Original subtitles

It still fits.

For cryin' out loud!

Are you Sam Kimura?

That's the name on the buzzer.

What do you want?

Sorry, I didn't expect you in uniform.

Every Pearl Harbor Day, they drop me out

to prove I'm still alive.

I'm afraid I have some bad news.

Your sister passed away.

I'm the executor of her estate.

She wanted you to have this.

I haven't seen Kei in over 50 years!

I don't want anything from her.

What's in it?

I don't know.

A chance for forgiveness

After all these years gone by

The service is at three, First Presbyterian on Knob Hill.

You're finally at peace, Kei.

Couldn't you leave me that way too?

If I were at peace, I wouldn't be here.

Come back, remember when

Open the gates, Sam

Back to a time that no one speaks of anymore

Remember?

I don't want to relive all that.

You must return again

See what awaits, Sam

We used to be a family in those days before

We were broken by the war

By the war

We can still get back what we lost.

Look at yourself, Sam.

I'm not that kid anymore.

Welcome home, Sammy!

Hey, thanks!

Sammy!

Oh, Sis!

Oh, I can't believe it!

My little brother, our first college graduate.

Ow!

Why didn't you call from the station?

I rode down with a buddy as far as San Jose.

From there, I hitched.

I wish you wouldn't do that.

I wish you'd stop nagging.

Are you hungry? Always.

Tatsuo, I'll take 10 bushels of artichokes.

Thank you, you do us honor.

Papa, look who's back from college!

Good!

Now, we need 10 bushels.

Home, sweet home.

It can wait.

Right now, we're having a party.

Won't you join us?

What's the occasion?

Japanese Summer Festival.

At this time each year, as we celebrate the harvest

We hang a wish high upon a wishing tree

If the wind's strong enough

To collect your wish and take it

Tradition says that the wish will come to be

Once again, I make a wish

to honor the memory of your mother.

What's it say?

If you studied Japanese, you would know.

For my daughter, a husband.

For my son--

Let me guess, law school.

I would settle for respect.

This time of year always makes me think of Mama

She loved this day, though her wishes were few

She was the heartbeat of every celebration

You know, that sounds a lot like you

Then maybe wishes do come true

Wishes on the wind

Drifting through the night

Connecting friends and family

As they float away from sight

Wishes on the wind

Are wishes that we share

Not only for ourselves, but for the ones we love

Who will always be there

Oh!

This came for you.

I already know what it says.

Me too, I opened it.

Kei.

When are you gonna tell Papa?

Later, I don't want to spoil the party.

Keiko, where is your grandfather?

You have eyes, look before ask!

Ojii-chan!

So, what is your wish, Ojii-chan?

I wish not to hold this anymore.

For my sister, I wish for a cottage by the ocean

A quiet place that's entirely her own

For my brother, I wish for great journeys and adventures

To see the world till he finally misses home

I wish that I didn't have to play the good son

Waste years in school just so Pop would think I'm smart

I wish that I didn't have to play the mother

Though it would tear Papa apart

I've got to make a brand new start

Wishes on the wind

Dreams that touch the sky

Our heads are bowed, our eyes are lifted

Hope is riding high

Wishes on the wind

And though they travel far

Somehow, some day, they'll find their way

Right back to us

Right back to us

New dreams with new mysteries

Some day, I'll unravel them

New roads with new histories

Some day, I will travel them

I will travel them

Wishes on the wind

Dreams that touch the sky

Our heads are bowed, our eyes are lifted

Hope is riding high

Wishes on the wind

And though they travel far

Somehow, some day, they'll find their way

Right back to us

Right back to us

Right back to us

Wherever we are

So Sammy, what do you college fellas think,

will America join the war?

We have to, France and England need us.

You gonna enlist if we do?

Of course!

You fought in the last war, didn't you?

Eh, I got the scars to prove it.

Um, Sammy?

What?

We'll get your order of artichokes to you

first thing tomorrow.

Thanks, Kei.

See you, Sam.

So, Isamu you get letter from law school?

Perhaps I expected too much from you.

You know, Pop, I've been thinking,

maybe I'm not cut out for law!

Let's face it, Kei was the A-student.

A-minus. A-minus.

I grow this land from nothing so you can go to school,

make a better life in this country.

But what if I don't want to--

Honor what you started, Isamu.

You will study harder and apply again.

Yesterday, December 7th, 1941,

a date which will live in infamy,

the United States of America was suddenly

and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces

of the Empire of Japan.

I ask that the Congress declare a state of war.

This will not be good for us.

During Great War, people in Salinas

tried to kill a German shopkeeper.

They burned his store to ground.

We must keep our heads down.

Where are you going?

To hang up our flag!

They need to know we're loyal Americans.

You'll just draw attention to us.

It's not safe.

Nothing can be done, so for now, we do nothing!

You can't be serious!

Pop, look

We're at war now

We've been attacked, don't you see

We have to take a stand

We must wait and see!

I can't be hearing this

We've got to act now, not wait for angry crowds

To burn our farmhouse down

Let's show everyone in town

Do not fight the storm

Do not fight the storm

Better to bend and submit

The nail that is highest is hit

Do not fight the storm

Do not fight the storm

There's nothing that we can do

That's not true.

We're here to enlist.

Sorry, fellas, the army has classified

all Japanese 4C, enemy aliens.

But we were born in California.

We've never even been to Japan.

A Jap is a Jap.

We came to serve today

Just like the others

We want to be the first to wave the red, white, and blue

Somehow, we'll find a way

This isn't right

We are Americans

There's nothing to discuss

Then who will speak for us

Do not fight the storm

This is Mike Masaoka, national secretary

for the Japanese American Citizens League.

The JACL?

Who put them in charge?

We Americans of Japanese descent pledge to fight Japan

until the enemies of freedom are destroyed.

The JACL asks that everyone remain calm

and trust in the fairness of the American way.

Kaito Kimura?

I'm Kei Kimura.

Kaito's my grandfather.

What can we do for you?

FBI. We have some questions for him.

In a time of war, it is necessary to forego

some civil liberties to keep America safe.

Kaito Kimura, do you correspond with

Japanese nationals currently living in Imperial Japan?

Does he understand?

Governor, the JACL strongly opposes evacuating our people

from their homes!

There must be another way to guarantee our loyalty!

Do not fight the storm

Do not fight the storm

By order of President Roosevelt,

all people of Japanese ancestry have until Friday

to evacuate the West Coast.

The government will transport you

to a relocation center.

Take only what you can carry.

How can we go and where will they take us

We cannot say no, cannot fight the storm

Bend like a reed and the wind won't break us

How can we go

Do not fight the storm

We leave without bitterness,

for it is patriotic to make this sacrifice.

Sacrifice.

I'll take the farm, the house, the equipment,

- and the car for $2,000. - Sacrifice.

- But it's worth $20,000. - Sacrifice.

That's a lot more than your neighbors are getting.

Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice!

Let this relocation be our contribution to the war effort!

