At school, there were not many Japanese American students. The first part of Enoch’s school years was at a country school. After moving to the city, he attended a city school district. Enoch also attends Japanese Language School briefly. On the weekends, Enoch helped his father at the family store.

Besides school and helping his father, Enoch had a carefree childhood enjoying cowboy movies and watching sports games. He describes having fun exploring different Naval ships during Navy Week in Portland. Moreover, Enoch was social in the Japanese Community through the Medothist Church.

On December 7, Enoch’s life changed like many other Japanese Americans. Soon after the Declaration of War, restrictions were issued for a curfew and turned in weapons and radios. Enoch was unsure of the future. In April 1942, Enoch and his family arrived at the Assembly Center. Enoch recalls hearing news about the draft and receiving his 4C card from the Draft Board in Minidoka. ]]>
Kanaya, Enoch; narrator]]> Yamagami, Don; interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center; publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2006-06-25]]> Oral Histories]]>

In January of 1932, Gary's mother takes the children to Japan to plan their future arrangements with the family elders. Gary describes Japanese customs and how some of his siblings were raised in Japan by relatives. Gary and his older brother return to the United States and grows up in Lodi, CA, a farming community.

Gary discusses his school years from elementary school to high school. In his free time, he likes playing baseball and watching movies. On Sundays, Gary attends Buddhist Church and Sunday School.

When Pearl Harbor is attacked, Gary recalls the aftermath of the evacuation. As an American citizen, he never imagined he would be evacuated to camp. ]]>
Shiota, Henry Gary: narrator]]> Kawata, Ian: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

In the United States, Ray's father was a successful farmer until the Great Depression. His parents taught him to work hard, be honest, and do well in school. Besides working on the farm, Ray went to school. He got good grades and participated in clubs and sports.

When World War Two ended, Ray went to Japan for the occupation. He discusses his thoughts on Nisei's contributions and the rebuilding of Japan.
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Mayeda, Ray: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> US Army Center of Military History: sponsor]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]>

Chiye's family lives in Salinas, CA, before moving to Los Angeles, CA, after Chiye's father passes away. In Pasadena, Chiye's mother meets Seichi's father and remarries.

Chiye, Henry, and Seiichi describe their parents and their childhood going up in Salinas and Pasadena. They all attend Japanese Language School besides attending primary school.

Chiye is closest to Joe because they are fourteen months apart in age. One of Joe's hobbies is raising pigeons. ]]>
Watanabe, Chiye: narrator]]> Hayashi, Henry: narrator]]> Nakawatase, Seiichi: narrator]]> Yuge, Tim: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

In Ridley, Frank and his parents work on a peach farm until they receive evacuation orders. Previously, Frank grows up with mainly Caucasian people. After moving to Ridley, a farming community, and Poston, Frank discusses the culture shock.

Frank and his parents go to Poston, Camp 3, and he recounts the living conditions. At Poston, Frank continues his education, and his parents find jobs within the camp. Frank recalls his mother's family are relocated to Gila River.

In June of 1943, Frank and his parents leave Poston. Frank finishes high School and gets a job analyzing paint. In January of 1945, Frank receives his draft notice and starts his military career. ]]>
Hiratsuka, Frank: narrator]]> Yuge, Tim: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

James' father, Bukichi, was the boss of the family and a respected leader in the Troutdale Gresham Community. James' mother, Yoshino, was a hardworking and dedicated mother to ten children. She made sure the children respected and listened to their father.

James discusses the hierarchy in their family. Besides James' mother caring for the children, James' sisters took care of them too. James recalls his first childhood home was small, but later they moved to a bigger house on a farm.

All the children attended English school and Japanese school. James and his siblings were born with Japanese names. However, they received English names from their teachers because they could not pronounce their Japanese.

Growing up in the Troutdale area, the Japanese American community was close-knit and active. The Buddhist temple was a gathering place for church services and social gatherings. At least once a month, there was a social event for the community.
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Fujii, James: narrator]]> Horsting, Robert: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

When evacuation orders are announced, Ray and his family go to the assembly center and then to Minidoka. Ray describes the living conditions and job opportunities.

In camp, Ray plays baseball and makes several friends. Ray values the friendships he developed and maintains in contact with his friends. Ray recalls the loyalty questionnaire and says he is proud to be an American.

When Ray is drafted into the Army, he goes to Camp Hood and then to Fort Snelling. On furlough, he experiences discrimination and shares his feelings of being called a "Jap."

Post-war, Ray and his brother go into farming. Ray says Bob Wilson, Don Schneider, and Carl Graff are influential to his success in the farming industry. In 1990, Ray retired from farming and started herb gardening with his wife and son until 2000.
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Shiiki, Ray: narrator]]> Nakaishi, Russell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

When Edward Fujii receives his draft notice, he reports to Fort Dix, Utah, for his induction into the Army and then goes to Camp Fannin, TX, for basic training.

