Rudy Tokiwa talks about growing up on a farm in Salinas, California. When he was in high school, he moved to Japan and traveled to Manchuria and Korea. He describes what it was like living in Japan and how his fellow Japanese students treated him --…
Rudy Tokiwa describes his trip to Manchuria, where he and his parents visited his pregnant sister. His brother-in-law took him sight seeing in Manchuria and Korea. During his time in Manchuria, he noticed that the Manchurians respected the Japanese…
In this video clip, Rudy Tokiwa talks about his many experiences with racial prejudice and discrimination against Japanese Americans. He talks about the time the FBI broke into their home the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and trashed his…
Rudy Tokiwa and his family were taken to the Salinas Assembly Center for four months.They were later relocated to the Poston War Relocation Center. From there, he and many others volunteered to join the United States Army. There were many discussions…
In this video clip, Rudy Tokiwa describes the activities he participated in at Poston War Relocation Center. He describes the social events that were held in camp, which is where he learned to dance. He also describes his decision to volunteer to…
Rudy Tokiwa was inducted into the military at Fort Douglass in Utah. He was then sent to report to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, but spent a layover in New Orleans for four days. His Japanese language skills were tested at Fort Snelling, but he pretended…
Rudy Tokiwa describes his experience overseas to fight in the European Theater. After 27 days aboard ship, he and the rest of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team landed in Italy, where they met up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Rome. He describes…
In this video clip, Rudy Tokiwa describes the Rescue of the Lost Battalion and the Battle of Bruyeres. He talks about Colonel Pursall, who commanded the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during those two battles, and what he did for the 442nd Regimental…
In this video clip, Rudy Tokiwa talks about visiting his father's family in Japan. During his time in Japan, he also traveled to Manchuria and Korea because his brother-in-law worked for the Japanese railroad company. His father came to America…
Rudy Tokiwa talks about his father, who immigrated to America from Japan. He was highly educated for an immigrant, and was known to give advice to other Japanese immigrants in America. Rudy also talks about his mother, who was brought over to the…
In this video clip, Rudy Tokiwa talks about his experience in the European Theater. He took part in the beach landing in Anzio, Italy, and met up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Rome. His first experience in combat was during the advance to…
While on the front lines, the Nisei soldiers made sure to watch out for minefields. Rudy taught the new recruits how to look for mines and told them not to yell "mines" -- or else the others would jump for cover and potentially set off more mines. He…
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, K Company was ordered by General Dahlquist to rescue the 141st Texas Regiment, who had been surrounded by German forces in the Vosges Forest. They were led by Colonel Pursall. Rudy Tokiwa discusses his close…
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was sent to the Gothic Line, which was the backbone of German defense during World War II. Rudy Tokiwa describes how the 442nd made the advance at night, and it took them two days to overtake it. He talks about his…
When Rudy Tokiwa came back to Salinas after the war, the Harrington family took him in. He had been good friends with Mrs. Harrington's son (all five sons were killed in action in the Philippines), and she saw him as her sixth son. Because of this,…
Kanaya begins with his family history, his father's immigration to Portland, family occupations and education, as well as attending Japanese language school. This is followed by a discussion of religion, growing up in Oregon, his professional…
He describes his basic training and transfer to Santa Barbara to work in a general hospital, his work as a firefighter and ward master, as well as the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Additional topics include the forced evacuation of his family from Oregon…
Kanaya discusses his arrival at Camp Shelby and experiences training other medics. From Camp Shelby, he was sent overseas from Virginia to Naples on a 30 day journey by ship that was memorable for bouts of seasickness.Finally, he focuses on his time…
Kanaya recounts treating the wounded and casualties during the Arno River Campaign, as well as the procedures for responding to a call for a medic and how to treat various wounds. He then discusses respect for a medic red cross flag on both sides and…
Kanaya describes being captured before the Rescue of the Lost Battalion, life as a POW, the numerous chances for escape, and surviving bombing raids on the trains. This includes a successful escape attempt and subsequent surrender after running out…
Kanaya recalls the German surrender and his journey home. He also discusses continuing his career in the Army during Korea and volunteering for Vietnam. He discusses the personal impact of a military career and expresses his thoughts on the…
Nishime discusses his family history, his family's farm and working in a pineapple field, as well as attending Japanese language school. In addition, he goes on to talk briefly about the differences between being Japanese and Okinawan, as well as…
Nishime recalls reading adventure stories, events of his life after high school and his first job. This includes brief discussions about his attending vocational school, learning about Europe and Japan in 1940, and recounting the events of the…
