TED-ED: The Akune brothers: Siblings on opposite sides of war - Wendell Oshiro

The Akune family, originally from Japan, faced numerous challenges after immigrating to America. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans, including the Akune brothers, were interned in camps. Despite this, Harry and Ken Akune served in the US Army, facing discrimination but contributing significantly to the war effort. Meanwhile, their younger brothers served in the Japanese Navy. After the war, the family reunited, revealing their divided loyalties. The US later acknowledged the injustice of internment camps. The Akune story highlights themes of identity, loyalty, and perseverance amidst adversity.

What prompted the Akune family to move to America in 1918?

• To join relatives already in America

• To find new business prospects

• To seek educational opportunities

• To escape political unrest in Japan

How did Harry and Ken Akune contribute to the US war effort during World War II?

• By serving as combat soldiers on the front lines

• By translating documents and interrogating prisoners

• By working in factories producing war materials

• By organizing community support for the war

What was a significant challenge Harry and Ken faced while serving in the US Army?

• Language barriers with fellow soldiers

• Inadequate supplies and equipment

• Discrimination and mistrust from peers

• Lack of proper training

What was the outcome of the Akune brothers' reunion after World War II?

• They reconciled and later served together in Korea

• They continued to live separately in different countries

• They decided to return to Japan permanently

• They chose to sever ties with each other

When did the US government acknowledge the injustice of the internment camps?

• Immediately after World War II

• In the 1960s during civil rights movements

• In 1988 with reparations payments

• In the early 2000s with formal apologies