Do not fight the storm

What can we do

The world never hears the cries of a few!

Do not fight the storm

Do not fight the storm

Nothing that we can do

The world is not as we knew

So keep your head down till the storm

Passes through

We've known each other for 20 years!

Two grand, take it or leave it.

We leave our homes with smiling faces,

grateful to be wards of our government

in this troubled time.

Where they take us?

The tag says Heart Mountain, Mrs. Tanaka.

You can't take the carriage, ma'am.

What?

Baggage only.

Wishes on the wind, wishes on the wind

And though they travel far, travel far

Attention all personnel,

evacuees have arrived at the main gate.

All staff assigned to orientation detail

should report to their post to process new arrivals.

Security staff, report to your stations, armed and ready.

Where are we?

Wyoming?

I not ask why, I ask where.

This place is called Heart Mountain.

You see, the mountaintop?

It's shaped like a heart.

All new evacuees

must proceed to the infirmary for medical examinations.

Women to the right, men to the left!

Oh, excuse me, could I please have some water

for my grandfather?

Women to the right, men to the left!

Here, for your grandfather.

Thank you.

Hey, you're even.

I beg your pardon?

The number on your tag, it's even.

I'm odd.

Women to the right, men to the left.

Please prepare to remove your clothes,

down to your underwear, for medical examinations.

You will all need to remove your clothes.

Mom, Mom, Mom!

These women can't undress in front of everybody!

It's not right! Shut up!

Now, please go inside and remove your clothes.

After sundown,

anyone using the latrines must follow marked pathways.

Camp guards have orders to enforce this policy strictly.

The dust is coming right through those cracks

in the wall.

There's no running water.

I survived San Francisco earthquake,

run farm in Depression.

We will make do.

Make do?

They're treating us like animals!

Isamu. Gaman.

Gaman?

It means to carry on.

Hold head high.

Hey, where are we gonna eat?

With the others in the mess hall.

Dinner is family time, not a social time.

We will eat as family.

Where is washroom?

There's a latrine next to the infirmary, Mama.

We share it with everybody else.

I no understand.

And there are no walls between the toilets.

No wall?

There are people all around you.

I cannot do!

I want to go home!

Please!

I want to go home!

It will all be all right

There's a way through this night

Stay strong

On this long road

We bury our pain

There's a word we will say

To help get through each day

We will bear any nightmare

With a simple refrain

Gaman

Gaman

Sturdy and sure

Keep faith and endure

Gaman

Gaman

Hold your head high, carry on

Gaman

Dearest wife up on high

Looking down, see how I am lost

And exhausted, weak, and ashamed

Little baby, don't cry

Hear a sweet lullaby

Have I failed to protect you

Am I to blame

We know that there's no turning back

Gaman

If we hold together

There's nothing we lack

And our people will know

That wherever we go

Together we'll ever remain

Gaman

Gaman

Sturdy and sure

Keep faith and endure

We will carry on

Gaman

Dignity, pride

As we stand side by side

Even when all hope seems gone

Gaman

Gaman

Gaman

What are you doin', old man?

He's just hanging wind chimes.

Come again?

We bring from Japan.

Take it down!

It's just a--

It's just what?

It's just, with your permission,

we'd like to hang this up.

Now we're talking.

Thank you, sir.

Isamu!

What?

You dishonor Grandfather!

He was protecting him!

He calls attention to us!

He must know his place!

My place is in the army!

I can't sit around here doing nothing, I'll go nuts.

Then make yourself useful.

That's what I'm trying to do, Pop--

No!

You are trying to be big man! Look, I--

Think Isamu!

Then do.

I need some air.

Flag look like America,

sound like Japan!

"Don't fight the storm," he said

And now look where we are

Bending and cowering

Can only get you so far

He tells me to make myself useful

And do our family proud

Well, how the hell am I supposed to be useful

When being myself's not allowed

He clings to tradition, afraid to try something new

"We don't call attention, we think," but we never do

He wants me to follow blindly

He wants me to keep my mouth shut

But I swear from this day forward

I am going with my gut

What makes a man is his clarity

When he listens to his heart

What makes a man is his bravery

When he plays a bigger part

What makes a man is what he makes of himself

When he's doing the best he can

I must be my own man

It's time we took action

And found a way out of this place

I'll set an example

Help others to see beyond race

And though my face resembles our enemies in war

I am still American

Nothing less and nothing more

I'll never be a scholar

Much as Pop wants me to be

And I'm not some nameless body in a crowd

If Pop would only see the soldier I could be

I'll finally find a way to make him proud

I'll finally find a way to make me proud

What makes a man is his dignity

When he stands for what is right

What makes a man is his loyalty

When he fights his nation's fight

What makes a man is what he makes of himself

When he's giving it all he can

For all our sakes

I'll do what it takes

I must be my

Own man

Hey!

Break it up!

Just doing karate.

None of that oriental crap.

Kimura-san.

Konnichiwa.

Oh!

Mr. Odd.

Frankie.

Suzuki-san.

No.

No?

Sorry.

Crap!

Your place is better than mine.

I'm stuck in a room with 10 other single fellas.

Makes my apartment in L.A. look like paradise.

I've always wanted to visit Los Angeles.

It's very glamorous,

poolside parties, nightclubbing with movie stars.

Really?

No.

I'm in law school at USC.

Well, was.

And your family?

Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't pry.

My folks ran a Japanese language school.

The day after Pearl Harbor, they got arrested.

I haven't seen or heard from them since.

I'm sure they're fine.

I'm not.

Would you like to join us for supper in the mess hall?

You buyin'?

Ojii-chan, are you ready to go?

Yes!

Thank you, Private.

Oh, you'll get used to the dust.

You sure?

I'm from Nebraska, dust is a food group.

Oh, here.

This'll help.

You wanna listen to my chest?

Oh, uh,

no.

You're dismissed.

Oh, um, how can I help you?

My grandfather's got a cough that won't quit--

I'm sorry, I don't have anything, I--

Hey, what about--

That's for military personnel only.

Right.

Rules are rules. Hmm.

But if you need rubbing alcohol, bandages,

or cotton balls, I'm your gal.

Oh, good to know, Nurse--

Campbell.

Hannah.

Kimura, Sammy.

Listen, if your grandfather gets worse--

Have him take two cotton balls

and call you in the morning?

Oh.

You know, I tried to enlist.

You did, huh?

Got rejected. Flat feet?

Yellow face. Ah.

So, I would have been military personnel.

But you're not.

No, but if I were,

I could get cough syrup for my grandfather?

But you can't.

Mm, no, you can.

They told me the Japanese were quiet

Wouldn't put up a fuss

She probably likes to have the power over all of us

Been standin' a minute here already

She is under my skin

I should just throw him out

I need an angle in

Hey, come on, I'd do it for your grandfather!

My grandfather's dead.

So that just leaves mine.

Hello!

Do you please have a poison?

Oh, oh, to kill rat.

Oh, try the camp kitchen.

Yes, thank you.

Camp food kill anything.

Oh!

