Abstract:

Despite their own, their family's, and their friends' internment during World War II, a small number of Japanese Americans played a crucial and secret role in the American war effort against Japan by serving as hosts of Japanese-language radio propaganda shows that were broadcast by the U.S. Office of War Information and the British Political Warfare Mission via short wave to Japan. This engaging historical documentary unveils for the first time these Japanese-Americans' vital but unheralded contributions to the Allied cause. Occasioned by the mystery of what the filmmaker's now-deceased father had done during the war and his family's internment, the film combines archival footage, commentary by remaining participants, and detailed historical recreations to recount this remarkable but virtually unknown chapter of the war. "Calling Tokyo" will spur discussion in a variety of courses in Japanese-American and Asian-American studies, American history, and ethnic studies. It was produced by Gary T. Ono. Email: janice@tanakavideo.com for purchase info