GFBNEC - SPECIAL RENDITION OF AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-11-24 | This Thanksgiving we are honored to present this special rendition of "America the Beautiful" performed by talented musicians Daniel Ho and Hiroshima's June Kuramoto, vocalist Staci Toji and a moving appearance by Nisei WWII veterans - Ed Nakamura (MIS), Yosh Nakamura (442nd RCT) and Toke Yoshihashi (100th). This performance was part of the 21st Annual Evening of Aloha Gala held on November 5, 2022.Watch on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/JHYl0XA65lIWe hope you enjoy watching this beautiful video and join us as we pay tribute and give thanks to our veterans.
Favorite Kings Hawaiian dessert? Go For Broke National Education Center 2025-08-04 | Favorite @Kingshawaiian Bakery dessert? Go For Broke Torchbearers & friends answer at “Taste of Aloha: An Evening for LA Wildfire Relief.”
King’s Hawaiian & MIS Go For Broke National Education Center 2025-07-16 | What’s the connection between @Kingshawaiian rolls and the Military Intelligence Service? Dr. Mitch Maki explains. Join us for our Torchbearer Fellows’ Fire Relief Fundraiser at King's Hawaiian Bakery on July 23rd! Tickets at goforbroke.org/taste-of-aloha
Truman Awards Presidential Unit Citation to the 100th/442nd on July 15, 1946 Go For Broke National Education Center 2025-07-15 | “You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice—and you have won. Keep up that fight, and we will continue to win—to make this great Republic stand for just what the Constitution says it stands for: the welfare of all the people all the time.” —President Harry S. TrumanVideo courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration
Go For Broke Plaza Beam Signing Ceremony Go For Broke National Education Center 2025-07-03 | Go For Broke National Education Center and Little Tokyo Service Center held a beam signing ceremony on June 17, 2025 to mark an important construction phase of the Go For Broke Plaza, a mixed-use development and one of the City of LA’s largest 100% affordable housing developments with 248 units, including 63 units for unhoused veterans. The project fulfills the long-awaited vision of our founding Nisei veterans to have a permanent space to share their story as an important American story.Located mere yards away from a major assembly point for the WWII incarceration camps, this project honors the community’s unique history and creates a significant foothold for the sustainability of Little Tokyo’s future. The Plaza ground floor will house community-serving commercial spaces for legacy small businesses such as the 121-year-old Fugetsu-do Bakery and the highly anticipated permanent home for Go For Broke National Education Center with a multi-purpose community room, conference rooms, learning/exhibit hall, resource/media rooms, and office space. We look forward to offering new programming and building partnerships and collaborations upon completion of the new space in late 2026!
Go For Broke Monument 26th Anniversary Virtual Tribute Go For Broke National Education Center 2025-06-07 | On June 5, 1999, the Go For Broke Monument, a striking dedication to the legacy of the Nisei soldiers of WWII, was presented to the city of Los Angeles. Because of the current construction of the Go For Broke Plaza, this year's celebration features this special virtual tribute. Honor the valiant service of veterans and help us meet our fundraising goal of $100,000 for this year's Monument Anniversary! Make your gift today at goforbroke.org/monument-anniversary-2025Skip to 4:59 to go straight to the program.
Everybodys welcome but nobodys safe. Go For Broke National Education Center 2025-06-02 | "Everybody's welcome but nobody's safe." —Dr. Mitch Maki at City National Bank's Asian American Network for AANHPI Month
23rd Annual Evening of Aloha Gala Go For Broke National Education Center 2024-11-26 | We invite you to watch, re-watch and share this year's 23rd Annual Evening of Aloha Gala held on September 14, 2024. This hallmark annual event celebrates the remarkable legacy of the Japanese American WWII soldiers. This year's Gala is highlighted with the treasured traditions of the Nisei Veterans Roll Call, In Memoriam, Soldier's Table, Posting of the Colors by the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Color Guard from Hawai'i and the Living Nisei WWII Veterans Photo Tribute and Digital Tribute Ads.The theme of this year’s Gala, “Living the Nisei Veterans’ Dream,” recognized their fight to ensure that all Americans and future generations have the freedoms and liberties to pursue their dreams and passions. The program was hosted by David Ono, ABC7 News Anchor and GFBNEC board member, and Sierra Katow, the granddaughter of a WWII MIS veteran and host of GFBNEC’s video series “Living the Nisei Dream." The program also featured the GFBNEC Torchbearers and Go For Broke Journalism students and community leaders, who presented their unique connection to the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) veterans and their commitment to ensuring that the soldiers’ story is not just a great Japanese American story, but rather a great American story with significance and relevance to today.Visit goforbroke.org to learn more about the history and how to support GFBNEC's vital mission and work.
