Koyama talks about transporting prisoners. He talks about the types of injuries he saw, including million dollar wounds. He discusses the end of World War Two. He explains how he communicated with his family while he was overseas. He briefly talks…
Koyama talks about his teachers. He describes his basic training. He explains how Japanese American soldiers were grouped together. He discusses his journey to Europe and travels through Europe. He talks about the wild boars that he encountered. He…
Koyama continues to talk about his experiences in Japanese language school. He describes what he did in his leisure time, including hunting. He continues to discuss his work on his family farm. He talks about his childhood education. He briefly…
Koyama and the interviewers introduce themselves. He describes his hometown Nampa, Idaho. He talks about his father's immigration to the United States. He discusses his father's employment ventures. He describes his family home. He talks about his…
Sakaguchi discusses leaving on a troop carrier to Europe. He shares experiences in Italy, and the Germans retreating. When the war ends with Japan, he remains in the military for a year guarding the army supply. After being discharged, Sakaguchi…
Nagaki talks about his company’s commander- Captain Keegan, returning home and working on a farm with his brothers, and discusses receiving badges and medals such as the Combat Infantryman Badge. He then talks about how he met his wife, and discusses…
Nagaki discusses his experiences during a combat patrol, his friendships within his company, and his experiences after the Lost Battalion rescue. He then talks about his interactions with replacement soldiers, his combat experiences after returning…
Nagaki talks about his duties as part of D Company, life at Camp Shelby including going into town, and his experiences witnessing segregation in Mississippi. He then talks about traveling overseas and landing in Oran, and then going to Naples. Next,…
Nagaki talks about his family and growing up in Oregon including helping out on his family’s dairy farm, going to Japanese language school, participating in Kendo, and going to polytechnic school. He then talks about his family’s experiences with…
Iseri discusses about the Issei. He details about his family and gives a message to future generations. Iseri also discusses about giving back to the community.
Iseri discusses his brother who volunteered for the Army. He details about forced removal, his experiences at Pinedale Temporary Detention Center, and at Tule Lake Concentration Camp. Iseri also discusses about his life once leaving camp.
Sakaguchi describes the different sounds of weapons as they fire. He talks about German military equipment. He explains how the Allies defeated the Germans. He continues to talk about the rescue of the Lost Battalion. He describes the courage of the…
Sakaguchi briefly discusses the Axis powers. He talks about the forced removal of Japanese Americans. He explains why he joined the military. He talks about the Governor of Colorado's stance on the treatment of Japanese Americans. He describes the…
Sakaguchi talks about his birthplace. He discusses his siblings and his parents immigration to the United States. He describes his parent's personalities. He briefly talks about his nickname. He discusses his family home and his community of…
Kitaoka discusses a bomb run experience. He releases a bomb and his radio does not work. The only available option for Kitaoka is to land and wait for his jet to be repair. Kitaoka is picked up and returns to his carrier to continue his fire pilot…
Kitaoka discusses going overseas and his occupation phase in Berlin. He recalls what Berlin look like after the devastation of the war. Many of the structural buildings are in rubles and the buildings that are still existing are being occupied by the…
Kitaoka discusses experiences of Santa Anita Temporary Detention Center and Jerome Concentration Camp. At Santa Anita, the horse stables are converted into living conditions for Japanese Americans and Kitaoka relates to his farming background. At…
Kitaoka discusses going to school the day after the Pearl Harbor bombing. Although it is uncomfortable not knowing how his classmates feels, Kitaoka does his best in class. He recalls the climate on the school campus , the Unites States President's…
Kitaoka discusses the family business and routine on the chicken ranch. Norwalk is primarily a Dutch community and Kitaoka describes the high school transition. He discusses identity and his heritage.
