THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 murakami

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FROM AND BEYOND A new book brings to life the groundbreaking MLB baseball career of Masanori ‘Mashi’ Murakami.

Award-Winning LGBT Equality Rally Little Tokyo Honors Author on His New in San Gabriel Draws Sei Fujii With Children’s Book Page 5 Much Support Page 8 Monument Page 9

#3261 / VOL. 161, No. 4 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

HOW TO REACH US LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Email: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Dear Editor and Dear Editor, Tel: (213) 620-1767 Nina F. Ichikawa, Fax: (213) 620-1768 At the risk of giving undeserved attention to Americans on the West Coast were rounded up and Mail: 250 E. First St., Suite 301 Thank you so much for Donald Trump and the political spectacle created incarcerated. This may be one of the most horrifying Los Angeles, CA 90012 responding to me about the by his campaign, I feel compelled to respond to his examples of the criminalization of an entire immigrant STAFF National Archives’ article that racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric in the context of community. Executive Editor Allison Haramoto I wrote, which was published the history of scapegoating, disenfranchisement and We, as People of Color and their allies, have the in the Pacific Citizen (June criminalization of immigrants in the United States. responsibility to respond to both public and private Assistant Editor 5-18, 2015). Trump’s recent comments characterizing Mexican acts of racism and hatred, even if these attacks are Tiffany Ujiiye This article was written in immigrants as “criminals” and “rapists” that should not made on our particular racial or ethnic group. Business the hope that readers, like be purged from the country fit a pattern of abuse It is only in doing so that we are able to support Susan Yokoyama yourself, would respond and that has been used not only against Mexicans and the groups that are unfairly targeted and build Production Artist share your own stories about Mexican Americans, but against many groups of coalitions among diverse communities to work Marie Samonte what can be found in WRA immigrants in the history of our country. toward equality and fair treatment for all people Family Japanese incarceration Circulation Since the founding of this country, various ethnic in this country, regardless of citizenship status, Eva Ting files. groups have been targeted with the same attitudes country of origin or race. The Pacific Citizen newspaper I hope your letter, which of xenophobia, intolerance and fear, often with Interethnic solidarity is a powerful tool to coun- (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published was published in the Pacific amazingly similar depictions and rhetoric. ter intolerance. Investing in interethnic community semi-monthly (except once in December and January) by the Citizen (July 24-Aug. 6, From Irish and Eastern European newcomers building, especially at the grassroots level, is more 2015), inspires other families Japanese American Citizens to the East Coast in the 19th century to Chinese, effective than particular groups working alone to League, Pacific Citizen, to request their own family Japanese and Filipino workers in the West Coast advocate for themselves. 250 E. First St., Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90012 records from the NARA in and more recently immigrants from Mexico and As Martin Luther King so aptly said, Washington, D.C. Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA Central America throughout the country, waves of “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice every- POSTMASTER: Send address I personally was amazed in anti-immigrant sentiment and discourse leading to where.” As Asian Americans, we can look to civil changes to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 finding so much information discriminatory laws have been pervasive. rights activists such as Yuri Kochiyama, who dedi- in my own family files of In the mid-1800s, the Irish were seen as being cated her life to advocating not only for Japanese JACL President: David Lin things I had known and did violent alcoholics, illiterate, greedy and having Americans but for African-Americans and other National Director: Priscilla Ouchida not know about my family in large, unruly families. They were turned away from communities of color. P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD Heart Mountain since three places of employment with the pronouncement that In times when racism rears its ugly head, let us, as Carol Kawamoto, chairperson; generations of my family lived Leona Hiraoka, EDC; Jody Mitori, “No Irish Need Apply.” individuals, organizations and community groups, MDC; Roberta Barton, CCDC; there. It also brought chills The Chinese were also the target of intense and stand with our neighbors and brothers and sisters Jim Duff, NCWNPDC; Gabrielle down my spine in reading often violent acts of racism beginning in the 1800s. to promote a humane and accurate depiction of Nomura, PNWDC; Gil Asakawa, the actual documents at the IDC; John Saito Jr., PSWDC; A newspaper editorial cartoon in 1899 entitled “The the groups under attack. Then we can say that im- Nicole Gaddie and Kota Mizutani, National Archives as well as Yellow Terror in All its Glory” shows a menacing migrants are workers, parents, children, teachers, youth reps. what my husband’s mother and crazed caricature of a Chinese man dressed in friends, neighbors, students and activists who will SUBSCRIBE went through there. traditional garb, with his hair in a distinctive queue. not tolerate being depicted as “criminals.” Get a one-year subscription of the It is readers, like yourself, Pacific Citizen newspaper at: He is brandishing a smoking gun with a knife For readers who are interested in learning more www.pacificcitizen.org or call that makes these efforts clenched in his mouth while standing over a white about the accurate history of immigrant communi- (213) 620-1767 worthwhile. young woman bloodied and lying lifelessly on the ties in the United States, I point you to Ronald Taka- ADVERTISE Thank you so ground. The message is clear, the Chinese are dan- ki’s “A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, much for your call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: gerous “criminals” and “rapists” who are culturally America” and Howard Zinn’s “A People’s History [email protected] letter. alien and threaten the white race. of the United States.” LEGAL No part of this publication may be The anti-immigrant spotlight was then cast on Sincerely, With much the Japanese as they became settled and gained reproduced without the express appreciation, permission of the Pacific Citizen. more economic strength, particularly in Califor- Aimee Mizuno, Editorials, letters, news and the nia. Existing racial animosity climaxed with the JACL Board Member, opinions expressed by columnists Patti Hirahara start of World War II when Japanese and Japanese other than the national JACL president Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif. or national director do not necessarily reflect JACL policy. Events and products advertised in the P.C. do not carry the implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve The P.C.’s mission is to “educate on the past Japanese American experience and preserve, the right to edit articles. © 2015 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, promote and help the current and future AAPI communities.” Calif. and mailing office. JACL member? Y N JACL MEMBERS Name ...... Change of Address

