on his family, such as his six sisters and the family he had that was living in Hiroshima when the…
Tateishi discusses more about his war experiences, missing out on Cassino because of trench foot. He also talks about interacting with local Italian civilians, including delivering mail from Rome to Livorno for a family and eating rabbit. He would…
Tanaka talks about his career as a fireman and his subsequent retirement. He also talks about his wife, children grandchildren, and siblings. He also explains the complicated nature of his U.S. Identity after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Akira Otani and the interviewers introduce themselves. Otani shares his parent's backstories. He talks about what his father did for work. He describes his father's personality. He discusses Kakaako, Hawaii. He lists his siblings. He describes his…
Isonaga discusses the Varsity Victory Volunteers, joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, traveling to the mainland, and basic training at Camp Shelby. He then talks about the relationship between Hawaiian and mainland soldiers, discusses his…
Yukimara discusses revisiting the USS Missouri and coming home. He details about his employment and career after the war. Yukimura also discusses about his life after retirement, his family, and gives a message to future generations and Nisei…
