Nakao discusses growing up in Sacramento, California, where he attended Japanese language school, learned martial arts, and was a liquor salesman for Japanese liquor. He also talks about encountering racism during his time in the Quartermaster Corps…
Nakao discusses his family's forced removal to Tule Lake Incarceration Center, and what it was like visiting them at Tule Lake and at Heart Mountain Incarceration Camp, where they were later sent. He then talks about his time traveling throughout…
Nakao discusses his relationship with his assigned bodyguard, Harold Peterson. He also talks exploring underground caves while on Kiska Island, living in Alaska as a translator, and recalls how he met his wife and got married in Salt Lake City. …
Nakao discusses living in Minneapolis after receiving his discharge papers. He also talks about moving back to California and his experiences building a Japanese American community center in Pacoima, and his relationship with his children and…
Fujimoto talks about his birthplace in Honolulu, Hawaii. He discusses his family and parents. He describes how his sister got her name. He talks about his father's work at Washington Place in Honolulu, Hawaii. He discusses his childhood activities.…
Fujimoto talks about his defense work in Hawaii. He explains his own reaction to the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses the formation of the 100th Infantry Battalion. He describes his journey to the Mainland. He talks about his short stay in a…
Fujimoto explains how he got trench foot. He talks about communicating with family while he was in the military. He discusses the casualties and injuries in his unit. He describes the horrors of war. He talks about receiving enemy fire at an Italian…
Fujimoto continues to talk about his unit's attempt to capture Cassino, Italy. He describes a recent visit to Cassino, Italy. He discusses an air fight he witnessed. He shares his thoughts on war. He talks about his unit's retreat from Cassino,…
Iwataki discusses his nickname, parents, his father's business, and his family in Japan. He then talks about how his parents met, his mother, and discipline during his childhood. Next, Iwataki talks about his siblings; and discusses his childhood…
Iwataki talks about his childhood including discussing his neighborhood, attending school, friendships, experiences with discrimination, playing sports, and influential teachers. He then continues to talk about his childhood and discusses his…
Iwataki discusses discrimination in the Army as well as Kibei experiences in the military. He then talks about experiences with discrimination at Fort McClellan, describes the process of getting a field commission, and describes the term, cadre.…
Iwataki talks about landing in Naples, discusses Italian civilians, and talks about a good luck charm called "the flying duck". He then talks about his experiences during the Lost Battalion rescue; the battle at Bruyeres; discusses his interactions…
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,…
Iwasaki talks about his children and their occupations; discusses his grandchildren; talks about the history of his last name; and discusses the contributions of Nisei soldiers in regards to the community. He then provides a message to his children…
(Left image) Two Japanese American soldiers at the language department office. (Right image) Japanese American at the interpreter's quarters at a Japanese P.O.W. camp.
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;…
Kazumura discusses the reasons for changing his name; his employment at Pearl Harbor including his duties as a heavy equipment mechanic; and discusses his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor which included describing the airplanes he saw…
Kazumura talks about his hosptial visit after he drank gasoline by accident; discusses getting new boots; talks about his Army friendships; talks about how he helped save a wounded soldier; and discusses his combat experiences at Hill 140. Next,…
Kodama discusses his family and having to work to the help them. He details about his educational experiences, playing sports, and martial arts training. Kodama also discusses being drafted, basic training, and Pearl Harbor.
