On Sunday, November 29 at 3:00 p.m., “Honor & Sacrifice: The Roy Matsumoto Story” was screened at NTT Cred Hall No. 2, followed by a talk session with Ms. Karen Matsumoto, Roy Matsumoto’s daughter, the film’s co-producer and Mr. Hitoshi Ohuchi, Roy’s nephew and an advisor for the film. The session was moderated by Ms. Atsuko Morimune from the Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library.
The film explores Japan and the United States from a new perspective through the life of Roy Matsumoto, a Nisei soldier who made remarkable contributions during World War II. Owing to its historical value as a documentary, the film received the Erik Barnouw Award and the History in Progress Award from the American Association for State and Local History in 2014.
Born in the United States before the war, Roy returned to Hiroshima—his father’s hometown—where he received his Japanese-language education before going back to America. Using his linguistic skills, he served as one of fourteen Nisei linguists in Merrill’s Marauders, a grueling mission to open the Burma Road. His language ability and courageous actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. Karen discovered this previously unknown side of her father’s life when her university professor happened to introduce her to a book about Merrill’s Marauders. After she shared the story with the film’s producer, the project began.
The film also highlights the heavy burden Roy carried: fighting in a war where three of his brothers remained in Japan, potentially even on opposing sides; and the fear that if his presence became known to the Japanese side, his family in Japan might be endangered. Through his story, the film reveals little-known aspects of both Japan and the United States during wartime.
During the talk session, both guests shared invaluable insights. Karen concluded by saying, “I’m grateful that this film could be shown in Hiroshima, my father’s homeland and the place that experienced the atomic bombing. At a time when international peace feels increasingly fragile, I hope this film will inspire renewed reflection on coexistence and peace.” Mr. Ohuchi added, “I hope Hiroshima’s preserved archives will continue to be used for peace-related initiatives.”
The audience received their heartfelt messages with deep appreciation.
