Masaichi Sesoko

A dual citizen of Japan and America, Masakichi Sesoko was born in 1918 in ‘Ewa. He spent his childhood in Japan, but returned in 1938 to avoid conscription into the Japanese Imperial Army where he settled in America as a printer for the Nippu Jiji Newspaper and a Japanese language school teacher at Wai‘alae Baptist Church. These occupations made Sesoko a prime target for incarceration after martial law was instituted.

After his arrest, Sesoko was taken to Fort Shafter and questioned by the military over his loyalty to America. While detained, he was asked the questions "Where is Sacramento located?" and "How many stripes does the Japanese flag have?". Due to his ability to answer the second question but not the first, Sesoko was labeled a security risk, although the Review Board also noted his bad attitude and indignation at his arrest.

A highy educated man, Sesoko was most likely devastated at his mistreatment, and after being released from Honouliuli Internment Camp, renounced his citizenship of the United States and returned to Japan. His niece said Sesoko rarely talked about his experience but remained bitter for the rest of his life.