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WUB speakers September 7, 2006
Uchinanchu in Uniform
Imagine if you are a US citizen drafted into the Japanese army, selected to join the Kamikaze corps to crash into a US ship. What do you do? Imagine if you are a US citizen and the US army asks you to go to war in Okinawa, where you grew up with your friends and relatives. How do you feel? Imagine if you were an American of Okinawa heritage in the US army. What are your chances of becoming a general? What does it take to be promoted?
Minoru Teruya
Hawaii born Uchinanchu caught in Okinawa during the war. Drafted into the Japanese Military, assigned to the Kamikaze Corps. Fortunately the war ended before he had to go on his mission. His Kamikaze corps meets every year. Minoru, a super volunteer for the Hawaii Okinawa Center, has been taking care of the Takakura Garden since day one.
Takajiro Higa
Uchinanchu Nisei was brought up in Okinawa. Returned to Hawaii served in US Army, went to Okinawa at the battle of Okinawa as an interpreter. Saved many Okinawans from the caves because of knowledge of Okinawa and Okinawa hogen. Interrogated his classmates and teacher. Discovered Japanese officer posing as Okinawan. His story has been told many times in the newspapers and in books.
Paul Chinen
Paul was the 1st Uchinanchu to be promoted to general in the US Army. What did it take to become general? Now there are 24 Japanese American generals and admirals, retired and current, (4 are Uchinanchus). What a difference a generation makes.
What would you do if you were in a similar situation?
Come listen to their stories, ask questions. Bring your friends.
For more on Takajiro Higa and other Nisei stories: Hawaii Nisei Story
Uchinanchu in Uniform meeting PHOTOS