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.
Photo Gary Takashima (Left) standing next to President Biden (right). Courtesy of Gary Takashima.
Washington D.C. Receiving the Medal of Honor on behalf of our uncle, Wataru Nakamura, at the White House on January 3, 2025, was an unforgettable experience that filled me with immense pride and reflection. Though I never had the chance to meet our uncle, nor did any of my cousins, his legacy of loyalty and courage has always inspired our family.
Many people I spoke with during this journey were unaware of the hardships he endured before his military service. Our uncle was among the thousands of Japanese Americans forcibly relocated to incarceration camps during World War II. He was incarcerated at the Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas when he first enlisted in the U.S. Army, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to a country that had unjustly questioned his loyalty.
He went on to serve with the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. After the war, he remained in the Army Reserves and later answered the call to serve again in the Korean War, where he made the ultimate sacrifice.
This recognition of our uncle at the White House was a profoundly moving experience. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Japanese American soldiers like him—men who fought not only for their country but also for the honor and dignity of their families and communities. Our uncle’s story is one of resilience, bravery, and patriotism, and I am grateful that his contributions are now receiving the recognition he deserves.”
Medal of Honor Certificate signed by President Joseph R. Biden Photo courtesy of Gary Takashima.
Wade Ishimoto was born in Hawai’i shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He enlisted in the US Army in 1961 and retired 20 years later. His military career saw him serving as a Military Policeman, a counterintelligence agent, a human intelligence case officer, and 14 years in Special Forces. Among his notable assignments were as the Project Gamma Operations Sergeant during the Green Beret Murder case in 1969, Special Force School Instructor of the Year in 1974, a founding member of the Delta Force, and leading a roadblock team on the fateful 1980 attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran (Operation Eagle Claw).
After his military retirement, he served on the investigation of the Branch Davidian incident, the Khobar Towers bombing, was the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and a Special Assistant to the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow with the Joint Special Operations University, a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment, and was inducted into the Special Operations Command Commando Hall of Honor. He has been written about in Delta Force, The Guts to Try, Best Laid Plans, Those Gallant Men, Killer Elite, Never Surrender and A Murder in Wartime.
[Ed Note: The description above was provided by The Team House, publishers of the video. A special thanks to Wade Ishimoto for sharing this podcast with us.]
In commemoration of the Day of Remembrance, the signed original Executive Order 9066 and the Ireichō went on public view at the National Archives in Washington DC yesterday, February 18,2025, for one day.
The Ireichō, created by The Irei Project in October 2022, is a book with over 1,000 pages and weighs twenty-five pounds. It contains the names of 125,284 individuals of Japanese ancestry incarcerated during World War II. Over the last two years, the project brought tens of thousands of visitors to the Japanese American National Museum to acknowledge and stamp the names of those unjustly incarcerated as an act of remembrance and repair.
On February 19, 2025, the Ireichō started a two year nationwide tour and went on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where it is available for stamping for three days.
On the first day, Nancy and I stamped our names and our parents’ names.
By Gerald Yamada
Photo of Gerald Yamada (left) with his wife Nancy (right). Courtesy of Gerald Yamada.
Photo from left to right: Minister Masaru Sato (Embassy of Japan), President Howard High (JAVA), Maj. Gen. Garrett Yee (RET), Rear Admiral Takaaki Hayamizu (Defense & Naval Attaché). Photo courtesy of Howard High.
Washington, D.C.
On February 15, JAVA commenced its first social event of 2025 at Topgolf National Harbor in Maryland. Despite the winter weather lingering in the DMV this season, JAVA members, family, friends, and guests totaling 36 participants came out to support a casual, leisurely gathering of golf, delicious hot breakfast and camaraderie.
Joining the social event were JAVA members local to the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) as well as some who were in town for the long holiday weekend. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Garrett S. Yee, former Assistant to the Director of Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), made an appearance and showed off some golf skills, as well as Embassy of Japan’s Minister Masaru Sato, Head of Chancery, and Rear Admiral Takaaki Hayamizu, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force & Naval Attaché. Also present were John Tobe, an avid supporter of the Japanese American community and board member of the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, and Stanley Fujii, board member of the Asian American Chamber Commerce and member of Fujii Group, LLC. Several JAVA executive council and committee chair members, including President Howard High, were present. A notable number of local participants representing Disabled American Veterans (DAV) also joined the tee off.
Photo of Wade Ishimoto (right) and Embassy of Japan Minister Masaru Sato. Courtesy of Howard High.Photo of Wade Ishimoto (right) signing Minister Sato’s copy of The Intoku Code. Courtesy of Howard High.
