Akira Otani and the interviewers introduce themselves. Otani shares his parent's backstories. He talks about what his father did for work. He describes his father's personality. He discusses Kakaako, Hawaii. He lists his siblings. He describes his…
Turner talks about his time after high school, attending West Point with the referral of a military delegate. After this, he talks about speaking with his father when he came back from the war and the advice that he gave him, that he would have a…
Arakaki's time in Europe would come to an end after the surrender of both the German and Japanese Armies, he would be in Marseille at the time. From there, he would return to Hawaii, and marry a french woman once returned. He would work in a security…
Meyer discusses his family life and growing up in Chicago. He also details aspects about his education. Meyer discusses his experience with discrimination.
Shinbo discusses about his experiences in the Philippines. He details his experiences in post-war Japan. Shinbo also discusses about his life after being discharged.
Shinbo discusses about his family and discusses how he got a job. He details about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and reflects on his military service. Shinbo also discusses about his life after discharge.
Barney Hajiro was born on September 16, 1916. He was the second oldest of his siblings. He grew up on a plantation in Maui, Hawaii, during the Great Depression.
During Barney's school years, he attended first through eighth grade. He did not have…
Kawamoto discusses his parents and siblings. He details about his home life and education. Kawamoto also discusses about his hobbies and what is was like to grow up on California.
Ozaki discusses hearing about Executive Order 9066 and the evacuation of all Japanese from the west coast. Being on the east coast, he never had to deal with an evacuation, but felt sympathy for those who did. Next, he talks about the members of his…
Ozaki talks more about his marriage background and a little bit about the discrimination that he faced from sailors in Florida. Next, he talks about his inherited farmland and his children and grandchildren. After this, he speaks about what it was…
Hada discusses growing up in Hawaii, living on a sugar plantation, and his hobbies. He also talks about his parents, and discusses having to take care of his siblings and help out with household chores after his mother passed away. After high school,…
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…
Senator Daniel Inouye talks about his reaction to being upgraded to receiving the Medal of Honor and his subsequent studies surrounding qualifiers for receiving medals and awards. He notes that recipients of awards are rarely medics. He then talks…
Katagiri discusses communicating using Hawaiian slang [pidgin] for codes; and talks about the messages that were being sent and received. He then talks about some of his duties with the communications section, getting wounded, and his assignment…
Masuoka talks about his experiences at Santa Anita temporary detention facility including reuniting with his girlfriend, living conditions, schools, and working at a hospital. He then talks about his wife's education; traveling to Santa Anita and…
Okubo discusses about his family background and parent's life. He details about Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp monument and outreach program. He details about how the monument came to be and their future plans for the monument.
Don discusses his last duties towards the end of the war are marching and holding positions. Don mentions the dangers of minefields and German Schu-mines. Two weeks after the Gothic Line breaks, he recalls encountering friendly fire and witnessing…
Kodama continues his recollection of his time visiting family in Hiroshima and seeing the devastation of the city a year after the atomic bomb had been dropped. Shortly after this, he had the chance to re-enlist in the Army as a 2nd lieutenant but…
Ogata discusses about his schooling and politics. He details about his experiences in pre-war Japan. Ogata also discusses about his life after high school, the Japanese language, and his family.
Ogata discusses about his experiences in pre-war Japan. He details about the Japanese language and coming home. Ogata also discusses about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath.
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama discusses his family's emigration to the United States, as well as his familial makeup. He also recalls specific events during his adolescence, such as spending time in his father's barbershop,…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls leaving Baltimore for Hawaii, living in a Jewish community, and the discrimination he faced while living there. In addition, Ichiyama discusses The Champagne Campaign, as well as significant…
Nakamura discusses about visiting his family in post-war Japan. He details about going back to college and finding employment. Nakamura also discusses about his children.
