Fukuhara talks about growing up on Twitchell Island in California, his father’s farming occupation, and moving around to different islands as a child. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses school; working on farms; his family’s…
Kishiue discusses his early years in California's King County. He talks about his family background and their experiences evacuating their home during WW2. He also talks about being drafted in the military before the Pearl Harbor attack; and race…
Kishibue talks about his MISLS training at Camp Savage, and how he spent his free time in Minnesota. He talks about basic training experiences at Camp Robinson and his experiences at Makin Island. He also talks about race issues he faced in the…
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…
Teragawa begins the interview speaking about his family background and early childhood, where he moved to Japan at the age of four with his brother to get a Japanese education. Next, he speaks about moving back to the United States to work at his…
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…
Peter Fukasawa discusses on the day of Peal Harbor's attack. He learns about the news when he returns back from fishing . After Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 is announced for the evacuation of Japanese Americans. Fukasawa's parents are…
Yasukochi talks about the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the effects it had on his family. His father would be taken by the FBI along with his brother and put into prisons for a few days, while his mother and other siblings were taken to Poston…
Matsui talks about his whereabouts when he first head of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing it on the radio and getting drafted into the Army at Fort Lewis. He would attend basic training at Camp Robinson, where he would immediately get friendly…
Nobuo "Nob" Yamashita is born September 28, 1920, in Los Angeles, CA. Nob and his family worked on the farm before starting a fresh produce business in Bell.
In 1938, Nob graduates high school. When his younger brother Ace graduates high school a…
Kimoto discusses his experience with Japanese Language School. Kimoto details about finding out about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He also discusses about his experiences with the Kibei.
Akita continues to explain what life was like on a sugar plantation. He talks about his plans after high school. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He shares his experiences with discrimination after the attack. Akita…
Miyake talks about his wife. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He briefly talks about his military service. He discusses the forced removal of Japanese Americans. Miyake explains how he corresponded with his family while he…
Douglas Kodama begins the interview with an introduction of his family and what it was like growing up in Maui. During his freshmen year of high school, the attacks on Pearl Harbor occurred and though he didn't see much discrimination, he did feel…
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…
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…
Yoshino begins the interview with his family background, being raised by his grandparents on Maui. Growing up on a plantation, he was quite the rascal, and would get into a lot of fights as a child, so he was taken in by the local boxing community…
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,…
Kawagoye begins the interview talking about his family and how they immigrated from Kagoshima to Los Angeles. It was in Santa Monica that his father would first open a restaurant, followed by becoming a gardener in the West LA area. Mitsunori would…
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.
To begin the interview, Matsunaga speaks about his family background, which included his father, mother and eight siblings. Growing up in Hawaii, he would go to school until 9th grade, at which time, the family purchased the dairy farm they were…
Ida talks more about his high school education at Mid-Pacific Institute in Hawaii, where he would play tennis and baseball. After graduation, he would work for the St. Louis Club until the attacks on Pearl Harbor occurred. He talks about seeing…
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…
Kawakami begins the interview speaking about how he got the nickname "Joe" and his family background as his father was from Kumamoto and his mother was born in Hilo. He would attend school and grow up playing a lot of sports until the Pearl Harbor…
Kosaki begins the interview speaking about his childhood and schooling in Hawaii, attending Japanese language school in Waikiki. Next, he jumps into his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. After spending some time at the University of…
Uchimiya beings the interview with a brief introduction of his family and how they came to El Centro, California. There, he would begin his schooling, while working on the farm. His family would enjoy camping and taking month-long trips to San Diego.…
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…
Watanabe discusses his father's immigration from Japan to the United States and his work at a plantation in Hawaii. He then talks about his mother; discusses attending Japanese language school; discusses Japanese dialects; talks about attending…
Kvamme discusses about his childhood and growing up. He details about Pearl Harbor, being drafted, and studying language. Kvamme also discusses about being sent to Tokyo and his experiences and duties while there.
