In this segment of the interview Nakawatase is asked about the racial makeup of his neighborhood and different ethnic groups that lived amongst each other. He speaks about the beginning of the war and how it became a concern among the Japanese and…
In this interview, Richard "Dick" Narasaki shares his childhood battle with tuberculosis and the loss of several members of his family to the disease, living with his grandparents in Santa Clara, and attending high school. He also recounts hearing…
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…
Nishibayashi begins the interview with an introduction of his family and how they came from Kumamoto to Hawaii. He would grow up in a plantation village, where he would attend Japanese language school as well as normal english school. He enjoyed…
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…
Nishijima describes the Issei philosophy of "shikata ga nai." He talks about his experiences with racial discrimination. He recalls being forcibly removed from his home in connection with Executive Order 9066.
Nishimoto talks about meeting his wife during his junior year of high school and the activities they used to do for fun. He also talks about going to Japanese language school for a few years, where he would learn discipline and leadership. He would…
Nishioka talks more about growing up in Hawaii and his whereabouts when he first heard about the attacks on Pearl Harbor. At the time, he would be part of both the 4F Club and the Young Buddhist Association (YBA), and would be forced to black out…
In this video clip, Sho Nomoru describes his experience hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He talks about how his life changed once he and his family were relocated to an assembly center, and later, a concentration camp. He explains his…
Oda talks about moving back to the United States, learning English again, and employment opportunities including working at a produce market and becoming an organizer for a union for markets. He also discusses his thoughts regarding the attack on…
Ohama talks about playing sports; and discusses his high school social life, hobbies, food, and socioeconomic status. He then talks about his relationship with his mother; high school graduation; and religion including discussing how Christianity…
Ohta begins the interview with an introduction and talking shortly about his family background, his parents being from Maui. Next, he talks about what it was like to grow up in Hawaii up until the Pearl Harbor attacks. After that, he would join the…
Oishi begins the interview with his family background and moving to Hawaii from Hiroshima. He would grow up in Kona, Hawaii working at the family farm and then for his aunt at her grocery store, all while attending school and Japanese language…
Sukue “Skeets” Oji enrolled at Sacramento Junior College and took flying classes. However, Skeets did not complete his civilian flying classes because he was drafted. Skeet went to Presidio Monterey for his induction and was stationed at Moffett…
Sukeo “Skeets” Oji discusses the rebuilding of Japan. He joined the 553rd engineering construction group to make housing in Sendai. He described the area after the bombing. The individuals who assisted with the rebuilding of Japan were Japanese…
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.…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada describes his time in Hawaii and his memories of the events leading to Pearl Harbor and war breaking out. He recalls seeing Hawaii change greatly after Pearl Harbor before talking about his own decision to…
In this segment, Okamoto continues describing his family's assimilation into the community and the values and teachings learned at church. He also shares the activities and extra-curriculars he was involved in through school and church, as well as…
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…
Oshita talks about the sports she was involved with and the recreational activities during her childhood, where she was intrigued with basketball and swimming and her family would have picnics to "talk stories". She would also correspond with her…
Oshita continues talking about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Although not seeing any direct discrimination, she talks about the FBI taking many of the Japanese and her future husband George deciding to volunteer for the Army. They would get engaged…
Ota talks more about his childhood in Washington and being able to travel around the state playing sports. He would enjoy playing basketball at the YMCA the most and would continue to help his dad working at the hotels they owned. During the summers,…
Ota discusses his thoughts about Pearl Harbor and experiences after including talking about discrimination and restrictions he experienced, and life at Jerome incarceration camp. He then talks about volunteering for the Army, basic training at Camp…
Ota discusses his father and grandparents, including talking about his grandfather working on a citrus farm. He then talks about religion and going to temple, and attending Obon Festivals. When Ota was a child, his family moved to Japan and he talks…
Akira Otani describes his experiences in Japanese language school. He explains why he did so much walking as a child. He shares the values that he received from his parents. He talks about his involvement in sports. He describes memorable teachers.…
Otoshi discusses his high school activities such as his involvement in student government, swimming, and yearbook committee. He then talks about volunteering with the United States Engineering Department digging trenches for the defense system, as…
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…
Oura begins the interview talking about how his family came from Miyagi prefecture to Honolulu, Hawaii. His father came to work at the sugar plantation, where James and his siblings would grow up with very little money and food but surviving…
Oura continues his recollection of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the subtle discriminations that he felt. After this, he decided that he would volunteer for the Army without his parents knowing. However, he was told the quota was filled, but…
Oye discusses the music and dance that she was involved with, traveling all the way down to Long Beach to perform. Next, she talks about her childhood home and the various things she was involved with as a kid, which included such things as skating,…
Ozaki begins the interview with an introduction of his family background, his family coming from Wakayama prefecture in Japan and eventually settling in Eau Gallie, Florida. After this, he talks about his whereabouts when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor…
Peterson discusses his father and his immigration to the United States from Sweden; talks about his mother; discusses speaking Swedish at home; and discusses his childhood including talking about religion, his community, classmates, and his…
Julian Quayles' interview is combined with Ray Wells.
