i've been spending a lot of time lately poring over WWII-era transcripts of oral histories (paper records... housed at the japanese american national museum here in LA) and have come across some truly fascinating stories.

the stories are from japanese-american soldiers during WWII primarily, young men trying to prove their loyalty during a very complicated point in history.

highlights include this story: a young soldier born in Hawaii, raised in Okinawa, moved back to Hawaii right before the outbreak of WWII -- a japanese teenager in every sense. enlisted in the US Army and eventually served in an intelligence unit helping to plan the invasion of Okinawa. he also took part in the invasion as a grunt, interrogator and translator -- at one point, interrogated some of his former classmates and a teacher. his personal anguish and commitment to duty come through very, very clearly in his words.

anyone else come across archives like this? the raw, dense stories are pretty compelling... hardly a dull moment.

No I have not, but I would love to.

Oral histories are so valuable. They're often overlooked, and very rare for some topics. Thats cool you're able to listen to those!

Kind of related to the Japanese topic....
I've come across some interesting articles about Japanese-Canadians in school (I'm majoring in history). The Canadian government felt Japanese-Canadians living on coastal British Columbia were a national security threat. They were moved into make-shift camps (at Hastings Racetrack stables in downtown Vancouver for example). Many men were deported, including some who were third generation born and didn't speak a word of Japanese. I'm not sure if you're interested in the Canadian aspect, but if you are let me know and I can dig up the names of some articles for you! =)