Furumoto discusses growing up in Hawaii including sugar plantation experiences, childhood and high school activities, Japanese language school, his parents and cultural disciplinary standards, community leaders and educators and his decision to…
Furumoto discusses his decision to attend veterinary school at Kansas State University. He recounts his feelings during the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. He also discusses his decision to join the army.
Furumoto discusses his efforts to enlist and his experience in Military Intelligence Service Language School. He goes on to talk about his experiences in basic training at Camp Shelby.
Furumoto recalls joining Merrill's Marauders on a secret mission to Burma. He discusses his task of interpreting Japanese soldiers for information, and describes the Battle of Napunga Hill.
Furumoto discusses Roy Matsumoto and the Battle of Napunga Hill. He goes on to describe the diseases he contracted while overseas. He also discusses his participation in creating Black Propaganda.
Furumoto recalls the announcement of the end of the war and shares his thoughts about the moral issues of the United States' dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He reflects on his journey home to Kansas, his long-distance romance with…
Furumoto shows the samurai sword he received as a gift from a Japanese officer he met overseas. He goes on to share his opinion of the importance of the Nisei veterans' stories
Ohira discusses growing up in Kaua'i. He recalls the bombing of Pearl Harbor and his decision to volunteer for the Japanese American military unit. He describes his experience in basic training
Ohira talks about the tense relationship between the mainland and Hawaii soldiers during basic training. He talks about his experience visiting the incarceration camps. He goes on to talk about his experiences in battle.
Ohira describes his first battle experience overseas. He talks about the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He recounts his experience singing in the army band.
Ohira discusses his experiences both in the Army Band as well as a heavy artilleryman in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team H Company. He also describes the Battle of Banzai Hill.
Hirabayashi recounts his early life being raised on a farm in Washington state and later attending school in Japan. Upon returning to the United States and joining the military, Hirabayashi dealt with the dichotomy of serving his country while the…
Hirabayashi discusses his time at Jefferson Barracks and studying in the Military Intelligence Language School. He discusses being chosen for a secret mission with the Military Intelligence Service and deployed to Southeast Asia with Merrill's…
Hirabayashi discusses his service with Merrill's Marauders and the 5307th division in Burma. Upon arrival, Allied forces were pushed back by the Japanese army before making inroads to reclaim Burma for the Allies. Hirabayashi discusses the struggles…
Hirabayashi discusses his specific role in Merrill's Marauders, including details of covert missions and interrogation tactics. The interrogation of POWs is discussed as well as the capture of "comfort girls", women forced into sexual slavery. The…
Hirabayashi discusses his time serving as an interrogator in Chongqing, China where he learned of the development of a Japanese atomic bomb. This portion contains thoughts on the dropping of both American atomic bombs on Japan and Hirabayashi's…
Hirabayahi offers a descriptive account of the Japanese surrender in China and discusses his role in various war crimes trials. Much discussion is placed on life after the military including a reunion with his parents, attending college, meeting his…
Fujimori goes into depth about his participation in the occupation of Japan with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). He talks specifically about his time in Yokohama and Tokyo.
Seto talks about his childhood, and goes on to talk about volunteering to join the military. He describes his experiences in basic training and going overseas.
Seto discusses the make-up and activities of a glider company assigned to anti-tank. He recalls an invasion in Italy and his experiences in combat during that invasion.
Seto discusses his reasons for joining the army. He talks about his reunion with a French family he befriended during his time overseas. He also discusses his life experience after the war.
Seto discusses returning home from the war, what jobs he had after immediately following the war and he discusses his family. He also describes his current community service activities.