If you’ve moved, ...... Address please send new information to: City ...... National JACL 1765 Sutter St. San Francisco, State ...... Zip ...... 2015 CA 94115 (415) 921-5225 or [email protected] Phone ...... Allow 6 weeks for address changes. Email ...... To avoid interruptions in delivery, please notify your postmaster to include periodicals in your change of address Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 3 NIKKEI VOICE BEING JA IS A CELEBRATION OF BEING AMERICAN By Gil Asakawa

uring a recent trip to San Francisco to lead in a short-lived ABC sitcom this year, and that attend the annual conference of the Asian network’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” the comedy that American Journalists Assn., I squeezed in showcases an AAPI family, is filming a second Dtwo readings from the new revised edition of my season. book, “Being Japanese American.” The two events So, it made sense when Stone Bridge reached out reminded me why I wrote the book in the first and asked me to update the book with new text, place and why I love speaking to JA audiences. additional historical photos and interviews with I love being JA! more JAs, Japanese Canadians and mixed-race The first edition was published in 2004, but a lot Japanese. has happened since then: Japanese culture is even The book covers the history of Japanese more popular now in the U.S. than a decade ago, immigration and, of course, the WWII but so is Asian American culture in general. The concentration camp experience, but it’s also about Internet was around in 2004, but social media has our culture, community, food and families, as well exploded on the scene since “Being JA” vol. 1.0 as the future of JAs. We’re not always accepted as came out. During those years, Asian Americans American and have to deal with lingering racism have been early adopters and leading lights on here, but we’re not quite Japanese either. I love blogs, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter — we’ve the things that make us Japanese (cultural values, embraced digital media because we’re invisible in food, taking off shoes inside) but also the things mainstream media. that set us apart. Even before we open our mouths, Yet, even in mainstream media, we’ve made Japanese people know right away we’re American some huge strides: Hollywood movies still suffer because of our gait, our clothes and the way we from “yellowface” casting of whites in Asian roles, make eye contact. During a recent trip to San Francisco, Gil Asakawa appeared at two but there are more of us in starring and co-starring book readings to talk about his book “Being Japanese American.” roles. John Cho was even cast as the romantic >> See CELEBRATION on page 12 YOUTH PERSPECTIVE MY JACL CONVENTION EXPERIENCE WAS EYE-OPENING By Brandon Yee

am truly grateful to have been selected as surprised to find that the newest youth delegates a youth representative of the Philadelphia with the ability to vote were reading up on the Chapter to attend the 2015 Las Vegas National issues and getting their bearings within the group, IConvention from July 13-15. The experience was just as I was. But I know that everyone must start both eye-opening and inspirational. somewhere. As a youth representative, I met future leaders of Just two summers ago in 2013, I was sponsored the JACL, the youth delegates and representatives, by the Japanese government to participate in the in various stages of development. With youth Japanese American Invitation Program for High members as accomplished as Kota Mizutani in School Students, a nine-day trip to Japan. The trip proposing and passing HR 40 to youth members was absolutely amazing and life-changing, and just beginning to understand their role, I now it set me on the path to pursue a major in East realized how important gaining youth membership Asian language and culture at the University of and strong youth involvement are for the JACL. Pittsburgh, starting next month. This new interest We are the generation of the future, and we can was also a reason why I wanted to attend the help change the world to be a better place. JACL Convention. Since being introduced to the JACL at a very I wanted to gain a new perspective on the world, young age, I admired the numerous contributions and by attending the convention, I would get to Panel discussions held during this year’s National Convention made of my aunts and uncles, who have all been very see the viewpoint of a group of dedicated Japanese Yee realize the diversity of issues tackled by the JACL. active members of the JACL’s New Jersey and Americans who address modern societal issues. Philadelphia chapters. As a first-time attendee of I also wanted to see how I could connect studying the National Convention this year, I was impressed I witnessed the best minds of the JACL — young and old — abroad in Japan with Japanese American by how many youth participated at the national level, and contributing their ideas. civil rights. I know that they are well on their way to carrying on the After observing how much influence the JACL has on Growing up, my involvement in the JACL was mostly a mission and vision of this organization. the nation, attending the convention made me realize cultural and social experience, such as going to the Obon The youth mixer was great for understanding how the that I would like to be a more active part of this powerful festival, experiencing taiko drum performances, learning JACL functions from the youth level and who it was that organization. For me, meeting the youth and spending time origami and eating traditional Japanese foods. I did hear a I will be working alongside in future years. The civic with them was the No. 1 reason why I became inspired to few stories about the internment camps, but what happened engagement presentations presented very well-thought- join the JACL in the first place. Every one of them was so to my Baachan and aunts and uncles seems so distant to out solutions on current issues and made me realize the friendly, inviting and helpful; I really felt at home there! me. In a way, I was shielded from all the negative racial diversity of issues tackled by the JACL. The National They did a great job explaining how they got involved injustice my family encountered in their lives. Board meetings were very productively as and what they have learned from their experience. I was >> See EXPERIENCE on page 12 4 Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 COMMUNITY/NATIONAL

News Briefs /APAs in the News League Baseball. He added his 4,193rd migrant founders, according to “America’s later that same game. New Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Then and Ichiro now holds the second-most hits Now” study. Sundar Pichai, Google’s new Two OC Teens Tragically Killed by a Psoriasis Foundation. She currently works of all time, second only to Pete Rose, with CEO, is one of many Asian Americans Falling Tree Branch in Yosemite part-time for SockPrints, a company that 4,256 hits. Suzuki earned 1,278 hits in that are heading major tech companies in manufactures custom socks. Hutter plans Two Orange County Asian American Japan and has since added 2,914 hits since the United States, breaking the bamboo to work in public affairs or the nonprofit teenagers were tragically killed on Aug. 14 making his MLB career debut with the ceiling. sector. in Yosemite National Park by a falling tree in 2001. Other tech start-ups include eBay, Veronica Ota was named First Princess, branch as they were sleeping in their tent 18 Million Voter Registration Campaign PayPal, Sun Microsystems, Tesla and and Karen Mizoguchi was named Miss while on a camping trip. Dragon Kim, 14, Launches Yahoo, to name a few. Tomodachi. This year’s Nisei Week court of Tustin, Calif., and Justin Lee, 13, of Ir- Much like his counterparts, Pichai is also includes Michelle Kaori Hanabusa, A new voting project, VoterVOX, is un- vine, Calif., were identified as the victims. becoming an example of breaking miscon- Kelsey Nakaji Kwong, Camryn Michiko derway to help Asian Americans be better Kim was entering his sophomore year at ceptions that Asian Americans can only Sugita and Tamara Mieko Teragawa. represented in the voting polls. Accord- Orange County School of the Arts in Santa execute but not lead due to language and As part of her reign, Hutter participated ing to a 2012 exit poll from the American Ana, a highly acclaimed school of the arts. cultural barriers. in the annual Nisei Week parade on Aug. Legal Defense and Education Fund, nearly Lee was entering his freshman year at While the presence of Asian Americans 16 and will represent the Nisei Week 1 in 4 Asian Americans prefer to vote Northwood High School in Irvine. The two sitting at the top in major tech compa- Foundation throughout the year, making with help from an interpreter or translated teens were on a camping trip with their nies is promising, today the percentage appearances nationally and internationally materials. The finding is a major obstacle families, when the incident happened on of women, blacks and HIspanics is still (including Nagoya, Japan). for many Asian American voters, prompt- the Upper Pines Campground. low. Efforts to change these figures are ing 18 Million Rising to fund VoterVOX. During the early morning hours, a branch Japanese MLB Players Hisashi Iwakuma underway as the industry recognizes that The project will combine both volunteer from an oak tree fell on the two teens, and Make History resourcing people of color and different multilingual speakers with limited-English cultural balance is key to staying competi- killing Kim and Lee instantly. The Seattle Mariner’s Hisashi Iwakuma speakers to assist voters at the polls and tive. Immigration reform and discussions According to the National Park Service, was named the American League Player provide information in their language. 18 surrounding policy change is not only a both teens died from their injuries by the of the Week on Aug. 17 after he threw a Million Rising is crowdfunding VoterVox tech industry concern but also a nation- time Park Rangers arrived on the scene. no-hitter against the on and is hoping to raise $50,000 by Sept. 2 wide tabletop item for the presidential This is not the first time that someone has Aug. 12 in a 3-0 victory. as the nation begins to approach election election next year. died from fallen tree branches in the park. Iwakuma’s performance was the club’s season next year. Jeff Yang, columnist for the Wall Street According to Yosemite officials, the fifth no-hitter (fourth by a single ). Asian Americans at Big Companies Journal Online, poses an important ques- reason for the fallen tree branch is under He joins other Mariners Changing Immigration Misconceptions tion about Pichai’s influence in his CNN investigation. Randy Johnson, Chris Bosio and Opinion piece “If you see individuals with A vigil was held on Aug. 18 for the teens Felix Hernandez. Google joins the list of top tech com- talent, skills and ambition as your most at Northwood High School. Iwakuma also became the second panies that now have Asian Americans as critical asset, why wouldn't you try to Japanese-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter, their CEOs. Today, the tech giant is one of Sara Hutter Crowned Nisei Week Queen corner the market on these assets?” n During 75th Annual Coronation Ball joining , who has two no- the 25 percent of all tech start-ups with im- hitters (1996 with the Dodgers and 2001 Sara Kuniko Hutter, 22, of Los Alamitos, with the ). Calif., was crowned the 75th Nisei Week And Ichiro Suzuki of the Miami Marlins queen on Aug. 15 at the Aratani Theatre in recorded his 4,192nd career hit on Aug. Los Angeles. 15, surpassing Ty Cobb in career hits Hutter, a graduate of the University with a first- single off the St. Louis of Southern California with a major in Cardinals’ John Lackey. communications, officially represented Suzuki’s total includes his totals from the Orange County Nikkei Coordinating in Japan and Major Council; her platform is the National

