During wartime, Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura worked at the Ford Agency and was the youngest mechanic at 17 years old. He recalls December 7, 1941, and hearing the news when he went duck hunting. Hershey was shocked and felt uncertain about the future…
Henry Gary Shiota is 19 years old when he is inducted into the Army. Then Gary goes to Camp Maxey, TX, with 25 other Nisei. Gary learns the war is over during his third week at basic training. After eight weeks of basic training, Gary goes to Camp…
Victor Abe describes the conditions at Leyte and his time in Mindanao, Philippines. Next, he discusses his furlough experiences and talks about his father's internment and eventually release near the end of the war. Lastly, he talks about his…
Henry M. Hayashi discusses his time at Fort Sheridan and Camp Shelby before going overseas. Joe is also at Fort Sheridan and Camp Shelby with Henry. Henry grows up in Los Angeles, CA, where there is diversity, and everyone gets along. When Henry goes…
Miyahara discusses coming back to Japan following his discharge in the United States. Once back, he decided to re-enlist with the Army Air Force, but was sent back to Japan. While there for the third time with the Army, he met his wife but because of…
Ouchi continues his experiences after joining the Army out of the Minidoka concentration camp. First, he speaks about the discrimination he saw in the south when training in Mississippi and the troubles between the Hawaiian and Mainland soldiers.…
Shima begins the interview with an introduction and his family background, coming from Okinawa and moving to the Hawaiian islands. He speaks about growing up in Hawaii and the home that he grew up in. Next, he talks about Pearl Harbor and the after…
"Masa" discusses his military training at Fort Hood (Texas) and how went to Europe. He shares his experiences in New York City for furlough before deployment. He also talks about his combat experiences in Europe and how his life fair after his…
After being forced removed and moved to Puyallup Temporary Detention Center, Tokunaga would head to Minidoka Concentration Camp early to help set up supplies. Soon after, he would be drafted into the Army and inducted at Fort Douglas to join the…
Minoru Miyasaki reported to Fort Douglas before going to Camp Shelby for basic training. At Camp Shelby, the Privates and Rookies were all Nisei with a few Hawaiian Nisei. Minoru was assigned to 442nd, Company G, 4th Platoon, and trained as a…
Kimura would graduate from high school at the young age of 16 and would move out on his own to Waimea in Kauai. He would continue playing baseball and football, but would also work as a carpenter. Next, while practicing for an upcoming baseball game,…
While recovering from his wound, Tsuji would be given a 45 day furlough, in which he originally wanted to go back home to Hawaii, however, after talking with officers, he decided upon traveling and seeing Chicago and New York and when he returned, he…
A couple of years following Pearl Harbor, Tsuji decided to join the Army and was being shipped to the mainland in just 10 days later. He speaks on the transportation to San Francisco and then to Camp Shelby in Mississippi. During his time at Camp…
Kubo talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, coming home from work and soon after, reporting to the draft board for induction. He would join the Army, and begin learning the general orders, heading to Camp Robinson in Arkansas…
Ikeda discusses his family’s forced removal, the story behind how he was transferred to Military Intelligence Service (MIS), and talks about his MIS training and the classes he attended. He then talks about receiving a furlough to visit his family at…
Fujikawa talks about his time training at Fort Snelling, studying Japanese language with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). He briefly talks about his marriage background, his wife moving to Minnesota while he was at Fort Snelling. After this,…
When Lillian Matsudaira moves to Philadelphia, she works at an insurance company as a clerk. Lillian stays in Philadelphia for nine months before going to Cleveland. In 1945 Seattle reopens, and Lillian goes back home at the end of July.…
Shimoyama talks about basic training at Fort Snelling for Military Intelligence Service (MIS), and his assignments in Seoul, Korea translating Korean newspaper articles. He then talks about the differences between Korean and Japanese language,…
Tadayoshi Sugiyama discusses the two forms of citizenship. One by birth and one by bloodline. Although Japanese Americans are born in the United States, their treatment after Pearl Harbor shows otherwise. Tadayoshi says the FBI has a lot of…
Tochihara discusses his whereabouts when first hearing of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had dropped out of high school, he was working and he would continue working until the very last second when he would be forced to leave to Puyallup assembly…
Kawanishi begins the interview with an introduction and talking about his family that immigrated from Japan to Los Angeles. He would briefly go back to Japan and then return where he would fish with his father and get involved with various sports…
Sato talks about proving his loyalty to the United States, and the various ideals of the Japanese Americans. On his way to Camp Shelby, he would make a stop in Jackson, Mississippi and notice the segregation and prejudice that was prevalent…
Hagiwara talks more about seeing his parents and gives background on how he met his future wife. While at Fort Sheridan, he would often visit his wife but would get word that he would get transferred. After moving around to a couple of places, he…
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…
William Yoshito Thompson discusses going to Schofield and going overseas to the Mainland to Camp Shelby. At Camp Shelby, William is assigned to the 2nd Battalion Head Quarters and later to the Antitank Company.