After basic training, Edward goes to Fort Snelling, MN, for Military Intelligence Service Language School. He spends six months at the language school. However, he spends most of his time as a truck driver.

At Camp Campbell, Edward is assigned to the Third Infantry Division, Signal Corps Company. He receives training in morse code and is a radio operator. During WWII, Edward's brothers are also serving in the military.

In November 1946, Edward is discharged from the Army. Post-war, Edward is active with the Nisei Veterans Club for 30 years. Edward is married to Aya Iwasaki, and they have three children and two grandchildren.

At the end of the interview, Aya discusses her camp and war experience. She shares advice on marriage and a message for future generations.
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Fujii, Edward: narrator]]> Nakaishi, Russell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

The Fujii family lives in a farming community, and the family all works on the farm. Edward and his siblings attend Troutdale Grade School and Gresham High School.

On December 7, Edward and his family are working on the farm when they hear the news about Pearl Harbor. Edward discusses the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.

The Fujii family goes to the assembly center and later is relocated to Nyssa, OR. When Edward and his family return to Troutdale, he receives his draft notice from the Army.


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Fujii, Edward: narrator]]> Nakaishi, Russell: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

Minoru and his siblings helped their father on the farm before and after school. Minoru attended Warm Springs Grammar School and then Washington High School. In addition to attending primary school, he attended Japanese Language School.

When the Miyasaki family was not farming, they would travel around the Bay Area to visit relatives, do Japanese grocery shopping, celebrate festivals, and saw Japanese films.

On December 7, Minoru was at home when he heard the news about Pearl Harbor on the radio. The following day at school, all the Japanese American students were sent home from school and were told to stay home until the war ended. Later, the government issued restrictions such as blackouts, curfew, and travel restrictions.

In pre-war times, Minoru recalled discrimination. His father could not vote and own land. Also, Asians were not allowed to swim in public swimming pools or live in certain neighborhoods. After the Pearl Harbor attack, Minoru and his family evacuated to Tanofran and Topaz, Utah. Minoru graduated High school in Topaz.]]>
Miyasaki, Minoru: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

In grammar school in Salinas, CA, Robert's first-grade teacher could not pronounce his Japanese name. Therefore, she gives him the name Robert. In school, Robert excels in his studies and plays sports. He says his teachers are his mentors and teach him many things. In addition to attending primary school, Robert attends Japanese Language School.

Before moving to Watsonville, CA, his family lives in Tulare and Speckles. Robert describes his childhood homes in the farming community. Robert spends his free time going to church, watching movies, playing marbles, or playing with his dog. ]]>
Sugimoto, Robert: narrator]]> Yuge, Tim: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

Few days after the Pearl Harbor attack, the Japanese Americans' status changes to 4C, enemy aliens. In addition, there are restrictions such as traveling and curfew hours.

Yoshiro recalls preparing and leaving for evacuation when President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066. The Tokiwa family goes to the Salinas Assembly Center and then to Poston, Arizona. Yoshiro says they are only allowed to bring what they can carry.

At Poston, Yoshiro works as a security guard and then in the agriculture department. In camp, all the internees are given a loyalty questionnaire. Yoshiro explains the no-no boys and deportation.

In 1944, Yoshiro is drafted. He shares his experience of being inducted and going to basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Yoshiro discusses the segregation in Mississippi.

At the end of Yoshiro's military career, he is a Technician 5th Grade (Corporal level). Yoshiro is discharged from the Army in January 1947, from Camp Beale, CA.
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Tokiwa, Yoshiro: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

Growing up in Salinas, Yoshiro says he is not subjected to discrimination. However, he remembers not being allowed to swim in the public community swimming pool. Although there is no visible signage, Yoshiro says you just know not to go there because of other people's experiences. Later Yoshiro learns how to swim when he goes to Poston.

Yoshiro grows up in different cities in Salinas County. He describes his childhood homes. Yoshiro also discusses his school years from Elementary School to High School. Besides attending primary school, Yoshiro goes to Japanese Language School. At home, he speaks primarily Japanese to his parents.

The day after the Pearl Harbor attack, Yoshiro learns about the news from his father's friends. He discusses the effects of Pearl Harbor on the Japanese American Community.





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Tokiwa, Yoshiro: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

Dan is discharged in the fall of 1946. Post-war, Dan goes back to Berkeley to get his master's degree in food science for wine fermentation. He works many jobs before working at the State Department of Health Services as an industrial hygiene chemist until he retires (after twenty-plus years).