JACL MIKE M. MASAOKA CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED Spending Has Never Been So Rewarding Using your National JACL Credit Union he deadline for the JACL Mike M. JACL members and students or young VISA® credit card has never been easier. Masaoka Congressional Fellowship professionals who have completed at least Accepted everywhere, any of your has been extended to Monday, Aug. an undergraduate degree. Preference will needs are always accessible. T31. The Masaoka Fellowship is designed be given to those who have demonstrated to develop leaders for public service, a commitment to Asian American issues, With unbeatable rates, call today to particularly at the national level, and particularly those affecting the Japanese apply and nd the right card for you. provides fellows the unique opportunity to American community. Communication be placed in a Congressional office where skills, particularly in writing, are important. they will gain firsthand knowledge of policy Applicants must submit a completed creation. application form and one letter of reference. Each paid fellowship will last for a Completed applications and letters of period of at least one year and is located in recommendation should be emailed to Washington, D.C. There are two positions [email protected]. still available for the 2015-16 JACL Masaoka Congressional Fellowship program. For questions, please email policy@ Candidates must be U.S. citizens, jacl.org or call (202) 223-1240. IN-DEPTH Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 5 ‘THE INKER’S SHADOW’ SHINES A FRESH LIGHT ON A YOUNG ARTIST’S COMING OF AGE uthor-illustrator Allen Say is expected to release his press newest book “The Inker’s Shadow,” a coming-of- age autobiography and biography centered around

his experience with discrimination and self-discovery, scholastic A of on Sept. 29. Say’s previous children’s book offerings in- clude the Robert F. Sibert Honor winner “Drawing courtesy

From Memory” and the Caldecott Medal winner : “The Boy of the Three-Year Nap.” His newest effort is the only nonpicture book photos Say has ever done. “Inker’s Shadow” tells the story of the author’s formative years in Japan when he served as an apprentice to Noro Shinpei. At the time, Shinpei was a post-war master cartoon- ist in Japan who taught Say about art and often made him draw copies of Michel- angelo’s “David” and visit Vincent Van Gogh exhibitions. “The Inker’s Shadow” follows Say’s character to an American Allen Say on his military academy in Southern first visit to Knott’s California, where he experiences Berry Farm in discrimination among the cadets August 1953 and teachers, all the while echo- ing his life-long love for art. “For this book, I picked out American Upon graduating from Citrus High School, Say went on some of the episodes that are still mother born to study three years at Aoyama Gakuin, Tokyo; one year at floating in my head and arranged in California. Ac- Chouinard Art Institute; one year at Los Angeles Art Center them into a story about my first cording to an article School; two years at University of California, Berkeley; years in America,” Say wrote in his from the Oregonian/ and one year at San Francisco Art Institute. author’s note. “It’s a patchwork of OregonLive, Say lived “We parted after my graduation, each of us going our memories, and memories are unreli- with his mother and his separate ways,” Say wrote about his memories of those able, so I am calling this work of fiction mother’s uncle at a home who touched his life from Citrus High School. “I still made of real people and places I knew.” near Tabuse, Japan. wonder what my life would have been without them. Say was born in Yokohama in 1937 Say’s parents divorced ‘Would I be an artist today?’ Before I could thank them to a Korean father raised by a British when he was 8, and he again, they were gone. I know they would have waved family in Shanghai and a Japanese found himself living with away my thanks and said they were only doing their job. his grandmother until he was A job that changed lives.” 12. When his father remarried, Say was given the opportunity to “The Inker’s Shadow” will be available at booksellers move to the United States. on Sept. 29 for $19.99. Visit www.scholastic.com for more Hesitant and unsure, Say made information or call (800) 724-6527, ext. 4. the move with assistance from his father after speaking with  — Pacific Citizen Staff Shinpei about the decision. He was placed in a military academy for young boys in Glendora, Calif., where orange groves blanketed the city with a population of around 5,000 and one movie house. While in the military academy, Say learned to carry elementary conversations in English, explaining to his classmates that trains existed in Japan. After a year in the military academy, Say left to attend Citrus Union High School in nearby Azusa, Calif., and he moved into a hotel in order to continue his education at the school. During high school, Say worked to make $12-$15 a week to cover his rent, which was $8.50 a week. Every four to five months, his mother would send a check for $30 even when Say didn’t ask for money. It was a fortune for Say that ultimately funded his dream for art, as he often used the money to purchase more paint than food at times. School wasn’t difficult for Say, besides English, and he would frequently cut class to paint and draw in the junior college art room. His hunger and passion for art only grew. “The Inker’s Shadow” began for Say as he reflected on his beginnings at Citrus High School, finding his yearbook Say as a cadet private wearing his shooting metals Say’s latest graphic novel is a companion to the online and paying tribute to his art teacher, Laura Swope, in October 1953 Sibert Honor book “Drawing From Memory.” and the school’s principal, Nelson Price. 6 Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 IN-DEPTH

During his nationwide U.S. book tour, Masanori Murakami stopped in Whittier, Calif., and Little Tokyo in Los Angeles to meet and greet his fans. murakami

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courtesy : photos

FROM BASEBALL AND BEYOND WITH Masanori ‘Mashi’ Murakami made MLB baseball history when he became the MASHI MURAKAMI first Japanese national to play in U.S. professional baseball. He made his debut with the as a left- handed in 1964.

