Kawaguchi discusses his childhood growing up in San Francisco, California, including talking about going to school, his hobbies, religion and his involvement with the church, and going to Japanese school. He also recalls a story regarding the…
Kazumura talks about his parents' immigration; his father's employment as a cook and horse jockey; and his father's experiences with discrimination. He then talks about his parents' physical traits and personalities; describes Pidgin English;…
Kazumura discusses the reasons for changing his name; his employment at Pearl Harbor including his duties as a heavy equipment mechanic; and discusses his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor which included describing the airplanes he saw…
Kazumura talks about his hosptial visit after he drank gasoline by accident; discusses getting new boots; talks about his Army friendships; talks about how he helped save a wounded soldier; and discusses his combat experiences at Hill 140. Next,…
Kodama discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign and the medals he received. He details about returning back to Hawaii, finding employment, and meeting his wife. Kodama also discusses about what he learned from the war, revisiting…
This interview is with both Lawson Sakai and Paul Teruya. First, Teruya discusses his father including his immigration to Hawaii, and his employment; and talks about his mother's immigration. Next, Sakai talks about his father including his…
Teruya discusses his parents' personalities and physical traits; describes the shoes his mother made for him; talks about working in sugar cane plantation; and discusses his favorite memories of his parents. Teruya then talks about his experiences…
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…
Before going overseas, the three Morishita brothers, Kenzo, Leo, and Yutaka receives a good luck charm from their mother. After his tour, Leo receives a ribbon for being in the European Theater and a good conduct medal for his service. At the end of…
Toda discusses coming home, how he met his wife, and moving back to California. He gives details about his career and family. Toda also gives a message to future generations.
Ogawa discusses about his post-war life and gives a message to future generations. Yuri discusses about she and James met. She also discusses about the importance of Nisei, Manzanar Concentration Camp, and reflects on life experiences.
Hashimoto recalls a story about Sadao "Spud" Munemori, then briefly discusses the Asiatic Campaign, which he was not a part of. He then talks about getting discharged, traveling back to the United States, and moving to Chicago. In Chicago, Hashimoto…
Takiguchi discusses working in a sugar mill after high school, his desire to travel after the war, and his experiences after basic training in Honolulu including describing a close call with a Japanese submarine. He then talks about his experiences…
Takiguchi discusses the Army point system, returning home to Hawaii, and seeing his brother while in Europe. Next, Takiguchi talks about post-war life, going to Chicago for school, his wife and children, and his worst war experiences. Lastly,…
Kanda discusses his father including talking about his employment in railway systems both in Japan and the United States, as well as his father's automobile garage. He then talks about his mother; his childhood home; neighborhood growing up;…
Kanda talks about attending school, and discusses his teachers and some of the classes he took. He then continues to discuss his childhood and talks about recreational activities such as going to the movies and listening to the radio. Next, Kanda…
Kanda discusses Executive Order 9066 and forced removal; and talks about his family's experiences leaving belongings behind. He then talks about his experiences at Santa Anita temporary detention facility including discussing a teacher there, playing…
Kanda talks about John Aiso and his involvement in Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS); discusses the contributions of Japanese Americans to the war effort; and discusses the job he had while he was in Cleveland. He then talks about…
Kanda discusses the G.I. Bill and attending the University of Southern California; discusses an influential professor who helped him while his mother was dying; and talks about his employment at a structural engineering firm. He then talks about his…
Sumida discusses his parents including how they met; their immigration from Japan; and his mother's schooling. He then talks about his childhood growing up in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles; discusses his father's immigration and employment;…
Tsuida discusses family and leaving Poston Concentration Camp to work in Chicago. He details about being drafted, basic training, and his experiences post-war.
