In this video clip, Frank Mizufuka talks about life after being discharged from the Army. He relocated to Chicago, where he met and married his wife. They soon moved to Los Angeles to be closer to his family. He describes his participation in the Van…
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.
Akamine talks about trying to find work after he was discharged. He describes his experiences with discrimination after the war. He discusses his hopes for the future. He gives advice to future generations. Akamine talks about his marriage and…
After joining the Air Force, Aki would ask to be sent to occupied Japan, instead of having to serve in the Korean War. He talks about coming into Japan for the first time since his time as a prisoner of war, and comparing the destruction he saw when…
Akita continues to describe what everyday life was like for a prisoner of war. He also describes how prisoners of war escaped from his prisoner of war camp. He talks about political prisoners in his camp. He discusses the end of World War Two,…
Akiyama discusses his wife, marriage, daughter, and his reasons for participating in the Hanashi Oral History Program. He also talks about his participation in the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and other post-war recreational activities…
Anzai talks about assisting Hawaiian soldiers with writing letters to their families back home while in battle at Anzio, and also talks about his duties during battle which involved being a rifleman. He then discusses about some of the medals he…
Arakaki discusses more about being wounded in action five separate times and refusing the Purple Heart medal. He talks the various situations in which he was wounded and would end up in the hospital all five times. During his last wound, he would be…
Arakaki talks a bit more about his childhood in Okinawa. As he grew up in the village of Gushiken, he would learn folk songs, and play with his siblings. He would also take an interest in karate and learn bo. Next, he talks about the home he grew up…
George Aratani begins this interview part discussing how the bombing of Pearl Harbor prevented him from being able to completely take control of his father's businesses, and then arranging management of the businesses while in internment camp to an…
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,…
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…
Asato continues talking about his first combat while in Italy, at the Rome-Arno area. He talks about being able to see Florence from a distance and the tree bursts that could kill a soldier instantly. While there, he would get sick and end up in a…
Paul Takao Bannai likes to be active in the community, but there is not enough time. Paul is part of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) for more than 60 years. Paul would like to put more time into helping Go For Broke. However, if they…
Mr. Black discusses values that his parents taught him that helped him throughout his life. He also talks about what his father told him before leaving for military service and his own similar messages for his sons when they left. Mr. Black concludes…
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…
Giovanna discusses the pros and cons of her interracial marriage. She talks about how she met her husband in post war Italy. She also talks about opposition she and her spouse faced from her family and the U.S. military. She also relays anecdotes…
Espineda talks about his experiences in Po Valley. He briefly talks about the Gothic Line. He discusses being discharged and his return to civilian life. He describes how he reconnected with his family. He talks about the memories he has of his…
Espineda talks about his marriage. He talks about his children and grandchildren. He describes the changes that he has seen in Stockton, California over time. He discusses the legacy of the Nisei. Espineda shares his advice for veterans considering…
Foote discusses various aspects of his life after World War 2. After discharge he went to Cornell University as a graduate student and became a professor in Animal Science and Molecular Biology. In addition he talks about his family life: marriages,…
Edward Fujii's interview is with his wife, Aya Fujii.
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.
Kazuo Fujii discusses returning home, and encountering some instances of racism around his hometown. Next, he talks about how he met his wife, and her background. Lastly, he gives a message for future generations, and provides some information on his…
Fujii talks about the military equipment he used during the Korean War. He describes about how old the C-rations were during the Korean War. He continues to discuss his journey back to the United States. He talks about being reassigned at Fort Lewis.…
Roy Fujiwara talks about being hospitalized after his injury. He describes his medals and awards. He discusses his return to the United States. He talks about his hospitalization in Texas. He talks about being discharged. He describes the first time…
Peter Fukasawa discusses his happiest moment at Camp Shelby. On September 3, 1943 gets married. Fukasawa previously knows his wife due to their parents' friendship.