Peter Nakahara talks about his childhood growing up in San Pedro, California, to two Issei parents. He discusses the Japanese values imparted to him through school and family, his relationship to his parents, and his life before Pearl Harbor. This…
Peter Nakahara recalls his time training for the Military Intelligence Unit at Camp Savage, Minnesota. He also goes into details about the circumstances and whereabouts of his family while he was in training. Finally, he discusses more of his…
Peter Nakahara speaks of returning to Japan after the war and seeing the aftermath of the atomic bombs. He catalogs his efforts to aid the victims in Japan and how he and his church brought medical care to "Maidens of Hiroshima" both in Japan and in…
Aiko Nakahara, Peter's wife, tells us of her early life growing up in Seattle, Washington. She recounts her experiences at Puyallup and Minidoka Assembly Centers.The interview ends with photos from Peter's life and a final word regarding advice he…
Sogi discusses being a student at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack and his reaction to the events that took place afterwards, including Executive Order 9066. Sogi also speaks about discrimination, the…
Sogi discusses his training and experiences as an instructor at the MIS Language School and talks about the contributions the MIS made to the American war effort. He also briefly speaks about the importance of preserving oral histories in the…
Sogi discusses his work post-World War II as a member of the Counterintelligence Corps. Afterwards, he talks about his life after finally leaving the active military and building a life for himself. Lastly, he speaks about the Nisei legacy and the…
Nishimura discusses his childhood including his family, favorite childhood activities (including his excellence in Judo), experiences and lessons he learned while in Japanese language school, and his choice to become a teacher.
Nishimura discusses the activities he participated in both inside and outside of school. He then talks about going to college, his experience there, and eventually becoming a teacher. Lastly, he speaks about his recollections from December 6, 1941…
Nishimura recollects on his experiences during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He also talks about the different changes that took place in the military in light of the attack. Lastly, Nishimura discusses segregation in the military and how that…
Nishimura discusses his life in the military as an officer in the 100th Battalion. Topics include training, the relationship between Hawaiian Nisei and Mainland Nisei, and his first experiences in combat. Nishimura talks about leading men during…
Nishimura discusses the 442nd, the "Go For Broke" motto and its origins, Bruyeres and the mission to rescue the "Lost Battalion", and his relationship with the Army Generals. Later, he talks about his life after World War II and his life after…
Tsubota discusses his family background broadly in great detail, including his parents and all of his siblings. He later speaks about his education and the lessons that he took away from Japanese language school.
Tsubota discusses his childhood and childhood activities before moving on to his high school experiences and eventually enrolling at the University of Hawaii.
Tsubota discusses his time at the University of Hawaii as a member of the College of Agriculture and ROTC. Along with his experiences at college, Tsubota also talks about finishing college and deciding to become a teacher.
Tsubota discusses his experiences and responsibilities in ROTC as a student at the University of Hawaii. Later, he talks about being placed on active duty and going through basic training at the time of Pearl Harbor attack. Last, Tsubota discusses…
Tsubota discusses a wide variety of topics, mainly his experiences as a member of the military. He talks about his travels and the conditions at many of the places he was based. Lastly, he begins discussing his first combat experience during World…
Tsubota discusses his first days of combat during World War II. He proceeds to speak about a gruesome injury he suffered that ended up taking the life of a fellow officer. He then discusses his recovery and his role as a counterintelligence agent…
Tsubota mainly discusses topics and experiences as a member of the Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War. He talks about conducting investigations with the office of Clandestine Operations in the Army. He also discusses a wide range of…
Tsubota discusses a wide variety of personal topics, including his Catholic faith, memories traveling through Europe with his children (and their background), and meeting his first wife and his second wife. Lastly, he reflects on his experiences in…
Minori Sueda talks about his family and early life growing up in Redondo Beach and Torrance, California. He also talks about feeling like a second class citizen as a Japanese-American and his high school experience.
Minori Sueda recalls his reaction to Pearl Harbor and joining the military. He also talks about volunteering for the 232nd Combat Engineer Unit, basic training, and additional engineer training at Camp Shelby.
Minori Sueda recalls his terrible sea voyage to the European theater and getting lost in Rome. He speaks about some of the casualties the unit experienced and the role of an engineer unit.
Sueda tells of how he was injured by shrapnel and his recovery. He also recounts the difficulties in getting gasoline and fuel for the company and the Bruyeres-Biffontaine campaign.
Sueda explains the importance of having good officers for keeping trouble out of the company and for saving lives. He also recounts the end of the war, being stuck in Italy, and finally going home.
Minori Sueda talks about his job post-war and how he met his wife. He explains why he thinks it is important for people to know the role of Japanese-America soldiers in World War II.