Nakasone talks more about the occupation of Japan and the recreational activities such as dancing and the caucasian soldiers that were there. Next, he goes back and talks about his language courses at Fort Snelling, learning kanji and the root…
Nakasone discusses his marriage and how he met her at the University of Minnesota while he was a student and she was a librarian. He talks more about his family and names his grandchildren. Next, he talks about settling in Minnesota and his military…
Nakasone talks more about the movie "Pearl Harbor" and his disappointment in the accuracy of the film. After this, he talks about the military programs that he has been involved with, including one that helps the Navy establish educational programs.…
Frank Hiratsuka is a junior in High School when Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7. Frank and his parents move to Ridley, a safe zone termed by the government.
In Ridley, Frank and his parents work on a peach farm until they receive…
In this segment, Kimura talks about the closeness of his family and how his daughter sacrificed for her sister to have a child. He states the importance of 442nd by describing the privileges the 442nd allowed future Japanese Americans and how rough…
Nishio discusses his schooling experiences in Japan. He details adjusting back to American society and going to college. Nishio also discusses remembering Pearl Harbor and its aftermath.
Nishio discusses about his experiences in post-war japan. He details about his life after occupation. Nishio also discusses about his experiences during the Korean War.
Hirayama discusses about his family. He details about childhood and the values he was taught. Hirayama also discusses about his schooling and growing up in Kauai (Maui), Hawaii.
Murakami discusses his Father, Mother and siblings. Growing up Murakami does not have much communication from his Issei parents about their immigration to the United States. He contributes this upbringing to not facing discrimination or racism.…
Mukai continues to talk about his relationships with his siblings. He describes three childhood near drowning incidents. He describes the demographics of Bostonia, California. He discusses his experiences in high school. He talks about a mentor that…
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…
Azumano discusses his childhood and social activities. He details his experiences with higher education and his post college life. Azumano also discusses being drafted and the aftermath from Pearl Harbor.
Hiraoka discusses about his family and growing up in Hilo, Hawaii. He details about his schooling. Hiraoka also discusses about his childhood and community involvement.
Hiraoka discusses about his families watch store and living in Illinois. He details about his post-war life in Hilo, Hawaii and his marriage. Hiraoka also reflects on his military experiences and gives some closing remarks.
Katagiri discusses what it was like growing up in Portland, Oregon. Katagiri paints a picture of his family life. Katagiri also details what is was like being a Japanese American before and after the events of Pearl Harbor.
Koyama and the interviewers introduce themselves. He describes his hometown Nampa, Idaho. He talks about his father's immigration to the United States. He discusses his father's employment ventures. He describes his family home. He talks about his…
George Matsui grew up in Long Beach, CA, and his parents are farmers. George's father decided to go back to Japan when George was in junior high school. In Japan, George attended Japanese Grade School and learned the Japanese language. When George…
Mukai discusses what activities that served as childhood entertainment. Mukai details about fishing as a child. Mukai also discusses his experiences with education.
Sakato discusses what it was like growing up in California. He details about his education. Sakato also discusses he experiences from when he moved to Arizona.
George Suzuki was drafted and went to Military Intelligence Service Language School. The experience at Fort Snelling was easygoing because he already knew some of the Niseis. Also, his girlfriend lived in St. Paul.
