When Jimmy Doi was classified as an enemy alien, he found a job working at a defense plant. Then his status changed to 1A, he was sent to Camp Blanding. A few weeks later, Jimmy’s brother, Michael Doi, left Camp Blanding to go overseas.
Kawahara discusses getting married, basic training, and his trip overseas. He details about his combat experiences and his post-war life. Kawahara's son (Sheldon) discusses about his relationship with his father and discusses about the legacy of the…
Kawahara discusses his father and home life. He details his childhood, hobbies, and life during the Great Depression. Kawahara also discusses his high school years and more about aviation.
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…
Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura recalls the battle at the Yellow River with the Chinese soldiers and North Korean soldiers. There were many casualties on both sides.
On April 24, the Chinese assaulted Hershey's squad, and he gave orders for his men to…
Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura discusses learning his family history through relatives. His father, Yaichi Miyamura, and mother were from Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan. He immigrated to Gallup, N.M. briefly before returning to Japan to bring Hershey's mother…
Enoch Kanaya reflects on his time in combat and his squad members.
He said their confidence in each other helped them do their jobs well and they trusted each other.
After the war ended, Enoch was assigned to guard the Prisoners of War (POWs)…
After the President of the United States signed Executive Order 9066, Enoch Kanaya and his family evacuated to the Portland Assembly Center. The Portland Assembly Center was a place where horses lived. Enoch describes the living conditions of the…
Enoch Kanaya was born March 14, 1925. His parents are from Okayama-ken, Japan, and immigrated to the United States. Enoch's parents were hard-working and loving parents. When the Great Depression happened, farming became difficult, and the Kanaya…
Henry Gary Shiota's primary duty is to work on the war crime trials at Sugamo Prison. He discusses war crime trials in Japan and the atrocities in the Philippines and Dutch East Indies.
On Gary's days off, he visits Tokyo and relatives who live…
Archilla discusses providing supplies via aircraft to The Lost Battalion and some of his other experiences in Europe. He details the awards he received and his accident reports. Archilla also discusses about his post-military life, family, and…
Archilla discusses his childhood in Puerto Rico and New York. He details about his family and Pearl Harbor. Archilla also discusses about enlisting into service, basic training, and his pilot combat missions in Europe
Tso discusses about his journey home during and after the war. He details more about his experiences during survival training. Tso also discusses about his experiences in Iwo Jima and gives his thoughts on the atomic bombings.
Tso discusses his family, childhood, and growing up on a Navajo Reservation. He details about his educational experiences. Tso also discusses about being drafted and all his training experiences.
Willie Tanamachi discusses his tours. The first time he goes to Berlin is in 1958 when he is stationed at the American Embassy. Willie lives in Germany for nine years, from July 1945 to October 1953. During those nine years, he did come home on leave…
Kawano continues showing his pictures and narrating them. The pictures include code talkers from various areas, and with different backgrounds that have been used in some of Kawano's exhibits and publishings.
Kawano speaks about one of his exhibits that was presented in Japan and the response that it received from the community and his parents. Next, he talks about how he came to settle in the United States, including photography of the Navajo code…
Nakahara discusses about his family. He details about remembering December 7, 1941 and volunteering for the Army. Nakahara also discusses about his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
Herzig-Yoshinaga discusses about seeing prejudice, values taught at home and her more about her family. She details about her high school years and her idols growing up. Herzig-Yoshinaga also discusses about Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and her…
Herzig-Yoshinaga discusses what it was like growing up in California and her family. She details about what food they ate at home. Herzig-Yoshinaga also discusses about her schooling and the community she grew up in.
Kanegai discusses his family, being the eldest son, and going to Japanese language school. He details about visiting Japan and the death of his mother. Kanegai also discusses about his favorite memories growing up, values, and social activities.
Yamamoto discusses the first Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS) and his time working at the Pentagon. He details about his family and his hope for future generations. Yamamoto also discusses about the legacy of Nisei veterans.
Yamamoto discusses his family and overviews his childhood. He details about a trip he took to China and Japan. Yamamoto also discusses religion, experiences with discrimination, and his parents reaction to enlisting into the Army.