Murakami went on to become the Giants’ top Author Rob Fitts accompanied Murakami on his U.S. promotional book tour. In addition to his book reliever and also one of the most-beloved players about Murakami, Fitts is the author of “Wally Yonamine: The Man Who Changed Baseball.” on that team’s roster. IN-DEPTH Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 7

leagues, but cultural ties and obligations forced him to return to Japan.” Stops on the book tour included visits to Los Angeles and Whittier, Calif. The visits included remarks by Fitts, a Q & A session with Murakami and a screening of a clip from Yuriko Gamo Romer’s upcoming documentary “Diamond Diplomacy,” which centers on the relationship between U.S. and Japan via baseball. One of the visits took place at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles. Murakami spoke about his first in the major leagues against the . He described how he walked up to the pitching mound, humming [the] ‘Sukiyaki’ song to become more at ease in front of a crowd of 40,000. He also shared some amusing anecdotes, including his proud moment of making a hit from legendary Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. “About 60 people attended. Most of them are local fans of MLB,” said Tatsuya Kawashima, a program officer for arts and culture at the Japan Foundation. “I am surprised local Americans have more interest in Mashi than local Japanese.” Joseph Price, professor of religious studies and co-director of the Institute for Baseball Studies at Whittier College, enjoyed hearing the presentation at Whittier College and learning more about Murakami’s story. The evening was the first speaker During his book tours, Murakami took the time to personally sign his book and greet his fans. series hosted by the college’s Institute for Baseball Studies. “I knew that we were in store for a dynamic be a book about perseverance, overcoming hardship, but it evening,” said Price. The baseball legend and wasn’t,” Fitts said. “Mashi’s personality is so outgoing, so During the evening presentation in Whittier, Murakami easygoing — he has a good sense of humor, he embraced fielded a question from a former umpire and described an author Rob Fitts travel the American culture and he had very few hardships.” experience at Dodger stadium where his pitch had appeared Murakami and Fitts recently embarked on a nationwide to be a strike but had been called a ball. Murakami gestured U.S. to meet fans and speak tour to promote the book, and their visit to the U.S. to the umpire, asking him what was wrong with the pitch. corresponded with the 50th anniversary of the first Japanese The umpire wanted Murakami to return to the mound, but about a new book detailing baseball player in the major leagues. Murakami instead took the rosin bag, tossed it in the air To raise funds for the tour, Fitts launched a Kickstarter and then was ejected from the game by the umpire. For campaign and was able to raise more than $6,000. Some of Murakami, the experience was significant in that, a week Murakami’s experience in those who participated in the fundraiser were able to receive later, Japanese men approached him to thank him for acting rewards, such as signed memorabilia and copies of the in such a way. To them, it felt like a silent protest against . book, and the funds helped cover the travel costs of Tokyo- the ways they had been treated at the internment camps in based Murakami. The Kickstarter campaign description World War II. By Connie K. Ho, listed some of the trials and tribulations Murakami faced as Speaking to the crowd of over 100, Murakami also Contributor a baseball player: expressed that he would have liked to have pitched more “In March 1964, the Nankai Hawks of Japan’s Pacific for the Giants and had a longer career in the U.S. major efore of the Texas Rangers and Ichiro League sent three teenagers to the U.S. to train with the leagues. Suzuki of the Miami Marlins, there was Masanori San Francisco Giants’ minor league teams. One of them Reminiscing on his trip with Murakami, Fitts noted that “Mashi” Murakami, who became the first Japanese was Murakami, a 6-foot left-handed pitcher who was sent it was fun to spend time with his subject after completing Bnational to play in Major League Baseball. His story has to the Fresno Giants of the Single A California League. years of research and writing for the biography. now been documented by New York City-based author Rob Mashi worked hard to learn American customs and fit in. “It was the trip of a lifetime,” he said. n Fitts in his new work “Mashi: The Unfulfilled Baseball “In need of a left-handed relief pitcher Dreams of Masanori Murakami, the First Japanese Major for the pennant race, in September, the San Leaguer.” For more than two weeks in June, Murakami Francisco Giants called up Mashi to the big and Fitts traveled the U.S. to meet fans and speak about leagues. With an inning of relief against the book. the New York Mets on Sept. 1, Murakami Fitts, author of books such as “Wally Yonamine: The Man became the first Japanese to appear in a major Who Changed Baseball,” first had the idea to write the book league game. Mashi went on to become the in 2003. He had interviewed Murakami for another story Giants’ top left-handed reliever and one of and realized that there was a larger narrative at play. the most popular players on the star-studded He began working on the book in 2012, completing a team. year of research. “Not surprisingly, the Giants offered him “When I start a project, I read everything possible out a contract for the 1965 season. Murakami there, anything that possibly could be of interest,” Fitts signed, announcing that he’d be thrilled to said. “It gives me the background to figure out what’s stay in San Francisco. There was just one important.” problem — the Nankai Hawks wanted him to Fitts also traveled to Japan, spending a week with return to Japan. Murakami and a translator, as well as interviewed several “The dispute over Murakami’s contract former San Francisco Giants players who were teammates would last all winter and cause Major League of Murakami. Baseball to suspend all ties to Japan. Finally, “What was surprising about Mashi’s story was when in May, the two teams reached an agreement. I first thought about writing this book, I thought it was Mashi would pitch for the Giants in 1965 and going to be the story of the difficulties a 20-year-old then would be allowed to decide where he’d Japanese would encounter — the stereotypes against the wish to finish his career. Murakami pitched Murakami (right) and author Fitts signed numerous copies of Japanese were really strong back then. I thought it would well and yearned to remain in the major the book during their nationwide tour. 8 Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 COMMUNITY

photos: api equality-la SUPPORTERS OF LGBT EQUALITY RALLY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY By Marshall Wong