Go For Broke Monument 25th Anniversary Virtual Tribute Go For Broke National Education Center 2024-06-02 | Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) presents its annual hallmark event marking the 25th anniversary of the iconic Go For Broke Monument located in historic downtown Los Angeles' Little Tokyo. Watch this special tribute honoring the Go For Broke spirit and legacy of the Japanese American soldiers of WWII, and the relevance of their legacy to the social dynamics our nation faces today. The program is hosted by David Ono, ABC7 News Anchor and member of GFBNEC Board of Directors. Additional speakers featured include Nisei veterans and descendants, Torchbearers, Go For Broke Journalism high school students, programming partners and past and current GFBNEC leadership. The video begins with the "Honor A Veteran" digital tributes submitted by family and friends of the Nisei WWII veterans. Help us continue to share their legacy and make a gift today at goforbroke.org. Visit our website to learn more about this important American story!
Spectrum News: Go For Broke Plaza breaks ground in Little Tokyo Go For Broke National Education Center 2024-03-27 | A big thank you to Spectrum News 1 SoCal for this great in depth piece about the Go For Broke Plaza and First Street North Residences project, featuring GFBNEC President, Mitchell Maki, Little Tokyo Service Center's Executive Director, Erich Nakano, and Little Tokyo Community Council - LTCC's Managing Director, Kristin Fukushima!For more information on this innovative mixed-use development that will be one of the City of LA’s largest 100% affordable housing developments in the heart of historic Little Tokyo, please visit the project's website: ltsc.org/fsn_residences
Hidden Histories of World War II Go For Broke National Education Center 2024-01-12 | Go For Broke National Education Center was proud to recently partner with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i, Pacific Historic Parks, the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, the National Park Service and the Hawai`i Council for the Humanities to create an educator's institute titled, "Hidden Histories of World War II.” Fourteen educators from the State of Hawai`i participated in the institute which covered Hawai`i's unique wartime experience through panel presentations, historical tours, and interactive discussions. Presenters included General (Ret.) David Bramlett, Tom Coffman, Carole Hayashino, William Kaneko, Betsy Young, and Jane Kurahara. The teachers visited Pearl Harbor, Honolulu Internment Site, and the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Central to the week's information was the role of the Japanese American soldiers who served during World War II and their role in changing Hawai`i upon their post-war return.Thank you to the National Endowment of the Humanities for their partial funding of the institute. Watch the presentation highlights here!
Happy 104th Birthday to Nisei veteran Ben Suechika! Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-12-07 | Happy 104th Birthday to Nisei veteran Ben Suechika! Ben was born on December 6, 1919, in Del Rey, California, where his family worked as tenant farmers picking grapes. After being incarcerated at the Gila River WRA camp in Arizona, Ben moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was soon drafted into the U.S. Army eventually joining the Military Intelligence Service as a Japanese language instructor at Ft. Snelling. Ben retired from the Army in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 2011, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal along with members of the 100th/442nd RCT. He firmly believes that his Army training and discipline are the reasons for his fulfilling life. Ben remains active while living in Torrance, California, playing his harmonica, spending time with family and enjoying his favorite food, sushi. Thank you for your courageous service to our great country Ben and Happy Birthday!