Following his time in occupied Japan, Uyeda was discharged from the Army and from there, he began schooling at MIT. Uyeda discusses the reform of Japan and the implementation of democracy by the United States. Next, he speaks about the discrimination…
Fukushima discusses his experiences working on a farm; talks about his gymnastics hobby; discusses his childhood friendships; and talks about some of his childhood recreational activities such as his participation in Young Buddhist Association (YBA),…
Aki begins the interview talking about his family, both of his parents were Nisei and had decided to settle in Kauai, his father being a politician, while his mother was a schoolteacher. As a child, he would grow up liking geography, while his…
Aki talks about getting to Wake Island, going on a boat and arriving to a small island, where there was nothing but Marines, some Navy and Pan-American Airlines. He would end up working in the mess hall, while the construction workers would help to…
Mr. Inashima discusses his early life growing up in Seattle, Washington, describing the Japanese neighborhood he grew up in and the culture he was surrounded with. During childhood, Mr. Inashima attended Japanese language school and following his…
Tommy Masakazu Mayekawa is born on April 22, 1921, in Hawthorne, CA. Tommy's parents are from Mie-ken, Japan. When Tommy's father immigrates to the United States, he works on the railroads and truck farming.
Miya discusses hearing about Pearl Harbor on the radio on December 7, 1941. During this time, Miya is 18 years old attending Senior year of High School. He did not feel racism or prejudices from his classmates. However, he does experiences racism…
Masato Eddy Kurushima and his family go to Japan for a few years. During his time in Japan, he sees the country militarizing. After a year of recovery, Eddy's father decides to return to the United States earlier. After living in the United States,…
Minamide discusses his favorite baseball player. Another sport Minamide is involved in is Judo. He practice Judo for six years and is part of a Judo Team. He recalls going to Judo Tournaments and matches in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
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…
Kitagawa talks about his life after high school, graduating and then working on the farm. During this time, two of his brothers would be drafted into the Army, one being part of the 45th Infantry and the other in the 442nd Regiment. Next, he talks…
Mukai discusses his family and what it was like growing up in Hakalau. He also details about the food he ate and the values he was taught while growing up. Mukai discusses the impact that playing sports had on his life. He relates a story of his…
Don Miyada is born on May 21, 1925, in Oceanside, California. Don's parents are Raiju Miyada and Masu Miyada, who both emigrated to the United States from Japan. Don shares his childhood memories working on the farm, school, holiday, and morals and…
Charles "Charley" Toyoji Ijima is born on January 8, 1925, in Makaweli, Kauai, Hawaii. His family lives on a sugar cane plantation. His parents are from Niigata Prefecture of Japan. Charley's father, Shozo Ijima, comes to Hawaii by himself first.…
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…
Togami begins the interview with a brief introduction and talking about his family background. His father came over from Japan and went to Colorado to farm, and after having an arranged marriage, would settle down in New Mexico. Togami talks about…
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…
Masuda talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He describes his journey to Arkansas. He explains a negative experience he had while on guard duty. He briefly discusses a protest march that his unit conducted. He describes his…
Thomas Ukichi Wozumi is born July 24, 1918, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father Utaro Wozumi, and mother, Otsuru Yamamoto Wozumi are Issei from Japan. He has two older siblings, Mildred and James.
Uratsu discusses about his upbringing, the values instilled in him, and religion. He details about his siblings, morality, and his high school experiences. Uratsu also discusses about December 7, 1941.
Urastsu discusses about discrimination, gives he thoughts about Pearl Harbor, and gives a positive takeaway from World War Two. He details about he joined the army. Uratsu also discusses about his experiences at Fort Snelling and his voyage to the…
Yoshioka talks about religion and attending Buddhist church, discusses his sister’s name, experiences with discrimination post-war, and his whereabouts during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He then talks about the reasons why he volunteered for the…
Kurata discusses the difference between Rural Nisei and Urban Nisei. He details trying to volunteer for the army. Kurata discusses being forced removed and his journey to Rohwer.
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…
William Yoshito Thompson is a World War Two veteran who volunteered for the 442nd (Head Quarters 2nd Battalion). He is born March 15, 1924, in Hilo, Hawaii. His father is from Scotland, Ireland, and moved to Hawaii. He remains a British subject and…
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.
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…
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.