Kodama discusses the aftermath from Pearl Harbor and formation of the 100th Infantry Battalion. He details about race relations while traveling and opinion towards American Concentration Camps. Kodama also discusses his experiences in North Africa,…
Kodama discusses his experiences during The battle of Monte Cassino and Anizo Beach. He details about the living conditions during the war and the events that took place after Cassino. Kodama also discusses his early experiences in France and…
Kodama discusses more about saving French civilians. He details about his experiences and opinions on the Recuse of The Lost Battalion. Kodama also discusses being sent back to Italy and The Gothic Line. He closes out by stating that he is thankful…
Kodama discusses his experiences during the Champagne Campaign and the medals he received. He details about returning back to Hawaii, finding employment, and meeting his wife. Kodama also discusses about what he learned from the war, revisiting…
Sakoda discusses his family and life growing up in Waimea, (Kauai) Hawaii, including the time he spent living on a sugar cane plantation, and becoming a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). He also talks about his whereabouts during the attack…
Sakoda recalls the time that he spent at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, including describing training exercises, encounters with locals, and experiences with discrimination. He then goes on to discuss traveling to Camp Shelby, and his first experiences…
Sakoda discusses some of the differences between United States and German equipment, and describes machine guns and some unusual uses for helmets. He also recalls his experiences in battle in Cassino, Italy and the death of a friend. After getting…
Sakoda discusses the reason why he didn't go to Anzio with the 100th Infantry Battalion, his experiences in Vosges Forest among German soldiers, and the censorship that was required for correspondence with his family back in Hawaii. He also talks…
Sakoda recalls the moment he learned about the end of World War Two, and his long journey back to the United States. He also discusses returning to Kauai after receiving his discharge papers and seeing his family for the first time after the war…
Sakoda describes pictures in a photo album. Some of the photographs featured are of a friend seeing snow for the first time, images depicting events in Minnesota and Wisconsin, photographs taken during the "Champagne Campaign", and photographs taken…
Ishikawa discusses his family and upbringing. He details about Pearl harbor and its aftermath. Ishikawa also discusses about volunteering for service and his brief experiences with Japanese Prisoners of War.
Ishikawa discusses about his journey to the Mainland and his experiences at Camp Shelby. He details about his experiences in Italy. Ishikawa also discusses about his experiences in France and leaves a message for future generations.
Kamiya discusses his life before the war as an orphan, with siblings, on a sugar plantation in Kekaha and as a young adult in Honolulu. He also gives an account of being drafted and his experience during the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition he…
Kamiya discusses his experience being an army runner and radio man until he got injured and had to be reassigned; and how his two brothers also got drafted in the war. He also discusses the impact of Japanese American soldiers becoming commanding…
Mori explains how his parents immigrated to America. He describes his earliest memories. He talks about his family's farming background and his primary school experiences. Mori discusses his families frequent moves. He explains childhood conceptions…
Mori continues to talk about Japanese language school. He discusses citizenship and sumo wrestling. He describes being drafted and inducted into the Army. Mori discusses basic training. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and how it caused…
Mori talks about how the Attack on Pearl Harbor affected his status as a soldiers. He discusses his father's imprisonment after Pearl Harbor. He briefly talks about the forced removal of Japanese Americans and remedial jobs he performed while in the…
Mori describes his second round of basic training and maneuvers. He talks about his first combat experience. He explains how he got supplies while overseas. He discusses his relationship with other soldiers. Mori talks about the Dachau Concentration…
Mori continues to talk about Dachau Concentration Camp. He describes how he reunited with a man he meet near Dachau. He discusses the Lost Battalion. Mori talks about marching into Germany towards the end of World War Two. He explains how he was…
Sasano discusses growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii including his experiences in high school and what his neighborhood was like. He then goes on to talk about moving to Los Angeles and becoming a produce clerk, and his photography hobby. Sasano also…
Sasano discusses his experiences living in Nebraska with his sister after his incarceration at Poston, followed by traveling to Camp Savage for basic training after enlisting in the army. He then talks about his interactions with Hawaiian soldiers at…
Sasano discusses his time in the Philippines, including describing Japanese Prisoners of War, Philippine citizens, a tour of airfields in North Luzon, and going to Corregidor. He also talks about his experiences in Okinawa, including working as a…
Sasano discusses his brother's duties during World War Two as an officer in the Army and recalls seeing him in Tokyo while visiting his mother. After the end of World War Two, Sasano lived in Japan and worked as a public health officer while also…
Sasano starts off by showing and discussing his Boy Scouts awards and pins, including an award he received for 70 years of service. He also talks about his involvement in the creation of a popular nature study in Los Angeles as part of the Boy Scouts…