George Aratani begins the interview by detailing his father's vocation in Japan, and then his immigration to the United States where he starts businesses in agriculture. Next, he discusses his mother, and his parents sending him to Japan to learn…
Yoshihara talks about his involvement with the 100th/442nd Veterans Association and discusses the proposal for a monument; duties during his tenure as president of the association; and tells a story regarding the donation of a sculpture and the…
Uchimiya continues his recollection of his war time overseas, beginning with the Lost Battalion campaign. He talks about the process that they took to save the 36th Division and General Dahlquists reaction afterwards. He would also receive a wound…
Miyamoto talks about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team 50th reunion G Company reception; and shares some thoughts regarding the 442nd. He then provides a message to future generations regarding education and ethics; and talks about childhood values he…
Akune describes the life-changing death of his mother, resulting in his move to Japan.He describes how difficult it was to adjust to his new life, but he focused all of his time on his studies in school. His father allowed him to move back to…
Nakabe discusses his friendships with fellow soldiers; talks about combat experiences; and discusses his experiences in Bruyeres. He then talks about his hospital stay after getting wounded; discusses the Maginot Line and guard duty assignment; and…
Tanaka discusses his Nisei Father being born in Hawaii, His father is drafted in 1918 for World War One and when he finishes his basic training, the war has ended. Post-war, his Father works for Sunrise Soda company as a truck driver until his…
Yoshimura discusses starting a gardening and landscaping business with his brother-in-law, being a part of the Norwalk Japanese Community Center, and talks about some of his hobbies. He then talks about values and lessons he learned from his Issei…
Yuki discusses his family and growing up in Los Angeles. He details about religion, schooling, some of the activities he did growing up. Yuki also discusses about high school and working after graduating high school.
During this portion of the interview, Henry Nakada gives details regarding his brother's military experience and most importantly, how his mother dealt with having seven boys serving in the military. Next, Henry offers a great amount of detail…
Kono discusses suicides of civilians on Saipan; and discusses his best wartime memories which included food, and recreational activities. He then talks about seeing his family again and his post-war life in Hawaii; discusses the end of the war; and…
Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura said during his POW camp experience, he had a positive outlook and had something to look forward to at home that helped him survive.
Hershey's wife, Terry, learned he was a POW in 1952 when the government released the…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku introduces himself and begins by talking about his family background and childhood in Hawaii. Kaku also discusses his experiences in school and his community, conveying his memories of Hawaii during that period of time.
Mayeda discusses about his family and his parents immigration. He details about his childhood and life on the farm. Mayeda also discusses about his schooling.
Mayeda discusses about his schooling, childhood home, and community. He details about his childhood, family, and the events prior and after Pearl Harbor. Mayeda also discusses about forced removal and his children.
Yoshimoto discusses his childhood and what it was like growing up in Seattle, Washington. He discusses he experience being drafted into the Army. Yoshimoto also discusses his family.
Matsuda discusses his family, childhood neighborhood and home. He details different aspects of his childhood including schooling, social activities, education, and friends. Matsuda also discusses his life after high school and remembering December 7,…
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…
Doi discusses his wife; talks about education reform and equality in Japan; discusses Monbusho (Ministry of Education); and talks about private universities in Japan. Next, Doi discusses why he almost attended Todai (University of Tokyo); discusses…
Oka discusses what it was like growing up in Watsonville, California. He details about moving to Japan and his experiences while living there. Oka also discusses what it was like upon returning to the United States.
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…
Wilson discusses his amily and childhood. He details about his experiences with veteran organizations. Wilsons also discusses December 7, 1941 and other world events.
Kirhiara discusses about his family and farming. He details about his childhood and educational experiences. Kirhiara also discusses about buying a farm, Pearl Harbor, and its aftermath.
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 part of the interview, James Mitsumori discusses the discrimination that Japanese Americans faced after the war. In addition, he goes on to recount his parent's evacuation experience, as well as his wife's experiences during the war.…
During this portion of the interview, James Mitsumori recalls his time working as a military citations clerk, as well as the qualifications for earning a Congressional Medal of Honor. Next, recalls meeting his wife and he explains why he felt she…
Omatsu discusses about growing up in Hawaii, his family, and their store. He details about his schooling and experiences with discrimination. Omatsu also discusses about his childhood and life after high school graduation.
Yamasaki discusses the adversity he faced during the time after he left the army. He reflects and the mark he left of Japan and vise versa. Yamasaki also discusses explaining democracy in Japan.