22nd Annual Evening of Aloha Gala Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-10-07 | We invite you to watch Go For Broke National Education Center’s (GFBNEC) 22nd Annual Evening of Aloha Gala held on September 23, 2023 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Over 400 guests gathered to honor and celebrate the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of the Japanese American soldiers of WWII. Please watch and share this moving tribute with friends and families.The Gala is GFBNEC’s largest fundraiser of the year and provides direct support for its evolving educational programming and outreach. Help GFBNEC meet its fundraising goals and make a gift to its Fund the Future campaign which is launched at the Gala each year. MAKE A GIFT TODAY AND ENSURE THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE INSPIRED BY THE GO FOR BROKE SPIRIT AND LEGACY OF THE JAPANESE AMERICAN SOLDIERS. Please DONATE at: goforbroke.org/fund-the-futureThe program featured unique voices from our Sansei and NextGen supporters, and included our hallmark Evening of Aloha traditions such as the:* Nisei Veterans Roll-Call Recognition with Ed Nakamura (MIS), Yosh Nakamura (442nd) and Toke Yoshihashi (100th)* Soldier’s Table (In honor of the soldiers who did not come home at the end of WWII) – Remarks & Toast by U.S. Congressman Mark Takano* In Memoriam (Aloha ‘Oe performance by Hālau Hula Keali’i Nālani under the direction of Kumu Hula Keali’i Ceballos* 4th Annual Living Nisei WWII Veteran Photo Tribute* “Why Did We Serve?” – Hanashi Oral History Interview clips* “Sharing the Torch” live segment with GFBNEC's “Living the Nisei Dream” host, Actor & Writer, Sierra Katow; GFBNEC Board of Director Jeff Maloney; Former GFBNEC Board Chair, Bill Seki; Dr. Robin Yasui; GFBNEC Sr. Manager of NextGen Programs Dr. Maya Hernandez; Go For Broke Journalism high school student, Lizzie Vargas; and, GFBNEC Torchbearer and 2023 Nisei Week Queen Kaitlyn Chu.Thank you to all of the 2023 Gala sponsors and donors including Presenting Sponsor - The Aratani Foundation; Ruby Sponsor - Rick & Patee Shinto and Family; and, Emerald Sponsors: MUFG Bank Ltd., Yoshio C. Nakamura and Family, Bill & Christy Seki and Dennis & Lorraine Kimura, The Sugimoto Family and US Bank.
2023 NATIONAL TORCHBEARER CONVENING Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-07-26 | In conjunction with its new NextGen programming, and as part of its National Torchbearers Program, Go For Broke National Education Center held its inaugural Torchbearer National Convening in Los Angeles. From June 22 – June 25, 2023, young adults from Hawai’i, Colorado, Illinois, Vermont and California gathered to hear individuals who spoke their truths about identity, social issues and the need for dialogue across communities. With the Go For Broke spirit and legacy of the Japanese American soldiers of WWII at its core, National Convening participants engaged in panel presentations, interactive activities, small group discussions and even a fun summer festival, all of which provided the opportunities for the participants to listen, empathize and engage with each other. We invite you to watch this video featuring highlights from this inspiring and moving program. About Go For Broke National Education Center Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo historic district, Go For Broke National Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates the public on the valor of the American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry and their contributions to democracy. Founded in 1989, GFBNEC maintains the Go For Broke Monument, a permanent, hands-on “Defining Courage” exhibition, travel exhibitions, extensive oral histories and archives and dynamic educational programming. For more information or for visiting hours, please go to goforbroke.com.
Dr. Mitchell Maki in Conversation With David Ono on ABC 7 LA Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-06-15 | Thank you to @abc7LA for having our president, Dr. Mitchell Maki, on for Memorial Day to discuss the legacy, courage and sacrifice of the Nisei soldiers. Also a big thank you anchor David Ono for the great discussion about why their story is largely ignored in history books and what we can do to change that.