The social event was combined with a special appearance by CPT Wade Ishimoto, USA (RET), who set up shop on one of Topgolf’s comfortable, heated seat to promote and sign his new book, The Intoku Code. In his remarkable autobiography, CPT Ishimoto demonstrates the value of mentorship through his captivating memories of his 20-year military career as a Military Police, Military Counterintelligence agent, a human intelligence case officer, and many years in the elite Special Operations unit as a founding member of Delta Force. He is a distinguished senior fellow with the Joint Special Operations University, a distinguished member of the Special Forces Regiment, and was inducted into the Special Operations Command Commando Hall of Honor. CPT Ishimoto was approached by many new and familiar faces during the book signing where he had the opportunity to also reminisce about his life in Hawai’i, where he was born.
Photo of JAVA members and friends. Photo courtesy of Howard High.
JAVA’s membership drive table was displayed front and center to proactively boost its numbers. Perhaps more social events in the future will bring increased visibility of the unique Veteran Service Organization (VSO) that has its roots in educating and honoring the legacy of the Nisei Veterans of World War II. This VSO is open to all Veterans and seeks to engage all in understanding and recognizing the Japanese American patriotism within American history.
JAVA thanks all who attended the event, made a generous donation, joined JAVA, or purchased CPT Wade Ishimoto’s book. Contributions will assist JAVA in its important and relevant mission.
Prepared by: Kay Izumihara, JAVA
Photo: Overview of the Event. Courtesy of Howard High.Photo of JAVA members and friends. Photo courtesy of Howard High.Photo from left to right: CDR Danaher (USCG), CPT Ishimoto (Ret), Julie (DAV), Johnson family. Photo courtesy of Chris DeRosa.Beautiful Swing by 2LT Justin Ninomiya. Photo courtesy of Howard High.Photo left to right: Maj. Gen. Yee (Ret), CPT Ishimoto (Ret). Photo courtesy of Howard High.Photo left to right: David Johnson, CPT Ishimoto (Ret). Photo courtesy of Chris DeRosa.
Courage, Honor, and Patriotism Award Presented to LTG Thomas P. Bostick, U.S. Army (Retired)
LTG Thomas P. Bostick, USA, Retired is recognized for a lifetime of service and advocacy. He is an accomplished Senior Executive with over 45 years of experience in the public and private sectors. LTG Bostick was born in 1956 in Fukuoka, Japan, the son of an African American father and a Japanese mother. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1978 and was commissioned a 2LT in the Corps of Engineers. LTG Bostick earned Master’s of Science Degrees in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering from Stanford, an MBA from Oxford, and a PhD in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. He served in multiple staff and command assignments to include the 53rd Chief of Engineers and the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G-1.
He is the author of the acclaimed book Winning After Losing, Building Resilient Teams. LTG Bostick has demonstrated a lifetime of mentorship – being mentored and becoming a mentor. Following his military retirement, LTG Bostick served as the CEO and President of Intrexon Bioengineering and as the CEO of Bostick Global Strategies, and he serves on numerous corporate boards. LTG Bostick has confronted racism throughout his life, to include while serving as a general officer. In June 2020 he wrote a gut-wrenching article for CNN about a young soldier, Danny Chen, who committed suicide due to unrelenting hazing and overt racism directed at him by fellow soldiers. LTG Bostick wrote:
I believe that most American adults are not racists, but as we have seen in so many tragic events, discrimination exists in many forms. Leadership at the national level is imperative. Law enforcement must reform, and cultural change needs to occur across every part of local government, in board rooms, in schools and on our streets, where large numbers of our young people continue to exercise the rights we defend to demonstrate peacefully in hope of creating a more just and better America.
LTG Bostick is a JAVA member and a strong supporter of our organization, having been a guest speaker and hosting events at his home. He continues to light the way for a better America, a more just America.
Terry T. Shima Leadership Award Presented Posthumously to Colonel George K. Ishikata, U.S. Army (Retired)
For outstanding service to the nation and selfless service to JAVA as a member of the Executive Council and as Treasurer, the role he was serving when he passed away, December 30, 2021. COL Ishikata was commissioned in the California Army National Guard as a Military Police officer in 1985 and retired in 2015 after a distinguished career which included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo and command of the 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Linguist). COL Ishikata’s passions included the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) where his service culminated in command of the Civil Air Patrol’s Pacific Region. His experiences as a Japanese American helped shape his views on not only challenges and opportunities within the CAP, but also in championing the CAP’s continuing campaign for diversity. Dr. Emily Murase, a former President of the San Francisco Board of Education described George as “a shining beacon to our community and, especially, to his Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JRTOTC) students.” As a JROTC instructor, COL Ishikata was a mentor, coach, and friend to ethnically and economically diverse students in a program that had come under attack in San Francisco as public education funding grew scarce. COL Ishikata was a distinguished leader in every sense of the word who continually sought out opportunities to make his community better and stronger.
