Closing shop and preparing for mass removal

In 1942, Yae Wada owned a beauty shop in Berkeley, California. In this clip she remembers being ordered by local police officers to close her shop and pack her belongings before being sent to Tanforan and Topaz.

Last Day Before Serving Overseas

Hubert Yoshida served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Start for his service as a platoon commander during Operation Utah, one of the war's bloodiest battles.

Reuniting with Father on Trip from Peru

Atsumi Ozawa grew up in Huancayo, Peru. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, her father went into hiding. He was eventually found and arrested, and was reunited with family on the ship from Peru to the United States in 1944.

Densho continues to selectively record the oral histories of Japanese Americans and others who can speak about the World War II incarceration. The stories we collect represent a wide range of perspectives and experiences from a diverse geographic range. Since Densho does not have the resources to interview all candidates, we are currently only able to record the experiences of individuals whose stories are not well documented.

Nominate a Narrator

Know someone who may be a good candidate for Densho to interview? Fill out our short online interview nomination form and check out our criteria for selection.

Conduct Your Own Oral History

Resources and tips for recording your own oral history interview with someone you know.