In this last part of the interview, Mr. Yamane discusses his discharge from the Army and his return to Hawaii to help his father with the family businesses. Mr. Yamane describes how he met his wife and talks about his children and grandchildren. Mr.…
Mr. Yamane introduces himself and describes what Honolulu was like when he was growing up, as well as what brought his father to settle in Hawaii.Mr. Yamane discusses his father's success as a businessman and describes the multiple businesses that…
Mr. Sako discusses a few people he knew from his military service and talks about his cousin, who served as a medic in the 442nd. Mr. Sako discusses lessons and values that his parents taught him, which in turn he taught to his own children.…
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…
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 introduces himself and talks about his father and mother's background in Japan and what brought them to the United States. Mr. Sako's father found work in a copper mill, settling the family in rural Arthur, Utah. Mr. Sako describes his life…
Ishikawa discusses the treatment of Japanese Americans. He overviews the jobs he had in Hawaii and in the army. Ishikawa also discusses the furloughs he took and is health.
Ishikawa discusses his family and what it was like growing up on a ranch. He details about his educational experiences and Pearl Harbor. Ishikawa also discusses experiences with training and his early time in Italy.
Hinatsu discusses his career and health issues. He reflects about the time he spent in the service and details about the legacy of Nisei veterans. Hinatsu also discusses receiving the Presidential Unit Citation and losing close friends.
Hinatsu discusses what it was like growing up in Portland, Oregon. He details about his experiences Minidoka Concentration Camp. Hinatsu also discusses his experiences during basic training. He also details about the mindset during combat
Takahashi discusses the camaraderie of Japanese American soldiers. He details about the legacy of Nisei veterans. Takahashi also discusses his life after the army.
Takahashi discusses his family and what it was like growing up in Maui. He details about his educational experiences, Pearl Harbor and the its aftermath. Takahashi also discusses volunteering for the service and the events following.
Matsumoto discusses his combat and his other experiences in Italy and France. He details about being wounded and his road to recovery. Matsumoto also discusses about his life after being discharged from the army.
Matsumoto discusses his family and childhood growing up in Maui. He details about social activities and childhood activities he participated in. Matsumoto also discusses Pearl Harbor and the aftermath from it.
Ikeda discusses his journey back home. He details about his career after being discharged from the army. Ikeda also discusses about his life after retirement and the legacy of Nisei veterans.
Ikeda discusses his family and his childhood in Hawaii. He details about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath from it. Ikeda also discusses about enlisting into the service.
Mori discusses his home coming and finding a career. He details about his family. Mori gives a message to future generations and gives his closing remarks.
Ogawa discusses what it was like being wounded and his time in Italy after the war had ended. He details about his homecoming experiences and what it was like being back in Hawaii. Ogawa also discussess his life and career after the army.
Ogawa discusses his family and his father's tofu business. He details about his education experiences, Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. Ogawa also discusses joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and his experiences at Camp Shelby.
Nishihara discusses what it was like growing up in Maui. He details about joining the Hawaiian National Guard and his experiences while in the National Guard. Nishihara also discusses the journey to becoming the 100th Infantry Battalion.
Miyagawa discusses what it was like growing up in Spreckelsville. He gives details about being drafted and the affects of Pearl Harbor. Miyagawa also discusses his experiences at Camp McCoy and Camp Shelby.
Arisumi remembers helping a friend, platoon support, after the war had ended, and a continued discussion about rank in part 5 of his interview. In addition, he describes meeting his first and second wife, accomplishments from service, legacy, setting…
Arisumi remembers his relationship with his mother, being inducted into the Army, joining the reserve service after the war, and going to the induction center in part 2 of his interview. In addition, he recalls basic training at Camp Shelby, how he…
Arisumi describes his family history and father's employment, his mother and their childhood home, as well as his siblings, school, and employment. He also remembers building the temporary rails for the plantation, school activities he did with his…
Tanigawa discusses about what his father experienced once he was arrested. He details about he final days in Japan and reflects on the time he spent on Japan. Tanigawa relates stories, such as how he found his wife and the one time he stepped into…
Tanigawa discusses Pearl Harbor and the aftermath from it. He details about what he did during the occupation of Japan. Tanigawa also discusses about his time after he leaves the army.