Now we're standing far too close

He's certainly stubborn, have to give him that

I can wait this out all day

I won't be leaving till I get what I want

Why are we in here alone

But if she gets in trouble, I'll feel bad

I should just be on my way

I oughta, I oughta, I oughta, I oughta

I oughta get going

I gotta get back to work

Before I go

You gotta get out

I'm gonna come back to see ya just so you know

There's something exasperating and I oughta tell him so

He oughta

I don't wanna, but I oughta

Guess I oughta, just gotta

I oughta go

I should get back to my grandfather

if you're not-- No, wait, wait!

Don't tell anyone.

Oh, thanks. Bye!

She's not half bad

What'd I just do

Oughta go

Excuse me, is this the Wartime Relocation Office?

Mr. Masaoka, I'm Director Dillon.

How's Washington treating you?

Well, all I've seen so far are a lot of secretaries

telling me that the congressman isn't available.

Be patient.

We've got 10,000 people still being held

at Santa Anita Racetrack-- I know.

And at Heart Mountain,

They've got dust storms-- I know.

I'm working on a statement for the press.

Here you go!

With all due respect, I can't say this!

It's for the good of your people.

America needs to know they're not the enemy.

Gentlemen of the press, our people are not prisoners!

They live in clean pioneer communities.

They take part in wholesome activities,

like the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and

Americanization classes.

The American people can sleep well at night

knowing that Uncle Sam is a benevolent master.

Yes, operator, I'll accept the charges.

Mike?

Ben, where are you?

We're still at the racetrack.

We're sleeping in a horse stall.

Our mother is sleeping in a horse stall.

I'm sorry, I'm doing everything I can.

Do more.

Listen, I think I can get the army to let us enlist.

What the hell good's that gonna do?

It'll prove that we're loyal,

just like any other American!

Right just like any other American.

Hey, Tom, how's that college degree

workin' out for ya, huh?

I still got plans.

You got nothin' but junk.

We'll get all this cleaned up.

What's the point?

The next dust storm will bury us again.

I started a petition for the camp administrators.

You mean wardens?

I have a list of requests to make life better here.

Now, what do you want?

It's already cold at night, we need blankets,

we need medicine.

I've got a mattress full of fleas.

Can your petition fix that?

Here!

Smell like pee!

They brought us here, forgot about us, and left us to rot.

That is not gonna happen.

Yeah, we're at war with Italy,

but nobody's putting Joe DiMaggio in a camp!

Look, I, hey!

Hey!

If you got a complaint, put it here!

Just sign this!

And remind the folks in charge that there are people here

We must appear united!

If you want aspirin or bedding without fleas

Or not to freeze

Then get organized with me

As a team, we'll get it done

We're not nearly finished here, we have only just begun

So sign this!

It's time we got in the game

We just gotta get in, gotta get in, gotta get in

Gotta get in the game

We can't sit on the sidelines.

Decisions should be made by the elders.

Only American citizens can be in charge, Pop.

Since we come here, young people run wild like coyote!

Look, look, look, I'm sayin':

That we gotta get in, gotta get in, gotta get in

Gotta get in the game

We're stuck, who knows how long, and sure, it's wrong

Alone, it's really hard, but as a team, we're strong

There's no use placing blame

We just gotta get in the game

It's more than just the basics.

We have to find a way to make life livable here.

No, no, enjoyable!

Fun, even.

Fun?

This is not summer camp.

We need something we can all do together,

something we all like!

Mrs. Tanaka, what is it that you miss most about home?

Garden!

Back home, I have so many flower--

And vegetable!

Here, ground too hard!

You head too hard!

Jodo!

Uh-uh, that is against the rules!

No oriental crap allowed, remember?

That's why we're petitioning.

Fight!

Whoa!

Dancing!

We can use the mess hall!

Yeah, jazz it up!

Sumo!

We need something we can all do!

We need Buddhist temple.

We need Frank Sinatra records!

Hey!

What about baseball?

Ah!

Gotta get in, gotta get in, gotta get in

Gotta get in, gotta get in, gotta get in

Gotta get in, we gotta get in, we gotta get in

Gotta get in, we gotta get in, we gotta get in

Gotta get in the game

It's a beautiful day for baseball here

Block 13 up at bat, gotta get in

The bases fully loaded and two outs is where we're at

Gotta get in, gotta get in

Gotta get in the game

Strike one

Gotta get in, gotta get in the game

Strike two

Toes at the plate, toes at the plate

Hands up high, hands up high

Eyes on the ball, eyes on the ball

Knock 'em to the sky, knock 'em to the sky

Now, everyone get in

Home run

That's how we win

So we gotta get in

Gotta get in the game

Gotta get in

Gotta get in the game

We're stuck, who knows how long, and sure, it's wrong

Alone, it's really hard, but as a team, we're strong

There's no use placing blame

It's time we overcame

And got back

In the

Game

Gotta get in the game

Would you help me out? Yeah.

Oh, Mrs. Maruyama, you were fantastic!

You should call the games!

Call them what?

No, it's what an umpire does.

It's like a judge.

Oh, she like to judge!

Oh, don't forget about the fleas!

Got it.

Oh, Nurse Campbell, I could use your help.

I need some body bags, lots of body bags.

Oh, are you planning a massacre?

No, I'm just kid, I wasn't--

Oh, no, no, never, gosh, no.

No! Oh, gosh, you said--

No, no, no, they're for mattresses.

You stuff them with straw, they don't rot or smell.

Oh, clever.

Sam. Huh?

Oh, this is my sister.

Kei, this is Nurse Campbell.

Hannah.

That means flower in Japanese.

It's pronounced ha-na.

It's close.

Not really.

Hey, Pop, what do you think, huh?

Suzuki-san!

That Frankie gives me the itch.

I'll bet Nurse Hannah could help with that.

Her temperature is 102.

You need to keep her inside and cool.

Do you have any aspirin?

I'm sorry, check back tomorrow.

There you go.

Thank you, Sam.

What else do you need?

Can you get me medical supplies for

thousands of people?

I can check to see if the trucks are here.

Good enough. Yeah.

Sam. Hmm?

I really appreciate your help.

I'm sorry, Mr. Kimura, I don't have anything more for you.

Nothing at all?

Make sure he drinks plenty of water.

The water is making him sick!

I filed a report.

Really, I'm doing everything I can.

This is all they got.

Hey!

What do you think you're doin'?

I asked Sammy to get the supplies.

Sammy?

Well, it's a good thing you're a nurse,

'cause it looks like you got yellow fever.

Don't be ignorant. That's not really how--

I can handle this.

I'm talking to you. Come on, back off, she--

Remember who gives the orders around here!

That won't be necessary, Private!

He knows his place.

So should you.

What the hell is his problem?

Have you lost your mind? Don't lecture me, sis.

Don't let him use this. He coulda shot you, Sam!

He was just trying-- Stay out of this!

Look, I am on your side!

Then leave us alone!

It's safer that way!

Hannah, don't listen to her.

