Identity and values--American Japanese]]> Identity and values--Women]]> World War II--Pearl Harbor and aftermath--Events Prior to Pearl Harbor]]> Military service--Pre-World War II service]]> Fujimori, George: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2002-11-29]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> Torrance, California]]>
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 1934, James' father passed away, and the family stuck together to survive. Although James lost his father and later his brother, he did not change until World War Two because he was separated from his family. James was living in Guadalupe when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

A few days later, the Army moved into the community to patrol the streets. He recalls an encounter with a soldier going home. James said he was used to seeing the soldiers around because, before Pearl Harbor, the National Guards would come through town for the summer practices. There was a National Guard Headquarters 30 miles away from the community.

James recalled the FBI coming to his house asking for his father. James informed them that his father passed away, and the FBI left. Other families James knew had a different experience with the FBI. James recalled there were curfews and travel restrictions. Several months later, there was an evacuation notice. The Japanese Americans had no power or rights regardless of how they felt. The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) could only listen to the government. The JACL was not able to make suggestions.

Assembly Center
James did own any treasures and only packed what he could carry to camp. James and his family evacuated to an Assembly Center. He described the living conditions and the guards posted at the gate. James would work inside the relocation center as an ambulance driver.
]]> Murata, James: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]>
At home, Hitoshi's Issei parents teach him and his siblings Shushin - Japanese morals and values. For example, honor the family, study hard, persevere, and Ganbare. Besides attending primary school, Hitoshi attends Japanese Language School and kendo. At home, Hitoshi speaks Japanese.

Growing up in Pasadena, Hitoshi attends the Pasadena Unified School District throughout his school years. The school district is a cosmopolitan demographic with diversity. As a child, Hitoshi feels everyone is the same despite coming from different ancestry. After graduating High School, Hitoshi works part-time to pay for his tuition at the University of Southern California.

He recalls his childhood friends and their Military service during World War Two.

]]> Sameshima, Hitoshi: narrator]]> Sato, Christine: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Race--Discrimination]]> Education]]> Child rearing]]> Tanaka, Walter: narrator]]> Hawkins, Richard: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> 2001 June 01]]> eng]]> Oral Histories]]> San Jose, California ]]>
He travels overseas on USS Washington. The voyage takes two weeks for the soldiers to land in Italy. He could not tell his family where he is going, no letters are permitted. On the ship, he has kitchen police duties.

When Yoshiro lands in Naples, Italy, Yoshiro goes to Caiazzo, where the replacement depot is. Yoshiro has training in foreign weapons. At the end of April 1945, and Germany surrenders two days later.

In Italy, Yoshiro sees his cousin Rudy Tokiwa. Yoshiro's other cousin Duke Tokiwa (Rudy's brother) is also overseas but in Germany.

The war ends, and Yoshiro returns to the United States. He lands in New Jersey and drives his jeep cross country back to California. Along the way, he makes a few stops to visits friends.

Post-war, Yoshiro goes to school at San Jose State College and UC Berkeley. He majors in biochemistry. After graduating he works at two labs at the California Department of Health Services. Later he works in different fields dealing with carcinogens. Yoshiro explains the PCD compliance agreement and regulation for the museum exhibiting Military ships.

Yoshiro is remarried and has four children (two sons from his previous marriage and two step-daughters). Yoshiro is on the Board of Japanese American Service East Bay. This organization helps elderly Japanese Americans. Yoshiro is proud to serve with the 442nd.]]> Tokiwa, Yoshiro: narrator]]> Garvey, John: interviewer]]> Go For Broke National Education Center: publisher]]> Go For Broke National Education Center]]> Oral Histories]]>