Hajime "Jim" Akutsu
He actively pursued enlistment, first before the war and second immediately after the attack on Pear Harbor. He was denied both times, because of his ethnicity (Japanese) and because The Japanese had just attacked Pearl Harbor. Later he interned at Minidoka then served two years at McNeil Federal Penitentiary for draft evasion, because he was taken over by his feelings of anger, betrayal, and resentment of not initially being allowed to serve.
Ichiro Yamada
Main character and protagonist. Neisei and engineering student, who interned and was later imprisoned. After attack on Pearl harbor, spent two years in a camp and when refuses to serve, he is imprisoned for another two years. Known as "No-no boy" for his refusal. He returns home at the age of 25 and his conflicted during the search to find his identity.
Mrs. Yamada
Issei lives in US but believes that Japan won the war and everything that proves otherwise is a scam by the Americans. She is extremely nationalistic and this causes her to be blinded from the truth. Tends to shut everyone out of her life that doesn't agree with her very opinionated views.
Mr. Yamada
Originally arrived in the US to make money, and eventually plans to return to Japan with Mrs. Yamada. Believes Mrs. Yamada is very sick and he doesn't correct her on her beliefs because he thinks that it will do nothing. He is sad because he is unable to help his family and friends back in Japan, who are in distress because of the bombings. Doesn't know how to talk to Ichiro well, awkward at times.
Taro
Ichiro's brother; plans to enlist immediately after graduation and doesn't care about furthering his education or how his mother will feel about this. Hates Ichiro because Ichiro refused to serve. Taro is extremely pro-American and is the most "Americanized" out of the whole family.
Freddie
Freddie interned and is making up for it by constantly "self-meditating." Most of his free time is spent drinking and sleeping around. He represents one version of the negative aftermath of the war.
Kenji
Kenji was enlisted and ended up losing a leg. His decaying leg is a metaphor for his loss of hope and his feeling that he is running out of time. He sticks up for and protects Ichiro at multiple points in the story, including when Ichiro was attacked, dehumanized, and was threatened with potential castration before Kenji steps in and frees Ichiro.