Akiyama talks about growing up in the Pacific Northwest and moving as a child to eastern Oregon, Portland, and Seattle. He then talks about his father and his employment as a cook; discusses his favorite dishes his father cooked; and talks about…
Akiyama talks about the differences between [Portland] temporary detention facility and Minidoka incarceration camp including discussing the living conditions at both locations. He then talks about his experiences working on a sugar beet farm in…
Shimizu discusses the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Japan's surrender; getting discharged; and meeting his wife. He then talks about his post-war employment working at a ranch and grocery store; moving to Gardena, California; and…
Ishida discusses traveling to Tanforan temporary detention facility and Topaz Concentration Camp; the security at Tanforan and Topaz; and his experiences at Topaz including living conditions, recreational activities, and Kibei. He then talks about…
Masatatsu "Mas" Yonemura discusses his parents' personality. His Father is a philosophical person who enjoys reading and subscribes to the Rafu Shimpo. His Mother is very stoic and handles the household finances. Growing up in a large family, he…
Masatatsu "Mas" Yonemura discusses being in Japan for occupation from September 1945 to late January 1946. His duties range from meeting with Nisei expatriates; working for war crime trials; and being the eyes and ears for General MacArthur for lines…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
Masato Yamashita and Lloyd Fujitani recall hearing the news about Pearl Harbor on the radio. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, anyone who is a leader of a Japanese Organization is taken away by…
Masato Yamashita's interview is with Lloyd Fujitani.
When the news of the war is over, Masato Yamashita hears that they might go to the Pacific, and soldiers from I Company sign up for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
Yokoyama discusses about his family and childhood. He details about his schooling. Yokoyama also discusses about the values taught to him and living in his hometown.
Muramoto talks about his first combat experiences, discusses a friend who was killed in action; and recalls his combat experiences at Hill 140, Florence, and the Arno River. He then discusses attending reunions, recalls funny stories from when he was…
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…
Fukuzawa discusses about his fondest memory and the people he looked up to. He details about the Gothic Line, the end of the war, and his homecoming. Fukuzawa also discusses about his post-war life, going to college and becoming a teacher.
Kubota discusses meeting his wife and being married for 45 years. Post-war, Kubota and his wife move to California where he finds a job at the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles. He works for teh VA Hospital for 25 years before retiring. Kubota and his…
Minori Sueda talks about his job post-war and how he met his wife. He explains why he thinks it is important for people to know the role of Japanese-America soldiers in World War II.
Overseas, Minoru Miyasaki spent his time in Italy seizing the mountain from the German soldiers. When Minoru was not in combat, he was a litter-bearer. He recalls carrying Senator Daniel Inouye in a stretcher to the Aid Station. Minoru explains the…
Shinmoto discusses Gila River Concentration Camp and the living conditions. Approximately 10,000 Japanese Americans are interned there. At Gila River, Shinmoto finishes Senior year of High School and enjoys art classes. He creates an oil painting…
Takimoto discusses his experiences during the Vietnam War. He details about his his family and experiences in Okinawa. Takimoto also discusses about his employment, current events, and the role Nisei women played.
Tsuchimochi discusses his nickname; and talks about his childhood in Tacoma, Washington including discussing attending school, playing sports, and talking about the Japanese community and his involvement in community activities. He then talks about…
Tsuchimochi discusses the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor including talking about curfew, having to leave belongings behind during forced removal, and discussing Japanese American community leaders getting picked up by the FBI. He then talks…
Tsuchimochi talks about receiving senninbari (good luck charm) from his mother; creating a rubber compound during his job as a chemist; and recreational activities after retirement such as golf, poker, and reading. He then talks about the differences…
Kamemoto discusses Korea including talking about the Seoul city gates; transportation; living conditions; and his Army boots. He then talks about getting discharged; returning to the United States; and going back to the University of Hawaii to finish…
Kojimoto talks about applying to Southern Pacific Railroad. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He talks about his friend who was in the intelligence service. He discusses the purpose of the Japanese American Citizens League.…
Kojimoto explains how he met his wife at Santa Anita Assembly Center He describes what he did in his leisure time at Santa Anita Assembly Center. He talks about his employment at Santa Anita. He discusses working and living in Utah. He talks about…
Kojimoto talks about volunteering to go to Fort Snelling. He discusses his employment at a laundromat. He describes his return to San Francisco, California. He explains how he reunited his future wife. He talks about his employment as an accountant.…
Mitsuo Tominaga discusses his feeling about about being reassigned to an all Nisei unit, and their interactions with civilians while in Michigan. Next he describes his unit's time at Fort Shelby conducting weapons training, and the racial conditions…
Mitsuo Tominaga begins this interview segment by discussing his transfer to the ordnance unit, the end of the war, and working with German POWs. Next he talks about returning back to the US and his discharge from the Army. Lastly he discusses his…
Mitsuo Tominaga describes his personal feelings about WWII and serving during the war. Next he recounts some post war racial discrimination and meeting family in Japan. Lastly he discusses the immigrant experience in America and the importance of…
Doi talks about the types of entertainment he experienced while overseas including movies and music; discusses Italian civilians; and talks about combat experiences after returning to Italy. He then talks about the end of the war, his assignment…
Ishizaki discusses about her family. She details about her experiences in post-war Japan. Ishizaki also discusses about her work duties and her life after returning from Japan.
