Tony Koura oral history interview, part 3 of 3, January 17, 2010
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When Tony Koura goes back to Japan after the occupation, the locals have changed. The people have money, there is no food shortage, no one is starving, and every one is employed. There are thousands of linguists during the occupation. Tony says the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) put in a lot of contributions.
Tony recalls his friend, Stan Kizawa, who worked in the Civil Censorship who is instrumental in saving the Kabuki Theater. In the occupation, Tony's role is mainly intelligence collection. The reason linguists are spread out through the different prefectures, Japan, is to assist the Japanese Government and Police with keeping the Communists under control.
The Nisei Linguists have more of an advantage for the locals to trust them over a white people who can speak Japanese. The locals want to make friends right away. Moreover, sharing the same culture is helpful in the mission.
The Japanese locals are accustomed to democracy. Therefore, when General MacArthur preserves the Emperor System and democracy after the war, he is well received. Democracy is established in Japan after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 (approximately) until the Military System takes over in the 1930s.
After the occupation, Tony works in a few positions in the military. Before retiring, he is Chief Historian of the Pacific Command. At the end of the interview, Tony shows a photo of him and the Captain Scientist "Chief" he accompanies in Japan occupation.
Tony recalls his friend, Stan Kizawa, who worked in the Civil Censorship who is instrumental in saving the Kabuki Theater. In the occupation, Tony's role is mainly intelligence collection. The reason linguists are spread out through the different prefectures, Japan, is to assist the Japanese Government and Police with keeping the Communists under control.
The Nisei Linguists have more of an advantage for the locals to trust them over a white people who can speak Japanese. The locals want to make friends right away. Moreover, sharing the same culture is helpful in the mission.
The Japanese locals are accustomed to democracy. Therefore, when General MacArthur preserves the Emperor System and democracy after the war, he is well received. Democracy is established in Japan after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 (approximately) until the Military System takes over in the 1930s.
After the occupation, Tony works in a few positions in the military. Before retiring, he is Chief Historian of the Pacific Command. At the end of the interview, Tony shows a photo of him and the Captain Scientist "Chief" he accompanies in Japan occupation.
Identifier
2010OH0995_03_Koura
Oral History Item Type Metadata
Date of Birth
1926 Jun 06
War or Conflict
Branch of Service
Entrance into Service
Location of Basic Training
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Citation
Koura, Tony: narrator et al., “Tony Koura oral history interview, part 3 of 3, January 17, 2010,” Japanese American Military History Collective, accessed April 19, 2024, https://ndajams.omeka.net/items/show/1055711.