Sammy! No, no, she's right.

You need to go.

Now!

There's a line between should and shouldn't

And I never have crossed it

Tried to hold myself back, but I couldn't

I used to have judgement, how could I have lost it

I've been willfully playing with fire

Now it's drawing me in

With no net and walking on wire

How could I let him sink under my skin

But the rule is stay far from him

Still, my heart skips a beat

Life in here may be sink or swim

But he makes it strangely sweet

There's a line between should and shouldn't

But it's starting to vanish

If I could let this go, I wouldn't

No one can tell me which feelings to banish

Rules are rules

They always apply

I follow the rules

But should I

Should I

Rules are rules

But I don't know why

I follow the rules

I follow the rules

But should I

Should I

Should I

Should I

This is the third time that I've submitted

this petition from Heart Mountain!

It's 20 below in Wyoming!

They need coal, they need blankets, they--

Who doesn't?

There's a war on.

Then let our boys enlist!

Mike, I've told you before.

Give us our own segregated unit, like the Negroes.

We'll fight harder than any soldier you've got.

We'll undertake the most dangerous missions,

even if it means certain death.

Certain death, you mean a suicide battalion?

Think of the headlines!

No one cares about one dead Japanese American.

Spread us out and the story disappears.

But hundreds of casualties at once?

Hundreds of Japanese American heroes,

sacrificing their lives.

That could change the way this country thinks of us.

Your people would do that, you'd do that?

If that's what it takes to win back our freedom,

it's a price we're willing to pay.

But there's no way of knowing

which of your people are loyal.

We separate the troublemakers from the rest.

How do we do that?

Questionnaire?

What is questionnaire?

The government wants more information about us.

We live inside the fence, use public toilet.

What they not know?

Whether we've been convicted of a crime?

Are we willing to serve in the armed forces?

What?

Question number 27.

Are you willing to serve in the armed forces

of the United States on combat duty wherever ordered?

They're letting us serve!

No, it's too dangerous.

So we can't live free in this country,

but we can die for it?

Isn't freedom worth dying for?

You would put on same uniform

as soldiers who point guns at us?

We're all Americans!

Listen to this.

Question number 28--

Will you swear unqualified allegiance

to the United States of America--

And forswear any form of allegiance or obedience

to the Japanese emperor?

They lock us up then ask for loyalty?

We all still have to say yes.

No!

This time, they go too far!

That piece of paper there

It is an outrage

So many tens of thousand lives destroyed for what

Pop, they could deport you back to Japan!

They call it questionnaire

They took our farm, they took our home

And now our honor is at stake

But that, they'll never take

Never take

Allegiance

You will not serve unless they force you in their army!

Our army!

We look like enemy!

They see disloyal, let them accuse me or deport me

If they wish

They talk of liberty

All empty words

They promise justice for our people

Look around

We are dead upon the ground, look around

Pop, I have a chance to defend my country!

I'm taking it!

No! Sammy!

You can't just run off--

Calm down, there's a dance at the mess hall!

How can you go to a dance?

I organized it!

This is no time for fun!

Well, we need it, for morale.

Should my allegiance lie first with my family

I've got to calm them, make them listen

If I refuse to bow, will I harm them instead

He took a stand, there's a time to take mine

If I go through with this

I may never see them again

If I deny myself

What kind of man am I

Papa!

Some day, you'll understand

The path I've chosen

Today I answer no and no to set my conscience free

My allegiance must lie first

With me

They're both so stubborn!

No worry.

But if Papa answers no and no--

He cannot.

I take his questionnaire.

What about Sammy?

We can't let him sign up.

Keiko, always think of other.

When you mommy die, you grow up so fast,

take care Sammy, help with farm.

Why you no go to dance,

have fun?

Do American boogie-woogie.

That's for kids.

No one wants to dance with an old maid.

You crazy!

How you can be old maid

when I still so young?

Japanese say.

A pretty lady?

Should not sit home with old man on Saturday night.

That's not a proverb.

No, but should be.

Listen to Ojii-chan.

Keiko look at page

Paper very bad

Now, I look at Keiko, see how Keiko very sad

But paper also change

I fold it up this way

A paper flower blossom

Just like Kei

Nothing blooms at Heart Mountain.

You want bet?

Two dollar say

I make garden grow in hard ground.

You're on.

You gonna lose.

You know why?

Let me guess.

Japanese say " Ishi Kara Ishi".

Mountain can be moved.

Stone by stone.

Ishi Kara Ishi.

Yamawa Ido Dekiru.

Yasahii Ogawawa

Tanima Wo Horeru, Horeru

These are trick questions.

We're damned if we answer yes and we're damned if we don't.

I hear if you answer no and no,

they send you away to Tule Lake.

What's Tule Lake?

Hard labor camp.

I blame Masaoka.

He's trying to get us to fight.

I'd rather be on a battlefield

than in a labor camp!

You would fight for a country

that lock up your parents?

If we prove we're loyal,

they'll free the others first, right?

I don't think so. Do we answer yes or no?

No, no, we wait and see. Shikataganai.

Hey, Frankie, what are you gonna do

about this questionnaire, huh?

You want to find out?

Come to the dance.

Ladies and gentlemen,

and all the ships at sea,

you're listening to Charlie Howard

and the Starlight Orchestra.

I cannot be with you

Though it breaks my heart

A world at war divides us

And so darling, we remain apart

But when I close my eyes

It's only you I see

You're in my arms and once again

You're dancing here with me

With you, I'd be better

With you, I'd be true

We'd be together

Your kiss is overdue

For now, I am lonely

My heart is blue

With you

With you

I cannot be with you

Your partner's a little stiff.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, he's kind of a drip.

Oh, that's good, drip, yeah, I like it.

What am I doing?

Why aren't you at the dance?

I'm on my way.

Okay, you need to go.

What if I were sick?

Oh, are you?

Yeah, sick of this place.

Me too.

Hey, you think enlisting's a good idea, don't you?

Of course.

I just want to make a difference,

but my Pop, he thinks that I,

well, whatever I do, it's wrong.

It always has been.

I'm sure he just wants what's best for you.

No.

See, my mom died giving birth to me.

Somehow, that's my fault.

When I told my dad I wanted to join the army,

he actually locked me in my room.

What'd you do?

Picked the lock.

I thought I would see the world...

Europe, the Philippines...

Instead, I ended up here.

Me too.

I'm sorry.

Compared to you, I have nothing to complain about.

No, no, no, we all have it rough.

You should go to your dance.

We could dance here.

Oh, oh, no, I can't, I--

I wasn't asking you.

Oh.

I cannot be with you

The world is in our way

Unless we find some other place

Where day is night and night is day

I would take us there

How beautiful it seems

Just close your eyes and suddenly

We're dancing in our dreams

Dancing in our dreams

With you, I'd be better

If nobody knew

With you

With you

I cannot be with

If I were with you

No one else could see us this way

If I were with you

We would fight the world every day

If I were with you, our moments would be few

But I'd spend each one with you

With you, I'd be better

If nobody knew

With you

With you

With you

With you

With you

With you

I cannot be

With you

You clean up all right, farm girl.