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama discusses his family's emigration to the United States, as well as his familial makeup. He also recalls specific events during his adolescence, such as spending time in his father's barbershop,…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls his time spent in the Army and his experiences during the war. He gives details in regards to witnessing the bombing of Pearl Harbor and his family's experience after the attack. This part of…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls volunteering for the 442nd, his military training, and the racial discrimination he witnessed during his time in Hattiesbug. This part of the interview concludes with Ichiyama discussing when…
During this portion of the interview, Edward Ichiyama recalls his duties within his military unit. Specifically, he gives detail s on regards to being a fuseman and forward observer. In addition, Ichiyama recollects his experiences marching with the…
This interview picks up mid-story with Edward Ichiyama discussing details about his friend, Tsaneshi Naruo, as well as the eulogy of his friend, [Shimizu]. Next, Ichiyama moves on to recall his first time entering Germany and chasing the German Army…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls leaving Baltimore for Hawaii, living in a Jewish community, and the discrimination he faced while living there. In addition, Ichiyama discusses The Champagne Campaign, as well as significant…
During this part of the interview Edward Ichiyama recalls attending The Medal of Honor ceremony, as well as being the chief researcher for the AJA Veteran's Council. In addition, he gives details in regard to his friend, Thomas Shiratsuki, and being…
Kagawa discusses family, his early childhood and adolescence experiences in Gardena, California, his family's "voluntary evacuation" to Rexburg, Idaho, the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, third person accounts of incarceration camps and a visit to the…
Kagawa discusses his first impressions of Camp Shelby, visiting Rohwer Concentration Camp, his brother's military experience, his boot camp experiences and the influences of cultural traditions on attitudes towards military service. He also discusses…
Kagawa discusses combat experiences including the Po Valley Campaign, recognizing German soldiers as individuals, "Ohio Mountain," capturing towns, and his feelings about taking a life. He also discusses his charge of bringing home the 442nd…
Kagawa discusses returning home on the Wilson Victory, treatment of Hawaiian soldiers in California, current social climates reflective of discrimination and prejudice, his communicating home while in the war, post-war treatment of Japanese American…
Nelson Akagi recalls his early life growing up in Lindsay, California. He also talks about experiencing prejudice as a child, family meals, and the Okies that migrated to the area during the Great Depression.
Nelson Akagi recalls his thoughts on Japan and Germany leading up to the war. He also recounts his reaction to Pearl Harbor and the state of his family leading up to their evacuation from Lindsay, California. He details his journey as they head…
Nelson Akagi continues his story with the final leg of his family's journey to Idaho and volunteering for the army. He recounts his reaction to the loyalty questionnaire and goes over his induction and basic training at Camp Shelby. Finally, he tells…
Nelson Akagi tells of his training at Camp Shelby and shipping out to the European theater. He recounts his first combat experiences and the emotions he experienced upon seeing a dead Nisei soldier. He also talks about good and bad officers and being…
Nelson Akagi talks about experiences during the Bruyeres-Biffontaine/ Volges Campaign and more of what it was like being a scout. He also tells of the sorrow of the I Company after the Lost Battalion rescue and his experience liberating Jewish POW's.
Nelson Akagi talks about Larry Lubetzky, a Jewish POW turned interpreter for their unit. He recounts finding Lubetzky through the Holocaust Center after almost 50 years and seeing him in person at the 50th year reunion. Akagi also describes the…
Nelson Akagi explains the reaction of friends who learned about the Japanese-American war experience and why he thinks it is important to spread the story for future generations. He also briefly recounts some post-war discriminatory laws that were…
In this video clip, Ray Nosaka talks about his family and growing up in Hawai'i. He recalls instances where he faced racial discrimination in the work force.
In this video clip, Ray Nosaka talks about going to Japanese language school and talking pidgin. He also describes what Hawai'i was like before the war, and how Japanese Americans were discriminated in the workforce, as well as the military. He goes…
In this video clip, Ray Nosaka describes his job as a military dog trainer. He also talks about the different kinds of food that he and his training group ate, as well as his religious beliefs that helped him during combat. He goes on to talk about…
In this video clip, Ray Nosaka recaps his combat experience in Salerno, Italy, and being sent to a segregated hospital after being injured. He goes on to talk about different memories of his experience overseas.