Veterans Advocate Award Presented to Dawn R. Eilenberger, Esq
Dawn Eilenberger served as JAVA’s General Counsel from 2019 – 2024. Her dedication and commitment were genuinely inspiring. She served in the Intelligence Community for 35 years, retiring as Deputy Director of National Intelligence, responsible for Intelligence Community strategic priorities and goals. Ms. Eilenberger balanced her role as our General Counsel with other significant commitments, including serving on two corporate boards and her college board of trustees. Following her retirement in 2017, she maintained her active Bar status solely for the benefit of JAVA. During her time as a member of the EC, she was a voice of reason on the board and she consistently provided well-founded opinions on controversial issues that JAVA faced, such as JAVA’s opposition to the JACL apology to the resisters who refused to support the United States during WWII. Ms. Eilenberger was a staunch supporter of the Day of Affirmation and the two photo-exhibits that JAVA co-sponsored with the Embassy of Japan. JAVA has taken positions on matters that affect all veterans and often required sound legal counsel. Her advice helped JAVA navigate often turbulent waters. Additionally, Dawn was a valued member of the Scholarship Committee and is an outstanding soccer player having played on several national championship teams. In her time as our General Counsel and a member of the EC, she effectively advocated for all veterans.
Veterans Advocate Award Presented to Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto
Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto is an activist in Japanese American organizations and communities, a Vietnam Veteran awarded the Bronze Star, and a successful businessman. Mr. Furumoto was born October 20, 1944 in the Tule Lake Segregation Center. In December 1945, Takeshi and his family returned to Japan, his father’s home country. In 1956 he returned to the United States, settling in Los Angeles. Mr. Furumoto graduated from UCLA in 1967 and, in February 1968, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer in February 1969 and served in Vietnam from February 1970 to February 1971. Upon return from Vietnam, he suffered from PTSD and the effects of Agent Orange. Married on June 30, 1972 to his wife Carolyn, they started Furumoto Realty in Fort Lee, New Jersey – still in business today. He and his wife campaigned for the passage of Fred Korematsu Day in New Jersey, which was signed into law on January 30, 2023. Mr. Furumoto is a founder and currently an Honorary Chairman of New York Hiroshima-Kai, a founding member of the Japan History Council of New York, a founding member of the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York, and a member of JAVA. He devotes his energies to activities to drive out racial discrimination by giving talks at universities and community organizations on the history of internment. Mr. Furumoto actively supports the legacy of the 100th/442nd RCT by speaking at schools throughout New Jersey and New York. He proudly marches in the annual Japan Day Parade in New York City representing JAVA and the legacy of the 100th/442nd RCT.
Mr. Osako is the coordinator and co-chair of the Stamp Our Story Committee, the community group that rallied for the Go For Broke stamp since 2005, and now works to educate the public about the Nisei veteran legacy through the stamp. Mr. Osako is a third-generation Japanese American whose parents were incarcerated during WW2. The stamp effort was started by three California Nisei women, Fusa Takahashi, Aiko Ogata King, and Chiz Ohira in 2005, two of whom were widows of WW2 veterans. Mr. Osako joined the campaign founders in 2006 and played a critical role in coordinating the nation-wide efforts of many individuals and organizations in gaining USPS approval to have the stamp officially issued on June 3, 2021. The stamp is the first to feature the image of an Asian American soldier and is one of only a few in U.S. postal history to feature a historical Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) subject. Mr Osako’s profound words summarize the importance of remembering the legacy of Japanese American service to the nation:
Their American story continues to inform and inspire us today. Their legacy is a reminder to us all of the longstanding patriotic service from AAPIs that continues today. In addition, the Go For Broke Soldiers had an intense “can do” spirit that propelled them through incredible obstacles both on the battlefield, and at home in the U.S. This persevering spirit that we learn from their story can help all of us get through the difficulties of today.
Today, the Go For Broke stamp is a collector’s item. However, the mission to educate the general public continues with Mr. Osako and the Stamp Our Story Committee continuing outreach efforts.