Thanks,

but I don't really dance.

You're dancing now.

Sorry.

I'm more of a

stay-at-home-with-a-good-book kinda gal.

Nice flower.

Is that a page from one of your books?

No.

Um, it's--

Wait a second.

Is that the loyalty questionnaire?

It's silly, I know.

It's terrific!

And much better than what I did with mine.

And what was that?

Let's just say I put it behind me.

You are allowed to laugh.

It's still a free country... sorta.

I guess I haven't found much to laugh about here.

Stick around.

Thank you, thank you so much for coming to our first,

but we hope not annual, Heart Mountain Dance.

Yeah, that's true.

We have one more dance before the curfew--

But first, places ladies.

We've got a little surprise entertainment for you,

featuring our man in Washington,

Mike Masaoka.

Oh! Ah!

My fellow Americans, give me your tired, your poor,

your homes, your businesses, your money.

Just mark yes to questions 27 and 28,

and I will let you stay right here in paradise.

Desert, swamp, or dusty waste

They say location's key

Sure, you shiver in this icebox

But cheer up, the rent is free! Whoo!

And don't you love to freeze in line

For soggy bowls of rice

Just put up and shut up 'cause you're in paradise

Is everybody happy?

No!

Tough!

When it's pitch-black dark at night

The army might assume

That you're trying to escape

If you're running to the bathroom

Let them aim their spotlights down, but smile real nice

Just put up and shut up 'cause you're in paradise

Ain't it grand in paradise

The water tastes like rust

The bedding's filled with crabby lice

Here's a little sound advice

You better take my sound advice

Just put up and shut up 'cause you're in paradise

Say, does anybody know where to get

good sushi around here?

Try Tule Lake!

There's no water in Tule Lake.

It's drier than Mrs. Tanaka's rice cakes!

That's not true!

Say, let me ask you a question.

Why are Japanese American kids so good at math?

I don't know.

Why are-- Oh!

Why are Japanese American kids so good at math?

Because they spend the whole year in concentration camp!

Hey, that's enough!

Sorry, Sammy, your Uncle Sam's

got a few questions for you.

Now they aim to separate disloyals from the rest

All you have to do to pass

Is hold your nose and answer yes

A no-no seals your fate, but you will pay a heavy price

They'll grab you and send you away from paradise

Ain't it grand in paradise

The snakes will let you be if you feed them all the mice

But if you answer no twice

Lord, if you check it twice

You know, know you'll go, go away from paradise

You don't want to take that chance so answer yes-yes

Do the paradise dance

I see you. Uh-oh.

I said I don't dance. She doesn't want to!

That's right!

Wow.

Oh!

Paradise

Hey, everybody, it's for our own good, right

Paradise

So we better just do what we should, right

Put up and shut up

Just put up and shut up

Just put up and shut up

Just put up and shut up

Just shut it up

You're in

Paradise

Ain't this paradise

If you love Uncle Sam, put your skin in the game

There's a suicide battalion that's calling your name

No, cut it out, that's enough, that's enough!

It's a segregated unit, hey, that's new

Masaoka needs suckers, how 'bout you

I said cut it out!

Cool it!

Masaoka made it possible for us to serve our country!

He's not behind barbed wire, is he?

If you had any guts, you'd sign up to fight.

Sign up to fight?

You mean volunteer to die.

Not after FDR locked up my parents.

Coward!

They shoulda locked you up with them.

Stop it!

Don't you ever talk about my parents!

Hey, stop!

Stop it!

Stop it!

It's almost curfew.

We should call it a night.

Come on, Kei.

Sammy!

You're not his mother.

I raised him.

Since birth.

If I'm not his mother, who is?

He's a grown man.

Then what does that make me?

You're a woman who wears a political statement

in her hair.

I should go.

You are so much more than somebody's sister,

or daughter, or granddaughter.

So much more.

Goodnight, Frankie.

There once was a little girl

Playing on a swing set

The one her grandpa built by the sycamore tree

Near the rusty farmyard gate

While her mama pinned the laundry

The little girl would cry out loud

Push me higher, push me higher

Push me, I can't wait

Her mama would push a couple times

But there was laundry still to do

So she learned to use her own strength

Pull her own weight, push on through

To swing higher

Higher than before

Higher

But scared to reach for something more

Higher

Higher towards the sky

Until the day she bent to kiss

Her mama a last goodbye

There once was a little boy who loved that swing set

He had a licorice twist from the store in town

And two knobby skinned up knees

While his sister pinned the laundry

That little boy would cry out loud

Push me higher, push me higher

Push me, pretty please

The girl would push a couple times

But there was laundry still to do

Then she watched amazed as suddenly

He pulled his own way through

To swing higher

Higher than she dared

Higher

He flew so high, but wasn't scared

Higher

He could touch the sky

But then she knew that he would also one day

Tell her goodbye

That little boy, he seemed so sure

Was it something never taught to her

How the years passed quickly by

That girl's a woman, still afraid to try

Is it too late to start again

Get back that feeling I had then

But now my life is upside down

There's no more farm, there's no more town

And no use asking why

But I won't let it pass me by

Life won't pass me by

I'll fly

Get back on that swing

Higher

Soaring higher up than anything

Higher

I want something more

I dreamed I'd reach for greater things

My eyes upon those golden rings

I'll take what chance the future brings

And soar

Residents of block 13.

Please report to the mess hall

with your completed questionnaires.

You don't understand.

What is it now?

I wanted to separate out the trouble makers,

but this questionnaire has completely blown up.

Calm down.

You've got your all Jap unit, we've got our list.

Now go fight the Germans

and let us deal with domestic security.

Are you sure about this, Mr. Kimura?

I am.

Time to go.

Are the handcuffs really necessary?

I've got my orders.

If he changes answers, you'd let him stay, right?

My answers remain no and no!

How can you be so stubborn?

An honorable man must take a stand

for what he believes.

Let's go.

Papa.

No touching.

Hey come on, that's--

That's the protocol.

No touching.

What are you afraid of?

That I'll slip him a knife?

Give him a gun?

Search the place.

Search the whole damn camp!

We have nothing.

You took it all away, and now you're taking him!

Keiko.

Gaman.

Back away, sir.

He my son.

Tatsuo.

Gaman

Gaman

No!

There's gotta be something I can do to help him.

I'm gonna enlist.

What?

If we prove we're loyal, they'll free Pop.

They'll free all of us!

You don't have to prove anything.

I'm an American citizen in a country

that thinks I'm the enemy.

I have everything to prove.

Papa, forbid it.

Ojii-chan, tell him.

Isamu.

A boy always obey his father.

No, I-- But...

A man does not.

What are you saying?

When I you age, I fight in war.

"When you papa you age"

he cross ocean.

What you do?