Yoshioka discusses the time he spent stationed in Australia including a furlough in Sydney, his whereabouts at the end of the war, and going back to the United States where he was discharged at Camp McCoy. He then talks about attending college in…
Taba continues with his time after he had joined the Army. After taking a train to Mississippi, he would begin his basic training at Camp Shelby, learning to be an assistant machine gunner. While there, he would join the 100th Infantry Battalion and…
Togami continues his recollection of his basic training at Camp Shelby, including scoring high on his tests and playing cribbage. He would then be shipped overseas, taking a convoy to North Africa, before finally being dropped in Naples. There, he…
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).
During the occupation of Japan, Maya Miyamoto worked in Tokyo. He had a driver's license and could drive jeeps, tanks, and other vehicles. Therefore, a Lieutenant asked him to stay in Tokyo.
Satow talks about his combat experiences in Italy and Hill 140; and his job assignment in his company. He also talks about the voyage overseas and downtime on the front line of battle. He shares anecdotes regarding: a friend KIA, relations with…
Kosaki continues his discussion on his time in occupied Japan. He speaks about how he was able to travel through different areas of Japan, such Hiroshima and Kochi, where he had family. Next, he talks about his other assignments and duties which were…
Kosaki begins the interview speaking about his childhood and schooling in Hawaii, attending Japanese language school in Waikiki. Next, he jumps into his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. After spending some time at the University of…
Nishibayashi continues his recollection of his language training at Presidio and his thoughts about what to expect in an occupation. While shipping to Yokohama, he would enjoy a furlough in Hawaii before getting into Japan to begin his time there.…
Doi talks about his whereabouts when he found out about V-E day, deciding to volunteer with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) to fight in the Pacific Theater. However, while in transition between the Europe and Asia, he would be on a furlough…
Matsui continues stories from occupied Japan, including talking with desperate civilians trying to sell things on the black market. He would also help with the war crimes trials as an investigator with the 8th Army Judge Advocate section. His…
Before Iwasaki would be shipped overseas, he would be able to get a furlough to head back home to Oregon, where he would have a very emotional time with his family. After that, he talks about his first experiences while overseas, going first to…
Iwasaki talks about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. As he had been deferring his induction, he would have no choice this time around, and would be inducted at Fort Lewis in Washington. He would be assigned first to the armored…
Kinoshita discusses the reasons why his parents moved from Japan to Oregon and growing up in Oregon in a farming community. He also talks about attending Japanese language school, his sister's experience being sent to Japan to attend school, his…
Tagawa describes the discrimination he witnessed while living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He talks about his basic training. He discusses military food and relaxation time. He describes his military training. He talks about G Company. He discusses…
Ikeda talks about his youth government job. He describes his life after high school including his carpentry work. He discusses the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He shares his experiences with discrimination. He talks about joining the…
Fujimoto discusses life experiences and luck, meeting his wife, working while at Rohwer Concentration Camp; and going to the hospital for pleurisy. He then discusses taking an Army questionnaire, getting his draft notice, and basic training at Camp…
Ichikawa talks about his time at Camp Shelby. He then talks about preparing to go overseas by learning about weapons and how to listen for artillery. Before heading overseas, Ichikawa received a furlough and spent time in New York and Baltimore,…
Tanaka discusses his time at Poston concentration camp in Arizona. He would work outside of the camp, but when the loyalty questions came about, he would end up answering no, yes and getting drafted into the Army. He was attending art school in…
Matsukawa gives a few anecdotes of his time in basic training at Camp Blanding, including boxing, furloughs, and visiting cities in Florida. He would be shipped out to Europe shortly after, going on the HMS Aquitania and landing in Southampton before…
Matsukawa talks about his parent's reaction to joining the Army and his brother getting killed in action while in the war. He talks about the unfortunate casualties of young men during war time and his brother's path. Soon after his brother passed…
