JAVA ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

This is a brief description of the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) oral history project, which is a partner of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project that is mandated by Congress. The JAVA Project consists of 8 members. They are as follows: Grant Hirabayashi (camera man), Calvin Ninomiya (interviewer), Barbara Nekoba (researcher), Dr. Glenda Nogami (interviewer), Dr. Simiye (Sue) Okubo (interviewer), Terry Shima (interviewer/coordinator), Paul Tani (interviewer) and Dr. Warren Tsuneishi (advisor).

The purpose of these interviews, up to 90 minutes each, is to record the life experiences of veterans who served in the armed forces during WW II, Korean, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars. It will also record the experiences of members who were evacuated and interned following Japan’s attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Ms. Ellen McCulloch-Lovell, Director of the LOC Veterans History Project, said in a recent letter: "The collection of recorded oral histories, written material, papers, diaries, letters and photographs will be of untold value to scholars, students, and veterans' descendents in the decades ahead".

The interviewee's name will appear on the LOC Registry of Services. For privacy purposes, the contact information, such as telephone numbers and addresses, are not published. 

JAVA is handling some 54 oral history cases. Forty members have committed to be interviewed and about five more have indicated interest. The 40 include three JAVA members who reside outside of the Washington, DC area. Fourteen have been interviewed by other organizations. While they will not be re-interviewed by JAVA, we will do the paper work to place their names on the LOC Registry of Services. Any qualified historian will be directed to the appropriate repository.

Any JAVA member, or non -JAVA member, who wishes to learn more about the oral history program is invited to contact Terry Shima (email: ttshima@worldnet.att.net; telephone: 301-279-7823)