Hozaki talks about his induction. He also talks about his wife and children. He discusses his education. He describes his employment before his military service. He talks about his physical exam for his enlistment. He discusses his experiences at…
Yikimura discusses his family and his childhood. He details about religion and his schooling. Yikimura also discusses about his life after high school and recalling December 7, 1941.
Inami discusses his name, date of birth, and parents' prefecture origin. Inami's Father comes to the Untied States for more financial opportunities. He works on a farm and then opens a store. Growing up Inami sends his time helping his parents'…
Mr. Sako discusses his childhood growing up in his home near the copper mill in Arthur, Utah. He describes day to day life and activities, like his mother's cooking, bathing, and childhood games in the nearby hills. Mr. Sako discusses the make-up of…
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…
John Togashi starts the interview by talking about his childhood in Modesto, California, and discusses his parents occupations. Next he talks about the tensions between Japan and the US before Pearl Harbor, and then the attack on Pearl Harbor. Lastly…
Ushijima talks about his education and his mentors. He describes racial tensions in Hawaii. He discusses the values that he got from his parents. He talks about his experiences in Japanese language school. He discusses his involvement in kendo. He…
Kurata discusses his parents and his other family members. He also details what it was like growing up in Lodi, California. Kurata discusses his educational experiences.
Oshiro discusses his childhood and family. He details his employment and remembering December 7, 1941. Oshiro also details about volunteering for service.
Toyota discusses General Dahlquist's leadership and his Second Lieutenant getting killed during the rescue of the Lost Battalion. In the course of wartime, Toyota's regret is that he did not correspond with his family as much as he…
Miho discusses his experiences in Germany and Dachau Concentration Camp. He details about what he believes is the difference between American Concentration Camps and European Concentration Camps. Miho also discusses about his post-war life.
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido begins by recalling his childhood on the family farm, detailing his family members and his household. He moves on to speaking about his education and the importance of education to him and his family. Lastly,…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido speaks about his life and experiences spent after he and his family were "evacuated" from their home. He talks about going to Turlock Assembly Center before moving to Gila River Concentration Camp. Hikido…
Tabata discusses about his family, childhood, and rememberingPearl Harbor and its aftermath. He details about growing up in Lahina (Maui), Hawaii. Tabata also discusses about his schooling
Yamada discusses learning Japanese at a young age, taking Japanese language school, in addition to his regular schooling. He would also visit Japan with his family and see the farming community that his family came from. While back in the United…
Kazuma Taguchi and the interviewers introduce themselves. He talks about his early life in Hawaii. He discusses his education. He describes his work on a plantation. He talks about being drafted. He discusses his time at Schofield Barracks. He lists…
Kazuo Hinatsu begins the interview talking about growing up in Oswego, Oregon, where there were very few Japanese Americans and his family would have a farm. Next, he talks about how his parents came from Japan and settled in Oregon, becoming…
Mr. Yamane discusses his time attending Japanese school in Hawaii, including values and language skills he learned while at the school. Next, Mr. Yamane discusses his time attending English public school in Hawaii and what led him to travel to Japan…
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.
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.
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…
Akune begins with describing his childhood and family. He moved to Japan at the age of ten, after his mother passed away. When he turned fifteen, he returned to the United States to help his father.
Muroshige describes his return to U.S. Mainland after being wounded in battle in Italy, learning about the War's end in the hospital, and gradual reintegration into civilian life. He speaks extensively about the good qualities of his wife and…
Namba discusses his post-war experiences with discrimination in Oregon and talks about a local pastor who showed kindness to Japanese Americans during that time. He then talks about his brother's military experiences including his involvement as part…
Kim Ida Surh begins by discussing her background and her family's background, including her family's time in Mexico, California, and Arizona. She also recounts some memorable childhood stories of her antics with her Uncle Bob before proceeding to…
Kawaguchi discusses about learning of Japan's surrender, his journey to Japan, and his early experiences in Japan. He details about what Tokyo looked like, he experiences in Fukuoka, and his interactions with both Japanese and American citizens.…
