Partial Transcript: In high school, Kenichi would help at his parents' nursery after school. He would help plant 100 flats. Also, in camp, Kenichi and Kiyoshi, his brother, have a job at a sugar beet farm. Kenichi describes the living accommodation at the farm. Kenichi says beet farming is hard labor. Kiyoshi's duty at the sugar beet farm is to supervise the crew. He would make sure everyone wakes up on time and eat breakfast. After breakfast, the crew would go cut sugar beets. There are approximately six workers, and the pay is by the piece.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Amache; farming; Issei; Japanese Americans; living conditions; Nisei; siblings

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi discusses his father's job at camp as a cook in the mess hall. When an announcement comes out for 442nd volunteers, Kiyoshi, Kenichi, and Yoshio decide to volunteer. However, Kiyoshi says no. One volunteer from their family is enough. Their mother agrees with Kiyoshi. In early 1944, Kiyoshi volunteers and leaves Amache. People in camp already know about the 100th and their contributions. Therefore, people are willing to volunteer for the 442nd. The first formation of the 442nd is in Hawaii and then in the mainland.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate); 442nd; Amache; Hawaii; Issei; Issei parents; Japanese Americans; Mainland; siblings; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi discusses the loyalty questionnaire given in Amache. He explains what is a no-no boy, and some are deported to Japan. Although some are against volunteering for service, Kenichi gives his sentiments on why he wants to volunteer. He says he wants to volunteer to prove they are Americans. At Santa Anita and Amache, the security is the same. There are still guards posted in towers. However, it is easier to leave Amache because it is on the East Coast. The neighboring city to Amache is Granada.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 442nd; Amache; Americans of Japanese Ancestry; Issei; Japanese Americans; loyalty; Nisei; siblings; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Besides dances at Amache, Kenichi recalls visiting Granada a few times for entertainment. He says the locals at Granada are friendly and not prejudice.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Amache; Japanese Americans; Nisei; social activities; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi recalls the 100th and the 442nd needed replacements and receiving his draft notice. He is inducted at Fort Logan. There are three to four other guys from Amache who are from the first draft: George Taro Uriyu, Woodrow Ito, Bugsy (last name not mention), and another person. The announcement of the first draft is in the newspaper, and Kenichi has the article at home.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd; Amache; Japanese Americans; Nisei