Yatsu describes his parents and his experiences in school. He talks about the Attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. He discuss the role of religion in his upbringing. He describes what Upland and Pasadena were like when he was young. He briefly…
Yatsu continues to talk about the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He also describes a friendship that he made in the military. He explores his forced removal experiences. Yatsu talks about the time that he spent at Poston Concentration Camp. He discuss…
Yatsu describes how he would leave Poston to go to the Colorado River. He continues to talk about being drafted. Then he describes basic training and life at Camp Blanding. He explains what he knew about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team before he…
Yatsu talks about what happened on the Gothic Line. He also describes what happened during the Champagne Campaign. He explains what "living for the day" means. Yatsu discusses interactions with locals and the European countryside. He explains how he…
Yatsu talks about his sense of humor. He talks about his humorous life experiences. He discusses enrolling in college. Yatsu describes the work he did while in college. He also talks about his post-graduate studies and work experiences. He describes…
Lawrence Yatsu gives advice to veterans who are contemplating sitting for a oral history interview. He also gives more advice to the next generation. Yatsu explains the affect of his war time injury on his psyche. He contrast his intellectual nature…
This interview is with both Lawson Sakai and Paul Teruya. First, Teruya discusses his father including his immigration to Hawaii, and his employment; and talks about his mother's immigration. Next, Sakai talks about his father including his…
Teruya discusses his parents' personalities and physical traits; describes the shoes his mother made for him; talks about working in sugar cane plantation; and discusses his favorite memories of his parents. Teruya then talks about his experiences…
Teruya discusses Daniel Inouye; talks about attending Japanese language school; discusses his experiences with prejudice; and talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Sakai then talks about his experiences with prejudice; his enemy alien…
Sakai discusses his experiences in Colorado; talks about childhood chores; discusses his reasons for volunteering; and discusses his knowledge of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Next, Sakai discusses his induction; talks about the Sullivan Act;…
Sakai discusses the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers; talks about the Hawaiian soldiers who visited incarceration camps in Arkansas; and describes the term, "katonk". Teruya then discusses a song sang by Hawaiian soldiers; talks…
Sakai discusses officers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team; and talks about weapons he carried. Teruya then discusses his first combat experiences in Italy including encounters with German soldiers, mines, seeing soldiers killed in action, and…
Teruya discusses the liberation of Bruyeres; Teruya and Sakai both discuss their combat experiences prior to Bruyeres; and Sakai discusses visting Bruyeres post-war. Teruya then discusses his Army friendships; his experiences during the rescue of the…
Sakai discusses combat experiences during the Gothic Line including talking about the rescue of Daniel Inouye after he was wounded. Then, Sakai and Teruya describe German soldiers; discuss the end of the war; and talk about corresponding with their…
Teruya discusses returning home; getting discharged; and seeing his family again. He then talks about meeting his wife; discusses his children and grandchildren; and talks about receiving the Bronze Star. Next, Sakai discusses his post-war…
Sumida discusses his childhood, family, and Japan Language school. He details about Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Sumida also discusses about heading to the Mainland for training and his experiences while there.
Sumida briefly discusses the voyage overseas, interactions with British soldiers, and his stint in North Africa. He details about his experiences early experiences in Italy and crossing the Volturno River. Sumida also discusses mines, mountain…
Sumida discusses The Battle of Monte Cassino and the realities of war. He details about his at Anzio Beach and the sound of artillery. Sumida also discusses the events surrounding Rome and his experiences near the Arno River.
Sumida discusses his experiences at Arno River, in the Vosges, and in the city of Bruyeres. He details about mail, visiting Jerome Concentration Camp, and relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. Sumida also discusses his homecoming…
Leo Morishita is born December 24, 1923, in Shelley, Idaho. Leo's parents are from Hiroshima, Japan, and immigrates to the United States for a better life. When Leo's father arrives in the United States, he works on the railroad and later becomes a…
Leo Morishita gives a little fun fact about his last name Morishita. Morishita means underwood in English. Before his high school graduation, on December 7, Leo is at the Japanese American Citizen League (JACL) planning on an early Christmas party.…
From Fort Meade, Leo Morishita goes to Newport Dunes, Virginia, for additional training and his final medical shots. Leo boards the USS West Point and goes overseas. The voyage takes 24 days, and Leo describes the daily routine on the ship before…
Before going overseas, the three Morishita brothers, Kenzo, Leo, and Yutaka receives a good luck charm from their mother. After his tour, Leo receives a ribbon for being in the European Theater and a good conduct medal for his service. At the end of…
