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,…
Don Seki talks about his life after the war. His parents, who were living in Japan during the war, were unaware of his service in the U.S. Army. After his civil service in Japan, he moved to Los Angeles to work for the U.S. Navy at Terminal Island.…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori gives a brief introduction of himself and his familial background. In addition, James recounts growing up in Pasadena, California and he recollects the segregation system that was in place at the…
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 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 discusses the end of the war, as well as the emotional and psychological implications of his internment experience. He goes on to recount his visit to Japan, his legacy and gives details regarding his family post-war. Paul's daughter, Ilene…
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.
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.
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 video clip, Mas Takahasha talks about his childhood growing up in a Salvation Army Orphanage Home in San Francisco after his mother died. He describes his travels around Europe while on pass during the war. He talks about meeting his wife,…
Oka discusses more about his experiences in Occupied Japan. He details about his family and how he ended up in Ohio. Oka also discusses about the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV), Aikido, and his name and citizenship.
After being discharged from the 1399 Engineer Construction Battalion, Thomas Takemoto was hired as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service. He talks about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He believes that future generations should have…
After moving to East Los Angeles, Toshiko Hattori took care of her mother-in-law, and later, her husband, who had developed lung cancer. Her husband passed away from his illness, leaving her a widow. She developed osteoarthritis which made it…
Kazuo Yamaguchi talks about his cousin's military service in the Imperial Japanese Army during the war. He describes his journey home, after receiving news of his father's death. When he returned home, he received a Bachelor's degree and started his…
Jack Sameshima talks more about his children and how he pushed them to receive a college education. While working for the Army, he also worked at a local grocery store and was a bartender at a country club. He talks briefly about the Red Ball Express…
In this final part of the interview, Mr. Kuniyoshi talks about his daughters and grandchildren. He discusses values passed on by his parents and helping work in the family's jewelry store when he came back from Europe. Mr. Kuniyoshi also discusses…
In the final part of his interview, Mr. Mac Nagata describes the point system and his furlough, being discharged, and his life after the Army. This includes farming, becoming a machine operator until his retirement, meeting and marrying his wife, and…
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.
Narasaki continues his interview by sharing the first time he used his rifle in combat, and the conditions the soldiers endured. He also recounts hearing about the end of the war and earning enough points to return home. Finally, Narasaki tells us…
In the second part of his oral history interview, Samuel Harano recounts the constant skirmishes with the Japanese as they moved through the Burma jungle and interrogating prisoners. In particular, he goes into the importance of translating captured…
Mita discusses the medals he received and the paratrooper training he went through. He reflects on joining the Military Intelligence Service and his experience during the Pacific Theatre. Mita also discusses raising his family.
Yoshii talks about the celebrities that visited injured soldiers in his hospital during the war. He continues to discuss his recovery time in the hospital. Yoshii describes how he reunited with his family and settled into the Bay Area. He explains…
Ohama describes a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR); discusses the duties of an interrogator; talks about the end of the war and getting sent to Japan; and discusses the goals of an interpreter. He then talks about his experiences in Japan including his…
Teruya discusses returning home; getting discharged; and seeing his family again. He then talks about meeting his wife; discusses his children and grandchildren; and talks about receiving the Bronze Star. Next, Sakai discusses his post-war…
Kurahara continues to talk about his combat experiences while in the Apennine Mountains. He explains how he was injured while in this mountain range. He also explains how he reconnected with his unit after he was infirmed. He discusses other brief…
Sakaji discusses his experiences at the end of the war taking POWs from Wisconsin back to Japan. He then talks about his translation and interpreting assignment in Japan working for motor pool; discusses his relatives in Japan; and talks about his…
Edward Kanaya shares the advice his father gave to him before he volunteered. He talks about his good luck charms. He discusses local musicians. He describes teaching in his retirement. He talks about working for the Honolulu Symphony. He describes…
Teraoka discusses the rescue of the Lost Battalion and thoughts about the 100th; the good luck charm he carried while overseas; and the Champagne Campaign. He also talks about working as a dentist in Leghorn, returning to Hawaii after the war, and…
Peterson discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign; talks about the reputation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Division; and discusses returning to the United States because of his parents' car accident. He then…
Sachio Takata recollects his time at basic training at Camp Blanding training to be a replacement for the 442nd. He made a few friends in the Army. However, if you were not in the same company or platoon, it was harder to build a relationship. Sachio…
Tsuneo spends some time recalling his wedding and family life as well as his professional life after the war. He was a bus coordinator in Hilo after returning to Helco (Hilo Electric Light Company). He recalls the 1946 tsunami in Hilo and the ensuing…
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 continues to describe his visits with the families of fallen soldiers. He lists the advantages of being in the military. He talks about his medals and awards. He discusses his children and his marriage. He describes his sibling's…
Kodama talks about farming in Northren California and Southern California. He shares his experiences with discrimination. He describes the demographics of Lompoc, California. He shares the knowledge of his children concerning the contributions of…
Espineda talks about his marriage. He talks about his children and grandchildren. He describes the changes that he has seen in Stockton, California over time. He discusses the legacy of the Nisei. Espineda shares his advice for veterans considering…
Muto discusses his journey returning to the United States, getting discharged, and getting married. He then talks about his children, attending reunions, and discusses the reasons why he volunteered for the Army. He then talks about the living…
Ikeguchi discusses the work done by the Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) and double agents; talks about his assignment during the Vietnam War; and discusses attending Counter-insurgency school and Vietnamese language school. He then talks about…
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…
Ikuta talks about his funniest wartime experience at Camp Savage, as well as his worst wartime memory of being taken into protective custody. He then talks about Army friendships; his experiences at the end of the war; returning to the United States…
Kimura discusses meeting his wife while living in Japan as a soldier and then marrying her as a civilian. Next, he talks about becoming a civilian translator, working for double the pay after being discharged from the Army. He would return to the…
Giovanna shares thoughts and experiences regarding her marriage, child rearing, and her own values. She talks about cultural differences between Italy, America, and Japan. She also reflects on: her childrens' lives, widowhood, and intercultural…
Endo discusses getting married, honeymoon, and his post war life. He details more about some of his experiences in post-war Japan. Endo also discusses about the legacy of the Nisei generation and shows some photographs.