It's my time to serve

My strength to give

My blood to offer

So others might live

We'll win back our freedom

I know it somehow

We must sacrifice

Pay any price

It's my time

Our time now

I, Mike Masaoka,

do solemnly swear to support and defend

the constitution of the United States

against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

That I shall bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

So help me God.

They're tearing apart our families.

Turning us against each other!

This has got to stop!

It's our time to rise

Stand up and fight

Stand strong together

Stand for what's right

We've suffered in silence

But this we avow, we'll even the score

We're silent no more

It's our time, our time now

It's my time to live a life of my own

But that doesn't mean I must spend it alone

I won't be bound by what others allow

My choices are mine, alone to define

It's my time

My time now

Promise me this

You will look after my sister

I will promise you this

If you come back to me

I will come back, you'll see

Think of the day

When the war is over

Nothing will stand

In our way

It's our time to rise

And walk through that hell

We will be heroes

With stories to tell

This is the chance

We hope they'd allow

I understand

What makes a man

This is my time

And we'll face this together

Our time and we're changed now forever

It's our time

It's our time now

August 1st, 1944.

Pisa, Italy.

After three weeks of non-stop combat,

the all Japanese American 442nd

captured the high ground in the hills of Tuscany.

Nowhere is their bravery more evident

than in the actions of Private First Class Sam Kimura

who rescued several of his fellow soldiers.

Including this reporter's brother,

Private Ben Masaoka.

I heard from my brother.

Get this.

"Dear Kei.

Greetings from censored.

Can only write a little because censored.

The 442 is censored.

Love, Sammy."

At least I know he's okay.

What's that?

My draft notice.

I'm supposed to report for induction next week.

How can they force you to fight?

I won't go.

Not unless they free our families first.

But you can't resist the draft.

It's not right.

They'll put you in prison.

This is prison!

They threw us in here, made us all disappear

Without charge, or cause, or reason

Now we're ordered to fight

Have our blood spilled despite

The way that they've treated us

So this is the plan

Resist, take a stand

They can hang us all for treason

Let our families go home

And we're ready to serve

Be drafted like the rest

We've a righteous cause

There are rights and laws

Let's put them to the test

Resist

We'll face the fire

Resist

If they require

We enlist

Then we demand they understand

People name the price

Resist

For now or never

Resist

We stand together to insist

Before we fight

They do what's right

And we pledge to sacrifice

Resist

We won't fight until our families are free!

Kei.

You need to be careful.

This doesn't concern you!

I promised Sam I would keep you safe.

I can take care of myself.

And so can Sam.

I'm just trying to help.

How?

You can't even get us aspirin!

Ben!

Kimura.

Mike.

This is the guy who saved my life.

Thank you, it's an honor.

Likewise.

How about a statement for the press?

Tell the world why you're fighting for America.

I'm a regular guy, just a Yankee G.I.

Who's fighting for his country

See, soldiers like me

Want our families free

Mine's at Heart Mountain Camp

How do you feel about the draft riots

at Heart Mountain?

Draft riots?

They're being lead by a resistor named Frank Suzuki.

Frankie?

You know him?

Sorry to say I do.

He's got them burning their draft cards

and refusing to fight for their country.

What do you say about that?

In war we unite, we don't run from a fight

In shame or humiliation

American values are what lie at stake

We stand for what is right

Life and liberty

This will set us free

And we're ready to fight

Resist

It's now or never

Resist

We stand together to insist

Before we fight

They do what's right

And we pledge to sacrifice

We all must sacrifice

Resist

And Fight

Resist

And fight

Resist

And fight

I am fighting to win back my family's freedom.

For that, I'm willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

We are loyal Americans, putting our lives on the line.

We condemn these draft dodgers.

They dishonor our troops,

and are a disgrace to all freedom loving people.

We condemn agitators like Frank Suzuki,

and his followers.

They are cowards, and traitors.

They must be punished.

We must defend life and liberty by any means necessary.

Okay, Kimura.

We're only letting you out of the stockade

on account of your son.

My son?

Is he...

Nah, he's on the cover of Life Magazine.

Isamu.

Isamu.

He's a hero.

Doing his country proud.

Can I keep?

Sure.

Maybe you'll learn something.

What is this face they show

Upon the cover

This noble soldier

An example to his men

I am fighting for the honor

of all Japanese Americans,

especially my grandfather, and father,

who've spent their lives

proving their loyalty to the United States.

I look forward to the day that I can see them free,

along with my sister, Kei.

I never thought I'd miss her nagging me,

but she's a lot nicer than a drill sergeant.

Come on.

I know a place where you can hide.

I'm not hiding.

Don't argue!

They'll be here any minute.

You have to let me go.

Not yet.

Listen. There's gotta be a way!

Listen!

If they hang me for treason--

Don't say that.

It could happen. No!

There isn't time to say

All the things I want to say

They're coming for me soon

I know, I know

If this is all the time we get to spend this way

No, I don't accept that

I cannot let you go

I want to capture this

Remember how it feels

I want to burn it in for good

Why did you choose a fool

Who'd die for his ideals

If I had to do it all again

I would

Kei, if this is all we get

I'm still so grateful that I met you

This is not over

We are not over

You are my future, not my past

This is not over

We are not over

This moment will not be our last

Always the optimist

That's what I learned from you

You gave me hope when I had none

We'll take each day

I feel it in my soul

Our story isn't done

Imagine nothing left standing in our way

You told me once that I was more than who I thought

I found my place because of you

Don't make me out to be

Some hero that I'm not

On your own, you have the will to see this through

This is not over

We are not over

You are my future, not my past

But I can hold you now

And you will hold me then

There is no question

Not whether, only when

I see such strength in you

That I might believe it too

I believe in you

This is not over

We are not over

You are my future, not my past

This is not over, we are not over

This moment is not our last

This moment is not our last

There he is!

Hands in the air!

Don't shoot, don't shoot.

On your knees, both of you.

She didn't do anything.

She didn't do anything.

No!

What am I supposed to do

Pick up the pieces without you

The world is upside down

And they have come and torn my heart away

I'm done with standing by

Now it's time to do or die

I will fly

Any news?

They're still in the stockade,

but their trial's in a couple of weeks.

We've got to help them now.

Well, what can we do to help?

They've taken our men

So to see them again

We must tell the world their story

We'll write letters to newspapers

across the whole country!

People need to know they're not traitors.

How will we get that past the censors?

I'll think of something.

The time left is short

So they need our support

Together we'll make a stand

I need bandages.

What happened?

There's this guy in the stockade, Frank Suzuki.

What?

If he doesn't keep his mouth shut,

he's gonna get himself killed.

Well, bring him here.

I can't do that!

No, this isn't what we signed up for!

This isn't what we do.

Bring him here now.

All clear.

Hurry up!

Done.

So here is the plan

Smuggle out what we can

Or go out in a blaze of glory

Does anyone have any friends who can help

We can bribe a guard or two

We will not relent

'Til the word is sent

This is what we must do

Resist

Let's face the fire

Resist

We're climbing higher

Resist

Resist

Resist

Resist

Gaman

Gaman

Gaman

Gaman

Try to breathe slowly.

