A study examined the experiences of 60 Japanese immigrants to Hawaii (Niseis), aged 61-80, who attended Japanese-language schools as children. Using a case study oral history approach, the study gathered oral testimonies through semi-structured interviews. Historical documents were also used as primary sources of information about the schools. Based on analysis of the responses and related data, it is concluded that the Japanese-language schools aided rather than hindered Americanization of this group, by providing a safe haven for instruction in areas not provided by the public schools. In addition to language instruction, students were exposed to character education that stressed values consistent with American norms while positively influencing ethnic identity and self-esteem. The schools also helped Niseis act as translators and transmitters of American culture to their parents, alleviating parent-child and parent-public misunderstandings common in immigration situations. It was discovered that public school authorities did not share in the public distrust of Japanese-language schools, and that the public opinion of the schools was unwarranted. It is proposed that the educational utility of the participants' experiences is illustrated in the high performance of Japanese-American combat units in World War II. (MSE)