Iwamoto discusses his experiences as a commanding officer in Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC), as well as his experiences attending college and working after returning to the United States. He then talks about meeting his wife; getting recalled for…
Asahina talks about her experiences at Tulare temporary detention facility including the living conditions; and describing the guards and guard towers. She then talks about her father's thoughts regarding the war; her experiences at Gila River…
Asahina talks about her husband's participation in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and provides some of her thoughts regarding the importance of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd. She then talks about her husband's friendships with other…
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…
Takata revisits the death of his sergeant. He talks about returning home to California. He discusses using veterans benefits to adjust to normal life. Takata talks about his produce stand. He also explains how he met his wife. He reveals what he has…
Muramoto talks about his various jobs including working on lunar mapping as a cartographer, and working for an orthodontist. He then talks about joining the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW), attending E Company reunions, and discusses his wife and…
Kagawa discusses the Lost Battalion rescue, talks about his friends who were involved in a flag bearer ceremony in France, and discusses the end of the war including his duties guarding a bridge and processing German POWs. He then talks about going…
Kagawa talks about a Japanese American architect he worked with, and discusses his experiences as an architect in Detroit. He then talks about his involvement in veterans organizations including being president of an Anti-Tank Company chapter and…
Matsuda continues to talk about his relationships with Hawaiian soldiers. He also continues to discuss Bruyeres-Biffontaine. He talks about returning to the United States. He describes his experiences with discrimination after World War Two. He…
James Iso talks about his children, highlights about his military service during the occupation of Japan and the Korean War. He describes his role in "Project American" and about his time spent in Vietnam.
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,
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…
Yamanaka discusses meeting his wife; his children; his involvement with veterans associations and reunion with E Company members of 442nd; and his wife's employment. Lastly, Yamanaka provides a message to future generations, and discusses some of…
Akira Otani continues to talk about his marriage. He talks about working with his father in their wholesale business. He discusses his children. He lists his wife's employment ventures. He talks about his family's wholesale business. Otani leaves a…
Kono discusses his post-war career working for the Dole Company, the East-West Center, his work on a project regarding the centennial of Japanese immigration to Hawaii, and some of his other employment opportunities. He then talks about some of his…
Ariyoshi discusses his transition to business consulting after completing his term as governor of Hawaii, as well some of the other positions he held in various industries. He then talks about meeting his wife, and discusses his children and their…
Sakaji talks about receiving a Presidential Unit Citation; discusses getting discharged and returning home; and talks about seeing friends in Chicago while on route to California. Next, Sakaji discusses his brother’s military service and sister’s…
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…
Watada discusses how the aerial tactics is helpful in clearing the grounds for the United States soldiers to advance forward in combat. Whereas the German soldiers did not have planes to assist them.