Katayama discusses more his family. He details about the businesses in his hometown and the Mayor of Ogden, Utah. Katayama also discusses his life in Chicago.
Katayama discusses his family and what it was like growing up in Ogden, Utah. He details about how he volunteered for the army and his experiences while in the service. Katayama also discusses he experiences post-war.
Masayasu discusses growing up in Sacramento and Martha discusses growing up in Portland. They both speak about their experiences with Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. Masayasu details about his time in Japan during the Occupation. They both discuss…
Yoshisuke Jack Kunitomi begins the interview by giving background information about his family. Next, he discusses his father's occupation and going to picnics with his mother. Lastly, he talks about the sorts of activities that Issei and Nisei…
Kazuo Komoto concludes this interview by showing some personal photographs taken while in the military, family photos, and then some military documents and a selective service ribbon.
Sakaye Aratani begins the interview by giving background information about her parents, and her childhood years growing up in Gardena and Los Angeles, California. Next, she describes life in Poston Concentration Camp and meeting, dating, marriage,…
George Oiye concludes this interview by describing his love for photography, how he managed to bring his personal camera overseas with him, and the kind of pictures he took while in Europe. Next, he describes some of his personal pictures he took…
Mr. Estes describes his combat wound and his return trip home at the war's end. Mr. Estes discusses his career after the war and talks about his family, including what he has shared with his children and grandchildren about his military service.…
In this first interview with Senator Daniel Akaka, Mr. Akaka discusses his family background, childhood, and what his life was like growing up in Hawaii. Senator Akaka describes the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, what news he heard about the…
Ted Wakai begins with boarding school activities and discusses the Pearl Harbor attack. He then talks about his job cleaning Hickam Field after the attack and the reactions from the community and Caucasian soldiers to the attack. This interview…
Ted Wakai recounts his family's arrival in Hawaii. He discusses his childhood memories of his father, mother, and siblings. Lastly, there are stories about his school experiences up to boarding school (high school).
In the final video, Mr. Saiki further discusses his reunion with his brother, discussing what his life was like in Japan, and the conditions of Japan post-war. Additionally, Mr. Saiki describes his role in the Counterintelligence Corps as well as the…
Mr. Mitsui discusses his family's knowledge about his military and incarceration experiences and talks about how Japanese-Americans were forced to prove their loyalty during World War II. Mr. Mitsui also discusses his family, including what happened…
Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Shigetoki Tom Umeda does not know what happened to his family in the United States. In Japan, Tom focused on his work at Mitsubishi.
During wartime, Tom worked at Mitsubishi. Tom explained there were no…
Nishijima recalls his families forced removal to Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and then to Granada (Amache) Concentration Camp. He describes the living conditions at camp and how he obtains a job as a truck driver while living there. When…
Nishijima discusses his experiences at Granada (Amache) incarceration camp including discussing his father's job; flags; school; recreational activities such as playing baseball and watching movies; and making mochi. He then talks about his father…
Uno describes Heart Mountain Concentration Camp. He briefly talks about his father's death. He discusses the military recruiters that came to Heart Mountain. He describes the Nisei soldiers that he met in camp. He talks about the jobs available in…
Uno shares his father's backstory. He talks about his father's career. He discusses his parent's marriage. He describes his parent's appearances and personalities. He talks about the land that his family owned in Japan. He discusses his mother's…
Taira Fukushima discusses the importance of family. For example, when he is a student, he gets a paper route job, and with the money earned, he shares it with the family. In the 1930s, there was a notion that tuberculosis was hereditary. By getting…
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.
Matsuda discusses his post-war life and employment in Denver, Colorado. He shares about his children and grandchildren. Lastly Matsuda discusses the importance of the Japanese American story.