Unoura describes the schooling he received while living in a Concentration Camp. He continues to describes his journey to Camp Blanding. He talks about what his daily life was like while stationed at Camp Blanding. Unoura explains an interaction he…
Umeda discusses about taking a furlough, being discharged, and finding a job. He details about his career, family, travel, and friends. Umeda also discusses about attending the Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS).
Oshiro finishes up the interview with a few experiences he had while living in occupied Japan. He talks about a nurse that committed suicide, a Soviet prisoner-of-war they found dead, and climbing Mt.Fuji during a fog. He also talks about traveling…
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.…
Taketa describes a cartoon strip about Project 9. He explains the differences between the Air Force and the Army. He discusses Camp Savage, military ranks, and his furlough. He talks about his time in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He describes his journey to…
Tsuda talks about facing discrimination after the war and not being served at a gas station. He would go on to volunteer with the Army, get inducted at Fort Douglas and began basic training at Camp Shelby. There, he would join up with E company and…
Yoshimura talks about getting drafted, and getting sent to Camp Shelby for basic training. Yoshimura discusses his duties at Camp Shelby laying and clearing mines as part of an anti-tank company, his interaction with Hawaiian soldiers; and the types…
Saiki discusses more about his childhood years, including festivals where the local children would be able to try sumo wrestling and win prizes. He would attend Kauai High School and talks about his whereabouts during the Pearl Harbor attacks. His…
Nakamura talks about his finishing with Japanese language courses in Monterey and his quick furlough in Hawaii to spend some time with his family and prepare to go overseas. He would head overseas, stopping in multiple countries en route to Yokohama.…
Nakamura would get drafted into the Army and be assigned to the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) at Schofield Barracks. They would head first to San Francisco, then get on a train leading to Fort McClellan in Alabama to begin boot camp. While in…
Hoashi discusses his reasons for joining the Army, and the process of induction, getting assigned to a company and getting shipped over to Mississippi. While at Camp Shelby, he would experience segregation in the South while doing his basic training.…
Hinatsu discusses being on the farm when first hearing about the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Shortly after, his family would be evacuated and sent to Portland assembly center followed by Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho. While visiting on a…
Muramaru discusses his training and experiences as a telephone wireman, traveling overseas to Italy, and the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. He then talks about corresponding with his family while overseas, discusses going to…
Ishihara discusses what it was like seeing Hitler's underground bunker and experiencing V-E Day while in Germany, volunteering for Military Intelligence Service (MIS), returning to the United States, and getting furlough. He then talks about his…
Ishihara discusses arriving in Italy and traveling to Naples, what it was like being a part of an artillery battery, his assignments picking up water and rations, and experiencing enemy fire while in a bivouac area. He then talks about his…
Mukai describes his furlough in Washington. He lists his military decorations. He talks about changes in his hometown. He discuses returning to active duty as a driver. He describes his final military post as a cook for the Presidio Monterey. He…
Kitada talks about his experiences with weapons training, provides some thoughts regarding going overseas, and discusses his experiences during his furlough including staying with a former neighbor and visiting his family at Manzanar Concentration…
Joseph Ichiuji begins the interview talking about growing up in Pacific Grove, California, fishing and playing football with his siblings. He talks about facing discrimination in the job market and attending Japanese language school while also…
Tanaka reminiscences about the journey to the mainland. He also discusses his role within the Service Company. Tanaka reflects on his visits to two American Concentration Camps and his encounters with discrimination while in the army. He reveals his…
Tateishi continues to talk about his whereabouts during the attacks on Pearl Harbor, including the weather during that day. He also talks about his various experiences in the war, starting with Anzio and moving up through Rome, where they would…
Masuda discusses breaking the news to friends and family about volunteering for the army. He also talks about his furlough experience. Masuda discusses how he became a company clerk a pharmacist for the army.
