Japanese American Military Experience Database
The Japanese American Military Experience National Database is developed and maintained by the Manabi and Sumi Hirasaki National Resource Center at the Japanese American National Museum. Its purpose is to preserve and share the stories of Japanese American men and women who have served in the United States military. Starting off as just a basic list of names and units*, the database has since been enriched with personal recollections, first-person narratives, and photos of veterans gathered through the National Museum’s ongoing survey project.
In 2003, extensive data on members of the Military Intelligence Service from 1941 to 1946 was compiled by Seiki Oshiro, Paul Tani, and Grant Ichikawa. This information was donated to the National Museum and is in the process of being added to the database, greatly increasing the depth of information available on MIS veterans.
Through the Discover Nikkei website, the Museum is now collaborating with the National Japanese American Veterans Council in its project to locate and document oral histories of Japanese American veterans. The information gathered by the Council will also be contributed to the database.
The Japanese American Military Experience Database is a living project that grows more comprehensive with each new respondent. If you are a Japanese American veteran who is not yet listed in the database or if you know someone who you feel should be included, the Japanese American National Museum encourages you to request a questionnaire. (Questionnaires may be completed by family members if the veteran is no longer living.) Thank you!
*Basic information (name, unit served or language school graduated from) contained in this database may come from two published sources: Bridge of Love, by John Tsukano (Honolulu: Hawaii Hosts, ©1985), and John Aiso and the M.I.S.: Japanese American Soldiers in the Military Intelligence Service, World War II, by Tad Ichinokuchi (Los Angeles: The Club, ©1988). The sources used by Tsukano and Ichinokuchi are not known. Any errors and omissions may be brought to our attention.
Tips on searching the database
Use Keyword to search for words and phrases occurring anywhere in the record other than in a personal name, for example: “ammo dump” “Lost Battalion” “Minidoka”.
Use Name to find the personal name of any veteran in the database.