<Begin Segment 21>

MN: Now, in December 1982, the army voted three to two in favor of granting everything you asked for except setting aside the court martial conviction. Are you happy with the results?

TN: Yes. What else can you ask for?

MN: Looking back, were you ever ashamed of what you did during the war?

TN: No, not a one bit.

MN: Do you have any regrets?

TN: No.

MN: What would you say if somebody says, "Nomiyama-san, you were, you were not loyal to the United States"?

TN: Yeah, that's right.

MN: What would you say to them?

TN: That's why I don't like to tell anybody. Because like I say, each individual, different situation, different feeling. Especially Niseis, you know. No, it's really complicated.

MN: So if I say to you, Nomiyama-san, "I think you were disloyal." What would you say to me?

TN: I say, myself, I'm hundred percent loyal.

MN: But you didn't serve in the military, you protested.

TN: Yeah. But I believe myself, I'm a hundred percent. I was ready to give my life, but it's not worth that much. That's what I feel. That's why, even maybe 442nd, all that, making a good job, but to me, they're using it.

MN: You thought the government used them?

TN: Yeah, government, 442nd, good boy, good fighter. Look at the Texas group. They only want to save two hundred-some. Look at the 442nd, eight hundred-some. Korean War, look at that. Why so many Japanese, young ones have to go like that? I think, to me, government use. Italy, France, machine gun nests, hard to... 442nd, come on, good fighter. To me... they overuse. That's what I feel. Why? [Shrugs] Maybe they think I'm a chicken. Yeah, maybe so, but I think some of 'em, you're chicken. They can't express themselves. Shikata ga nai, follow. That's what I feel. That's the way born, that's the way I was educated. I'm stubborn. [Laughs] But anyway...

MN: You know, 1989, the government apologized, and they gave reparations. Do you think that was enough? What do you think about that?

TN: It's, I think, fair. But that money, not gonna pay what they've done. That's the way I feel. No, it's not gonna pay. But at least people release and what they did, it's okay, fine. Thank you.

MN: Would you like to add anything else, Nomiyama-san? I've asked all my questions. Anything else you want to add?

TN: No, thank you. Thank you very much for this opportunity you give to me.

<End Segment 21> - Copyright © 2010 Densho. All Rights Reserved.