Akune begins with describing his childhood and family. He moved to Japan at the age of ten, after his mother passed away. When he turned fifteen, he returned to the United States to help his father.
Akune recalls his experiences on a dairy farm life before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He describes the affects of Pearl Harbor on the Japanese American community. He also describes his experience at the Merced Temporary Detention Facility and…
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.
Akune describes his basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and his life on a liberty ship before landing in Perth, Australia, his assignment working on a propaganda project and his duties as a part of a propaganda project and interrogating…
Akune discusses his experiences interrogating Japanese Prisoners of War (POWs) and assisting the British Army with "flushing" Japanese soldiers and situations in which he faced discrimination in the military.
Akune continues his experiences in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) as an interrogator. He discusses some of his experiences interrogating soldiers and also talking to "comfort girls." He describes escorting Prisoners of War (POWs) from China…
Akune discusses his service during the Post-war Occupation of Japan -- he was a translator for the war crime trials. He introduces his wife and family. He ends by sharing a message to future generations and the importance of the Nisei veteran story.
In this segment, Martin Tohara talks about living in Hawaii and what his father did to secure a safe upbringing. He explains how English school and Japanese school were different and what was taught in Japanese school. He also explained how growing…
In this segment, Tohara recalls his time with a good friend, Ray, and the advice he was given by another teacher that helped him in the army. We learn about the after school activities he was involved in and his summer job at a machine shop. Tohara…
In this segment, Martin Tohara talks about Camp Shelby and his travels aboard a troop ship before finally ending up in combat in Europe. Traveling by troop ship, Tohara and his unit went across the United States and across the Atlantic Ocean to…
In this segment, Martin Tohara talks about the nickname he was given during basic training in relation to his rank as 1st Sergeant. Tohara also talks about some good and bad memories during the war, one of them being a funny story about a necklace a…
In this segment, Martin Tohara talks about the different types of heavy weaponry he encountered during the war. He also shares his memories of Spark Matsunaga. Tohara also speaks about how after being drafted he was asked to help with pronunciation…
In this video clip, Ken Akune goes into detail about his experience during the Occupation of Japan. He talks about being reunited with his family, what type of service he provided, and describes the devastation that he saw within the city.
In this video clip, Ken Akune describes an incident with the military police while in Japan. He also provides wisdom about the nature of war and how important it is for American soldiers to spread good will as American ambassadors.
Don Seki was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. During his childhood, he loved spending time outdoors, especially going fishing with his friends. He and his family lived in a sugar cane plantation camp, but, before the war,his parents moved back to…
Growing up, Don Seki attended Japanese language school and took Kendo classes. He talks about how he used to walk around barefoot all the time in Hawaii. After volunteering to join the U.S. Army, he was shipped to Camp Shelby for basic training. He…
Don Seki describes the reputation of the Nisei soldiers from Hawaii -- their relationship with the Mainland Nisei, fights with Caucasian soldiers, etc. He talks about what he did for leisure during basic training at Camp Shelby. He describes what…
Don Seki talks about his experience fighting on the front lines in Italy. He describes his first experience in battle at Arno River, where his Lieutenant was killed in action during a night raid. He talks about when he was injured in battle by a…
Don Seki was fitted with a prosthetic arm at the General Hospital in San Francisco. While he was in the hospital, he made friends with many of the other wounded soldiers, and even brought some of them whiskey. He talks about meeting General Stillwell…
Don Seki talks about his life after the war. His parents, who were living in Japan during the war, were unaware of his service in the U.S. Army. After his civil service in Japan, he moved to Los Angeles to work for the U.S. Navy at Terminal Island.…
Akune describes the life-changing death of his mother, resulting in his move to Japan.He describes how difficult it was to adjust to his new life, but he focused all of his time on his studies in school. His father allowed him to move back to…
Harry Akune recalls meeting his wife in Chicago after the war. He describes his Japanese language training at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage, where they studied Japanese military language. Half-way through his…