en years ago, anti-LGBT forces gathered in vitriolic protests in the San Gabriel Valley — the heart of Los Angeles’ Chinese American community — against Tsame-sex marriage and LGBT equality. It was a jarring sight: hundreds of Chinese people, young and old, led by religious extremists, carrying signs with hateful messages denigrating API Equality-LA the LGBT community. Even more distressing was that these Executive Director protests went virtually unchallenged, and coverage by the Eileen Ma said, Chinese-language media made it appear that homophobia “Today’s outpouring of was a Chinese cultural norm. support for marriage Those protests in 2005 catalyzed equality and LGBT the formation of API Equality-LA, a More than 125 supporters showed rights is a powerful grassroots organization committed to unity and compassion during the July symbol of the progress advancing LGBT equality in the Asian 19 LGBT rally. we’ve made.” American community. Now 10 years later, as a result of those efforts, there has been a seismic shift in public opinion in support of LGBT civil rights. On July 19, barely a month after the Supreme Court’s decision that legalized same-sex marriage through-out the U.S., API Equality-LA learned that conservative Chinese clergy in the San Gabriel Valley had planned a march on July 19 to protest the Supreme Court ruling. API Equality-LA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA and other allies sprang into action and in less than 48 Rally participants held up bilingual signs in support hours, mobilized more than 125 supporters of equality. to rally across the street from the church leading the homophobic march. In the face of hate and intolerance, the crowd delivered In addition, representatives of Parents and a message of hope and equality. LGBT supporters chanted Friends of Lesbians and Gays (API Chapter), “open hearts, open minds, this is how our community OCA (Greater Los Angeles chapter), Asian shines,” throughout the organized gathering. Pacific AIDS Intervention Team and Chinese Congresswoman Judy Chu voiced her support during the Speakers included Congresswoman Judy Chu; L.A. Rainbow Assn. were also in attendance. It was LGBT rally in the San Gabriel Valley. Community College Board Members Mike Eng, Mike Fong a stunning demonstration of the growing breadth and Scott Svonkin; and San Gabriel Mayor Jason Pu; West of support for LGBT equality in the Asian Covina Mayor Pro-Tem James Toma; and Rosemead City American community. marriage, legal segregation and hate violence. Based on this Council Member Polly Low. In contrast, the opposition drew fewer than 20 supporters, legacy, we should be the first to stand up against all forms Several ministers, including Rev. Nori Ochi, Rev. Mark illustrating their declining influence. of bigotry, including homophobia. Today’s outpouring of Nakagawa and Rev. Gary Oba also spoke of their support for Said API Equality-LA Executive Director Eileen Ma: support for marriage equality and LGBT rights is a powerful the LGBT community, demonstrating that intolerant clergy “Throughout history, Chinese Americans have fought back symbol of the progress we’ve made. Together, we are making do not speak for all Christians. against discriminatory immigration laws, bans on interracial history.” n

with the United States in need of a new source of rubber, Also featured will be Colleen McMahan, Ph.D., SECRET MANZANAR the United States Government invested $37 million to lead research chemist for the Agricultural Research support the Emergency Rubber Project (ERP) in Salinas, Service Domestic Natural Rubber Project, United States GUAYULE RUBBER Calif., where more than 1,000 scientists and technicians Department of Agriculture, who will talk about Guayule as worked to plant and grow 32,000 acres of Guayule, a a domestic source of high-quality natural rubber, as well as plant native to Mexico. its potential for low-cost bioenergy fuel. PROJECT TO BE A smaller Guayule rubber project was started at The Manzanar Committee is dedicated to educating Manzanar to develop techniques for faster growth of the and raising public awareness about the incarceration and SPOTLIGHTED IN plant and to increase yield of a higher-quality rubber. violation of civil rights of persons of Japanese ancestry On five acres of land, and at a cost of about $100, 40 during World War II and to the continuing struggle of all EDUCATIONAL FORUM Manzanar incarcerees produced a higher yield plant and peoples when Constitutional rights are in danger. A non- a higher-quality rubber than the Salinas Project or natural profit organization that has sponsored the annual Manzanar LOS ANGELES — The Secret Manzanar Guayule tree rubber. Pilgrimage since 1969, along with other educational Rubber Project, a program sponsored by the Manzanar Featured at the event will be Glenn H. Kageyama, Ph.D., programs, the Manzanar Committee has also played a key Committee about the high-quality, natural rubber from the Professor of Neuroscience and Cell Biology at California role in the establishment and continued development of the Guayule (pronounced y-yoo-lee) plant that was researched Polytechnic University, Pomona, whose father was the late Manzanar National Historic Site. and developed, in part, by Japanese Americans who were Frank Kageyama, a horticulturalist who was a key figure unjustly incarcerated at the Manzanar concentration camp in the Manzanar project during his incarceration. Glenn The event is free and open to the public. The Merit during World War II, will be held on Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. at Kageyama will speak about the history of Guayule and Park recreation room is located at 58 Merit Park Dr. the Merit Park recreation room in Gardena, Calif. his father’s work. He also will demonstrate how to make For more information, call (323) 662-5102 or e-mail Rubber was in short supply during World War II, and rubber from Guayule. [email protected]. COMMUNITY Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 9 LITTLE TOKYO DEDICATES SEI SNOWBALL WEST’S PETITION FUJII MEMORIAL LANTERN TO NEGATE TUNA CANYON’S The galvanized steel monument honors the life and LANDMARK STATUS DENIED legacy of the community newspaper publisher and udge Joanne O’Donnell on Aug. 12 Snowball West Investments currently civil rights activist. denied Snowball West’s petition to owns the golf course, and it wants to build a