JAVA Legacy Award Presented to Wayne T. Osako
Mr. Osako is the coordinator and co-chair of the Stamp Our Story Committee, the community group that rallied for the Go For Broke stamp since 2005, and now works to educate the public about the Nisei veteran legacy through the stamp. Mr. Osako is a third-generation Japanese American whose parents were incarcerated during WW2. The stamp effort was started by three California Nisei women, Fusa Takahashi, Aiko Ogata King, and Chiz Ohira in 2005, two of whom were widows of WW2 veterans. Mr. Osako joined the campaign founders in 2006 and played a critical role in coordinating the nation-wide efforts of many individuals and organizations in gaining USPS approval to have the stamp officially issued on June 3, 2021. The stamp is the first to feature the image of an Asian American soldier and is one of only a few in U.S. postal history to feature a historical Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) subject. Mr. Osako’s profound words summarize the importance of remembering the legacy of Japanese American service to the nation:
Their American story continues to inform and inspire us today. Their legacy is a reminder to us all of the longstanding patriotic service from AAPIs that continues today. In addition, the Go For Broke Soldiers had an intense “can do” spirit that propelled them through incredible obstacles both on the battlefield, and at home in the U.S. This persevering spirit that we learn from their story can help all of us get through the difficulties of today.
Today, the Go For Broke stamp is a collector’s item. However, the mission to educate the general public continues with Mr. Osako and the Stamp Our Story Committee continuing outreach efforts.
JAVA Scholarships Coming Soon!
Celebrating the Legacy of World War II Nisei Military Service
Applications will be available from our website, java-us.org on March 5, 2025.
2025 Japanese American Veterans Association Memorial Scholarships Celebrating the Legacy of World War II Nisei Military Service The Japanese American Veterans Association 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. The scholarships include:
The U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s iconic career of military and civilian public service;
The Ishio Founder’s Scholarship ($3,000), awarded in memory of JAVA’s founder, Colonel Sunao Phil Ishio, U.S. Army, his wife Constance and their son Douglas Ishio;
The Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship ($2,000), a tribute to Ms. Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin, a longtime supporter of JAVA;
The COL Jimmie Kanaya Legacy Scholarship ($2,000), honoring U.S. Army Colonel Jimmie Kanaya, a three-war Veteran – World War II, Korea, and Vietnam;
Ten JAVA Memorial Scholarships ($1,500), honoring Nisei veterans, JAVA member and/or their family members.
Dr. Americo Bugliani Scholarship in honor of his liberator, Paul Sakamoto,100th Infantry Battalion/44nd RCT Veteran
Furumoto Family Scholarship in honor of Lilian Kyoko Furumoto, the sister of JAVA member and Vietnam Veteran, Tak Furumoto
Ranger Grant Hirabayashi Scholarship in honor of Ranger Grant Jiro Hirabayashi, MIS and Ranger Hall of Fame inductee
Izuno Family Scholarship in honor of JAVA member and Korea War Veteran, Dr. Takumi Izuno who served in the U.S. Army 5th Military Intelligence Service
Mitsugi Kasai Scholarship in honor of CWO4 Mitsugi Murakami Kasai, MIS Veteran
Sadami Katahara Scholarship in honor of Sadami Katahara, 100th Infantry Battalion Veteran
Ben Kuroki Scholarship in honor of Sergeant Ben Kuroki, a gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps 505th Bombardment Group
Vic & Teru Matsui Scholarship in honor of Victor Matsui, MIS Veteran, and his wife, Teru
COL Virgil Miller Scholarship in honor of Colonel Virgil R. Miller, Commander of the 442nd, who led the Nisei soldiers in their rescue of the Texas “Lost Battalion” n the Vosges Mountains of France during WWII
Robert Nakamoto Scholarship in honor of past JAVA President and Korean War veteran, Bob Nakamoto
Descendants of those who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service, the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, and the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion; and descendants of Japanese American soldiers who served during World War II in other United States military units to include the Women’s Army Corps or Army Nurses Corps are eligible to apply for a JAVA Scholarship.
Current members of JAVA whose membership began prior to April 1, 2023 are eligible to apply. Children of current JAVA members are also eligible to apply if the applicant’s parent or guardian was a member of JAVA prior to April 1, 2023.
In addition, past or present members of the U.S. Army’s 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment are eligible and encouraged to apply for the U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship. Also eligible are individuals enrolled in a college or university Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) or U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course. Applicants should demonstrate their lifelong commitment to public and uniformed service leadership for the nation.
Applicants should first review published rules and forms. Applications and supporting documents must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., April 30, 2025, to the JAVA Scholarship Committee with either “2025 Inouye Memorial Scholarship,” “2025 Ishio Founder’s Memorial Scholarship,” “2025 JAVA Legacy Scholarship,” or “2025 JAVA Memorial Scholarship” and the applicant’s name in the subject line. Applications not received by that date , or that fail to meet the submission requirements, will NOT be considered. Applicants will be notified of a decision in early June 2025. Awards will be presented at a virtual JAVA scholarship awards ceremony June 28, 2025, at 3:00 pm ET (12 noon PT, 9 am HT).