Kitaoka discusses the Alien Land Laws and the reasons why Japanese immigrants are only able to lease land and not buy. Kitaoka recalls his Father transitioning form produce farming to a chicken ranch because farm the lease expires. At this time only…
Kitaoka discusses his birth date, birth place and his parents. His Issei Father immigrates from Japan to the United States and works on the Railroad. Eventually he returns back to Japan to marry Kitaoka's Mother who is a picture bride. Growing up…
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…
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…
Shinmoto discusses the family business and meeting his wife. Shinmoto and his wife have three children, two grandchildren, and a great grandchild. He shares advice for the future generation and photographs prewar and post-war.
Shinmoto discusses his Mother's reaction to hearing about the atomic bomb and their relatives survival. Going overseas, he arrives in Japan and sees the devastation of Hiroshima. He describes the aftermath of the city from the bomb. He recalls his…
Shinmoto discusses moving to Burlington, Iowa due to the efforts of War Relocation Authority. His family also moves to Iowa and helps at the Hotel to get away from poor living conditions. At Gila River, Shinmoto recalls taking the loyal…
Shinmoto discusses Gila River Concentration Camp and the living conditions. Approximately 10,000 Japanese Americans are interned there. At Gila River, Shinmoto finishes Senior year of High School and enjoys art classes. He creates an oil painting…
Shinmoto discusses moving to Kingsburg a Swedish farming community. Transitioning in High School is a difficult time for Shinmoto. He recalls sports help him make friends but is lonely during lunchtime. He is also put in the same grade with his…
Shinmoto discusses name, birth date, birthplace and growing up during the Great Depression. He recalls his Father and Mother's personality and child rearing. Shinmoto's Father is a quiet man and he learns about his Father history through his Uncle. …
Nakamura talks about his children and grandchildren, including discussing his children's schooling and occupations. He then talks about how his efforts as part of the 100th Infantry Battalion have helped future generations of Japanese Americans, and…
Nakamura discusses some of the officers he encountered during World War Two, including Colonel Farrant L. Turner and Major James Lowell; and talks about correspondence with his girlfriend during the war. He then describes his trench foot condition…
Nakamura discusses his experiences at Camp McCoy, including making a skating rink, and then describes going to basic training at Camp Shelby; and what the weather and scenery was like, as well as his relationships with commanding officers and the…
Nakamura discusses growing up on a sugar planation in Ewa, Hawaii and what it was like attending Japanese language school, and working on the planation, as well as recalling stories regarding values he learned and the discipline he received. He then…
Saito discusses going to Switzerland on furlough; talks about his experiences with snow; discusses his exercise hobby; and talks about his post-war employment. He then talks about returning home; getting discharged; and the restrictions Japanese…
Saito talks about some of his fellow medics; talks about his experiences as a replacement soldier; discusses rations; and talks about his clothing during combat. He then talks about getting sick while overseas; discusses how he adjusted physically…
Saito discusses his experiences after induction including going to Fort Douglas and Fort Meade; discusses traveling overseas and his first experiences in Europe; and talks about his first assignment in Italy after joining up with the 442nd Regimental…
Saito discusses his experiences at basic training at Camp Blanding; talks about preparing to go overseas; and discusses his experiences at Camp Blanding during a hurricane. Next, Saito talks about his experiences with discrimination; talks about his…
Saito discusses the living conditions at Poston Concentration Camp as well as talking about other incarcerees, friendships, wildlife, recreational activities, employment, food, guards, and dances there. Next, Saito discusses the conflict between…
Saito discusses his childhood friendships; participation in Boy Scouts and Nisei Week; and discusses experiences with prejudice prior to World War Two. He then talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the aftermath; discusses his pre-war employment…
Saito discusses his parents and his father’s reasons for moving to the United States; as well as his father's employment. He then talks about growing up in Los Angeles; discusses his brother; and talks about his neighborhood growing up. Next, Saito…
Post-war, James returns to the United States and goes to trade school on a G.I. Bill. James learns to bake and becomes a baker for five years. Eventually, he changes professions and goes into produce because the job is stable with union pay.…
James Jin Kobayashi goes overseas and meets with the 442nd in Southern France. He is part of F Company. He recalls going up the Northern Apennine Mountains and being at the frontlines.
