Japanese American loyalty and identity significantly influenced World War II intelligence work, particularly regarding the perceptions and actions of military and intelligence agencies. Despite suspicions that the Japanese population in Hawaii could be involved in espionage or sabotage, many intelligence professionals ultimately regarded the vast majority as loyal to the United States. Reports indicated that high percentages of the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) demonstrated loyalty, reinforcing the idea that they were not a threat. However, ambivalence was common among these residents, who faced a complex identity struggle between their Japanese heritage and American citizenship. Military assessments reflected this tension, acknowledging the psychological dynamics at play, as well as the attempts to assert loyalty through statements to military leadership. Additionally, intelligence work involved monitoring Japanese organizations in Hawaii, while still recognizing the intrinsic loyalty within the community, demonstrating the challenges of navigating identity and national security during wartime.