Takahashi discusses about his best and worst experiences during the war. He details about his interactions, experiences in France, and in Italy. Takahashi also discusses about how he was treated upon returning home, family, and reentering civilian…
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…
After finishing his time in the Philippines, Tsuneishi arrived back in California until he was discharged at Camp Beale near Sacramento. Seeing that he already had over two years of college units, he decided to get his degree, attending UCLA with a…
Masuda discusses about being drafted and basic training. He details about the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and experiences in Japan. Masuda also discusses about his family and career.
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…
Goodall discusses moving from Oklahoma to California as a child; talks about his father and his military service; discusses the Seminole tribe and the treatment of Native Americans; and talks about the history of slavery in the United States. Next,…
Goodall discusses the Tuskegee Flight School; his employment in Detroit; rationing after the start of World War Two; and getting drafted and volunteering for Tuskegee. He then talks about the aviation test he was required to take prior to going to…
Goodall discusses Daniel "Chappie" James; provides some thoughts regarding segregation and the Tuskegee Airmen; discusses a book "Chappie" wrote and their friendship; and talks about his post-military work. He then talks about meeting his first and…
Honda continues to discuss the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and sheds some light on his high school sports career. He details about his experiences at the Fresno Temporary Detention Center, Jerome Concentration Camp, and in Cleveland, Ohio. Honda…
Honda discusses about Seabrook Farms and working for 3M. He details about his wife, children, grandchildren, and the relationship with his brother. Honda also discusses about his involvement with Japanese Redress, his hopes for the future, and giving…
Akama discusses his prefecture origin and family. He details about his childhood, upbringing, and schooling. Akama also discusses about his social activities.
Akama discusses his homecoming. He details about his post-war employment. Akama describes meeting his wife and raising a family. Akama shares photographs he took during the war and post-war.
Paul Takao Bannai's political career starts in 1972 when he is elected to Gardena City Council. Later, in 1973, he is elected to California State Legislature with the help of President Reagan and the widow of an Assemblyman. Paul is the first…
Kaseguma discusses his experiences in post-war Japan. He details his family life and revisiting Japan. Kaseguma also discusses his post-war life and the legacy of the Nisei generation.
Fukasawa discusses moving to to Oelwein, Iowa because his wife has a teaching job there. He gets a job at John Deere and saves enough money to buy a house. Later he joins the National Guard in 1947 until 1952.
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…
In October 1949, Ray Mayeda worked at the Civil Censorship until it was dissolved. Then Ray worked at Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS) as a translator. He translated classified documents into English for a year.
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…
Narasaki recalls his time at Tanforan Detention Center and tells us about his job washing dishes and the music and recreational activities. He recounts the journey to Topaz Internment Camp and the living conditions. He also describes the rift the…
Nakamura discusses about his family in Japan, visiting Hiroshima, and his experiences in Japan. He details about coming home, going to college, and his career. Nakamura also discusses about his wife, baseball, and gives a message to future…
Aoki discusses working with prisoners of war (POW) and his employment once the war was over. He details about his family and children. Aoki also discusses how he met his wife.