negate the 2013 resolution by the Los housing subdivision on the property, which JAngeles City Council to set aside one acre is located in Tujunga, Calif. During World monument honoring newspaper of land — now the site of the Verdugo Hills War II, Tuna Canyon Detention Station held publisher and civil rights activist Golf Course — for a memorial to the Tuna more than 2,000 people, mostly Japanese Sei Fujii was dedicated in Little Canyon Detention Station. Americans. At one point, there were seven ATokyo on Aug. 1 at the former site of the Present at the decision, which was handed barracks, an infirmary, mess hall and office Kashu Mainichi to pay homage to Fujii’s down at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, were buildings. The camp closed in 1943 and lifelong efforts to better further the lives of Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition buildings were torn down to make way for Japanese Americans. members Lloyd Hitt, Nancy Oda, Kanji the golf course. Fujii, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1903, Sahara, Bill Stiles, Marc Stirdivant and Snowball West has acknowledged the graduated from USC Law School in 1911, Nancy Takayama. significance of the area but has maintained but was not able to become an attorney After three trips to the Stanley Mosk that formal landmark status will make because he was not an American citizen. Courthouse with coalition members, Oda development more difficult. However, he worked recalled, “We look forward to working In the meantime, more details on the site alongside classmate with the owners to make a memorial onsite. may be necessary. If Snowball West appeals J. Marion Wright, a We are pleased that the city’s designation the decision, the current City Council would civil rights attorney, was upheld as legal.” then review the new report. The current and together they Upon hearing O’Donnell’s ruling, makeup of the City Council has changed appealed and won a Snowball West lawyer Fred Gaines argued since the 2013 council voted unanimously in U.S. Supreme Court that the resolution was faulty because the favor of the resolution, introduced by then- decision in 1928 to land designated was a geometric shape Councilmember Richard Alarcon. allow Japanese physi- that was drawn on a photograph, further O’Donnell is the third judge on this case. cians in Los Angeles The new Sei Fujii stating that a memorial cannot be built with She is expected to make her final ruling in to construct one of the monument is located information that is not concise. the next few weeks. n first Japanese hospitals at the entrance to in the country. the Japanese Village Fujii and Wright Plaza on Second also challenged the Street in Los Angeles. Consul General Furusawa Hosts Alien Land Act, which prevented Japanese smith and other “aliens” by Miles Endo of Studio Reception for diane ineligible for citizen- A photo of Sei Fujii from the Endo and is an interpreta- : ship from owning USC School of Law Class of tion of a lantern located New Honorary photo land in California. In 1911 album in Fujii’s birthplace in Fujii v. California, the the city of Iwakuni in duo was able to appeal the challenge to the Yamaguchi Prefecture. Consul California Supreme Court. The California The Little Tokyo Historical Society Robert Hirai Alien Land Law was ruled unconstitutional helped raise more than $30,000 to bring in 1952. about the lantern’s completion. The LTHS is appointed Fujii also became publisher of the Kashu also produced the award-winning 2012 Mainichi, a daily Japanese newspaper. short film “Lil Tokyo Reporter,” which Honorary Consul During his work there, he worked to inform starred Chris Tashima as Fujii and was and unite the growing immigrant commu- directed by Jeffrey Gee Chin, both of whom of Japan in Idaho. nity within Little Tokyo. were in attendance at the ceremony. onsul General Hiroshi In 1954, Fujii finally became a U.S. “Sei Fujii contributed greatly to the lives Furusawa of the Consular citizen. He passed away from a heart attack we live today,” said Chin. Office of Japan in Portland, at age 72, only 51 days after being granted Also present were Fujii’s daughter, Ruth COre., hosted a reception recently to (From left) are Consul General Hiroshi citizenship. Toshiko Matsuo Brandt, and her daughter, recognize the appointment of Robert The 8-foot-tall galvanized steel lantern, Lucia, both of whom were grateful that Furusawa, Idaho Japanese Assn. President Hirai of Boise as Honorary Consul of located on Second Street at the entrance to Fujii’s legacy to improve the lives of others Rika Torres, Honorary Consul Robert Hirai Japan in Idaho. the Japanese Village Plaza, was designed would forever be remembered. n and State of Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little More than 100 people were in at- tendance, which included state and city officials, congressional staff members, the strong ties between Idaho and Japan and business executives, family and friends. the importance of maintaining and growing CONGRATULATE THE 2015 In his remarks, Consul General Furusawa these relationships. expressed his goal of expanding the ties of Honorary Consul Hirai is a native of both commercial and cultural interactions Idaho and has a vast background in finance SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS IN THE PACIFIC CITIZEN between the nation of Japan and the state and organizational development. He was of Idaho. previously the president of the Boise Valley He has visited with the mayors in the Trea- Japanese American Citizens League. spacereservation deadline : sure Valley to encourage the establishment The Government of Japan, in accordance of a Sister City relationship, which will lead with regular practice, appoints Honorary SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 to more frequent people-to-people exchang- Consuls in order to maintain the interests es, thus nurturing the understanding and of their country and citizens, as well as pro- FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: friendship of people at the grass-roots level. mote cultural exchanges with foreign coun- Susan Yokoyama at 213.620.1767 or [email protected] Lt. Gov. Brad Little reiterated those com- tries were official government offices cannot ments in his remarks, in which he also cited be established. n 10 Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 CALENDAR