On the ship going overseas, Fukasawa has KP duty. He recalls the soldiers are…
Fukunaga discusses receiving the Bronze Star, his post-military employment working for the Department of Navy and State of Hawaii, and getting married and having children. He then talks about his involvement in the 442nd Go for Broke Foundation and…
Taira Fukushima and his brother Jim are together for 442nd and replacements. On the mainland, Taira is a medic aide, and Jim is a litter bearer. Taira has limited training as a medic, but Tech Sergeant Hirata and Sergeant Matsuda give him support…
Furukawa discusses the Champagne Campaign. He describes his leaves in France and Switzerland. He talks about the end of World War Two. He explains how he got back to California. Furukawa reflects on his time in work camps. He talks about joining the…
M. Furuto talks about the end of the war and his life after the military. He talks about waiting in Europe to ship home after V-E Day. He also talks about his experiences traveling to the U.S. and his military discharge. He shares anecdotes regarding…
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…
Hamashige talks about his family from his wife to his grandchildren and what they're doing now. Next, he shares stories of his time as a consultant in Honduras, where he was able to attend a dinner reception Dictator Samoza of Nicaragua. After this,…
Hashisaka discusses the war crimes trials that he was involved with, acting as a court interpreter. He brings a charge document from one of the defendants and talks about the intricacies of the trials. He would continue working at the trials until he…
Toshiko Hattori describes her childhood growing up in foster homes in New York City. She attended nursing school after high school, and joined the United States Army to work as a nurse. During World War II, she was sent overseas to Korea, but was…
Mr. Hayashi opens by discussing the dissolution of his first marriage in this brief section. He goes on to talk about the legacy of the Nisei soldier and the 442's place in history. The video concludes with Mr. Hayashi showing off some photographs of…
Hayashi wraps up the discussion about his military service, discussing his trip back home and visiting cities on the mainland on his way back. Hayashsi describes the reunion with his parents and friends on his return to Hawaii and also talks about…
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard begins by describing how he met his wife while serving in Korea and their developing courtship and eventual marriage. He then moves on to talking about his interest and involvement with kendo over much of his lifetime…
Hinatsu talks more about the rescue of the Lost Battalion, including a parade that followed the rescue. Following this they would get some rest and relaxation during the Champagne Campaign, going through the South of France. Shortly after they war…
At Fort Snelling, Frank Hiratsuka works in the postal section processing incoming mail. On his weekends off, sometimes Frank flies home to visit his parents. Frank is later assigned to go to Schofield in Honolulu, HI.
Mr. Jack Hirose describes becoming the head of the household, forming a community organization for sports called the "Royal Y's," as well as the reaction to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He talks about the days before the notice evacuation into…
Hirose discusses playing baseball in the military and shares memorable stories. In the military here is segregation units and Hirose reflects on discrimination.
During Hirose's time in occupation there are many orphan children in Japan and he…
Hishinuma continues to talk about his work for the Atomic Printing Company. He describes how he and his future wife applied for a marriage license. He discusses his wife application for citizenship. He talks about the female companions that his job…
Horikawa discusses his father's life in Japan; his parents marriage; and his father's employment at a hardware store and as an inventor. He then talks about some of the inventions his father created; discusses his family's religion and attending…
In high school, Harold Horiuchi enjoys playing basketball. In Seattle, Harold plays basketball for the Fieldhouse Team as a Center. Harold plays basketball in the Japanese American Community too.
In 1938, Harold graduates high school and goes to…
Post-war, Shigeru Iba he meets his wife, Toshi Beverly Iba. They have been married for 54 years and have three children, Gary, Glenn, and Alan. Glenn has two sons, and Alan has two sons.
In 1946, Shigeru and his brother buys a nursery together…
Following the Turlock, Ichikawa and his family were moved to the Gila River Concentration Camp, where he saw posters showing that the Army needed military volunteers who could speak Japanese and work as interpreters. Once approved, Ichikawa was…
Ida finishes the interview talking about how he met his wife and how they settled in Hawaii. After this he gives a message for future generations and some final notes.
Charley discusses the opportunity to visits, Jerome and Rohwer. When traveling to New York after the war, he meets a mutual friend of Eva's who he corresponds with during wartime. During wartime, he describes how the soldiers' shower on the…
Before getting discharged from the Army, Ikari was asked to participate in an objective Army program, in which they wanted Nisei soldiers to dress in Japanese uniforms and act as one would in the Japanese Army in order to help train new recruits.…
Imoto shares details about his war injuries, how he got wounded and where his wounds are. He talks how he recuperated. He also discusses his life after the war ended.
