Hidden Heroes: Secret Warriors @ History Theatre
Photo by: Rick Spaulding
In my AP U.S. History class, we recently wrapped up World War I and began learning about World War II. As if perfectly timed, the History Theatre opened Secret Warriors just two weeks ago: a play centered on the Japanese American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army during WWII.
Before seeing the show, the History Theatre provided my class with a packet full of context and background information about the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), a program designed to train Japanese Americans to decipher and translate Japanese military communications. We even got to learn how the codes worked and created our own sentences using the language. That generous and engaging prep really helped further our enjoyment of the show.
The story follows Tamio Takahashi (Erik Ohono Dagoberg), headstrong and intelligent, and Koji Kimura (Clay Man Soo), a quieter, reserved farm boy. After passing a Japanese language test, both are recruited into a program in the MIS Language School. Because it beats being stuck in a camp, Tamio and Koji accept the offer and are separated from their families and sent to a base in Minnesota. The learn under strict instructor John Aiso (Rich Remedios), who, as Japanese-American veteran of the same program, warns them that due to their unique identity, it will be harder for them out there than any other soldiers.
During training, the boys encounter various obstacles: course rigor, homesickness, and the complexity in not being accepted as Japanese or American. Early on, they meet Lieutenant Jeff Nelson, the officer assigned to oversee this location’s program. At first, he is assumed to be a racist officer enforcing these orders, but as the characters criticize him, we get a glimpse at Jeff’s morals and sympathy. Jeff doesn’t ignore the injustice of their situation and quietly does what he can to ease the burden. In his most memorable gesture, Jeff takes the boys to a local dance to let them experience some outside life. It’s there that Tamio meets Denise, a spirited and confident woman who matches his energy, while Koji connects with the intelligent and patient Natsuko. These connections offer the two men a taste of humanity in a time of dehumanization. Their relationships blossom at different paces—Tamio and Denise’s chemistry is immediate and magnetic, while Koji and Natsuko’s slower, more realistic romance felt to me more genuine.
By the second act, Tamio and Koji have completed their training and are deployed on separate assignments overseas. Tamio is stationed near the front lines, where his quick thinking and fluency in Japanese help his unit intercept and respond to enemy plans. Koji, on the other hand, is sent to a post where the challenges are quieter but no less important. Though he's not as outspoken as Tamio, his calm demeanor and empathetic nature allow him to connect with others. Using this skill, Koji convinces soldiers—including a captain—to surrender, not through intimidation, but through compassion and reason.
Both character begin to experience the discrimination their instructor warned them about, despite being equally (if not more) qualified than the soilders fighting alongside them. Koji is called a traitor by the Japanese soldiers he interacts with, to which he explains that he, just like them is fighting for his country. Similarly, Tamio is met with immediate hate and distrust. At one point, Tamio points out that one of the soldiers mocking him is a German American—only to be immediately shut down and accused of disrespect. In both settings, Koji and Tamio are seen as never quite “enough” for the standards of who others think they should be. But over time, they each find ways to prove their value and identity to others, and more importantly, to themselves.
Throughout the second half, their relationships also continue to deepen. Despite being overseas, the couples write to each other, staying connected through letters. The distance between them even changes their interaction; for instance, Natsuko points out that Koji is bolder in his letters—something Clay Man Soo does a great job of displaying. Tamio and Denise (the crowd’s favorite couple) are now engaged and praying for the day they can reunite. The contrast between the two couples is striking, but effective. Both love stories bring warmth to the play, reminding us what the characters are fighting for and what they stand to lose.
As the war progresses, both men leave profound marks in their own ways. Without spoiling anything, the ending wasn’t very surprising—but that didn’t make it any less powerful. I think the majority of the audience saw it coming, because as much as we wanted things to work out for everyone, we knew this was a war story. And in war, happy endings aren’t guaranteed.
Final takeaways:
Erik Ohono Dagoberg’s undeniable charm leaves the audience eagerly awaiting his return every time he steps offstage.
Paul LaNave’s portrayal of the Lieutenant provides a sense of humanity to officers in charge at this time, reminding us that not all officers were heartless—but also highlighting the difference between knowing you're wrong and doing something about it.
Clay Man Soo brought a quiet complexity to Koji—he might not be as instantly charming as Tamio, but that’s what makes his journey so compelling. As he grows into his confidence, especially through his connection with Natsuko, you find yourself appreciating the quiet strength behind his softer demeanor.
Scenic designer Erik Paulson crafts a brilliant set that takes us back and forth in time and location, with a turntable and coordinating sound and lights to guide us through quick transitions.
The front-of-house staff was incredibly welcoming and kind, efficiently managing the simultaneous arrival of four different large school groups as well as all other patrons—all with smiles on their faces. It's easy to overlook, but the hospitality you experience before you even sit in your seat can have a real impact on your overall enjoyment, whether you realize it or not.
You don’t have to be a WWII nerd to understand or enjoy this show, but I promise you’ll leave the theatre with a deeper interest in the history of this story than you had walking in. This world premiere of R.A. Shiomi’s script powerfully shares a story that no class lecture could ever fully capture. And it is not one to miss!
Go see Secret Warriors at the History Theatre in St. Paul, running through this Saturday!
Tickets are $25–$64, and the History Theatre offers various discounts and offerings to promote theatrical accessibility:
Rush Tickets: $25 cash ($27 debit/credit). Tickets are available 10 minutes before a performance and subject to availability.
Student Discount: ALL student tickets are $15. Go in person to purchase on call 651-292-4323 to buy yours.
For Future shows: Previews are Pay What You Can (or guaranteed $20 online).
For more, visit their website: https://www.historytheatre.com/tickets