Nishime recalls rumors after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the ramifications after the attack. Next, he focused on going back to Kauai, his changing duties, leaving to join the 100th Infantry Battalion, and traveling across the country by train.…
Nishime describes the numerous Captains he has served under, as well as their replacements, and discusses memories of Camp McCoy and Camp Shelby. In addition, he recounts the training for combat, his interactions with the 442nd Regimental Combat…
Nishime describes arriving in Italy and facing combat, being wounded by shrapnel, receiving the Purple Heart Medal at a hospital, as well as rejoining the 100th Infantry Battalion. This part of the interview focuses on stories of combat and various…
Nishime describes the Anzio Beachhead and preparing for battle, as well as numerous combat stories and joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He describes his travels to Bruyeres, becoming a Jeep driver, joining the 1st Platoon, and helping to…
Nishime concludes his interview recalling his return to Italy, the end of the war, and the long journey home. After being discharged,Nishime describes getting married, his two children, his four grandchildren, as well as his hopes for the future…
Hiraide describe his family settling in Southern California, his early life living in the Los Angeles area and Japan. Hiraide describes his youth living in West Los Angeles, attending Japanese School, high school, and helping with his father's…
Hiraide discusses arriving at the Manzanar Concentration Camp and describes camp conditions. Soon after arriving, he was assigned a job in the welfare office and soon befriended a woman who assisted him with a job working at the War Relocation…
Hiraide discusses travel to Tokyo and Manila shortly after the end of the war. He speaks of his duties as an interrogator of Japanese POWs in the Philippines, gathering any information he could for the upcoming war crimes trials. Hiraide concludes by…
Hiraide discusses his life after returning from his time in Asia and his reunion with his family. Initially, he joined a psychological warfare division unit so he would not be recalled back overseas during the Korean War, before graduating from USC…
A brief, two minute clip of Mr. Hiraide describing the reactions Japanese POWs had when faced with a Japanese interrogator, such as himself. Includes a conclusion and final words.
Ito discusses his parents' upbringings and talks about his father moving to the United States at a young age, where he acquired an early job working for the Standard Oil Company. He discusses his early childhood and talks about his brothers and…
Ito discusses his travels to meet with his father in Mexico as a young boy and describes his first day on the ranch. His father experimented with growing different crops and taught Arthur and his brothers many skills to be used on the ranch. Ito also…
Ito describes living in Mexico during the Agrarian Revolution and discusses two stories in which his family helped revolutionary soldiers. He also describes visiting the Japanese Naval fleet in Manzanillo and talks about his family having to move to…
Ito discusses memories of his mother and the difficulty of receiving a job when returning to Los Angeles. After being drafted into the Army, he first went into medical training, before volunteering to serve in the officers' mess hall, and later being…
Ito describes treatment of Nisei soldiers while training in Florida and discusses his training in voice and radio intercepting, which saw his team transferred to the Yosemite Valley. After being shipped to Guam and later Saipan, Ito helped piece…
Ito discusses returning to the Unites States after the war and describes his reunion with his wife and young son. After returning, the family decided to come back to Los Angeles to return to the florist business. Ito describes the business' success…
Conclusion and wrap-up. Ito discusses his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The end of the video is dedicated to old photographs, with Mr. Ito narrating and supplying information for the pictures.
Kuwayama discusses his father's upbringing and his subsequent move to New York City. Upon arriving in New York, Kuwayama's father opened a Japanese restaurant and worked in the import/export business. Kuwayama concludes by describing his own…
Kuwayama discusses the origin and meaning of his name also giving his siblings' names and order of birth. He continues on to describe his childhood activities with his neighborhood friends and discuss attending Japanese school at a church near his…
Kuwayama discusses fond family memories and fishing trips he took with his family and siblings. He then talks about his family's austere qualities and how they did not show their emotions often, sometimes to the chagrin of Kuwayama. He concludes…
Kuwayama discusses moving to Queens with his family when he was twelve and describes his neighborhood and playmates. He recalls his college career, discussing his major, the social groups at his school, and how his family was able to finance his…
Kuwayama discusses his time just prior to being shipped out overseas, including assignment to a station hospital in Texas. Kuwayama describes traveling on a liberty ship as well as his first day in battle upon arrival in Italy. His missions took him…
Kuwayama discusses his time serving as a medic on the frontline and describes his materials and the procedures for helping wounded soldiers. Awarded the Silver Star for acts of valor, Kuwayama also briefly discusses his award. To conclude the…
Kuwayama discusses receiving a French award for his military service and describes his feelings upon receiving news that the war had ended. He next discusses his career after the war, which including him attending Harvard Business School, working in…
Part 8 concludes the interview with Kuwayama and includes a few wrap-up questions. Kuwayama gives his thoughts on the legacy of the 442nd in regards to the nation and offers advice to the next generation of listeners and viewers.
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard introduces himself and describes his family background and childhood. He focuses on his ancestry a great deal, and he discusses why he was so interested in exploring his ancestry. Hazard also talks about the moral…
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard continues discussing his childhood. He recalls memories involving two of his close friends and their experiences during school. He also talks about his interest in learning several different languages and also about…
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard begins by recalling his memories of the Pearl Harbor attack and his ensuing outrage at the discrimination against his Japanese American friend, Frank, and Frank's family by locals. Hazard then discusses details of his…
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard talks about his experience in Saipan with the Military Intelligence Service. He specifically recalls the notable story involving the heroics of Sergeant Hoichi Kubo, who negotiated the release of a large number of…
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard begins by recalling his many experiences in Saipan in great detail. After that, he begins talking about going to Okinawa on assignment.
In this segment, Benjamin Hazard speaks about some of his different experiences while serving in the military in Okinawa and Korea. He also talks about some of the initial tension that he had with some Nisei soldiers before talking about his decision…
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…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku introduces himself and begins by talking about his family background and childhood in Hawaii. Kaku also discusses his experiences in school and his community, conveying his memories of Hawaii during that period of time.
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku begins by recalling his personal memories from the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent Martial Law in Hawaii before discussing his decision to enlist in the Army. Kaku then recalls the initial screening process in…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku begins by recalling the intense, year-long training that he endured with the 442nd. Besides training, Kaku also discusses many memories and experiences from his days in the Army. He briefly talks about traveling overseas…
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku shares many memories from his days with the 442nd in Europe including action in both Italy and France, flying in gliders, being trained as a litter bearer, and hearing different German artillery weapons.
In this segment, Hiroshi Kaku recalls more memories from his time in Italy and France with the 442nd. He describes the Champagne Campaign in Southern France and the Gothic Line Campaign in Italy. Kaku also talks about his work with the Army during…
Yukio Kawamoto talks about his military experience during the American occupation of Japan, where he worked as an investigator/translator for the War Crime Trials. He discusses the importance of Nisei soldiers in Occupied Japan. He also talks about…
Yukio Kawamoto continues to talk about his military experience in Occupied Japan. He talks about the role the Nisei played in the occupation and why their Japanese cultural background influenced the success of the occupation. He also talks about the…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido gives an introduction before talking about his family background and history. He focuses on his parents, but also mentions his grandfather and siblings as well. He also describes his childhood spent growing up…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido begins by recalling his childhood on the family farm, detailing his family members and his household. He moves on to speaking about his education and the importance of education to him and his family. Lastly,…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido speaks about his life and experiences spent after he and his family were "evacuated" from their home. He talks about going to Turlock Assembly Center before moving to Gila River Concentration Camp. Hikido…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido talks about his time serving in the military, starting with details from his experiences in basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. He also takes a moment to reflect and speak about the loyalty…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido discusses his military experience with the 442nd. He specifically describes his brief time in France during the "Champagne Campaign" before moving on to Italy for the Gothic Line Campaign, which would be the…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido discusses his experiences near the conclusion of World War II and much of his life post-war as a mechanical engineer. Hikido also talks about his family and shares stories regarding staying in touch with the…
In this segment, Katsumi "Kats" Hikido shares many personal memories involving his fallen comrades and their families. Hikido becomes emotional at recalling how the family of a fallen Nisei soldier, a friend in his squad, was forced to hold the…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada gives an introduction and a glimpse into his childhood in Hawaii. He discusses his parents and their background while describing their hard work at the plantation and the tough conditions of his upbringing. Okada…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada describes his time in Hawaii and his memories of the events leading to Pearl Harbor and war breaking out. He recalls seeing Hawaii change greatly after Pearl Harbor before talking about his own decision to…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada describes his training to become a linguist with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). First, Okada attended MIS Language School at Camp Savage in Minnesota before receiving a two-week furlough. During that…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada discusses more of his training before eventually shipping out to go overseas. Okada recounts his group going through basic training under a strict colonel at Fort Blanding and persevering until there was a mutual…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada describes his experiences as a member of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) serving in the Pacific Theater. Specifically, Okada served in New Guinea and the Philippines. Okada also talks about meeting his…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada begins a new day of interviews by reintroducing himself and providing some background information. Okada then recalls his time on a troop ship headed to New Guinea and how men would pass the time during travel.