Inouye continues to talk about his experiences while on the front line. He reveals that he returned home on the Queen Mary. Inouye talks about having trench foot and his subsequent discharge. He briefly reflects on the atomic bomb and the end of…
Inouye discusses his experiences staying at a sanitarium while he had tuberculosis; describes the term "evacuation"; and defines "yellow peril" and "Shikata ga nai". He then talks about his experiences after forced removal; and discusses how he met…
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…
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…
Ito briefly talks about his family history and childhood, then he talks about how he got drafted while at an internment camp. Ito recounts the assignments he carried out during the post-war U.S. occupation of Japan. He discusses some specifics of his…
Iwasaki talks about his return to Hillsboro, going back to the farm and meeting his future wife. He would get married and have children, continuing on with his career in farming, growing vegetables and flowers and even experimenting with wasabi later…
Iwasaki talks about the end of the war and returning to the United States where he participated in a parade in New York. He then talks about corresponding with his wife while overseas, and discusses seeing his daughter prior to going overseas. Next,…
At Camp Savage, Yoshio Izumi is assigned to Headquarter Company and does clerical work. He is tasked with morning reports and supplies inventory. Yoshio recalls being inducted at the same time as John Aiso and seeing him at basic training at Fort…
Kanada talks about receiving the Purple Heart and a unit citation; returning home; marriage; teaching dance; and provides a message to future generations.
Kaneshiro talks about how the details of how he and his wife met and their marriage. Next, he discusses the best and most difficult parts of being in the Army, awards received, and his ranks throughout his time with the Army. After that, Kaneshiro…
Kashiwagi shares his lasting impressions of World War Two. He describes his journey home and his return to civilian life. He talks about his engineering career after the war. He discusses his marriage and children. He talks about sharing his war…
Katagiri discusses returning to the United States, seeing his family for the first time, and his post-war employment. He then talks about getting married, divorced, and remarried. Next, Katagiri talks about his children and grandchildren; and…
While attending regular school during the weekdays, Kawagoye would also attend Japanese language school on the weekends. He would be lucky to have some very impactful teachers during this time, and was always regarded as a good student. Next, he…
Kawaguchi discusses his duties running a military training school, writing to his family while he was living in Japan, and recalls stories regarding resettlement after World War Two. He then goes on to talk about returning to the United States and…
Kawanishi discusses reactions to coming home from the war and beginning his career as a watch maker. After this he would work in grocery stores, where he would meet his second wife and start a family with. He then talks about his past interactions…
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;…
Kimoto discusses his time after his discharge in Honolulu visiting friends after the war and his marriage proposal to his wife. After moving to Los Angeles, Kimoto took up jobs in the liquor distribution business, before purchasing his own liquor…
Kimura discusses meeting his wife while living in Japan as a soldier and then marrying her as a civilian. Next, he talks about becoming a civilian translator, working for double the pay after being discharged from the Army. He would return to the…
Kimura discusses his experiences working in Occupied Japan as both a military lieutenant and later a civilian. He talks about his time in Yokohama and Tokyo, working on translation services. He also shares anecdotes regarding: the Japanese citizenry,…
Kitagawa finishes the interview telling the story of how he received his Bronze Star, including the battle and the ceremony afterwards. Next, he talks about his first and second marriages and his family. He also gives a message to future generations…
Kiyonaga discusses about going to college and meeting her husband. She details her marriage, military service, and his work with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Kiyonaga also discusses about the greatest generations and gives a message to…
In this brief concluding interview, Mr. Kobashigawa focuses on the actions that eventually led to him receiving the Medal of Honor and also gives his thoughts on his upgrade from the Distinguished Service Cross. He briefly discusses his family life…
Post-war, James returns to the United States and goes to trade school on a G.I. Bill. James learns to bake and becomes a baker for five years. Eventually, he changes professions and goes into produce because the job is stable with union pay.…
Kodama talks about farming in Northren California and Southern California. He shares his experiences with discrimination. He describes the demographics of Lompoc, California. He shares the knowledge of his children concerning the contributions of…
Kodama continues talking about the end of the war, helping with the interrogation process of German prisoners of war. He would miss the first pool of soldiers to head home on the points system but be granted a 30-day leave, in which he would travel…
Konoshima discusses how he ended up joining the Army, despite not being an American citizen. He would not become a citizen until the McCarron-Walter Act would allow him to do so. Next, he discusses the importance of becoming a U.S. citizen and what…
Koyano talks about training soldiers in the 171st unit. He describes his wartime mementos and his attempts to readjust to his family life. He shares his feelings about being drafted. He discusses his marriage. He talks about moving to California and…
At this point in the interview, Kubo is joined by his wife, Misao Kubo. They talk about their marriage and family background, Misao's career work as a designer and living in Boyle Heights. Next, they talk about the importance of passing on the…
Kumagai talks about his combat experiences at Po Valley; volunteering to be a litter bearer; and his assignment processing German POWs. He then talks about returning back to the United States and his post-war employment in welding; getting married;…
Kunihiro discusses his experiences in Europe during World War 2. He talks about how illness with Bronchitis affected him. He shares anecdotes regarding: when he got married, his experiences with Hawaiian Niseis, and battle scenes he witnessed.