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi goes to Fort Logan for his induction. He discusses his mother's feelings about his draft and Kiyoshi being in service. For basic training, Kenichi goes to Camp Blanding Florida. He describes the living conditions and training. Kenichi also mentions the uniform. He says the original 442nd had issues with the sizing of the uniforms. However, Kenichi did not experience that issue.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd; Camp Blanding; Japanese American soldiers; Japanese Americans; living conditions; marching; Nisei; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: At basic training, Kenichi receives news that his oldest brother Kiyoshi is killed in action. He hears the news from his mother, and the Military permits Kenichi to return home to attend the funeral. Kenichi returns to Amache. Yoshio, Kenichi's oldest brother, goes to the Korean War, and his youngest brother (11 years younger) does not go into service. Kenichi discusses why he decides to serve in the Army. He says he has to fight for our country.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 442nd; basic training; Camp Blanding; Japanese American soldiers; Japanese Americans; Killed in Action; loyalty; Nisei; siblings; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi is on leave for ten days for Kiyoshi's funeral service. He returns to Camp Blanding for general basic training. After completing training, Kenichi goes on furlough and then to Camp Shelby (layover). Kenichi is assigned to the mortar company.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 442nd; Amache; Camp Blanding; Camp Shelby; Japanese American soldiers; Killed in Action; mortar; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; siblings; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi recalls corresponding with his mother and girlfriend. Kenichi meets his girlfriend in camp, and they have been married for 61 years. Her name is Yoshiko. When Kenichi gets word that he is going overseas, he does not recall any restrictions from letting anyone know. Before going overseas, he goes on furlough. On the convoy, Kenichi is seasick. He recalls layovers in England and France before arriving in Italy. After the big push in Bruyeres, the 442nd is needed replacements. Kenichi discusses the Champagne Campaign and joining the 442nd.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: Amache; Americans of Japanese Ancestry; Bruyeres-Biffontaine; convoy; dating; Italy; Japanese American soldiers; Lost Battalion; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; Southern France; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi discusses the location of Beausoleil, France. Kenichi's duty at the time is to stand guard in mountains. Occasionally, Kenichi gets opportunities to go into town to visit. The Lost Battalion is over. Therefore, there no immediate dangers like being on the frontlines. Kenichi joins the 442nd and goes to Italy for the last push. Kenichi recalls asking other Nisei about their war experience, but no one wants to talk about it. In Italy, Kenichi learns the meaning of war. He shares his story about the Gothic Line and seeing casualties for the first time.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd; Bruyeres-Biffontaine; Gothic Line; Italy; Japanese American soldiers; Killed in Action; Nisei; Po Valley; Southern France; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi does not know Sadao S. Munemori personally, but he is in the same company, A Company. Kenichi discusses the reality of war versus basic training. Kenichi is in the Mortar Company behind the Riflemen Company. He recalls going up the hill, and shells are flying.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd; artillery; artillery fire; German soldiers; Medal of Honor; mortar; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi discusses breaking through the Gothic Line and gaining access to Po Valley. There is constant chasing until German soldiers surrender. The German soldiers are a mix of young and old age groups. Kenichi is in the Weapons Platoon, Company A.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 442nd; 442nd Regimental Combat Team; Americans of Japanese Ancestry; German soldiers; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; platoon; Po Valley; surrender; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi is at Lake Como when he hears the news the war is over. He decides to volunteer for the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) when the Military looking for recruits. At the Repo Depot, Kenichi learns the war ended in Japan. Therefore, Kenichi decides to go home and get married rather than continue his military career.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd Regimental Combat Team; German soldiers; Italy; Military Intelligence Service; Military Intelligence Service Language School; military occupation; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; occupation; Southern France; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi discusses the rumors of the Great Depression and Japan. When the war ends, Kenichi returns to the United States. He is excited to see his friends, Kenny Ichida and Frank Ota, in Chicago, IL. Kenichi's family leaves Amache and moves to Lomita, CA. The new home in Lomita is too small. Therefore, Kenichi would travel from Los Angeles to Lomita to visit his family.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: "evacuation"; 442nd; Amache; Executive Order 9066; family; friendship; Japanese American soldiers; Japanese Americans; Nisei; travel; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi is discharged in 1945 and gets married to his wife in 1946. Kenichi recalls meeting the Hawaiian soldiers overseas and realizing they speak like his mother. Kenichi says all the guys in his squad are from Hawaii, and he learns how to speak pidgin. Kenichi lists the Hawaiian soldiers in his squad: Blue Konishi - Squad Leader, Don Matsuda, Ben Kakazu, Ronson Yamada, and Mike Doi (Mortar Platoon).

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd; dating; friendship; Hawaiian identity; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; post-war

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi discusses the relationship he makes with other Japanese soldiers. After the war, everyone goes their separate ways. However, they have an opportunity to meet again at reunions. Kenichi and Yoshiko get married on October 5, 1946, in Las Vegas, NV. They have been married for 61 years. Kenny Uchida and his girlfriend attend the wedding. Kenichi and Kenny are friends for 70 years.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: 100th; 442nd; friendship; Hapa; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei soldiers; post-war; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Kenichi says his mother is happy to see him come home after the war. During the war, he did not write home often as he would like. Kenichi says he would receive letters from Yoshiko every other week or so.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: dating; family; homecoming; Japanese American soldiers; Nisei; Nisei veterans; post-war; siblings; World War Two

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Partial Transcript: Post-war, Kenichi and Kenny Uchida go work at a peach factory and an asparagus farm. Later Kenichi finds a job in Los Angeles, CA, in a shoe factory. He works several jobs such as a meatpacking company, produces market, gardening, and laundromat business. Kenichi builds his laundromat business in seven different locations.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: employment; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans

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Partial Transcript: When Kenichi is a gardener, he services the Downey area. The area is dominantly Caucasian. Kenichi uses his GI Bill to go to gardening school at El Camino College in Gardena, CA. He describes the different types of gardening services he provides to his customers. After his gardening business, Kenichi starts his laundromat business. He ends up owning seven laundromats and retires in 1991. Kenichi moves to Las Vegas, NV, in 1992.

Segment Synopsis:

Keywords: employment; Japanese Americans; Nisei; Nisei veterans; post-war

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