…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada shares memories from his time serving in the Philippines with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). After moving on from the Philippines, Okada volunteered to serve in Japan with the Allied Occupied forces as…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada discusses his experiences serving in Japan post-war with the Allied Occupation Forces. Specifically, he recalls meeting different people in Japan and noticing different socioeconomic factors in post-war Japan.…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada discusses a variety of topics. Initially, he talks about the latter portion of his military service and reflects upon some of the locals that he met during his time in the Pacific Islands. Okada moves on to…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada begins by speaking about the pumping stations that he previously worked while growing up in Hawaii. After that, he recalls seeing a friend from Hawaii while serving overseas in New Guinea. For the remainder of…
In this segment, Sadami "James" Okada joins his wife Tsugie in discussing her background and their life together. The couple talk about how they met, their wedding, and starting a family together. Lastly, they talk about their long marriage and how…
In this video clip, Thomas Sakamoto talks about his parent's immigration to the United States, where they permanently settled in San Jose, California. As the eldest Nisei son, Thomas completed his middle school education in Kumamoto, Japan, where he…
Thomas Sakamoto talks about the wartime atmosphere in Japan prior to the outbreak of World War II. He returned to the United States in the 1930's, where worked on a farm and started a Kendo school. He was drafted into the army in February 1941 and…
In this video clip, Thomas Sakamoto talks about saying good-bye to his family before being shipped out for military service. He was shipped to Camp Savage in Minnesota to teach at the Military Intelligence Service Language School. He later decided to…
Thomas Sakamoto talks about his experience as a Military Intelligence Service linguist. His responsibilities were to translate captured Japanese documents and interrogated Japanese prisoners of war. He explains the conditions of jungle warfare in the…
Thomas Sakamoto talks about his experience witnessing the official surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri. He also talks about the time when he escorted the American press to the Hiroshima atomic bomb site. He believes that it is important to…
Thomas Sakamoto shares more personal photographs from his World War II military experience. The first two are from his time spent in Japan at the Lutheran Missionary School in Kyushu. He shares a photo album from the Military Intelligence Service…
Thomas Sakamoto participated in the Occupation of Japan as a Language Aide (interpreter/translator) for War Correspondence. He talks about his experience as a Language Aide and the different assignments he completed. He describes what it was like to…
Thomas Sakamoto describes the implications of the Occupation of Japan. He talks about his role as an interpreter and translator during the occupation. The involvement of the Nisei and Kibei in Occupied Japan was an important component to the success…
Mas Takahashi was the youngest of five children. He grew up in San Francisco, and later, Stockton, California, where he attended high school. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, he and his family were forcibly removed to the…
After basic training, Mas Takahashi was shipped overseas to join the 100th Infantry Battalion at the Champagne Campaign, where he was assigned as a rifleman. He was then sent to fight on the Gothic Line. When the war ended, Mas helped process German…
In this video clip, Mas Takahasha talks about his childhood growing up in a Salvation Army Orphanage Home in San Francisco after his mother died. He describes his travels around Europe while on pass during the war. He talks about meeting his wife,…
Genro Kashiwa grew up in a community housing camp on a sugar cane plantation in Wailua, Hawaii. His father was a Buddhist Priest, and he conducted religious services within the various community housing camps on the sugar plantation. His mother was…
In this video clip, Genro Kashiwa talks about his childhood. As the son of a Buddhist priest, he was responsible for completing various chores around the Buddhist temple and during services. He describes what it was like growing up in a traditional…
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Genro Kashiwa's father was interned, due to his stature in the Japanese community (as a Buddhist Priest and Japanese language school teacher), and taken to the Mainland. Genro describes his experience during basic…
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team met up with the 100th Infantry Battalion in Italy. Genro Kashiwa describes his first battle experience in Italy, and how the 100th Infantry Battalion looked out for the new recruits of the 442nd RCT in combat. The…
In this video clip, Genro Kashiwa describes the Rescue of the Lost Battalion. He was a member of L Company in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was one of three companies (I Company, K Company and L Company) that was sent to rescue the Lost…
Genro Kashiwa talks more about fighting on the Gothic Line, which was the last major German defensive during the European Theater of World War II. When Germany finally surrendered, Genro was assigned to guard the German prisoners of war at Ghedi Air…
Shimo discusses his family's history and his parent's personalities. Moving to Boyle Heights in Los Angeles at a young age,Shimo describes his neighborhood and talks about his time spent attending Japanese school and playing baseball. Throughout the…
Shimo discusses his life during young adulthood following his high school graduation and during his college years at UCLA and later UC Berkeley. Shimo discusses various aspects of his life around this time, including his skill in kendo and fencing,…
Shimo discusses his memories of the day of the Pearl Harbor attack while at Berkeley and his subsequent draft notice and return to Los Angeles. He recalls the short period in which his father was arrested by the FBI , his mother was forcibly removed…