Kurahara discusses a close encounter overseas. He witnesses how the US soldiers gets out of the foxhole at the right time when the German bomb goes into their foxhole. He explain how fate plays a factor.
Masato Eddy Kurushima discusses the contributions of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) during the Occupation of Japan. Unlike the 442nd, 100th, and 552nd, the MIS wartime efforts are not well known because they were a top-secret unit. Eddy…
Kuwabara describes his last assignment before retirement; and moving to Japan and getting a job at a public relations company as a translator. He also talks about the differences between civilian and military employment, his three marriages, and…
Maeda recalls his favorite story of receiving a religious cross during the war, getting married and starting a family. Maeda also discusses his military awards. Later in the interview, his wife Lily Chisato Maeda joins in. Lily recalls the Pearl…
Masuda discusses his college years and marriage. He talks about Camp Roberts and Japanese language school. Masuda explains why he was transferred to Fort Sill. He describes how he trained Japanese and Hawaiian soldiers at Camp Shelby. He also…
Masuda talks about how life was different when he returned to Livingston after the war. He talks about other changes after the war and his children. Masuda discusses his marriage and grandchildren. He briefly describes his post war career and his…
Masuoka talks about mentors he had in graduate school and while he was employed at a VA hospital. He then talks about his experiences traveling across the United States after he retired, and his brother's military service. Next, Masuoka introduces…
George Matsui was reassigned to MacArthur's Headquarters, Army Intelligence G2, Natural Resources Section after Japan surrendered. He recalls traveling to Fukuoka to see his family for the first time.
While Matsui was at Camp Savage instructing classes, his uncle would be at Minidoka Concentration Camp, where the living conditions were very poor. He talks about how he met his wife and his outlook on the war while at Camp Savage. Shortly after, he…
Clarence "Matt' Matsumoto discusses a time when he encounters German soldier during battle that is non-combative. Matsumoto recalls raising their hands to each other and walking away. During the war, Matsumoto serves in the K Company mortar squad as…
Matsumoto talks about meeting his wife, his marriage, and his children. He then talks about his post-war employment working at the post office, a plantation, and with the Boy Scouts. Next, Matsumoto talks about being a part of the Boy Scouts as a…
Matsumura discusses his wife and children, education at Northrop Aeronautical Institute and work at an airline. He also discusses recreational activities he has enjoyed throughout his life, storytelling with fellow servicemen at reunions, music and…
During the occupation, George Mitsuru Matsunaga stayed with the CIC. He recalled a food shortage in Japan and saw the Japanese nationals trying to survive. During George's travel, he became friends with three Marines who fought in the Guadalcanal on…
Matsushita talks more about his time in occupied Japan, making lots of friends there and even being there during the Korean War. After his discharge, he would begin his career in the civil service sector, working for OSHA until he retired. Following…
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.
During the Military occupation in Japan, Tommy Mayekawa works for the Third Military Railway Service Headquarters as an interpreter. He guards the trains to make sure they are not pilferage.
Living in Yokohama, Japan, Tommy does not encounter…
Jumpei Mine narrates photographs from his wartime.
Overseas, Jumpei encounters some close calls. He shares his stories about a hand grenade, a three-story building, and a fence. Besides his close calls, he says the scariest thing is the German…
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…
