An oral history interview with Akira R. Toki, a Japanese American, about his experiences during World War II. Toki was born in Madison, Wis., the son of Japanese immigrants. The interview includes descriptions of his life as a farmer before and after the war. The focus, however, is a detailed description of his military service in an all-Japanese unit which fought in France and Italy in 1944 and 1945. Included are reflections on the institutionalized racism Toki faced as a Japanese American in the military during the war, as well as his sense of being different among other less Americanized Japanese Americans with whom he served. Also contained in the interview are descriptions of his difficulties adjusting to civilian life following his time in the military. The interview, which has been transcribed, was conducted on November 4, 1993 by Stephen Kolman for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