Matsuura talks about his trench foot condition, his experiences after rejoining the 442nd in Italy, getting discharged; and reenlisting and going to Japan. He then talks about his assignment in Japan in technical intelligence, and discusses his…
Sam Sakamoto describes his journey to Europe and landing in Naples, Italy. He talks about the 442nd Combat Regimental Team. He explains his relationship with Hawaiian soldiers. Sakamoto discusses the end of the World War Two and his journey back to…
Konno talks about his experiences in England; eating rice growing up and while overseas; and post-war employment. He also talks about meeting his wife while at Heart Mountain incarceration camp, discusses his children, and provides some thoughts…
Kitada talks about getting discharged, his post-war employment as a gardener, and discusses his children and grandchildren. He then talks about the differences between pre-war and present day segregation, discusses his thoughts regarding the 442nd…
Shiosaki discusses his wife including talking about how they met, her employment, and her personality. He then talks about trying to find a job; talks about his most interesting job; and discusses his children. Next, Shiosaki talks about the legacy…
Yamada talks about his experiences with the Women’s Army Corps (WACS) at Fort Snelling, discusses visiting [Minidoka] incarceration camp, and talks about his assignments at Fort Snelling as a clerk. He then talks about his troop train assignment,…
Mukai describes his furlough in Washington. He lists his military decorations. He talks about changes in his hometown. He discuses returning to active duty as a driver. He describes his final military post as a cook for the Presidio Monterey. He…
Minata continues to talk about his leave in Europe. He talks about the 442nd Regimental Combat team's sports league. He describes the end of World War Two and his journey home. He discusses his return to college and subsequent career as a…
Hanamura recites a poem he learned in school, discusses how he would like to be remembered, talks about his friendships with other veterans, and discusses meeting his wife. Lastly, Hanamura talks about his children, discusses the differences between…
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.
Noguchi discusses the deaths of his parents and first wife; and talks about how he met his current wife. He then talks about his involvement with veteran organizations such as the American Legion Nisei Post and MIS club; and tells a story regarding…
Yamate explains how he returned to civilian life. He talks about making a home in Chula Vista, California. He continues to discuss his wife. He talks about the Nisei Memorial and citizenship rights for Japanese Americans. Yamate explains how he met…
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…
Tsukazaki describes post-war Japan including talking about visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He then talks about the head of the Varsity Victory Volunteers(VVV) who helped raise scholarship money in Hawaii, his thoughts regarding the attack on Pearl…
Takano discusses meeting his wife; talks about his overseas assignment in Korea; discusses the Korean Army; and talks about his assignments in New Mexico and Vietnam. He then talks about being a teacher at Fort Lee; returning to Hawaii; and discusses…
Teraoka discusses becoming a replacement for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, his assignment in Italy, witnessing a soldier’s death, and discusses his experiences during the Po Valley campaign. He then talks about the war ending while he was in…
Ken Tamura discusses his watch store and sharing his war experience with his customers who will listen. Ken recollects one customer who will not acknowledge the contribution of the Nisei during World War Two.
Saiki continues to describe the post-war living conditions in Japan. He talks about his wife. He discusses his work for a market in Hawaii. He explains how his military background helped him in other aspects of his life. He discusses his journey back…
Muramaru talks about his friends he met during the war; and discusses his wife, children and grandchildren. He then talks about his wife’s experiences with work and discrimination, getting remarried, and his cooking hobby. Lastly, Muramaru provides…
Saiki relays some of the hardships he faced while in battle. He also talks about his life after the war ended up in Europe. Shares details about domestic life post-war.
Ota discusses his wife and her occupation; and their children. He then talks about the units he was assigned to while in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and 100th Infantry Battalion, and concludes by providing a message to his children and future…
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…
Kimura discusses his best and worst war experiences and talks about the camaraderie among soldiers. He then talks about his post-war life including going back to school for photography in Los Angeles and returning to Hawaii where he had a photography…
Masao Sato continues to talk about his employment at a Naval base. He talks about the end of World War II. He reveals the discrimination that Japanese Americans faced after the war. He describes the rest of his career. Sato talks about getting…
Yamaki discusses about his impressions of Southern Italy. He details about meeting his wife, children, and grandchildren. Yamaki also discussing the community clubhouse and the treatment as a replacement.
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.…
Nakamura talks about his children and grandchildren, including discussing his children's schooling and occupations. He then talks about how his efforts as part of the 100th Infantry Battalion have helped future generations of Japanese Americans, and…
Nagaki talks about his company’s commander- Captain Keegan, returning home and working on a farm with his brothers, and discusses receiving badges and medals such as the Combat Infantryman Badge. He then talks about how he met his wife, and discusses…
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…
Koyama talks about transporting prisoners. He talks about the types of injuries he saw, including million dollar wounds. He discusses the end of World War Two. He explains how he communicated with his family while he was overseas. He briefly talks…
Mitsunaga discusses his post-war life. He reflects on his overall war experiences and awards he received. He also talks about his family life and career after the war; and talks about his children's lives.
Iwasaki discusses the end of his military service and his post-war life. He also talks about spouse and children. He shares anecdotes regarding: time in Europe, courtship with spouse, and Nisei veterans' legacy.
Yamane continues to reflect on his war service. He talks about his son's service. He discusses his wife's first marriage. He describes his children and grandchildren. He shares his best experiences while in the military. He talks about training new…
Ito discusses his thoughts and advice for future generations of Japanese Americans regarding ambition, education, discipline, hard work, health, and medicine. He also talks about his work as a doctor in a private practice and also discusses medical…