James is at the frontline for two weeks before the…
Besides attending primary school, James Jin Kobayashi attends a Japanese Language School. At home, he speaks half English and Japanese to his Issei parents.
James recalls the day of the bombing of Pearl harbor. He says it is regular business at…
James Jin Kobayashi is born on November 25, 1921, in San Bernardino, California. His parents are Ishhinosuke Kobayashi and Taka Ishikawa from Japan. James's father comes to San Bernardino because his brother owns a restaurant. His father, Ishii,…
Yamaki discusses about his impressions of Southern Italy. He details about meeting his wife, children, and grandchildren. Yamaki also discussing the community clubhouse and the treatment as a replacement.
Yamaki discusses about H Company and the Gothic Line. He also details about close encounters, food, and his experiences in Italy post-war. Yamaki also discusses about his homecoming experience and his career.
Yamaki discusses about his family and growing up in Utah. He details about remembering December 7, 1941 and the affects of Executive Order 9066. Yamaki also discusses about being drafted, his experiences Camp Shelby, and heading overseas.
Kuga continues his interview speaking about the medals and awards that were given throughout the war. Next, he speaks about his marriage and career backgrounds, including working for the NRA. After this he speaks about the impact that the niseis have…
Kuga speaks about how he was drafted into the Army and began his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. While there, he made friends with many Hawaiian soldiers, visited Rohwer concentration camp, and boxed. Next, he discusses various Japanese…
Harry Kuga begins the interview speaking about his family background and living in Wyoming and Colorado. His mother would run a popular Japanese restaurant, while he and his siblings attended school, Japanese language school and played sports. During…
Motoyama discusses about growing up in Eaton, Colorado and his schooling. He details about his military service. Motoyama also discusses about bravery and his post-war life.
Tamaru discusses about Los Angeles post-World War Two and his family. He details about politics, technology, and compares the Nisei and Issei to other generations. Tamaru also discusses about his life after retirement.
Tamaru discusses about his interactions with Japanese prisoners. He details about his experiences in Japan, and the war crime trials. Tamaru also discusses about working as Military Police, the progress of Japan, and life after the Army.
Tamaru discusses about experiences at Poston Concentration Camp. He details about working outside of camp, being drafted, and basic training. Tamaru also discusses about joining the Military Police (MP), experiences occupied Japan, and working Sugamo…
Tamaru discusses about Pearl Harbor, Its aftermath, and experiences forced removal. He details about high school. Tamaru also discusses about his experiences at Poston Concentration Camp.
Tamaru discusses about a Military Police (MP) Officer and his assignments in Japan. He details about his family. Tamaru also discusses about growing Brawley, California.
Masao Sato continues to talk about his employment at a Naval base. He talks about the end of World War II. He reveals the discrimination that Japanese Americans faced after the war. He describes the rest of his career. Sato talks about getting…
Masao Sato revisits landing in Italy. He talks about the people that were killed in action. He discusses his injury. He talks about the recovery process. Sato reveals that he visited a German cemetery. He talks about the military replacement depot.…
Masao Sato talks about his voyage to the mainland. He talks about military leaves and other forms of military training. He broadly talks about his long journey to Africa. Sato reflects on a warning he received about the realties of war. He also…
Masao Sato reflects on joining the National Guard. He describes the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses the forced removal of Japanese Americans. He describes guarding Army headquarters after Pearl Harbor was attacked. Sato talks bout a shooting…
Masao Sato describes his childhood in Maui. He discusses his experiences while at boarding school. He also talks about his family's educational history. Sato reveals his plans after graduating high school. He talks about being drafted and his time at…
Nakashima discusses encountering a tank and seeing human flesh. Nakashima recalls the worst part of being a soldier is casualties of friends and enemies. Rather than remembering the negative, Nakashima prefers to think of the positive experiences.…