2023 Go For Broke Monument Anniversary Virtual Tribute Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-06-03 | 2023 Go For Broke Monument Anniversary Virtual TributeWe invite you to watch this special anniversary of when our humble, but determined, Nisei veterans presented the Go For Broke Monument to the City of Los Angeles on June 5, 1999. Their hope was that the Monument would forever stand as a reminder of the 33,000 Japanese American men and women who valiantly served our nation at all costs. The program highlights the character and valor of the Nisei soldiers of WWII, and will feature three new video segments that reflect the intergenerational sharing of this important American story. Hosted by:Dr. Mitch Maki, President/CEO of Go For Broke National Education Center and Sierra Katow, Actor, Comedian, Writer & Host of GFBNEC's Living the Nisei Dream.Visit www.goforbroke.org to learn more about the legacy of the Nisei soldiers of WWII, and how you can help ensure their legacy continues in securing the freedoms and liberties for all Americans. Together, we can make a difference.
Living the Nisei Dream: Tamlyn Tomita Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-04-08 | As part of GFBNEC’s "Living the Nisei Dream" video series, this third episode features Japanese American actor, Tamlyn Tomita, in conversation with host Sierra Katow. From being crowned the 1984 Nisei Week Queen in Los Angeles to her acting roles in "Karate Kid II," "Picture Bride" and "Joy Luck Club" to her most recent roles in "The Good Doctor" and "Cobra Kai," Tamlyn shares her perspective on her family, career and what the Nisei WWII veterans’ legacy means to her. The episode includes visits with Andy Lowe, Director of Production & Casting, at East West Players and Francis Cullardo, Executive Director at Visual Communications.
Heroes Among Us: U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-03-27 | In tribute to National Women’s History month and to the brave women who have served and continue to serve our country, we share this special video featuring three Japanese American Cadet Nurse Corps nurses. In their efforts to prove their loyalty as Americans, Alice Noguchi Kanagaki, Kiyo Sato and Mary Tamura share their personal stories and unique experiences. In 2022, we filmed their oral history interviews as part of our “Unsung Service: Preserving the Japanese American Cadet Nurse Corps project which is funded by a National Park Service Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant.Show your support and shop at the Go For Broke Store for exclusive merchandise including our Akashi-Kama x GFBNEC hoodie and sweatshirt plus GFBNEC coffee mug set featuring an archival image of three Japanese American Women’s Army Corps women who served in the Military Intelligence Service during WWII.
Hawaii-born MOH recipient recalls mindset during action Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-02-25 | Technical Sergeant Yukio Okutsu is noted for his extraordinary heroism in action on April 7,1945, on Mount Belvedere, Italy. While his platoon was halted by the crossfire of three machine guns, Yuiko single-handedly charged at the enemy and enabled his platoon to resume its assault on a vital objective. The courageous performance of Yukio against formidable odds was an inspiration to all. In this clip, Okutsu recalls his mindset during the actions he was cited for the Medal of Honor.This interview was conducted by GFBNEC on March 1, 2002, and is part of its Hanashi Oral History Collection.
MOH recipient shares meaning behind recognition Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-02-25 | George T. Sakato distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on October 29,1944, on hill 617 in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France. By continuously ignoring enemy fire, and by his gallant courage and fighting spirit, he turned impending defeat into victory and helped his platoon complete its mission. In this clip, George recalls the motivation and meaning behind receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions during WWII.This interview was conducted by GFBNEC on June 4, 2004, and is part of its Hanashi Oral History Collection.
Heroes Among Us: Why Did They Serve? Go For Broke National Education Center 2023-01-26 | Presented as part of the 2022 Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner program held on November 5, 2022, this video features the personal voices of nine Nisei veterans reflecting on why they wanted to serve during WWII. Each interview is among the close to 1,100 Hanashi Oral History interviews housed within GFBNEC's digital archives.Featured in this powerful video compilation are: Ron Oba, 442nd RCT; Hideo Higa, 442nd RCT; Mary Yamada, Army Nurse Corps; Kenichi Muranaga, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate); Hiroshi Arisumi, 232nd Combat Engineer Company; Kiyo Sato, Cadet Nurse Corps; Sam Sakamoto, 442nd RCT; Frank Inami, MIS; and, Harry Akune, MIS.
