Aka discusses about his experiences in Japan. He details about his brother-in-law who fought for Japan, contact with other Military Intelligence Service (MIS) veterans, and how he met his wife. Aka also discusses about his college and career…
Aka discusses about his time spent on the Mainland. He details about his children and his veteran friends. Aka also gives a message to future generations.
In this video clip, Irving Akahoshi talks about his family and about sharing his story with future generations. He goes on to describe the different medals that he was awarded, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Italian Cross, and the…
Senator Akaka focuses on the importance of recognition of Nisei soldiers and describes the role he played in upgrading awards and helping secure Medal of Honor designations for a group of Nisei veterans. Senator Akaka also discusses a book which…
Akamine talks about trying to find work after he was discharged. He describes his experiences with discrimination after the war. He discusses his hopes for the future. He gives advice to future generations. Akamine talks about his marriage and…
Aki describes his seminary school experiences. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the Aftermath. He continues to discusses the forced removal process. He talks about the concentration camp that he and his family were assigned to. He…
Akita continues to describe what everyday life was like for a prisoner of war. He also describes how prisoners of war escaped from his prisoner of war camp. He talks about political prisoners in his camp. He discusses the end of World War Two,…
Akita describes his worst experiences during World War Two. He shares his knowledge of American Concentration Camps. He talks about his photography work. He describes photographs that are shown on camera.
Harry Akune describes how "victim mentality" affected his search for accounting positions after college. He describes what being American means to him and suggests all Japanese Americans need to embrace the rights of American citizenship. He…
Arisumi remembers helping a friend, platoon support, after the war had ended, and a continued discussion about rank in part 5 of his interview. In addition, he describes meeting his first and second wife, accomplishments from service, legacy, setting…
Paul Takao Bannai's political career starts in 1972 when he is elected to Gardena City Council. Later, in 1973, he is elected to California State Legislature with the help of President Reagan and the widow of an Assemblyman. Paul is the first…
Paul Takao Bannai recalls meeting Ken Nakaoka and working in real estate in Gardena. Ken is active in the community and runs for city council, and Paul himself becomes active. Paul's political career starts when he is the Planning Commissioner. Later…
Paul Takao Bannai likes to be active in the community, but there is not enough time. Paul is part of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) for more than 60 years. Paul would like to put more time into helping Go For Broke. However, if they…
During wartime, Paul Takao Bannai receives correspondence from family and people he meets. Letters from his family wanting him to return home safely and reunite with the family. There are letters from his Army friends in Australia acknowledging his…
Janet Brown Hardwick Brown is the oldest of the Hardwick sisters. She is married to Phil Brown and has three children and grandchildren. Susan Hardwick is the youngest sister and is a real estate agent for 30 years. The Hardwick sisters start a…
When Jimmy Doi was classified as an enemy alien, he found a job working at a defense plant. Then his status changed to 1A, he was sent to Camp Blanding. A few weeks later, Jimmy’s brother, Michael Doi, left Camp Blanding to go overseas.
Foote starts the discussion recounting two Nisei Veteran reunions honoring Yuri Kochiyama and Ted Tanouye. Later he gives some details about his experiences on The Gothic Line: what German tactics were used, help from Partisans, and American tactics.…
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.
Fujimori continues to talk about his experience as a carpenter. He discusses Go For Broke [National Education Center], and offers his thoughts about the events of September 11th (9/11). He ends with a message to future generations.
Fukasawa discusses moving to to Oelwein, Iowa because his wife has a teaching job there. He gets a job at John Deere and saves enough money to buy a house. Later he joins the National Guard in 1947 until 1952.
Taira Fukushima and his brother Jim are together for 442nd and replacements. On the mainland, Taira is a medic aide, and Jim is a litter bearer. Taira has limited training as a medic, but Tech Sergeant Hirata and Sergeant Matsuda give him support…
Hara discusses his occupation experience in Japan and his contribution as a Nisei. During occupation, Hara's duties involve translation and interpreting. Hara describes first experience in an interrogation is with a Japanese Admiral. He also helps…
Hara discusses how the Japanese American Plaza comes about and how the moment is significant to the Japanese American Community . Hara is active in the community and participates in the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) for awhile. He…
Hayashi discusses the voyage to Europe and food. He details about R&R, friends, and reunions. Hayashi also discusses about holding a position in a European town and the most useful equipment. He also discusses the voyage home and moving back to…
Hiroki continues to describe his children and grandchildren. He talks about sharing his war time experiences and values with family. He revisits his religious background. Hiroki explains several newspapers articles that are shown on the video. He…
In 1948, Toshi Beverly Iba returns to the United States. She reunites with her older brother and helps him with his nursery business. Toshi also attends a Los Angeles Costume Design School and later graduates.
Ichikawa discusses his life once returning home and how he ended up on a television show. He details about his interactions with veteran organizations and also gives a message to Nisei veterans. Ichikawa also discusses acts of heroism, losing…
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…
Ikeguchi provides a message to future generations regarding prejudice; and discusses religion and politicians. He then talks about the importance of Nisei veterans legacy; and discusses the 9/11 attack and how it relates to the experiences of…
Inami discusses the aftermath of Hiroshima from the atomic bomb and the Japanese Nationals. Inami is discharge in 1946 and goes home to help his parents with the grocery store. While in service, Inami's family is relocated from Jerome to Rohwer and…
Inouye discusses General Ridgway; talks about his experiences an an interpreter; and discusses his desire to join the foreign service. He then talks about his post-war military service experiences; receiving the Legion of Merit; and discusses the…
When Shigeru Inouye is at McCormick General Hospital in Pasadena, CA, he meets another wounded Lieutenant who encourages him to go to school in Kentucky.
On August 25, 1947, Shigeru received an acceptance letter to Centre College. Shigeru shares…
In Berlin, Shigeo Iwamasa is assigned to be a driver. He describes the experience driving through the bombed cities in Germany. In Koblenz, there is a distinctive smell due to the dead bodies under the building rubbles. The bombed cities in Germany…
In May 1984, Shigeo retires from Northrop Grumman and returns to Hawaii to live with his sister. Shigeo is grateful for those who have shown him gratitude for his service, especially his doctors. He shares his experience of appreciation with the…
In the final section, izui speaks about his discharge from the Korean War and going back to Chicago to open up his dentistry practice. He then discusses the redress and reparations that were given and the legacy within his family. Finally, the…
Yoshio Izumi shares his story about how he knows Sadao Munemori. Both Yoshio and Sadao meet at Camp Savage and visit Manzanar on a pass. There is news of a Nisei group being formed, and Sadao volunteers for the 442nd. Yoshio describes Sadao as…
Izumigawa discusses combat experiences and describes mines; and talks about receiving a care package during the Champagne Campaign which included a Senninbari (Japanese good luck charm). He then talks about his brother's military service; the end of…
Enoch Kanaya reflects on his time in combat and his squad members.
He said their confidence in each other helped them do their jobs well and they trusted each other.
After the war ended, Enoch was assigned to guard the Prisoners of War (POWs)…
Kaneshige discusses returning back to the United States from his war injury. After the hospital, he goes to Schofield Barracks and Fort Shasta. Kaneshige receives the Purple Heart. Before working for the Defense Department, he attends beauty school.…
Keegan discusses the special bond he formed with all members of the 442nd. He describes how the bonds became developed from training through the end of the war and beyond. He also talks about his participation in Japanese American community…
Kitaoka discusses a bomb run experience. He releases a bomb and his radio does not work. The only available option for Kitaoka is to land and wait for his jet to be repair. Kitaoka is picked up and returns to his carrier to continue his fire pilot…
Post-war, James returns to the United States and goes to trade school on a G.I. Bill. James learns to bake and becomes a baker for five years. Eventually, he changes professions and goes into produce because the job is stable with union pay.…
Kondo talks about his recuperation from his injury. He describes the challenges he faced being in a body cast, and the different hospitals he went to. He also discusses his experiences being sent to the United States for medical care and his receipt…
Kubota discusses Major Stanley Uno and reuniting with his Brother. During the war, Kubota encounters a Chinese girl and shares his interactions of helping her. In 1946 Kubota is discharge and returns back to Hawaii. His family later finds out that he…
Kubota discusses meeting his wife and being married for 45 years. Post-war, Kubota and his wife move to California where he finds a job at the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles. He works for teh VA Hospital for 25 years before retiring. Kubota and his…
Kubota discusses about his time in Atlantic City after returning home. He details about using the G.I. Bill and the benefits he has received. Kubota also discusses the legacy of Nisei veterans.