A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS ggg CALENDAR the samurai at this and other activities related ‘Above and Beyond Chinatown: [email protected]. groundbreaking exhibit, to popular ancient folk tales CHSA Gala 2015’ NCWNP which will combine historical passed down for generations. San Francisco, CA Japanese arms and Enjoy a full day of food and Fun Nikkei Dog and Cupcakes Sept. 19; 4-8 p.m. PSW armor from the Worcester live entertainment. Free Scholarship and Youth Chinese Historical Society of ‘Never Forget’ Gala Art Museum and John parking will be available. Fundraiser America Museum San Diego, CA Woodman Higgins collections Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org or Sacramento, CA 965 Clay St. Sept. 19; 3 p.m. with work by contemporary call (505) 883-5320. Aug. 29; 5:30 p.m. Price: Single ticket $150 Mission Valley Marriott artists inspired by samurai Buddhist Church of Florin The Chinese Historical 8757 Rio San Diego Dr. 7235 Pritchard Road and their enduring myth. Society of America’s annual Price: Single ticket $125 Info: Visit www.worcesterart. Price: Ticket prices vary. gala will honor Cecilia Chiang The San Diego JACL chapter org or call (508) 799-4406. PNW Support the Florin chapter’s and Liam Mayclem. Chiang invites all to commemorate ‘Growing Up Behind Barbed youth with hot dogs and is best known for bringing the 70th anniversary of the ‘Allegiance’ cupcakes at its Scholarship authentic and high-quality Wire’ end of World War II, New York, NY Kent, WA and Youth Fundraiser cuisine to American audi- honoring veterans of the Nov. 8 this year. Ticket orders, Sept. 19; 3 p.m. ences and was featured in the 100th and 442nd Regimental Longacre Theatre sponsors, donors and Kent Lutheran Church PBS TV documentary “Soul of Combat Team, the Military 220 W. 48th St. volunteers are all encouraged a Banquet.” Mayclem is a hot 335 Second Ave. South Intelligence Service and all George Takei’s “Allegiance” is to support this year’s event. at CBS 5’s “Eye on the Bay” Price: Donation $10 Nisei WWII veterans and their a dramatic musical that tells Bingo and a raffle are among and is frequently heard on Following a showing of “The families. Invited guests are the story of siblings Sammy the few activities anticipated KCBS’ “Foodie Chap.” Legacy of Heart Mountain” Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., and Kei Kimura, a brother this year, along with a dinner. Info: Visit www.chsa.org or by David Ono, Amy and Lilly commander of the U.S. and sister. Together, they face Info: Email Cindy Kakutani at call (415) 391-1188. Kato will share their personal Pacific Fleet; San Diego [email protected]. the challenges and struggles recollections of being forced Mayor Kevin Falconer; of incarceration of Japanese to move from Kent to Heart ‘The Legend of Ko’olau’ Congressman Scott Peters; Americans during World Mountain. These two sisters ‘Fire of Freedom’ Premiere Berkeley, CA and members of the War II. were teenagers at the time of San Francisco, CA Oct. 2-3; 8 p.m. San Diego City Council. Info: Visit www.allegiance E.O. 9066. The event will be Sept. 10-13 and 17-20; 8 p.m. La Pena Cultural Center Info: Call Robert Ito at (619) musical.com. moderated by Puyallup Valley Fort Mason Center 3105 Shattuck Ave. 954-7017 or email at Robert@ Chapter VP Eileen Yamada 1 Franklin St. Price: Advance purchase $25; itogirard.com. Lamphere and is sponsored Price: General admission $16 general admission $30 by the Greater Kent Historical Fort Mason Center presents Award-winning writer ‘Legacy of Heart Mountain’ MDC Society. Gary T. Kubota presents the Screening in association with Asian Info: Visit www.gkhs.org or Northern California premiere Orange, CA Art Event and Musical Evening Improv aRts, API Cultural call (254) 854-4330. Center and the Chinese of his national touring play Oct. 1; 7-9 p.m. presented by New Mexico “The Legend of Ko’olau” for 1 University Dr. JACL Albuquerque, NM Historical Society of America 20th Annual Japanese American two nights. The historic-based Price: Free Sept. 19; 5:30-9 p.m. the ‘Fire of Freedom,’ a New Year Celebrations play is about one man’s fight 1701 Fourth St. new site-specific multimedia Chapman University will be Mochitsuki against forced internment that Price: Free immersive dance piece by hosting a free showing of the Portland, WA leads to a historic gun battle The evening will showcase Lenora Lee Dance. Emmy Award-winning Jan. 31 Info: Email lenoraleedance@ between him and the army internationally renowned documentary “The Legacy Portland State University gmail.com, call (415) 345-7575 that overthrew the Hawaiian artist and photographer of Heart Mountain.” The 1825 S.W. Broadway or visit www.lenoraleedance. monarchy in 1893. documentary is about the Patrick Nagatani and other Portland’s annual Japanese com. Info: Visit www.legendofkoolau. imprisonment of Japanese artisans such as Betty Hahn, New Year celebration has com or call (510) 849-2568. Americans in incarceration Wendy Kawabata, Takashi been going on since 1996. camps during World War II, Murakami, Yoshiko Shimano The goal of Mochitsuki is 35th Japantown Kimono Day Kimochi Silver Bells: Arts, specifically Heart Mountain and Shira L’Heureux. New to celebrate tradition by San Francisco, CA Crafts and Food Fair Camp in Wyoming. Toshi Ito, Mexico Taiko will also make sharing Japanese and Sept. 14 San Francisco, CA a Chapman alumna, will also an appearance at this special Japanese American culture. Kinokuniya Building Dec. 12; 10 a.m.-4p.m. be sharing his stories during evening of art and music. Portland welcomes all to 1581 Webster St. St. Mary’s Cathedral the event. Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org or join the celebration while Put on a kimono and join the 1111 Gough St. Info: Call Stephanie Takaragawa call (505) 883-5320. enjoying great food, annual kimono celebration in Price: Free at (714) 532-7771. performers and activities. Japantown. Enjoy shopping Aki Matsuri 2015 Don’t miss this one-stop Info: Visit www.mochipdx.org. n and dining with local shops shopping event for all your Albuquerque, NM and restaurants holiday gifts at the annual Sept. 20 participating in the Kimochi Silver Bells event. EDC National Hispanic Cultural ADVERTISE HERE Center festivities. Advance This all-day event will Events in the calendar ‘Samurai’ Exhibit 1701 Fourth St. registration is required, and feature Asian- and Pacific section are listed based on Worcester, MA Price: $5 donation kimono rentals are Islander-themed arts, crafts space availability. Place a Sept. 6 available. Special workshops and foods from more than 90 Join the New Mexico JACL ‘Spotlight’ ad with Worchester Art Museum will include a special dance vendors, including the Soap chapter at its annual Aki photos of your event for from the San Francisco 55 Salisbury St. Nymph, Jade Chocolates, Matsuri celebration supported maximum exposure. Awakko-Ren with an odori Beefy & Co., Pigs Fly, Sente, Price: Adult $14 in part by an award from performance. Patricia Jeong and Totally Editor and founder of New Mexico Arts. This year’s FOR MORE INFO: Info: Register at sfkimonoday@ Oishii. Giant Robot Magazine Eric theme is “Mukashi Banashi: [email protected] gmail.com or visit http://sfkimi- Info: Visit www.kimochi-inc.org, Nakamura will explore the Japanese Folk Tales,” (213) 620-1767 nodayen.blog.132.fc2.com/. call (415) 931-2294 or email history and popular culture of featuring dancing, storytelling OBITUARIES Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 11 In Memoriam Ito, Sachiko, 83, Culver City, CA; friends; gc: 2. Toji, Robert Kazunobu, 63, TRIBUTE Aug. 16; she is survived by her Los Angeles, CA; Aug. 9; he is husband, Soki Ito; Tanaka, Joy Ihoko, 83, survived by his wife, Suzanne YUKIKO YUGE children, Christine Naomi (Kenji) Los Angeles, CA; July 20; she Mayumi Toji; children, Marcus Kobayashi and Andy (Mayumi) was an atomic bomb survivor; Mamoru Toji, Jared and Kirk Yukiko Yuge (94) passed away on May 8, 2015 in Gardena, CA. She Ito; siblings, Hideko (Keiichiro) she is survived by her husband, Nishikawa; siblings, Dean is predeceased by her husband, Kanji Yuge, and son, Steven Yuge; Sekiya, Machiko Bessho, Osamu Fred Tanaka; daughters, (Gisele) Toji, Suzanne (Michael) survived by her son, Kenneth (Dora) Yuge; grandson, Keith Yuge; sis- Setsuko (Kazuhiko) Nabeshima Cindy (Shigeto) Inoue and Cathy Tobin and Gail Finney; sister-in- ter, Midori (Roy) Sakamoto; brother-in-law, Masakazu Sameshima; and Koichi (Emiko) Bessho; she T. Tanaka; she is also survived law, Jamie (Tim) Hamano; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. is also survived by nieces, by nieces, nephews and other brother-in-law, Ron (Geri) T A private funeral service was held on Thursday, May 21, 2015, nephews and other relatives; gc: relatives. ostubo; he is also survived by n at L.A. Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. (213) 749-1449 2. other relatives and friends. www.kubotanikkeimortuary.com.