Dan is married and has a son. Dan talks about the loyal questionnaire and citizenship.]]>
Uchimoto, Dan: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

At an early age, Dan has many responsibilities beyond his years. He works in the family business and cares for his siblings. Life is a struggle, but Dan is grateful for the learning opportunities.

After the Pearl Harbor attack, the FBI takes away Dan's father to a detention center. Then evacuation orders are announced. Dan leaves the University of California, Berkeley, during his sophomore year and goes to camp with his mother. Dan and his mother go to Turlock and then Gila River. Dan's brother goes to Swarthmore College and his sister, Amy attends Boston University for a year.

Dan leaves camp to continue his education. He attends Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He describes his college and Berkeley years and working part-time.

In camp, Dan is given a questionnaire. He explains the answers "no-no" and "yes-yes". Dan answers "yes-yes" and that makes him eligible for being drafted. Dan receives his draft notice when he is at Loras College. ]]>
Uchimoto, Dan: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

Dan recalls his childhood and youth working on the farm. There is no time for vacations. During the Great Depression, life is a struggle but Dan's family survives the difficult time.

In the Uchimoto family, there are four children including Dan. Dan is the oldest child. He remembers his two sisters' reaction when he receives his draft notice for the Army. Dan's brother also has a military career but during Occupation forces in Germany.

Dan discusses his school years and discrimination. After graduating high school, he works on the farm to save money to enroll in college. Dan attends the University of California, Berkley.

Dan enjoys stamp collecting, vintage cars, and reading. Dan practices Japanese teaching called Seicho-no-le. He finds this Seicho-no-le helpful and insightful.]]>
Uchimoto, Dan: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>

Frank grows up during the Great Depression. Although money is hard to earn during the Great Depression, Frank's father buys a house for around $2,000. Asians could not own homes or property because of the Alien Land Law. After camp, Frank's sister's name is on the deed because she is an American citizen.

The Matsuda family lives in the community of Ballard in Seattle. The demographic is predominately Scandinavian. Frank remembers there are four Japanese American families plus them. Frank has many friends on 69th Street.

Frank recalls December 7 and the evacuation orders, Executive Order 9066 (EO9066). He says the Japanese Americans becomes the most hated people after Pearl Harbor. The Matsuda family goes to Puyallup and Minidoka. He describes the living conditions and provisions in camp.

Frank did not stay at Minidoka for long. He takes the opportunity to work on a sugar beet farm in Idaho. Later he goes to Salt Lake City to work at a meatpacking company and restaurant. ]]>
Matsuda, Frank Tadao: narrator]]> Horsting, Robert: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

The late 1920s was the Great Depression, and everyone struggled to survive. Farmers were making about ten cents an hour. In the 1930s, the family moved to Perkins (east of Sacramento). Their family friend suggested to Skeets' father to venture into hops. However, that venture failed.

During Skeets' elementary school years, he attended Japanese Language School. When the family moved to Perkins, he attended Sacramento High School. He was active in sports and participated in a Nisei football league. In 1936, Skeets graduated high school and applied to Sacramento Junior College after a year of farming.

Living in Perkins, their farm was near a naval air forces base. Skeets recalls seeing the airplanes fly by and aspired to be an aviator and an officer of the United States Army. In early 1940, the United States was preparing for war. A civilian pilot program was offered at school, and Skeets was accepted into the program. After completing the first and second phases, he was waiting for the third phase, instrument flying and long distant country flying. However, Skeets did not complete his training because Skeets got drafted into the Army. On November 6, 1941, Skeets reported to Presidio Monterey for induction.
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Oji, Sukeo: narrator]]> Yee, Govan: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

Tommy is the oldest of the children. He has a sister and two brothers. Tommy's first childhood home is on a farm. Growing up, he helps his father on the farm. If Tommy has free time, he hangs out with his friends and goes to the skating ring and movies.

Tommy recalls his school years and being the teachers' favorite student. Besides attending primary school, he goes to Japanese language school. After graduating high school in 1939, Tommy worked on a farm other than his family farm to earn money. Tommy also works at a home appliance store in Gardena, CA, as a delivery man.

On December 7, 1941, Tommy hears the news about Pearl Harbor while eating breakfast at his regular restaurant. He does not experience discrimination. Growing up, Tommy does not experience discrimination either. He says he feels the same as everyone since he was born and raised in the United States.

Tommy recalls the evacuation notices and preparing to go to Santa Anita Assembly Center. He describes the living conditions and feeling degraded. Tommy says there is nothing you can do but accept the situation, shikata ga nai.


