Partial Transcript: Ken discusses working with a kibei translating in Japan. They both are in Company C but different positions. Ken also talks about his relationship with Ken Akune and seeing him again in California.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 442nd; Allied Translator and Interpreter Section; friendship; Japanese Americans; military occupation; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; occupation; post-war; translation

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Ken discusses Ken Akune. In Japan, there is a shortage of food and the locals did not have money to buy anything. The locals befriend the GI's to get supplies to survive.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: civilians; friendship; military occupation; Nisei soldiers; Nisei veterans; post-war; translation

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Ken says he is disappointed that he could not see his grandfather. Ken returns to Chicago in 1948, after his two-year contact. Ken is interested in going to college to repair watches. He attends school on his GI Bill.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: education; Elgin Watchmakers College; homecoming; horologist; Japanese Americans; Nisei veterans

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Ken has money saved but then owes income tax fees. Ken and his father decide to go buy a building in a diverse neighborhood. The rent is not high because of the Office of Price Administration (OPA). Ken's father moves to Chicago and works at US Steel.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: employment; Issei parents; Nisei veterans; post-war

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Ken discusses his Greek neighbor's daughter marrying a Polish gentleman. Ken's Greek neighbor did not approve of the marriage. Ken is surprised by the prejudice. Ken recalls eating pizza for the first time. Ken says he decides to buy the building with his father because he is thinking of long-term plans.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: discrimination; Japanese Americans; Nisei veterans; racism; wedding

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: In 1950, Ken meets his wife, Betty Toda, at church. Ken goes to school for a year to be a watchmaker. He discusses his school projects.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: dating; education; Japanese Americans; Nisei veterans; post-war; siblings; wedding

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Ken continues to discuss his school project. He is a watchmaker for 12 years.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: education; employment; Nisei veterans; post-war

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: Ken continues his education with his GI Bill. He discusses wanting to learn accounting and business law to do his bookkeeping for his watch business. Ken passes the accounting exam and enrolls in school. While going to school for a year, Ken gets a part-time job at Brunswick Bowling Company as interoffice mail distribution.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: education; employment; Nisei veterans; post-war

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: After graduating from school, Ken is promoted from distributing interoffice mail to an accountant. Ken works there for four years and saves money to open his business. January 10, 1953, Ken gets married to Betty Toda. Ken's wife is religious, and he discusses the Bible. Ken and Betty honeymoon in Louisiana.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: employment; family; Nisei veterans; post-war; wedding

Subjects:

Partial Transcript: In 1954 Ken and Betty saved some money. Ken decides his plans to open a watch store.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: employment; family; Nisei veterans

Subjects: