American Grit

From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero

By: John Suzuki

Narrated by: John Suzuki

Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

American Grit is a compelling true story about racial identity, resilience, and heroism.

In 2008, the author/narrator embarks on a poignant journey to Minidoka, one of the 10 former US concentration camps authorized by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, where tens of thousands of American men, women, and children were incarcerated solely because of their race. Here, he encounters a remarkable testament of bravery—an honor roll listing the names of Japanese American men who volunteered from Minidoka to enlist and fight in the US Army, while their families remained imprisoned by the US Army.

Inspired by this unparalleled act of courage, the author sets out to tell the story of Shiro "Kash" Kashino, a man who was incarcerated at Minidoka and later emerged as an American war hero in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the US Army. Despite learning of Kash's death in 1997, the author remains undeterred and, collaborating with Louise Kashino, his beloved widow, weaves an unforgettable tale of courage, perseverance, and love during a dark chapter in American history.

American Grit is not just Shiro's story, but is also a stark reminder of ruinous hardships endured by more than 122,000 victims of American concentration camps while celebrating their heroism during and after World War II. As the author delves into this profound and transformative journey, he invites listeners to reflect on the importance of learning from our history to shape a better future. The book is a tribute to Shiro, Louise, and all of the heroes of the era whose stories of courage and resilience inspire us to honor the past by educating the future.

©2023 John James Suzuki (P)2023 John James Suzuki

A story worth knowing

This is a perspective of world war 2 that I had not heard, and I am grateful to now know it. Learning about Cash’s experiences from the US to Europe gave me new insight and understanding, and the scenes described from the experience in the war will stay in my mind. Well researched and well written, it kept me entertained and engaged!

Incredible story!

John Suzuki did a fantastic job researching and making this true story of Shiro “Kash” Kashino come alive. Kash was a true American hero and an interesting character. I knew very little about Japanese concentration camps before listening to American Grit. Someone please make a movie!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The book did not disappoint! I'm in awe of the courage & perseverance of the characters, educated about our history and although it's a heavy subject, Shiro, his friends and family's lives were also full of happy moments and triumph. A very satisfying read.

A story that needed to be told!

The author’s commitment to the subject and his knack for storytelling make this a worthy read. Having read both historical fiction and factual accounts of US citizens of Japanese descent being held in concentration camps I was impressed with the story going beyond the camp. The portrayal of the hero and the depth of the story kept me engaged and interested. His story and that of the men he lead deserved to be told and the author does it with attention to detail and the with the gracious help of family and correspondence. Pick it up, you won’t be sorry.