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Mayekawa, Tommy: narrator]]> Horsting, Robert: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

As a child, he worked on the farm, and gradually he did more farm labor. The homelife of the Miyamoto family was more westernized and the primary language was English. Maya gave examples of not using chopsticks or taking off their shoes in the house.

On December 7, 1941, Maya heard the news of Pearl Harbor on the radio at home. Two of his brothers were already in the Army service. As a child, Maya did not think much about the effects of war and carried on like usual. The aftermath of Pearl Harbor became more significant when the FBI came to their home and evacuation to Poston, Arizona.

In 1944 Maya went to Phoenix, AZ, for his induction. After completing basic training, Maya was sent to Mobile Intelligence at Camp Ritchie, Maryland, to teach all kinds of weapons from Germany and Japan. Later, Maya was assigned to the Counter Intelligence Group and went to CIC Headquarters at Camp Holabird, Maryland, for training.

In November or December of 1945, Maya landed in Atsugi Field. This was his first time traveling to Japan and leaving California. Maya recalls that the culture and customs were different from the United States. After Atsugi, Maya went to Tokyo. He describes the devastation he saw in the towns and cities. Maya visited the CIC detachment in Chiba where he saw his friend. His friend who worked in Graves Registration was looking for bodies of fliers in Chiba, wondering if they were killed or beheaded.


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Miyamoto, Maya: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> US Army Center of Military History: sponsor]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>
Education--Japan]]> Education--Higher education]]> Identity and values--Family]]> Industry and employment--Hotel industry]]> Industry and employment--Agriculture]]> World War II--Military service--Embarkation]]> Koshi, George: narrator]]> Inouye, Jason: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2001 September 01]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Seattle, Washington ]]> Industry and employment--Agriculture]]> Identity and values--Family]]> World War II--Mass Removal ("Evacuation")]]> World War II--Pearl Harbor and aftermath--Arrests, searches, and seizures]]> World War II--Temporary Detention Facilities]]> Owada, John: narrator]]> Graves, Tom: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2005 September 18]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Salt Lake City, Utah ]]> Education]]> Identity and values--Family]]> Social activities]]> Gustafson, Gerald: narrator]]> Yamagami, Don: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2005 May 14]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Social activities]]> World War II--Pearl Harbor and aftermath]]>


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Shinmoto, Minoru: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2005 January 22]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Torrance, California ]]>

When Yoshio is four years old, he starts Japanese language school before English school. At home, the primary language spoken is Japanese, and the religion is Buddhism. When Yoshio starts primary school, there is a language barrier when he begins to learn English.

Yoshio's Issei parents are hard-working. His father works in the flower wholesale business selling to florists. Previously they lived in Malibu, but later moved to Santa Monica. When Yoshio's father becomes ill, the children help with the flower business.

Yoshio recalls waking early and delivering flowers to the flower market before going to school. He feels that working in the flower business affects his schooling.
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Izumi, Yoshio: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Toyota: sponsor]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

Ken's father immigrated to the United States from Fukushima-ken, Japan, to help his family financially. In Sacramento, he worked in the rice field and a cannery. After saving enough money, he opened a delicatessen store in Downtown Sacramento. Ken's mother was a housewife who cared for seven children (five boys and two girls).

Ken grew up in a farming background in Sacramento. He enjoyed being outdoors, playing with his friends, and watching movies. The family moved around several times before setting in the Bay area.

Before the Pearl Harbor attack, Ken had aspirations to graduate High School and attend college. On December 7, Ken was at home listening to the radio when he heard the news about Pearl Harbor.

When Executive Order 9066 was signed by the President, Ken's family evacuated from their residence. Ken and his family went to Tanforan Assembly Center. He described the living conditions and life at Tanforan before going to Topaz, Utah.




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Nihei, Ken: narrator]]> Hanamura, Wendy: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>

Half of Sachio's youth was in Southern California and then in Northern California. Sachio enjoyed school. He attended primary school and Japanese Language School. After class, he would go home and help on the farm. Sachio describes harvesting different crops on 70 acres. Sachio grew up during the Great Depression. Although he had many interests, Sachio had to save every penny to buy model airplanes, a photography camera, and parts for the crystal radio set. The nearest town was Stockton, and Sachio watched cowboy movies often.

On December 7, Sachio was working on the farm, when he heard about Pearl Harbor. The following day, Sachio heard President Roosevelt declare war. Shortly after there were travel restrictions and a curfew enforced. Sachio recalls having the mentality of shikata ga nai and not trying to fight city hall. In camp, he did not participate in strikes.

On February 19, 1946, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, and Japanese Americans had to be evacuated from the western area. Sachio and his family evacuated to the assembly center and took what they could carry. At Turlock, Sachio spent most of his time working at the mess hall as a pantry clerk.
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Takata, Sachio Jack: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]>