Heroes Among Us: Medal of Honor Recipient Joe Hayashi Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-12-29 | At Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC), we share the stories of the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of the American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry.In this new episode of GFBNEC's "Heroes Among Us" series, we feature the story of Private Joe Hayashi who bravely served in the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team and whose heroism earned him a Medal of Honor, the highest military recognition for acts of valor. Joe Hayashi died fighting for liberty and for justice halfway across the world, even while his own family remained imprisoned behind barbed wire during WWII. To learn more about the Japanese American WWII soldiers' story, visit goforbroke.org. We invite you to also visit GFBNEC's "Defining Courage" permanent exhibition in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, which includes a special display featuring the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star and Medal of Honor medals of Private Joe Hayashi. To learn more, visit goforbroke.org.
2022 Go For Broke Journalism Institute Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-12-29 | In the summer of 2022, Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) piloted the Go For Broke Journalism Institute which brought together high school students to learn about the Japanese American WWII soldiers’ story, and also provide first-rate journalistic instruction.The result was a partnership with the Asian American Journalists Association, LA Chapter (AAJA-LA) and LAUSD’s Downtown Business Magnets Schools that worked with eight journalism students over a six-week,10 session period. The sessions were led by journalists from the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and by ABC7 News Anchor David Ono, who provided first hand experience of journalism skills, research and writing strategies.The curriculum centered on the Japanese American WWII soldiers’ experience and each of the students developed an appreciation and a personal connection to the story as highlighted in this video. Visit goforbroke.org to learn more about GFBNEC's educational resources available online.
Nisei WWII Soldiers Holiday in the Segregated South Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-12-09 | As a child, Paul Yamashita grew up on a sugarcane plantation in Hakalau, Hawai'i, just north of Hilo. After high school, he moved to Honolulu and worked as a carpenter for the U.S. Engineering Department. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he decided he would volunteer for the Army in hopes that Japanese Americans would be better accepted as Americans. In this Hanashi Oral History interview clip, Paul talks about his experience in the segregated south while training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, and he discusses one person in particular who brightened his Christmas Eve.Excerpt from the September 2003 interview conducted as part of Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Collection
442nd Soldier on Holiday Break Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-12-09 | Denver-native Sam Terasaki was drafted in the U.S. Army in May 1944, which was also around the time he was planning on beginning his studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder. By November 1944, following six months of training at Camp Shelby, Sam found himself in Europe as part of the newly combined 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team. In this Hanashi Oral History interview clip, Sam describes what the holidays were like for him and his fellow Nisei soldiers as they were given a holiday break from fighting while in the south of France.Excerpt from the June 1999 interview conducted as part of Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Collection.
21st Annual Evening of Aloha Gala Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-11-25 | We invite you to watch, re-watch and share this year's Evening of Aloha Gala held on November 5, 2022. This hallmark annual event celebrates the remarkable legacy of the Japanese American WWII soldiers. The program highlights include the on-stage "Veteran Roll Call", In Memoriam recognition, 3rd Annual Living Nisei WWII Veteran Photo Tribute, a special rendition of "America the Beautiful" and the premiere of a new song, "His Story," written by Hiroshima's June Kuramoto, and performed live by award-winning Daniel Ho with a video of Kuramoto playing the koto. Hosted by David Ono, ABC7 News Anchor and GFBNEC board member, the program features participation and presentations by the GFBNEC Torchbearers and other NextGen supports. Viewers will watch with a renewed sense of pride in the veterans' story, and be inspired to carry on their legacy for future generations. Visit goforbroke.org to learn more about the history and how to support GFBNEC's vital mission and work.
WAC Sue Kato and why she had to serve Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-10-07 | Sue Kato was born in Nebraska and later moved with her family to Greeley, Colorado, in 1938 to buy land. This was something they could not do in Nebraska. She joined the WACs in 1943. Along with 47 other Nisei women, Sue attended the Military Intelligence Service Language School in Minnesota. In this Hanashi Oral History clip from June 2006, Sue describes why she joined the U.S. Army and the reaction from her family. The Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History interview was conducted in 2006.
