Partial Transcript: Sam's school is primarily Japanese American students. The teachers had a hard time pronouncing the Japanese names. Therefore, many of the Japanese American students used English names for the benefit of the teachers. Sam keeps his Japanese name during his school years to avoid the teachers calling on him. Later in life, he changes his name to Sam. Sam's favorite time at school is recess, and his least favorite subject is English.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Americans of Japanese Ancestry; education; Japanese Americans

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Partial Transcript: Sam says schooling is challenging because he has to rely on himself since he is the oldest child of Issei. He mentions the language and culture barriers with the Caucasian teachers as well. There were no negative teachers at the school. Sam says they came every day and tried their best to teach the students.

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Keywords: education; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei

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Partial Transcript: In grade school and junior high school, Sam does not participate in school activities. After his primary schooling, Sam attended Japanese language school. Occasionally in high school, Sam skips Japanese language school to attend sports games. In the summertime, Sam is busy with summer school and working part-time. He delivers the Japanese newspapers and works on a farm to earn money for new clothes.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: childhood activities; employment; farm; Japanese Americans; Japanese language school; Nisei; sports

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Partial Transcript: In high school, Sam is aware of world news. He recalls a Chinese student making remarks about Japan's invasion of China. He does not recall hearing his parents or other adults mention world events around him.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Americans of Japanese Ancestry; high school; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei

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Partial Transcript: Sam recalls his father saying a comment about the events in Europe with Hitler. Growing up, Sam did not have a hard time dealing with being American with Japanese ancestry. Before the war, he mentions there was discrimination, but it is minor. Sam shares an experience at a restaurant unwilling to serve them, and his family ends up eating at a Japanese restaurant.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Americans of Japanese Ancestry; discrimination; Germany; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei

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Partial Transcript: The experience of discrimination is different growing up. As a youth, you are surrounded by those you are familiar with within the neighborhood. When Sam got older, he started to travel and experience more. Especially more so when December 7 happened.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Americans of Japanese Ancestry; Issei; Japanese Americans; Nisei

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Partial Transcript: Like any other kid, Sam thought about being a policeman or a fireman. However, beyond that, he did not consider the future. On December 7, Sam was working part-time gardening. He recalls the homeowner paying him and telling him to go home. Japan declared war. Sam went home and was worried about the future. Even though Sam is a United States citizen, he is still of Japanese descent. He is uncertain what the government will do to him or his family. Later Sam and his family evacuate Washington to camp.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; Americans of Japanese Ancestry; concentration camp; Executive Order 9066; interment camp; Issei parents; Nisei; Pearl Harbor; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: When Sam returns home from his part-time job gardening, his mother tells him to stay home. Sam stayed home and listened to the radio news reports. Before the bombing, Sam knew of Hawaii. The following day, Sam went to school.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Pearl Harbor

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Partial Transcript: On December 8, President Roosevelt declared war on Japan. Sam does not recall hearing President Roosevelt's speech because he was at school. At school, there were discussions of the war. Sam's friends blame Japanese Americans for the war. However, Sam does not feel Japanese Americans are responsible. The teachers at school were neutral and continued teaching the students. Sam mentions the Japanese American community was hoping somebody would come up with a plan. Later the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) helped with the evacuation.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; Americans of Japanese Ancestry; Japanese Americans; Nisei; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: The FBI came to Sam's family home but did not find anything. Sam recalls his family waiting to see what will happen next since they do not have citizenship.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Pearl Harbor

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