Kunihiro discusses his post-war life. He talks about returning home to his wife, raising his children, and his career. He also talks about his participation in veteran organizations.
Kurahara discusses getting discharged from the hospital and being sent to a reconversion unit for training. Shortly after, Kurahara finds out the war is over and is assign to guard the Prisoners of War. Post-war, Kurahara graduates from Columbia…
Kurihara discusses about traveling to back to California upon returning to the United States and his reunion with his family. He details about how he met his and their children. Kurihara also discusses about the legacy of Nisei veterans and gives a…
Maeda discussing the battle of Bruyeres, duty in 2nd platoon for Lost Battalion, taking care of the Prisoners of War and plans after retiring from service.
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.
Mayeda discusses about his experiences in post-war Japan. He details about his involvement in veteran's organizations and the community. Mayeda also discusses about his post-war life and gives a message to future generations.
In October 1949, Ray Mayeda worked at the Civil Censorship until it was dissolved. Then Ray worked at Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS) as a translator. He translated classified documents into English for a year.
After the passing of Ray Mayeda's mother, Ray's father sent his two sisters and younger brother to live in Japan with their grandmother. Later, Ray's father and Ray went to live in Japan too. After living in Japan for a few years, in 1939, Ray…
During the Military occupation in Japan, Tommy Mayekawa works for the Third Military Railway Service Headquarters as an interpreter. He guards the trains to make sure they are not pilferage.
Living in Yokohama, Japan, Tommy does not encounter…
Minamide discusses the war ending and homecoming. Before being discharge at Camp Beale, he is ask to join the Military Intelligence Service . Since his Father is passed away, he feels his duties are to return home to his family. When returning home,…
Misaka discusses bombing survey questions, the Japanese civilians reactions and treatment. He describes the devastation of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb, the different cities he surveys. After occupation, he returns home to complete his college…
Misaka discusses his basketball teammates and having reunions every five years. He also takes about his contribution to his basketball team. After basketball, gets involved in bowling and other sports. Misaka meets his wife in Salt Lake in 1947 and…
Maya Miyamoto narrates photographs from the occupation of Japan. The pictures range from baseball games, family, relatives, friends, Japanese nationalist's daily life, and pets.
Maya also shares how he met his wife at Poston. His grandson,…
Mori discusses when his Father passes away and going to the assembly center. Mori recalls artillery fire and advancing the Gothic Line. Post-war, Mori gets married and has children. He talks about his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He has a…
Mori continues to talk about Dachau Concentration Camp. He describes how he reunited with a man he meet near Dachau. He discusses the Lost Battalion. Mori talks about marching into Germany towards the end of World War Two. He explains how he was…
Kiyoji "Jonah" Morimoto discusses he would not do anything different in his battle field experiences. He got along well with the other officers and his rank during the war is Tech Sargent. In his company, the Platoon Sargent gets injured and…
Before going overseas, the three Morishita brothers, Kenzo, Leo, and Yutaka receives a good luck charm from their mother. After his tour, Leo receives a ribbon for being in the European Theater and a good conduct medal for his service. At the end of…
Murakami discuesses being discharge and going to the University of Utah. First job as government agency and also helps his family restaurant. Later he goes to Japan and gets employment as a civil service employee. He recalls meeting his wife in Japan…
Murakami discusses his grandchildren and the Japanese American Community. Murakami is on the board of the Japanese American Citizen League for a year and the Japanese American Veteran Association for six years. Currently Murakami is involve with…
James Murata described his war experience as embittered and prideful. He discusses the consequences of human beings’ actions. He believed the Nisei served their country with loyalty and honor during World War Two. James does not think about…
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their duties during the Champagne Campaign. After the Champagne Campaign, Clarence is in Germany and works at a train station with the…
Post-war, Ken Nihei and five other 442nd men escorted 400 German POWs to Rosenheim, Germany. Ken was in Italy for a year and eight months before going home.