Nisei veteran recalls being told he must prove his loyalty Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-10-07 | Born in Aeia, Hawai’I, Ronald Oba served in the 442nd RCT, F Company as a cook. He once had to cross a minefield in order to deliver food to his fellow soldiers. In this Hanashi Oral History clip from October 1998, Oba shares his recollection of why he felt he had to join the 442nd and his response to being told, "You are on the spot. You must volunteer to prove your loyalty."The Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History interview was conducted in 1998.
From the Rescue of the Lost Battalion to the fight that continues today. Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-09-23 | As a member of the 442nd RCT, I Company, Seattle-born Victor Izui, was part of the rescue of the Lost Battalion. In this Hanashi Oral History interview clip from April 2000, Victor discusses the role of the veterans in the Japanese American redress movement and reviews the role of the younger generations to "carry on the fight... and extend the gains that the [Nisei soldiers] made."The Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Collection interview was conducted in 2000.
442nd veteran reflects on his message to future generations Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-09-23 | Born in Tacoma, Washington, and incarcerated with his family in the Minidoka WRA camp, Staff Sargent George Morihiro served in the 442nd RCT, I Company. In this Hanashi Oral History interview taken in September 1998, George reflects on what his message is to future generations. He remarks about how part of being happy is "... to think of everybody else, be friends with them, help them out,... and what you do in helping others is returned to you in how your feel."The Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Collection interview was conducted in 1998.
Ray Nosaka, 100th Btn. veteran talks about his secret mission training attack dogs on Cat Island. Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-09-09 | After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Swiss dog trainer William A. Prestre proposed that the United States military use dogs in the battlefield to find and attack Japanese soldiers by scent. The government agreed to fund his proposal for three months and selected 25 soldiers from the 100th Infantry Battalion’s 3rd Platoon who were then training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. These recruits would travel from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico in total secrecy to serve as attack dummies for dogs that were waiting for them on nearby Cat Island. Hear from Nisei veteran Ray Nosaka as he details the dog training work he was ordered to do despite his love of dogs. The Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Collection interview was conducted in 1998.
100th veteran, Robert Takashige, shares his role in the top secret military dog training mission Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-09-09 | After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Swiss dog trainer William A. Prestre proposed that the United States military use dogs in the battlefield to find and attack Japanese soldiers by scent. The government agreed to fund his proposal for three months and selected 25 soldiers from the 100th Infantry Battalion’s 3rd Platoon who were then training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. These recruits would travel from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico in total secrecy to serve as attack dummies for dogs that were waiting for them on nearby Cat Island. Hear from Nisei veteran Robert Takashige as learns of what the secret mission entailed, the training schedule and his reaction to the notion that the Japanese had a distinct scent. The Go For Broke National Education Center's Hanashi Oral History Collection interview was conducted in 2005.
MIS Veteran discusses his work on the top-secret Manhattan Project Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-08-26 | In this video clip, Nisei WWII veteran, Kiyoshi Hirano, a kibei (born in the U.S., but raised or educated in Japan) discusses his service with the MIS on a top-secret campaign in the 8th floor of the towering RKO building in New York. Unbeknownst to Hirano until 17 years later, the eighth floor of the RKO building ended up being the headquarters of the Manhattan Project, the United States’s campaign to construct an atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert. Hirano's work was to find whether Japan was also constructing an atomic bomb through captured industrial and government documents. He later visited Hiroshima directly following the atomic bomb, not knowing that his work was indirectly related to the bomb until 17 years later.This Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi Oral History was recorded in 2006.
Shig Kizuka, 442nd RCT, shares his visit to Poston and thoughts on volunteering Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-08-18 | Shig Kizuka was born on August 8, 1923 in Watsonville, California. As a result of Executive Order 9066, Kizuka and his family were forcibly removed and incarcerated at the Poston concentration camp near Parker, Arizona. Shig left Poston to attend college and volunteered for service soon after, eventually joining L Company of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In this clip, Shig shares his visit to Poston before leaving for basic training and his thoughts on volunteering.This Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi Oral History was recorded in 2003.