Kiyabu discusses about basic training, being assigned to the 100th Infantry Battalion, and his furlough experiences. He details about going overseas. Kiyabu also discusses about his combat experiences in Italy and France.
Ikari talks more about being wounded during combat, getting shot in the legs and nearly losing consciousness before getting saved by the medics. He talks about his mentality when being shot in the line of fire and being taken to the aid station. Once…
Tamanaha continues to talk about the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. He discusses why he enlisted and his journey to the Mainland. He describes discrimination at Camp Shelby and Hattiesburg, including racial discrimination against African Americans.…
While in the camps, Sato would be faced with the loyalty questionnaire, in which he would answer yes, yes, effectively placing himself in the draft. At the time, his mother did not want him to join the Army, but would end up getting drafted and…
He talks about his employment ventures after high school. He discusses his work for a church. He explains why a reverend was arrested. He describes volunteering for the military. He talks about being a part of the labor battalion. He discusses being…
Terasaki discusses his furlough, traveling overseas on the Queen Mary, landing in Scotland, and corresponding with his mother while he was overseas. He then talks about his parents' thoughts regarding his military service, discusses his…
Kazuma Taguchi talks about his military leaders. He continues to describe the events of the Champaign Campaign. He talks about his employment in the United States Navy. He discusses his activities as a union officer. He briefly talks about his…
Mori continues his recollection of his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi and the preparation for the war. After that, he was sent back to Fort Snelling before being shipped out, and at that time also got married. Next, he would be shipped…
Takemoto describes induction into military after being prohibited from serving as a 4-F classification. Related, he describes the blacked out branches of the armed forces that were unavailable to Japanese American soldiers like the Air Force and…
Kubota discusses his decision to enlist. At the beginning of the war, non-citizens are barred from enlisting due to the enemy alien law. Kubota first learns about the Nisei Regiment Formation assembly from Japanese Community Leaders and decides to…
In the final part of his interview, Mr. Mac Nagata describes the point system and his furlough, being discharged, and his life after the Army. This includes farming, becoming a machine operator until his retirement, meeting and marrying his wife, and…
On the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Frank Mizufuka was on weekend furlough at his family's home. Once the news of the bombing was publicized, he had to report back to training camp. Instead of being sent overseas with the Caucasian units, he…
Rudy Tokiwa was inducted into the military at Fort Douglass in Utah. He was then sent to report to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, but spent a layover in New Orleans for four days. His Japanese language skills were tested at Fort Snelling, but he pretended…
Kawamoto tells us of the mission to cross the Arno and his experience at the Lost Battalion battle. He also discusses a deadly mine demonstration and his passes in Europe. Finally, he recounts how he got his injury, the war's end, and his homecoming…
Kawamoto discusses leaving Hawaii and his journey to Camp Shelby. He also talks about the training he received and briefly about being wounded by a mine. Finally, Kawamoto recalls his furloughs to New York City and Camp Rohwer incarceration center.
Akune discusses his reasoning for volunteering to serve in the military. He discusses Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage, Mississippi before being shipped out for basic training.