In August 1946, Ken returned to the United States, and he took a short road trip to San…
Ken Nihei discussed the poem If by Rudyard Kipling and how it applies to life.
Ken recalls his wife Masuko and life with their children, Westley Paul and Judith Ann. Ken hopes his children to live a good life and enjoy every moment.
In this video clip, Victor Nishijima talks about his experience with racial discrimination. He also shares a message to future generations about his story and the importance of the stories of other Nisei veterans.
Hiro Nishimura reflects on Japanese American redress and the contributions of Nisei soldiers during World War II. He also shares some photographs from his military service.
Oba discusses more about losing friends and dealing with it. He details about his life after the army and veteran organizations. Oba also discusses the importance of telling the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Oba discusses the importance of medals and the story behind some of the Medal of Honor recipients. He details about some of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the European Theatre. Oba also discusses the 100th Infantry Battalion, to first day of…
Ohta discusses about his experiences in France. He details about Germany's surrender and his experiences in Switzerland. Ohta also discusses the the legacy of the 442nd and Nisei veterans.
Sukeo "Skeets" Oji returned to the United States and was assigned to Engineer Section, Headquarters, 6th Army, Presidio, Monterey. In 1954, he was reassigned to Japan as the liaison officer between the Ministry of Construction and the US Army Forces…
Sukeo “Skeets” Oji worked for 42 years in the military and federal civil service. His hard work was due to his parent's upbringing. Skeets' mother was a picture bride who immigrated to the United States. She gave birth to eight children and raised…
Enro Okada discusses being on the hospital ship and learning that the European war ends. In California, Okada receives treatment at the VA hospital. Okada receives the Purple Heart . He gets married in July 1945 after being discharge from the…
Okada discusses Honolulu Hank his wrestling identity and his wrestling matches. He recalls in Arizona wrestling under a different name. After wrestling, Okada decides to go into the bakery business. He shares advice for the future joining the…
T. Ono talks about the locals he, and other Nisei soldiers, befriended while stationed at Camp McCoy. He also discusses a confidential military project, Camp Island Project, that he and other Nisei soldiers participated in. In addition he shares…
Ozaki discusses his travels and experiences in Europe immediately following the war. He talks about getting married and his children. Ozaki explains his career choices and how he tries to promote Japanese American history. He also discusses how he…
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…
During the Occupation of Japan, Isamu "Sam" Saito got an opportunity to travel around Japan. He recalls visiting Osaka, and the locals have their dialect. Luckily, his cousin from Yokohama helps translate for him.
Joe Saito discusses Japanese traditions and Japanese being able to receive citizenship in 1952. Post-war he meets his wife at a YMCA dance and marries her in 1947. They have three children and grandchildren. Saito gets involve in civic work after his…
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…
Seichi Sakaida discusses his leaders and squad members. He is in basic training for almost a year before deployment overseas. He lands in Naples, Italy. Seichi is in K Company and the mortar pool unit. His duty is to support the infantrymen.…
Sakato gives more details about Hill 617 and being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Sakato discusses his life after leaving the army. He also discusses the aspect of discrimination.
Sakato discusses how he explains his war experiences to his daughter. He also details about what is was like being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Sakato gives some worlds of wisdom and explains a number of photographs.
Mr. Sako discusses his returning to the U.S. from service in Japan and discusses his college career and profession. Mr. Sako goes on to discuss his family including first and second wives, daughters, and grandchildren. Concluding the video. Mr. Sako…
After the occupation of Japan, Hitoshi G. Sameshima stays for several more years. He sees the reconstruction of Japan and describes the progress. Hitoshi says General MacArthur and the US military plays a big part in the rebuilding after the war.…
Post-war, Hitoshi G. Sameshima is active in the community giving back to others. He discusses how he gets in evolved with the Japanese American National Museum (JANM).
Thanks to the Nisei contribution to World War Two, future generations will…