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,…
Shiosaki continues his recollection of being drafted into the Army and arriving in Le Havre, France as a replacement soldier for the 100th/442nd Regiment. Next, he talks about his various experiences in Europe, including the Gothic Line push and…
Shiosaki begins the interview giving an introduction of himself and his family and how they came from Japan and ended up in Idaho. His father would work on the railroads and the family would live in railroad housing in Fort Hall and in Blackfoot. He…
Kondo addresses this letter to his sister Misa and her husband, Hal Hoshino. He writes about how much he enjoyed his journey aboard a ship, and requests that their family continue to write to him.
Shikashio and the interviewers introduce themselves. He describes his hometown Shelby, Idaho. He talks about his father's immigration to the United States. He describes his father's physical appearance and personality. He shares memories of his…
Hinazumi describes his interactions with Japanese civilians that worked for the military. He talks about visiting a Leper colony. He discusses meeting a Japanese governor. He explains how he communicated with his girlfriend while overseas. He…
Araki begins the interview with a short introduction and speaking about his time at the Japanese language school. Being born in Sacramento and then moving to Hawaii, he had a different type of upbringing than most kids in Hawaii. The kids would call…
Kuida speaks about the end of the war in Europe, where he spent the last leg of the trip visiting Rome, attending courses at the University of Florence and guarding an ammunition depot. Next, they were sent back to the United States and he would get…
Kuida begins the interview by giving brief introduction into his family background and growing up in Gardena, including Japanese language school and household decor. Next, he begins his background on his mother and father, both of whom immigrated…
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.
Yamamoto talks about his first time smoking a cigarette. He describes his visits to United States Military encampments. He discusses his interactions with Nisei soldiers and caucasian GIs. He talks about the American Era in Japan. He describes his…
Yamamoto talks about his parents immigration. He discusses his siblings. He talks about his father's first marriage. He describes Seattle, Washington. He discusses living in a hotel. He talks about his family's hotel business. He describes his…
Fujimoto talks about his family background and his childhood, growing up in southern California. Next, he speaks about his self identity and what it was like to grow up being a Japanese American, amongst a neighborhood of caucasians. Next, the…
Fujimoto continues his recollection of his time in occupied Japan, working as an interpreter. After coming back from his tour of Japan with the Colonel, he would work at the Dai-Ichi Hotel at the front desk, interpreting and watching for signs of…
Fujimoto begins the interview with the surrender of the Japanese Army and the end of the war. As he was already in the Philippines, they would begin the military occupation in Japan shortly after. He would get over to Tokyo by ship and begin his…
Kobayahsi discusses about joining the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and about his post-war experiences in Japan. He details about his experiences with the war crimes tribunals. Kobayashi also discusses about the legacy of the Nisei and gives an…
Kobayashi discusses his family and upbringing. He details Pearl Harbor, its aftermath, and his experiences with forced removal. Kobayashi also discusses about his experiences at Tanforan Temporary Detention Center and Topaz Concentration Camp. He…
Yamashita discusses his father's military service. He details about Hawaiian identity and The Torpedo Gang. Yamahita also discusses about what his father's service meant, how the sansei benefitted from the Nisei, and the meaning of citizenship.
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,…
Yoshida discusses his about family, childhood, and education. He details about Pearl Harbor and the immediate aftermath. Yoshida also discusses about his experiences at Tanforan Temporary Detention Center and later at Topaz Concentration Camp.
Yoshida discusses briefly about about his experiences with the Allied Translator and Interpreter Section (ATIS) of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). He details about what he saw in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Yoshida discusses about being drafted, some of his family history, and his experiences at Military Intelligence Language School (MISLS). He details about thoughts and opinions about Japan before arriving. Yoshida
Tony Koura goes to Manchuria to observe the mission of the repatriates returning to Japan. Tony says the repatriates are older men, women, and children who are malnourished. However, they are happy to be going to Japan.
Tony Koura is born on June 26, 1926. Before being drafted into the military, Tony is at Manzanar. Despite the discrimination after the Pearl Harbor attack, Tony wants to volunteer for the Army because of patriotism.