Julian Quayles joins the National Guards during his sophomore year in college. He is a part of Company B, 124th Infantry, 31st Division. Julian does his training at Camp Blanding. He…
Riess begins the interview speaking of the background of his mother and father and the international upbringing that he had. Being born in Thessaloniki, Greece, his family then moved around Europe and the United States until finally settling in…
Mr. Saiki focuses on the period leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack and discusses the period after his family was forced to leave their home. Among the topics discussed are Mr. Saiki earning his degree from UC Berkeley, the discrimination and…
Saiki discusses more about his childhood years, including festivals where the local children would be able to try sumo wrestling and win prizes. He would attend Kauai High School and talks about his whereabouts during the Pearl Harbor attacks. His…
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…
Isamu "Sam" Saito recalls his school years. At school, the students are primarily Japanese Americans. The teachers had a hard time pronouncing the Japanese names. Therefore, many of the Japanese American students used English names for the benefit of…
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…
Sakagami discusses memories from his childhood growing up in Auburn, Washington. He details about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. Sakagami also discusses about his experiences in the Pindale Temporary Detention Facility.
Seichi Sakaida serves with the 442nd in K Company. He is born July 9, 1922, in Ookala, HI. At a young age, his family moves to Molokai, and he grows up on the plantations. Seichi's parents are from Yamaguchi Kan prefecture in Japan and his mother is…
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…
Sakamoto discusses his family and his childhood experiences. He details the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and the affects it had on his family. Sakamoto also discusses he time in the military before being shipped overseas.
Sakamoto continues talking about his time in High School, growing up with very few Japanese Americans and taking an interest in astronomy and gymnastics. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, not believing it at…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
Sano talks about his parents; his father's employment as a general contractor on Maui; and his experiences while briefly living in Japan with his mother. He then talks about his home on Maui and living with his grandparents; attending school; and his…
Susumu "Chick" Sarae is born on August 2, 1923, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents are from Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and they have six children. One child lives in Japan for ten years before reuniting with the family in Hawaii.
Sasai discusses his experiences in English standard school including talking about his classmates and teachers. He then talks about speaking Pidgin English, friendships, and his mother's travels to Japan. Next, Sasai, talks about childhood activities…
Sasano discusses growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii including his experiences in high school and what his neighborhood was like. He then goes on to talk about moving to Los Angeles and becoming a produce clerk, and his photography hobby. Sasano also…
Sato discusses more about his childhood in Hawaii, playing football and track for Baldwin High School. He also talks about impactful people throughout his high school days. Next, he talks about the attacks on Pearl Harbor and how they had to black…
Sato first talks about how he came to get the name Robert and how he and his siblings chose their names during grade school. He also talks about how his parents were able to keep them involved in Japanese culture, including Japanese language school…
Sato begins the interview talking about being born in Stockton, and then moving to Fresno at the age of three. He would grow up in Fresno on a farm, selling vegetables and fishing occasionally, though he did not enjoy it. Next, he talks about his…
Sato discusses religion, school, and recreational activities growing up such as swimming and skiing. He then talks about a close friend; chores on the farm; holidays; and his experiences after he quit high school and worked at a labor camp in…
Tanakatsubo begins the interview talking about his family background and the origin of his name. Growing up in Sacramento, he was exposed to a very diverse population and made for a pretty happy childhood and schooling, including a well-known glee…
Don Seki was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. During his childhood, he loved spending time outdoors, especially going fishing with his friends. He and his family lived in a sugar cane plantation camp, but, before the war,his parents moved back to…
Serikaku begins by discussing his early life living in Libertyville, Hawaii in Oahu (present day Kahaluu). He speaks about his parents background and their thoughts on American loyalty even before Pearl Harbor. Next, he talks about his experiences…
Ray Gerald Shiiki is born January 7, 1927, in Gresham, Oregon. Ray's parents are from Koga, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. They settled in Oregon. He has three sisters and one brother.
Shima begins the interview with an introduction and his family background, coming from Okinawa and moving to the Hawaiian islands. He speaks about growing up in Hawaii and the home that he grew up in. Next, he talks about Pearl Harbor and the after…
Shimomura talks about pre-war Japan including describing an incident involving an officers rebellion in Tokyo; and talking about restrictions and rations. He then talks about attending school in Japan and the Japanese school system; learning about…
Shintaku discusses his Father, Mother, and siblings. His Father is a share cropper for a Danish Family. Due to the Alien Land Law, his father is unable to purchase his own land. Shintaku faces discrimination at school and when he gets older, he takes…
After graduating from high school, Shintani joined the Army, going to basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. It was here that he saw firsthand, the segregation throughout the South. At the same time, he would see fighting between Hawaiian and…
Shiosaki begins the interview giving an introduction of himself and his family and how they came from Japan and ended up in Idaho. His father would work on the railroads and the family would live in railroad housing in Fort Hall and in Blackfoot. He…
Shiosaki discusses familial description and home life. He recalls life in Hawaii during his adolescent years and discrimination. Shiosaki signs up for the military and completes basic training at Camp Shelby. After graduating from basic training,…
Minori Sueda recalls his reaction to Pearl Harbor and joining the military. He also talks about volunteering for the 232nd Combat Engineer Unit, basic training, and additional engineer training at Camp Shelby.