Nakashima discusses the different battles he fights in. He shares his experience in Anzio, Italy and his first combat. One of his duties in Italy is being a first scout and then acting Sergeant. Nakashima never feels he is going to die even when he…
Nakashima discusses basic training and the cultural difference between Mainlanders and Islanders. He shares stories about dominance of power and resentment of authority at Camp Shelby. Before going overseas, Nakashima sees his Mother and receives a…
Nakashima discusses his prefecture origin, childhood and upbringing. In Nakashima's education years, he did not attend Japanese School. He believes not learning Japanese creates a communication barrier with his Issei parents. He also shares his…
Kimura discusses his best and worst war experiences and talks about the camaraderie among soldiers. He then talks about his post-war life including going back to school for photography in Los Angeles and returning to Hawaii where he had a photography…
Kimura discusses his combat experiences at Biffontaine which earned him the Bronze Star and Purple Heart; and discusses how he got wounded, as well as experiences with enemy fire during the battle at Biffontaine. He then continues to talk about his…
Kimura talks about his first impressions of the 100th Infantry Battalion and his first day as part of Charlie Company; discusses his experiences crossing the Rapido and Arno rivers; discusses the Italian countryside; and talks about his combat…
Kimura discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor; describes Japan’s airplanes and the Japanese flag; and talks about how his father was picked up by the FBI. He then talks about volunteering for the Army; his brother’s employment at Hickam Air Force Base;…
Kimura discusses his parents; siblings; growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii; and talks about his father’s employment. He then talks about attending Japanese language school; discusses the languages he spoke at home; religion and attending church; learning…
Toda discusses coming home, how he met his wife, and moving back to California. He gives details about his career and family. Toda also gives a message to future generations.
Toda discusses about his experiencs in the Champagne Campaign. He details about his experiences in Italy. Toda also discusses about his role as a Mess Sergeant.
Toda discusses growing up in Los Angeles, California. He details about volunteering for the service and his early impressions of in the Army. Toda also discusses about his experiences his experiences in Illinois and heading overseas.
Yoshio Izumi shares his story about how he knows Sadao Munemori. Both Yoshio and Sadao meet at Camp Savage and visit Manzanar on a pass. There is news of a Nisei group being formed, and Sadao volunteers for the 442nd. Yoshio describes Sadao as…
At Camp Savage, Yoshio Izumi is assigned to Headquarter Company and does clerical work. He is tasked with morning reports and supplies inventory. Yoshio recalls being inducted at the same time as John Aiso and seeing him at basic training at Fort…
On December 7, Yoshio Izumi is on his weekend leave and hears about Pearl Harbor on the radio at home. Yoshio was born and raised in the United States, and he feels he would be loyal to his homeland. He feels he is one hundred percent American.
Yoshio Izumi goes to Japanese language school first before starting English school. When his family moves from Malibu to Santa Monica, Yoshio attends Santa Monica School. The makeup of the school is primarily Caucasians students and half a dozen…
Yoshio Izumi was born September 15, 1918, in South Pasadena, CA. His parents are Riozo and Otomi Izumi. Yoshio's mother was previously married and has two children from the previous married. There are nine children in the family.
Kurahara discusses getting discharged from the hospital and being sent to a reconversion unit for training. Shortly after, Kurahara finds out the war is over and is assign to guard the Prisoners of War. Post-war, Kurahara graduates from Columbia…
Kurahara discusses the campaigns and the relationship between Mainland and Hawaiian soldiers. Kurahara explains the motivation of the Japanese soldiers during war is bravery and loyalty. No matter if the soldier is an original and replacement, they…
Kurahara discusses about camp experiences at Tule Lake Concentration Camp. During this time his Mother is ill and passes away after visiting the children in camp. Only Jan, Kurahara's brother is allow to leave camp to attend their Mother's the…
Kurahara discusses his name, birth place, and birth date. His parents are Issei and his Father passes away from an accident. at an early age His Mother remarries a Filipino and Kurahara remembers the intercultural prejudices they face when they take…