Norman Ikari, 442nd RCT, recalls racial discrimination during visit to Poston Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-08-18 | Norman Ikari was born on February 17, 1919 in Seattle, Washington. Ikari was drafted in January 1942, a month before Executive Order 9066 was issued which resulted in his mother and younger siblings being incarcerated at Poston concentration camp near Parker, Arizona. In this clip, Ikari recalls visiting Poston before leaving for Europe and the racial discrimination he experienced in town. Ikari served in E Company of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.This Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi Oral History was recorded in 1999.
Frank Inami, MIS, shares reason for volunteering from Jerome Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-07-28 | Frank Inami was born on April 25, 1921 in Madera, CA and raised in Japan until he was 10 years old. Following the outbreak of WWII, he and his family were forcibly removed to the Jerome concentration camp where Frank eventually volunteered to serve. Frank was part of the Military Intelligence Service where he worked alongside kibeis (people born in the US and educated in Japan), helping with English and translation. In this clip he discusses his physical examination with a doctor and his reason for volunteering from the concentration camp.This Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi Oral History was recorded in 2005.
Fred Kitada, 442nd RCT, recalls Presidential Unit Citation Ceremony Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-07-15 | Born in Los Angeles on December 28, 1918, Fred Kitada and his family would end up in the Manazanar WRA camp soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Drafted into the 442nd RCT, Fred fought in Europe and was awarded a Bronze Star and Congressional Gold Medal. In this Hanashi Oral History video clip, he talks about arriving in New York after the war ended and being a part of the President Unit Citation ceremony with President Truman.Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi oral history conducted in 2004.
23rd Go For Broke Monument Anniversary Tribute - Keynote Speaker Sela Masaki Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-06-10 | Hear from our youngest Torchbearer, Sela Masaki, grandchild of Tomoki Masaki, 100th/442nd RCT veteran. Sela was the Keynote Speaker for the 23rd Go For Broke Monument Anniversary Virtual Tribute. This video is an excerpt from the event which aired on June 4, 2022. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Sela talks about being Japanese and Jewish American and what it means to be a descendant of a Japanese American WWII veteran. Watch the full Monument Anniversary program at this linkyoutu.be/-PhOLnp7OS8Visit goforbroke.org to learn more about the history of the Japanese American WWII veterans and the relevance of their legacy to the issues our nation faces today.
23RD GO FOR BROKE MONUMENT ANNIVERSARY VIRTUAL TRIBUTE • JUNE 4, 2022 Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-06-06 | We invite you to watch this special celebration as we honor the contributions of the Japanese American soldiers of WWII. Each year on the first Saturday in June since 1999, Go For Broke National Education Center has held a community gathering to commemorate the Go For Broke Monument, a striking dedication to honor the Japanese American men and women who served during WWII to prove their loyalty to their country. The program highlight the stories of courage, patriotism and sacrifice and the relevance of their legacy to the issues our nation faces today.Hosted by:ABC7 News Anchor & GFBNEC Board of Director, David Ono, andGFBNEC President & CEO, Dr. Mitch MakiKeynote SpeakerSela Masaki, Grandchild of Tomoki Masaki, 100th/442nd RCTTo learn more about the history of the Japanese American WWII soldiers' and for more information about ways to support GFBNEC, visit goforbroke.org.
522nd FAB veteran recalls encountering Holocaust prisoners Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-05-06 | While soldiers from the 522nd Field Artillery Division were on patrol on May 2, 1945, near Waakirchen, Germany, they saw what they thought were hundreds of “lumps in the snow.” What they soon realized, however, was that the lumps were Holocaust prisoners on a death march from one of the Dachau camps, and who were either shot or left to die. Later, the soldiers would face hundreds of emaciated prisoners, barely alive after having been abandoned by the the fleeing Nazi guards. As they awaited medical personnel to arrive, the 522nd soldiers did what they could by moving the survivors into shelter, and giving blankets, water and tiny bits of food. On May 4, the 552nd soldiers left Waakirchen still deeply disturbed by the harrowing scenes of the Jewish prisoners.Hear from veteran George Ishihara who shares his brief recollection of this devastating moment. Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi oral history conducted on February 6, 2000.
