The short comic book, They Called Us the Enemy, is about a Japanese family’s story during the time Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and when Japanese Americans were discriminated against across the US. The author, George Takei, shares his experience with the discrimination he faced and his time in internment camps. It is a great book that shares one’s personal experience while also informing young teens about the history of Japanese internment during WWII. When I read this comic, it reminded me of the story of Kazuo Masuda and the racism he and his family faced due to their Japanese Heritage.

Kanzuo Masuda was an American born Japanese who grew up in our city, Fountain Valley. He was drafted in 1940 and was in basic training at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, his father was arrested and sent to an internment camp at Fort Missoula. Sadly, the rest of his family was caught up in the mass forced removal and was separated from his father, being placed into different camps in Arkansas and Arizona. Masuda is known for his heroic action during the Battle of Belvedere in Italy in 1944 where he continued to fight and led his squad to safety, despite being wounded. While his men were able to escape, he was killed by enemy fire. 

In his lifetime, Kazuo did face racism during the time of anti-Japanese sentiments. His sister, Mary, had once reported being approached by five men who had threatened her unless she moved out of the country. Masuda and his family were amongst many Japanese Americans who went through injustice and racism. However, Kazuo were the many Japanese Americans who had the courage and determination to continue fighting for our country, despite the hardships and adversity they encountered in this country. Both “They Called Us Enemy” and Masuda’s story recognize the Japanese Americans’ bravery in the face of hardship. They discovered ways to persevere in the face of their treatment and stay true to their culture.