American Grit is the true untold story of extraordinary Americans of Japanese ancestry who were rounded up and incarcerated in American concentration camps solely for their race, and chose to take action to prove the depth of their loyalty and love for America.
Part history lesson, part social commentary, and part love story, John Suzuki tells the inspiring story of Shiro “Kash” Kashino, Louise Tsuboi and others who could have chosen to be victims of the government, but instead found the courage and perseverance to defend and fight for the very country that so unjustly incarcerated them.
American Grit offers an inside perspective of the concentration camps of America and historic heroism of the 442nd RCT by giving readers a glimpse into Kash’s life and the Japanese American experience during World War II. It is an unforgettable story of self-empowerment in overcoming racism, hardship, and governmental oppression to fight for what is right, and a timely reminder of how fragile our trust in others who don't look like ourselves can be, and why we must be diligent in combating all forms of hate and racism even today, over 80 years later.
The Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 thrust the United States into World War II.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Executive Order 9066 posted outside a building.
Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration.
Members of a Japanese American family await an evacuation bus to transport them to a military detention center.
Photo courtesy of the Dorothea Lange Collection.
Aerial view of the Minidoka internment camp.
Photo courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration.
Main entrance to Minidoka.
Photo courtesy of Densho.org.
Painting of “The 442nd Rescue of the Lost Battalion in Vosges, France” by Charles McBarrow.
Courtesy of the Army Art Collection, U.S. Center of Military History.
From American concentration camps of World War II come remarkable lessons of rejecting victimhood and building a better life.
Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration
I commend John Suzuki for his dedication and commitment to completing this historical, educational story and including the most beautiful photos. John has fulfilled Kashino’s wish that the experience of Japanese Americans and the valor of the 442nd RCT during World War II never be forgotten.
Readers will appreciate the time and effort it must have taken John to complete his research, travel to various towns, and compile all the information he gathered along the way. John has also included original documents and references for further reading. American Grit is well-written, smooth flowing, and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended to people of all ages.
Minidoka Honor Roll.
Photo courtesy of Densho.
One of Minidoka's baseball teams. Shiro Kashino is in the middle row, second from the right.
Photo courtesy of the Kashino family and Densho.org.
Everybody did their part to transform their desert prison into more livable space including gardens, rock pathways, and play areas.
Photo courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration.
When Minidoka internees returned to Seattle, some came home to threatening graffiti and vandalized property. Despite Japanese Americans proving their loyalty during World War II, racism against Japanese Americans continued.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of History and Industry.
John Suzuki & Davide Del Giudice
Explore the intense and strategic battles of World War II in our detailed analysis of The Gothic Line, the major German defensive line in Italy. This gripping video uncovers the gritty details, shedding light on this significant but lesser-known facet of the war through historical documents, expert commentary, and immersive animations
John Suzuki & Gerome Villain
Dive into the riveting history of World War II with this comprehensive account of the Battle of the Lost Battalion. Combining archival footage, expert interviews, and detailed maps, this video takes a close look at the courage, endurance, and tactical brilliance that characterized one of the most dramatic rescues during the war.
Copyright © 2024 John Suzuki - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.