WAC shares family reaction to enlistment Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-03-10 | Sue Suzuko (Ogata) Kato grew up in Platte, Nebraska. After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper but decided she wanted to join the Women’s Army Air Corps (WAAC). She did not initially hear back from the Army and later learned that the renamed Women's Army Corps (WAC) was now accepting applications from Nisei women She reapplied and began her service on December 13, 1943. While she did not endure military combat, Sue did face hatred by her fellow WACs and military personnel. Nonetheless, she felt satisfied with her contribution to the war effort. "It was enriching and I formed a lot of friendships — friends for life," she said. "It was a learning experience for me…. I knew they needed WACs to take desk jobs so the fellows could go to the front. We did it for all Japanese Americans. I was proud to be an American…."Go For Broke National Education Center Hanashi oral history conducted on June 17, 2006.
Veteran recalls interrogation of Japanese Imperial officer on Iwo Jima Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-02-24 | In this Hanashi Oral History clip, MIS veteran Hideto Kono recalls his time on Iwo Jima, and the memory of how his team leader was in charge of interrogating a Captain of the Japanese Imperial Army. Though Kono himself only spoke with him briefly, he remembers this particular soldier as a gentleman, and one who even survived an attempted suicide.
MIS veteran recalls cave and tunnel flushing on Iwo Jima Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-02-24 | Military Intelligence Service veteran recalls his experience of landing at Iwo Jima and the brutal reality of the end of the war for the Japanese on the island. He remembers how the US military "flushed" the caves by setting off bombs in order to close them, after trying to coax the remaining Japanese out.
Japanese American veteran recalls the injustice experienced during WWII Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-02-10 | Susumu "Sus" Toyoda, a veteran of the Military Intelligence Service, reflects on the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and the overall injustice of the signing of Executive Order 9066, which incarcerated his Japanese parents. He reflects on his reasons for volunteering. "We felt the only way to help our parents get out of camp was to be good soldiers. Period."
Japanese American veteran recalls the injustice of the camps Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-02-10 | Steve Yamamoto, a veteran of the Military Intelligence Service, recalls the speech that FDR made in the wake of Pearl Harbor and that, in his eyes, it could have been worded quite differently. He recalls the unfairness and the subsequent prejudice and discrimination against American-born Japanese Americans, especially those that were already serving in the armed forces.
Japanese American veterans feelings on fighting Japanese soldiers Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-01-27 | Warren Tsuneishi, a WWII veteran of the Military Intelligence Service and the 306th Headquarters Intelligence Detachment, reflects on what he felt while being at war with Japanese soldiers. "I couldn't see them as hated enemy or anything like that. How could I, it would be like hating myself, you know."
Intelligence Veteran reflects on his units impact on outcome of WWII Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-01-27 | In this Hanashi Oral History clip, Steve Yokoyama, a translator with ATIS (Allied Translators and Interpreter Service) recalls how he was a trainee in communications work in New Guinea during the war, specifically information interception.
442nd RCT veteran recalls his decision to volunteer for the military Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-01-13 | In this emotional clip, George Mukai, a veteran of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team, recalls his life-changing decision to volunteer for the military when the all-Japanese American unit was formed. As he felt he was fulfilling a duty to his country, and because he father was from Japan, he wanted to volunteer to show his patriotism. But the response from his father was a heartbreaking experience for the young George.
Hawaii-born veteran reflects on his reasons for volunteering Go For Broke National Education Center 2022-01-13 | Hiroshi Arisumi, a veteran of WWII and Hawaiian-born, reflects on how he wanted to join the military and gained the approval of his parents to serve his country.
Sharing Stories Around the Table: New Perspectives Go For Broke National Education Center 2021-12-23 | We are proud to feature a new episode of Sharing Stories Around the Table, which includes the voices of our Japanese American partners and next-gen Nikkei from across the country. This episode begins in Denver at the Nisei Veterans Memorial at the Fairmount Cemetery and Pacific Mercantile Company Store, a fourth-generation Japanese American-owned family business. We then highlight our visit with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i in Honolulu with President & Executive Director Nate Gyoku and intergenerational supporters. We also share our work with the National Veterans Memorial Center in Maui, featuring a lively conversation with Executive Director Deidre Tegarden and several board members.