Arakaki discusses being five points short of being able to go home at the end of the war, so he stayed in Europe and visited Switzerland, Venice, and Rome. He then talks about going to the Mainland and his experiences in New York before going back to…
Endo discusses his experiences while applying to work at UCLA; talks about visiting California prior to moving back there and seeing his mentors again; and talks about working at UCLA and getting transferred to work at University of California,…
Fujimoto discusses his father and his employment; talks about import businesses in Hawaii; and discusses the reasons why his father immigrated to Hawaii. He then talks about his mother, languages spoken at home, and tells a story regarding how he got…
Fujimoto talks about getting wounded and his hospital stay; and traveling to a replacement depot and his experiences there. He then talks about rejoining his unit, combat experiences, returning to the United States, and his employment driving a…
Fujimoto talks about returning back home and seeing his mother again, discusses his nephew, and talks about his family’s property. He then talks about his attempt to get a government job; his experiences with discrimination; and talks about…
Robert Iso recalls his time growing up in San Jose, California and talks about attending Buddhist Temple and seeing picture shows near Japan Town. He talks about his mother's jovial personality, playing basketball and playing trumpet in the high…
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 duties during the Champagne Campaign. After the Champagne Campaign, Clarence is in Germany and works at a train station with the…
Nakamoto discusses various job experiences from working at Federal position level, MCI, and owning his own company. Nakamoto is part of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) and he describes their mission and contribution to the…
Nishijima discusses his father; his grandfather's immigration; his father's employment; and the reasons why his father returned to the United States. He then talks about his father and grandmother's personalities and physical traits; discusses his…
Nishijima discusses returning home after his overseas duty and going back to school. He also talks about his post-war employment in a produce market; meeting his wife; experiences with discrimination while trying to find an apartment; and discusses…
Yoshida discusses about leaving camp for college and his experiences at college. He details about his life in the Army and his employment with the Marquardt Corporation and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Yoshida also discusses about his family,…
Inui discusses about his post-war experiences in post-war Japan. He details about his duties with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) in post-war Japan. Inui also discusses about his civilian work in post-war Japan.
Matsumoto describes his early life growing up in Los Angeles and later moving to Japan with his grandparents to attend school. Upon returning to the Los Angeles area, Matsumoto settled in Long Beach, graduating from the local high school and worked…
Matsumoto returns to the topic of his grandfather and his days working as a contract laborer in Hawaii, before coming to the mainland U.S. Following this discussion, Matsumoto describes the living conditions during his time at the Santa Anita…
Doi discusses about schooling, friends, and social activities. He details about the Japanese community growing up and religion. Doi also discusses about high school, life afterwards, the Great Depression, and living own his own.
In 1940, Sachio Takata graduated high school and went to the Delta Islands to work in the celery field. Sachio wanted to save money to further his education and attend medical school.
After the signing of Executive Order 9066, Sachio and his…
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…
Terasaki discusses his name, his neighborhood growing up in Denver, Colorado, his parents, siblings, and his father's import/export business. He then talks about his childhood including discussing playing sports, friendships, neighbors, food, and…
Terasaki discusses returning to the United States and landing in New York. He then talks about a welcome celebration for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team which included attending a baseball game and a dance. He also talks about Earl Finch, who was in…
Fujimoto talks about growing up in Los Angeles and describes his neighborhood. He then talks about his father's life in Japan and immigration to the United States; and his father's various jobs including his nursery business. Lastly, Fujimoto talks…
Fujimoto discusses life and living conditions at Pomona temporary detention facility and Heart Mountain incarceration camp. He then talks about attending high school at Heart Mountain, his family's experiences traveling back to Los Angeles, his…
Sasai discusses his parents including retelling the story about how and why they immigrated to Hawaii. He also talks about his father's childhood, and discusses his grandfather on his mother's side. Next, Sasai talks about attending school; playing…
