A Japanese-Brazilian in World War II

Brazil, with its rich cultural and ethnic diversity, was represented in World War II by the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB), a unit that mirrored the nation’s variety. Raul Kodama, one of the pracinhas sent to fight, is a striking example of the blend of cultures within the FEB. His story illustrates not only Brazil’s involvement in the war but also the strength and resilience of a man who faced the horrors of combat with courage.

The son of Ryoichi Kodama, one of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in Brazil in 1908 aboard the Kasato Maru, Raul grew up in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, where his life began to take the path that would lead him to the Italian front. At 22, he completed his military training, and at 28, he was drafted to serve in World War II.

Kodama was assigned to the 2nd Battery of the III 105 mm Howitzer Group, known as the Bandeirante Group. He played a crucial role in distributing ammunition to soldiers on the front lines. During one of these missions, while supplying a truck in Porreta Terme, he was severely injured in a bombing raid. As he himself recalled:

“I refueled the truck and was waiting to leave. Then, the bombing started, and a bomb fragment hit my foot. I felt warmth, but no pain; as I crawled, I was seriously wounded by enemy artillery shrapnel that hit my leg, abdomen, chest, and arm.”

These words capture the harshness of the conflict and the determination of a man who, despite adversity, remained steadfast in his duty. Kodama was quickly taken to Pistoia and then to Naples, where doctors discussed the possibility of amputating his foot. Fortunately, amputation was avoided, but the recovery process was long and painful. During this time, Kodama showed remarkable resourcefulness:

“At the hospital in Naples, I met another nikkei, Kyossi Hirata. There, I used my Japanese features to my advantage. Since the Americans had full freedom and the Brazilians did not, I pretended to be of Japanese-American descent and walked freely around the hospital.”

This episode reveals both Kodama’s adaptability and the complexities of relations among Allied soldiers, even during the war.

After his treatment in the United States, Kodama returned to Brazil in 1946. Throughout his life, he always expressed pride in having served his country, highlighting the ethnic diversity within the FEB:

“My battery commander was German, the colonel was Portuguese, and I was Japanese,” he recalled.

This quote encapsulates the essence of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force—a military unit where men of different origins united for a common cause, representing a multicultural Brazil in one of history’s greatest wars.

Upon returning to Brazil, Raul Kodama established his life in São Paulo, where he married Alice Yoko Yoshime in 1958, with whom he had two sons. Known for his good humor and the camaraderie he maintained throughout his life, Kodama passed away in 2015 at the age of 98, remembered as a man who served his country with honor and bore the marks of a conflict that changed the world.

Raul Kodama’s story, like that of many other pracinhas, is a testament to the profound impact World War II had on the lives of Brazilians who were called to serve. His experience highlights the strength of national identity and the determination of a people who, amid adversity, remained united and resilient.

Raul Kodama’s life represents not only the Japanese contribution to the FEB but also the rich cultural tapestry that made up Brazil’s forces. The stories of pracinhas like Kodama continue to resonate through time, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a fairer, freer world. The memory of these men remains alive, ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten and that their stories continue to inspire future generations.