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 continues talking about his experiences during the attacks on Pearl Harbor and afterwards, including facing discrimination and seeing the Varsity Victory Volunteers at the University of Hawaii. Hearing about the 100th/442nd forming, Suehiro…
Suehiro discusses reasons for joining the Army and how he felt that it was the right thing to do when called for. He also talks about the legacy of the Nisei soldiers and how much of a brotherhood they became because of the hardships of war. He…
Sugamura talks about moving to Japan pre-war with her family and her experiences there such as traveling by ship to get there, speaking Japanese, culture, her experiences in Tokyo, and discussing Japanese people. She then continues to talk about her…
Robert Sugimoto's family moved to Watsonville, CA, after a death in the family. He graduates high school in 1938 and continues farming. He discusses social activities and dating in Watsonville. In 1941, Robert receives his draft notice into the…
Tadayoshi "Tad" Sugiyama is originally from San Francisco City, few blocks away from Japan Town. Tadayoshi's Issei parents come to the United States in the early 1900s and work at Tadayoshi's grandfather's restaurant in San Francisco, California.…
Surh begins the interview by discussing her visit to Jerome to see her best friend Nish and her family. She expresses confusion and disappointment at the fact that the U.S. government would incarcerate its own citizens. Surh also talks about the…
Taba begins the interview talking about his family background and his parents coming over to Hawaii from Okinawa. Growing up in Hawaii, he was able to attend Japanese language school and have a close family relationship, including a handful of…
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…
Takabayashi discusses more about farm life. He details about the aftermath from Pearl Harbor. Takabayashi also discusses volunteering for the army and his experiences at Camp Shelby.
Takahashi discusses his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor; as he was already in the Army, he would get the news at Camp San Luis Obispo and commanded to carry live ammunition while in the camp. He would try to become a cook, but was…
Takano discusses his father's personality and physical traits; talks about his father's knowledge of the English language; and discusses values he learned form his parents. He then talks about fishing with his father; his favorite memories of his…
Takao discuss his prefecture origin and familial description. He shares childhood memory, favorite types of movies, and religion. Takao attends Japanese Language School growing up. He works at a cannery during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and…
Takashige continues to talk about working during the Great Depression. Following the pineapple cannery, he would find a job as an elevator boy at Royal Hawaiian Hotel, eventually moving up to a position of bar boy. While working there, he would be…
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…
Takehara begins the interview speaking about his family background and growing up in Maui. During his childhood, he would attend school and Japanese language school, where he would learn kendo and judo. He would attend high school in Maui and then…
Takekawa discusses memorable teachers from his school days, playing sports, and high school activities including becoming class president. He then talks about going to college and studying to become a physical education teacher and his experiences…
Thomas Takemoto describes the Big Five law firms' political control over Hawaii's economy. Before the war, it was difficult for the people of Hawaii to find jobs, especially if they were blackballed by the Big Five. His friend convinced him to attend…
At the University of Hawaii, Thomas Takemoto learned to speak proper English, instead of Pidgin English. During his time in college, he became acquainted with Hung Wai Ching, who was responsible for the creation of the Varsity Victory Volunteers. On…
Takiguchi discusses his parents, siblings, and growing up in Kauai, Hawaii including talking about his friendships while living on a plantation, and recreational activities. He also talks about New Years Eve celebrations, discusses school, and…
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,…
Seiki Tamae gives a broad introduction from being drafted in 1945, the Occupation of Japan and time in South Korea, to his post war life to retirement. Seiki then discusses his family and time in Hawaii, their decision to return to Okinawa in 1940,…
Seiki Tamae describes the attack on Pearl Harbor, his return to high school in Hawaii, and his feelings about his family back in Okinawa. Next Seiki talks about the 442nd and the feelings Hawaiians and Nisei felt about the unit and their battles in…
Tamagawa discusses prefecture origin and family. He shares stories of influential teachers and taking Judo at Japanese Language school. Tamagawa also discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, joining the army, and basic training.
Tamanaha discusses his family and growing up on a pineapple plantation in Hawaii. He describes the community on the plantation and his school. He talks about the summers that he worked on the planation. Tamanaha discusses his family's property in…
Tamashiro discusses about his family and childhood.
He details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Tamahiro also discusses about photography, joining the Army, going to the Mainland, and experiences at Camp Shelby.
The interview with Clarence Yayoi Tamayori is combined with Robert Tokuo Nagata.
Clarence and Robert discuss their employment after graduating high school. Clarence works at a lumber mill and Robert is employed at the Hawaiian cannery. Later,…
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.
Harry Tanaka discusses working in a Libby cannery during the summer time and at the University of Hawaii work for a professor. During High school, Tanaka thought he would pursue a career in engineering but he ends up receiving his degree in history…
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…
Shigenobu Tanaka shares his recollections of his parents, his life growing up on the sugar plantations of Hawaii, school, and his job working as the inventory manager at the Pahala Sugar plantation. He recalls being drafted and going through basic…
