Japanese American Veterans Association

We are an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom. Our members include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. Although the majority of our members are Americans of Japanese Ancestry, our members are not exclusively Japanese Americans.

President's Message

Howard S. High

Washington, DC.

This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a pivotal moment in history that highlighted the extraordinary courage and resilience of the Nisei soldiers. Whether in the battlefields of Europe or the Pacific, these men embodied the spirit of “Go For Broke,” giving everything for a country that had not always recognized their worth. Their sacrifices helped liberate nations abroad and laid the groundwork for greater civil rights at home.

Among their many contributions, the Nisei of the Military Intelligence Service played a critical role in shaping the postwar relationship between the United States and Japan. Their intelligence work, cultural mediation during the U.S. occupation, and support in forging the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty helped transform two former adversaries into steadfast allies. Today, their legacy continues to strengthen one of the world’s most enduring strategic partnerships.

As we commemorate this milestone, I encourage each of you to actively preserve this history. Whether by attending JAVA events, supporting our fundraising efforts, or contributing to our research and advocacy initiatives, your engagement ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices of those who served.

Thank you for your unwavering support. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events as we honor our veterans and share their remarkable stories.

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2025 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program

REMINDER: Applications and supporting documents must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) is excited to announce its annual Memorial Scholarship Program for 2025. The scholarships will benefit a range of graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and post-graduate and professional education students.

Nisei Legacy

The Japanese American Experience in WWII and Its Legacy

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, mass hysteria erupted in America against all persons of Japanese ancestry. Nisei (American-born children of Japanese immigrants) were viewed as innately disloyal and were barred from enlisting in the armed forces. The 1,432 Nisei who were already in the U.S. Army in Hawaiʻi were placed in the 100th Infantry Battalion and shipped to Wisconsin for training and subsequently deployed to Italy for combat. Mike Masaoka, Executive Secretary of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), encouraged the Nisei to petition the government to allow them to serve in combat to prove their loyalty.

Masaoka believed a strong performance by the Nisei in combat was the best weapon to defeat racism and prejudice. In response to these petitions and the exemplary training record of the 100th Infantry Battalion, in early 1943 the U.S. Army formed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, consisting of 4,000 volunteers from Hawaiʻi and the mainland, many from internment camps.