I can't.

I saw your grandfather's garden.

I can't believe he got anything to grow out here.

He and the other farmers are donating

the surplus to the army.

He says you owe him two bucks.

Any other symptoms?

Morning sickness.

Please.

Don't tell anyone.

Does Frankie know--

Frankie doesn't know.

What's wrong?

You need to stay calm.

What's happened?

He's been hurt.

No.

I'm trying to have him brought here.

I have to go to him. No.

I can't just sit here. No, let's wait.

He might need an ambulance. Let's wait.

How far is the hospital?

Listen to me!

Stop and think a moment

You have to stay and rest

There's a child who needs you now

You have to do what's best

You don't understand us

Or what they put us through

This is no concern of yours

I'll do what I must do

Years inside here taught me

The world won't set things right

It's up to us to save ourselves

I'm ready for the fight

I am stronger than before

Braver than before

This courage I've discovered

I've never needed more

I have learned to move a mountain

In the middle of a war

There is no returning

I'm stronger than before

You won't do this alone now

I know where I belong

You've always stood for what was right

While I stood for what's wrong

When I stepped into this prison

Who knew what lay ahead

I thought I'd face the enemy

But I fell in love instead

I made Sam a promise

That I'd look out for you

So I will help get Frankie out

It's what I have to do

I am stronger than before

Braver than before

I swear I'll stand beside you

To even out the score

I don't know how to thank you

No thanks are needed, Kei

I do what I have to

I guess we're both that way

After all that's happened here

We cannot pretend

That we aren't bound together

We will see this to the end

To the end

We are stronger

Stronger than before

What ever this may cost me

Doesn't matter anymore

We are women who move mountains

In the middle of a war

We are stronger than before

And I will face

Within this place

What lies in store

We have grown stronger than

Before

I'll issue an order to have Frankie transferred

to a hospital outside.

From there, I can get him to my parents in Omaha.

You'll go to prison for that.

I know.

Back away from the prisoner.

It's all right.

That's an order!

Oh, Kei!

I'm all right.

Stand down. No, stop!

Stand down!

Oh, no!

What's the plan, Sarge?

See this?

Now there are 200 men trapped behind that ridge.

And two battalions have tried to reach them,

but they're surrounded by the Germans.

They're sending us in to rescue them.

That's an uphill push through enemy territory.

Loaded with landmines.

It's a suicide mission!

Send in the kamikaze Japs.

Shut up!

Hey, I call it like I see it,

and I say it's a suicide mission.

I said shut up!

Hey!

On this side of the line, we let those men die.

On that side of the line, we save them.

Now we go at 0500 hours.

Get some sleep.

Damn it.

You okay, Sam?

I can't feel my hand!

How am I gonna shoot if I can't feel my hand?

Damn it.

Listen, Ben, if I don't make it--

You're gonna.

You're a hero, remember?

You've been reading too many

of your brother's articles.

Hey.

What did the soldiers from Hawaii say?

Go for broke.

Damn right.

Is that a picture of your girl?

Let me see.

Come on.

Oh.

I didn't expect her to be--

What?

A nurse.

Her name is Hannah Campbell.

She's from Omaha.

Ben, if I don't come back--

Cut that out.

Listen to me.

I want you to find her.

I want you to tell her that I was...

Hey, forget it, huh?

Get some rest, Sam.

With you, I'd be better

But what can I do

With you

With you

With you

With you

I cannot be with

I can't see a damn thing.

Good.

If you can't see where you are, neither can they.

Stay close, keep moving.

If the Germans see our faces,

they'll think the Emperor sent us.

Hold your fire 'til my command.

One muzzle flash,

and it's like we turn the lights on.

Not yet.

They're just guessing.

Hold your fire.

Hold.

Come on, Sam.

Hold on.

Hold on!

Hold on!

Hold on!

Now!

Go for broke, go...

New letter from Sam?

No.

Same one.

I must've read this about 20 times.

Every time I look at his handwriting,

it reminds me how I taught him

when he was little.

My hand on his, guiding it.

You do bad job.

Sammy still in hospital?

I guess.

I haven't heard anything.

No telegram from Army means he is fine.

Look!

Hana.

What did you say?

You forgot Japanese?

Hana, flower.

Of course.

Why you grow flower in vegetable garden?

Just happened.

Sometime flower surprise you.

Kei.

My dearest Kei.

Greetings from the federal penitentiary.

I'd say I wish you were here, but, anyway.

I have great news.

Because of the letters you wrote,

there's talk of letting us out early.

Maybe even a pardon.

I may see you very, very soon.

Which leads me to another pressing matter.

Will you spend all your days with me

A family of our own

As we start our lives anew

Oh are you the one who stays with me

Through seasons of my life

Keiko, will you be my wife

Will you commit yourself to me

Knowing we were meant to be

We will have our day

There is nothing standing in our way

All that's left between us are some vows to say

Just you and me and nothing in our way

He asked me to marry him.

Frankie?

Marry?

Yes!

Frankie, marry.

Just in time.

At 8:15 am Tokyo time,

the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay...

A single atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima...

Described as incomprehensible devastation.

And we pray this promises a quick end to the war.

Victory

Swing with me

Victory

They're coming home from Germany, Manila, and France

Yankee soldiers who stood up to give freedom a chance

And the Fuhrer and the Emperor out of the way

So it's time to hand it over to the USA

Now it's liberty and freedom, woo

They fought for Uncle Sam, and for me and you

Four, and four, and half the beat

It's the four, four, two count, victory swing

The JACL applauds the government's decision

to allow Japanese Americans to return to civilian life.

Each evacuee will receive a bus ticket

and 25 dollars.

We leave with high hopes for a bright future,

secure in the knowledge that we have done our part

for the war efforts.

Driving out of we camp, we built a special crew

The decorated heroes are the 442

We thought you were the enemy, you proved us wrong

Now just get back home where you belong

The whole messy business, whoopsie doo!

You fought for Uncle Sam, wow, good for you

Now your families get to sing

With the 442 count, victory swing

Victory

Victory

Victory

Victory

Operator.

I'm holding for the army personnel department.

I'm looking for a forwarding address

of a Hannah Campbell.

She was a nurse stationed at Heart...

Yes.

I know you're not allowed to, but could you...

Thanks anyway.

Hail the conquering hero.

How's Washington treating you?

All right, I guess.

Think you'd like to live here?

The JACL needs a community organizer in D.C.

I'm on my way to address the members now.

I'd love to introduce you.

I can't think of a man who deserves the job more.

A war hero who led his platoon in battle.

We had 800 casualties to save 200 men.

Those men would've done the same for you, Sam,

you know that.

It was a bloodbath.

Wave after wave of us.

I tried to look out for Ben,

but that mission--

My brother died for a just cause.

A noble cause.

If you want to honor his memory,

then help me build a brighter world for our people.

You're a true American hero.

We need you, 120,000 people need you.

I just want to go home.

I need you.