Miyamoto continues his recollection of growing up on Hilo, where his pidgin English was heavy and his normal English was inconsistent. After graduation from high school, he and his family would move to Kalihi on Oahu. It was there that he would see…
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,…
Hagiwara continues talking about his experience in the National Guard and the times leading up to Pearl Harbor, as they worried more about Russia invading than Japan. Next, he talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, hearing…
Yoroku Ito is born on January 31, 1922, in Puunene, an island of Maui. Yoroku and his family live in camp five on a sugar plantation. The house is comfortable for five children and two adults. Yoroku explains the camps are segregated and sectioned by…
Mr. Tsubota discusses his memories of the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and describes his subsequent assignments with 160th Infantry Division. He was eventually transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas and talks about his experience serving as an…
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 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…
After graduating from Manual Arts High School, Shigeru Iba helps with his Father's nursery business. In March of 1941, Shigeru is drafted into the Army. Springtime is the busiest time for the nursery business. Therefore, he requests a deferment for…
Tochihara discusses his whereabouts when first hearing of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had dropped out of high school, he was working and he would continue working until the very last second when he would be forced to leave to Puyallup assembly…
Tokushige tells a story regarding turtle soup he had in Minnesota; discusses his job with a printing company including talking about his co-workers; discuses trying to quit smoking; and talks about getting drafted. He then talks about going to…
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.…
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…
Fujikawa talks more about growing up in Los Angeles, specifically about the time that he spent in the Japanese language school. In regular school, he would take an interest in sciences, such as botany and would face some discrimination throughout his…
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 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,…
During Paul Takao Bannai's school years in Utah, and Colorado there are no Japanese American students. Paul's friends are mainly white. When he moves to Los Angeles, CA, his friends are more diverse, and he meets other Japanese Americans. Paul…
When Paul Takao Bannai hears the news of Pearl Harbor on December 7, his reaction is to help and defend the United States. Paul's parents support him and encourage him to defend America. By joining the 442nd and serving with the Military…
Tsuda begins the interview with a brief introduction of himself and his parents. After this, he talks about what it was like to grow up in Honolulu, living in Haleiwa on a pineapple cannery. He would enjoy attending Japanese language school and would…
Ikeda discusses how he got his nickname; and talks about his parents and growing up on a farm in Clovis, California. He then talks about playing softball, high school, attending Japanese language school, and religion. Lastly, Ikeda recalls being at…
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,…
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,…
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…
Inouye continues to describe what he did during his leisure time when he was a child. He talks about his childhood aspirations and his chores. Inouye discusses Japanese cultural values. and the lead up to World War Two. He describes the Attack on…
Kubota discusses his prefecture origin and his Issei parents coming to Hawaii from Japan. Kubota's Father is contact to work in Hawaii for a few months but ends up staying longer to pay off his Brother's debt. Kubota recalls his childhood and his…
Kubota discusses harvesting pineapples and working at a bakery after high school graduation. On December 7, 1941 Kubota is teaching Sunday School when Pearl Harbor is bombed. He recalls the black armbands and combat troop recruitment. Kubota passes…
Kubo talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, coming home from work and soon after, reporting to the draft board for induction. He would join the Army, and begin learning the general orders, heading to Camp Robinson in Arkansas…
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…
Inouye discusses his experiences applying to graduate school; and talks about taking a French language course while at Meiji University, and taking summer courses at UC Berkeley. He then talks about his father's death; returning to the United States…
Iwataki talks about his childhood including discussing his neighborhood, attending school, friendships, experiences with discrimination, playing sports, and influential teachers. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses his…
Tsuji discusses his family and background. He gives in depth descriptions and memories of his mother, father and 8 siblings. Next, he speaks about attending Japanese language school and the end of his classes, punctuated by the Pearl Harbor…
Tsuji begins by talking about the New Years traditional film he would watch portraying the 47 Ronin. Next, he begins an in depth recollection of Pearl Harbor, from listening in on the radio to seeing the fire ball and smoke from a distance. He…
Wilson discusses his amily and childhood. He details about his experiences with veteran organizations. Wilsons also discusses December 7, 1941 and other world events.
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…
Ray Wells's interview is combined with Julian Quayles
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 describes…
Shigeo Iwamasa is born November 12, 1923, in Waihee-Waiehu, Maui. Shigeo's father is an Issei from Yamaguchi Prefecture Japan, and his mother is from Hilo, Hawaii. Shigeo has five brothers and a sister.
Leo Morishita is born December 24, 1923, in Shelley, Idaho. Leo's parents are from Hiroshima, Japan, and immigrates to the United States for a better life. When Leo's father arrives in the United States, he works on the railroad and later becomes a…
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.…
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.…
Kimura would graduate from high school at the young age of 16 and would move out on his own to Waimea in Kauai. He would continue playing baseball and football, but would also work as a carpenter. Next, while practicing for an upcoming baseball game,…
Yoshiro "Yosh" Tokiwa is born on April 29, 1925, in Pismo, California. Yoshiro's Issei parents are from Japan. In Salinas, CA, his father is an independent farmer. Yoshiro has four siblings, three brothers, and a sister.
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…
