Mike came to the U.S. from Japan as a student and later learned of the treatment of Japanese and Japanese Americans during WWII when he moved to San Diego.

San Diego Digital Story Station – Thomas Kurihara

Thomas recalls an early childhood experience while living in an internment camp in Poston, Arizona during WWII.

Gwen tells the story of her parents’ forced relocation to Poston, Arizona during WWII and the kindness of their friend Roy Westmoreland.

Babe Karasawa discusses how his life changed forever once his family was ordered into an internment camp during WWII and how it was not until 1981 that he could truly grasp the gravity of the years he spent as a “rejected American.”

Barbara Curry was a teacher during WWII in Poston and fondly recalls a past student and their continued friendship.

James was assigned as a second grade teacher in Poston camp during WWII and recalls the students’ success despite the lack of resources.

Susan Hasegawa retraces her personal experiences following the Japanese American redress movement which culminated in Ronald Reagan’s signing of HR 442 in 1988.

Ken Oyama was only six when his family was forced to relocate to Poston, Arizona and recalls some of the fun activities of the camp.

Roy Asaki was born and raised in Los Angeles but was going to school in Japan when WWII broke out and could not return until after the war. He recalls this experience and what it was like to return to the U.S. after the war ended.

Sunny recalls life in an internment camp during WWII.

Thomas recalls his childhood experiences living in an internment camp.

Jeanne recalls her experiences as a child of leaving her home in San Diego for an internment camp during WWII.

Ben tells the story of Joe Sakato and his achievements in service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during WWII.

Dr. Frances Tanaka served as a medical interpreter in Okinawa during WWII.

Fred has served in the military for virtually his entire adult life and he reflects on his service and the opportunities it has offered.

George’s father was a member of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Harold’s Navy career spanned three different American wars and led to him meeting his wife in Japan.

Jim recalls the various assignments in his twenty year military career.

Reverend Jim Yanagihara recalls his experiences as a soldier in the Korean war.

Akira recalls when a wealthy stranger reached out to two Nisei soldiers during basic training in Texas.