Ben's sacrifice can't have been made in vain.

I won't let that happen.

My family's in San Francisco.

I need to see them.

Of course.

Friends, colleagues.

My fellow Americans.

There are many who believe that I betrayed my people.

In some of the camps, the internees

burned me an effigy, and then urinated on the debris.

But I, and I alone, held the fate of 120,000 lives

in my hands.

I confronted government officials

who wanted to deport us, to have us sterilized.

Did I make mistakes?

Sure, who wouldn't?

But I will dedicate the rest of my life

to winning the battle against racial intolerance.

I will lobby the U.S. government for reparations

for the millions of dollars lost in property,

businesses, and income.

And I will secure full citizenship for our elders.

I feel certain that the crucible of history will prove

that everything I did, everything,

I did for the good of my people.

There once was a little girl, her name was Hana

That's right, that's you.

Oh, it's okay, baby.

Look, we're home now, see?

And her mama was so excited

Uncle Sammy was coming home

Would you like to meet your uncle?

He's a hero.

Oh, oh, oh!

Oh, Hanako, please don't cry!

You have to be brave, just like your Uncle Sammy.

You'll soar higher, higher than I dared

Higher

You will reach so high, and not be scared

Higher

You will touch the sky

My little girl, the world is yours

And nothing will pass you by

Oh, look.

There's grandpa.

Say hi, little girl.

We call him Ojii-chan.

Remember?

That's Japanese for "grandpa".

Ojii-chan.

Today is big day.

I must clean up for Sammy.

Be careful with her, Papa.

Gaman

Gaman

Sammy!

Look at you!

I can't believe it's really you.

Neither can I.

A farm girl, in this big city.

The apartment isn't much.

Ugh, come here.

Where's Pop?

And Ojii-chan, hm?

Ojii-chan passed away, in camp.

Oh.

I'm sorry I didn't write you about it,

but I didn't want to upset you

while you were recovering.

No, I understand.

There is so much I wanted to tell you.

Did he die peacefully?

Yes.

In his garden.

He always said we should bury him there.

So I fertilize ground.

Before you go in, there are a few things

you need to know.

Papa isn't well.

Tule Lake was hard on him.

They...

He's much better now.

Isamu.

Pop!

Your leg?

The doctor says I'll make a full recovery.

Purple Heart.

Yeah.

Papa, I told you, you cannot leave the baby alone.

She not alone.

The baby?

You have a--

A baby girl.

I'm an uncle.

Her name is Hanako.

Hana for short.

In honor of Nurse Hannah.

Oh, Hannah.

Have you heard from her?

I tried to reach her after the war,

I tried to call...

Hello, Sam.

Welcome home.

Go ahead.

It's okay.

No.

Come on, don't be like that.

Please, it's a new start for all of us.

No, it's not.

He had his chance, when he was drafted,

and he chose to be a traitor.

Don't call me that!

My men died, all around me,

and you spit on the graves of everyone!

That's enough!

Oh, it's okay.

Not here, not in my house.

Your house?

Isamu!

Frankie is honorable man.

Like you, he stood up for what he believes.

He is nothing like me.

Nurse Hannah died for it.

Papa, no.

What?

It was an accident.

Nobody meant to--

What are you saying?

She's gone.

Hannah's gone.

What, no, I don't understand.

It's not the way--

It happened so fast, Sam.

She was trying to help Frankie.

Frankie, you son of a bitch!

No, enough!

War is over!

Frankie is family now.

I am proud to call him my son!

Proud?

Well, take a good look, Pop.

Is that the son you've always wanted?

Is that the man you wanted me to be?

It wasn't Frankie's fault.

Just pretend I died on that battlefield, Pop.

Or better yet, pretend you never had a son.

That's how it's felt my whole damn life!

Sammy!

I know what she meant to you.

You can't imagine what I've been through.

I understand.

But--

But what?

All over this country, GIs are coming home

to cheering crowds.

I have shrapnel in my leg,

a Purple Heart on my chest,

and I come home to you married, to him!

Hannah is dead because of him.

Hannah was just looking out for me,

the way you asked her to!

I was fighting for freedom

while he was fighting against it.

And what about you?

You called for Frankie's arrest by any means necessary.

What did you think would happen?

Where are you going?

To Washington.

Mike Masaoka's offered me a job.

Please don't abandon us

We want you here, Sam

They left us nothing

Now I need you by my side

How can you go and leave your family

How can you turn and just walk away

You've got your Frankie now

He's not my blood

I've no allegiance to a traitor like that man

How can you still not understand

You heard what Papa said

The war is over

It's time to start again, together like before

How can you go

You saw my daughter

She is your blood, think of what you'll miss

Don't talk of family

How can you go

The Kei I knew would have protected her

Sam, all I ask today

How can I go on living like this

Just stay

First a prison camp, then a war

I was there too

I was in love, Kei

I love someone too

You need us also, Sam

Family's all that you've got

This family I fought, there's blood on both your hands

A house full of cowards and traitors like you

You're the traitor, turning your back on your family

If this is family, there's nothing here for me

Then go on

I don't need you anymore

You're not the only one who's sacrificed

Who did I do this for

You are not a hero, you're a coward

What makes a man is not what he takes

It is what he leaves behind.

God.

What makes a man is not what he gets

But what he gives back to mankind

What makes a man

Is what he makes of himself

When he's giving it all he can

That's what makes a man

That's what makes a man

What makes a man

Giving it all he can

That's what makes a man

Giving it all he can

Allegiance

What makes a man

Enough!

I don't want to remember anymore!

That's all there is, Sam.

You left, and never came back.

All those times I've reached out--

I fought two more wars.

I was tired of fighting.

Not even if it meant seeing Papa again, one last time?

Pop never thought I'd amount to anything.

He resented me from the day I was born

to the day he died.

Open the envelope.

My issue of Life.

After all these years.

Papa kept that to the very end.

Is this his handwriting?

My Hero.

Oh, Papa.

You were my hero too.

You sacrificed everything for us.

And I never even thanked you.

I'm so sorry I wasn't there to say goodbye.

Kei.

You still cared after all this time.

I loved you so much.

I missed you terribly.

I should've told you when I had the chance,

now it's too late.

It's too damn late!

A chance for forgiveness

After all these years gone by

I made a wish that we might have

A chance to say goodbye

A chance to be open

For your heart once more to sing

I also missed you terribly

Wishing more than anything

That we could just undo it all

Change our ending in advance

There's still a chance

For hope to soar again

Still a chance

Make one more wish and then

There's a chance

For it to catch the wind and dance

But we cannot know how they ever go

The wishes heaven grants

If I could say to you

Not a chance, but two

You decided to come.

I'm so glad.

I have something that belongs to you.

Where did you get this?

From my mother.

Hanako?

Life has given you a second chance

Still a chance

Still a chance

To learn from what has passed

Still a chance

To find our way at last

Still a chance

For love to hold you fast

From darkness into dawn

Gaman

Our hope is never gone

Gaman

Hold your head up high

Gaman