In this poignant episode of the Japanese American Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Holocaust survivor Solly Ganor and his unexpected salvation by Japanese American soldiers during World War II. Through Solly's harrowing experiences on a death march from the Dachau death camp, listeners are introduced to the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion—soldiers who defied prejudice and became beacons of hope for many. Joined by guest Naoyuki Ikeda, the episode delves into the inner conflicts faced by these Japanese American soldiers, who were fighting abroad while their families faced internment back home. Featuring real stories of courage and kindness, including the actions of Sergeant Imamura and Chiune Sugihara, this episode highlights the complexities of wartime morality and the profound impact of individual acts of bravery.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org.
This episode the wonderful voice work of actor and friend of the podcast Naoyuki Ikeda.
Here are some of the links we used to help us write this episode:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/sugihara/readings/ganor.html
https://www.instagram.com/holocaustmuseum/p/C7pm-LxsAKy/?img_index=1
https://442sd.org/history/eric-saul-on-solly-ganor-and-the-holocaust/
https://blogs.chapman.edu/holocaust-education/2015/09/28/witness-heart-mountain/
https://www.sollyganor.com/unlikely-liberators-virtual-exhibit
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Additional Voice by Naoyuki Ikeda
Edited and produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum
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