442nd Regimental Combat Team: “Go for Broke” and the Courage of Nisei Soldiers

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I reflect on my recent experience attending the Friends and Family of the Nisei Veterans Convention and the powerful lessons I continue to learn from the Japanese American veterans of World War II. The Nisei soldiers had every reason to be afraid. Their families were being incarcerated behind barbed wire while their own loyalty was being questioned. And yet, they stepped forward to serve. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became known for their extraordinary combat record and their motto, “Go for Broke.” But behind those words were young men facing impossible circumstances and making choices that demonstrated courage, sacrifice, loyalty, and perseverance. For me, these veterans represent the qualities of modern-day samurai. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward even when you are afraid, because something more important than your fear is calling you to act. Join me as I explore the human stories behind this history and the timeless lessons of courage and honor that the Nisei veterans leave for us today.