Makiyama, Ben Hayato, 82, TRIBUTE Rosemead, CA; Aug. 6; he is survived by his son, David Kazuo KEIJI JOHN HIRAGA TOSHIYE OHIGASHI Makiyama; daughter, Pamela Kimiye Makiyama; brother, James Keiji (Kei) John Hiraga was born Oct. Toshiye Ohigashi (92) passed away on June 28, 2015, in Santa Shoji (Takako) Makiyama; sister, 31, 1920, in Belvedere (East Los Ange- Monica. She is survived by her husband, Yutaka Ohigashi; son, Steven Takaye (Richard) Kawashima; les) CA. He passed away at his home in Ohigashi; granddaughter, Kristy Ohigashi; brothers-in-law, Itsuto (Shi- sister-in-law, Kiyomi Makiyama; Fresno, CA, on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at zuko) and Mamoru (Tetsuko) Ohigashi of Japan; sister-in-law, Suemi he is also survived by many the age of 94. Miyamoto; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives nephews, nieces and other Kei spent his early childhood in South- in the U.S. and Japan. relatives; gc: 3. ern California, eventually moving to A funeral service was held on Friday, July 31, 2015, at West L.A. Bud- Castroville, CA, where he graduated dhist Temple. (213) 749-1449 www.kubotanikkeimortuary.com. Takahashi, Masao, 91, Modesto, from Monterey HIgh School in 1939. In CA; July 25; he was a 100th and 1942, he and his family were interned 442nd veteran; he was during World War II, at Tule Lake Reloca- ASAKO SAKAI YAMASHITA predeceased by his brother, tion Center, CA. Kei joined the U.S. Army Hideo “Pete” and Yoshio “Weesh” in 1944, serving in the Military Intelligence Asako Sakai Yamashita died at the Takahashi; sisters, Mito Takeshita Service (MIS). He was stationed in the Philippine Islands and postwar age of 98 in Santa Cruz, CA. Born in and Toshi Nakahira; he is sur- Tokyo, Japan. He and other members of the MIS were recipients of the San Francisco, she was the fifth child in vived by his wife, Elma; children, Congressional Gold Medal in 2011. a family of nine children. Her Japanese Larry Scott (Susan Markee), After the war, he met and married his wife, Catherine, in Chicago, immigrant parents, Tei and Kitaichi Sakai, Donna (Dwayne McMullen), Gail IL. They resided in New York, Missouri and Kansas before settling in opened the Uoki Sakai Fish Market, oper- (Christian Schmitz) and Teresa Sanger, CA, where they resided for 50 years. Kei worked as a chick ated by the family for 103 years in Japan- (Eric Eaton) Takahashi; he is also sexer for 40 years, retiring in 1985. Kei could be found on the Airways town/Nihonmachi, San Francisco. Asako survived by many relatives and Golf Course or attending his grandsons’ sporting events. He was an graduated from the University of Califor- avid follower of football, his allegiance with the Los Angeles (St. Louis) nia, Berkeley, in 1941 with a degree in Rams and Sanger High Apaches. He also enjoyed track and field, and psychology. The following year, wartime served as an official at local track meets for many years. Executive Order 9066 forced the incar- Kei enjoyed spending time with his friends and relatives, especially ceration of 110,000 Japanese Americans in concentration camps, and over a meal that included shrimp tempura and orange chicken. Kei is Asako and her family were imprisoned in one of 10 camps — Topaz, survived by daughters, Donna Hiraga-Stephens (Alan Stephens) of in Delta, Utah. Returning to San Francisco at the end of the war, she Berkeley, CA, and Iris Hiraga of Fresno, CA; son, Ronald Hiraga (Gayle met and married the Rev. H. John Yamashita in 1948 and supported Nishikawa) of Albany, CA; and five grandsons, Evan and Cory Hiraga, his work at the Oakland West Tenth Methodist Church. In 1952, she Nicolas and Daniel Stephens, and Troy Higgins. He is also survived by moved with her husband and baby daughter to Los Angeles, continuing his brother, William (Willy), and his sister, Shirley Ito, as well as many to support John’s work at the Centenary Methodist Church and rais- in-laws, nieces and nephews and their families. ing two daughters. In the 1960s, she returned to school and received her teaching certificate from the University of Southern California. She taught elementary school in the Los Angeles Unified School District for TOSHIKO SHIMOURA 19 years. After John’s retirement from the ministry, the couple traveled together through Japan, Europe and South America. Asako also trav- Toshiko K. Shimoura, age 88, Feb. 28, 2015. Beloved wife of the eled with her sisters and close friends to over 50 countries across the late James N. Shimoura. Dearest mother of James, the late Gerald, world. And she took her grandchildren on many trips, from the Galapa- Steven and Susan (Gerald) Hane. Sister of the late Hideo Katsumoto, gos to Rome. In 2003, she moved from Gardena, CA, to Santa Cruz the late Tomi (Fred) Miyamoto, Kiyoshi (Irene Emiko) Katsumoto and to live with her daughter, Karen Tei Yamashita, professor of literature Takeshi (Eleanor) Katsumoto. Loving grandmother of Michael, Robert and creative writing at UCSC. Over the next 12 years, Asako tended and Elizabeth Shimoura; and Carolyn and Evan Hane. her garden of orchids, continued to be an avid reader, and attended Born and raised in Fremont, CA. Interned at Topaz, Utah, relocation classes and lectures, enjoying the company of UCSC colleagues and center during World War II. Proud attendee of Michigan State Univer- students. sity and graduate of University of California, Berkeley, Class of 1949 Asako was predeceased by her husband, Rev. H. John Yamashita; with a bachelor of science in public health. and is survived by daughters, Karen Tei Yamashita and Jane Tomi A dedicated community leader and volunteer for the Japanese Ameri- Boltz; their spouses, Ronaldo Lopes de Oliveira and Howard “Pat” can Citizens League Detroit Chapter for over 60 years. A professor and Boltz; grandchildren, Jane Tei and Jon Oliveira, Mary Jane and Lucy mentor in teaching and demonstrating the art of Ikebana flower arrang- Boltz; great-grandchildren, Milton, Andrew and Andrea Oliveira, and PLACE A TRIBUTE ing, and founding member of the Ikebana International Society-Detroit Javon Oliveira Chavez; sister, Iku Hopes of Evanston, Illinois; brother, Chapter. She was recognized for the promotion of Japanese culture in Dr. Hisaji Sakai of Walnut Creek, California; and many nieces, nephews ‘In Memoriam’ is a free the United States as the recipient of the Foreign Minister’s Commenda- and other relatives. listing that appears on a tion by the Government of Japan in 2014. A committal service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, limited, space-available basis. Memorial Service was held on Thursday, March 26, at Christ Church 2015, at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Ran- Tributes honor your loved Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, MI. cho Palos Verdes, CA. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. ones with text and photos and In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Memory on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, at Lake Park United Methodist Church, appear in a timely manner at of Toshiko Shimoura to the: “Ikebana International Society-Detroit 281 Santa Clara Ave., Oakland, CA. the rate of $20/column inch. Chapter #85”, c/o Stephanie Green, 9000 E. Jefferson Ave., Apt. 23- Contributions in Asako’s honor may be made payable to JACL, with Contact: 3, Detroit, MI 48214 or the “Japanese American Citizens League-Mike notation, “Rev. H. John & Asako Yamashita Memorial Scholarship [email protected] M. Masaoka Fellowship Fund,” Japanese American Citizens League, Fund” addressed to National Japanese American Citizens League, or call (213) 620-1767 attn: Business Office, 1763 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115. 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115. 12 Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2015 COMMENTARY CELEBRATION >> EXPERIENCE >> continued from page 3 continued from page 3

Also, the way we speak — some of us know a During the convention, I learned views in hopes to contribute to the lot, some hardly any at all — marks us as sort- more about social justice, racial JACL and the world. of-Japanese. That’s because most JA families equality and current political issues. All in all, I really enjoyed my arrived in the U.S. between the 1880s and 1924, It really surprised me that JACL experience as a youth representative when immigration from Japan was sealed off. was so involved in so many cur- in the 2015 National Convention, So, some of our culture, including some of our rent civil rights activities. I always and I wish to spread awareness of words, are old fashioned and little-used today. thought from growing up that the our existence to many more people. My favorite distinctly JA word is one I like organization was now more for I have learned so much about the to use to describe my book: “Being Japanese maintaining our civil liberties and goals of the JACL as well as its American” is a perfect “benjo book.” the group was most active during legacy from the past. Seeing how Benjo, or “O-benjo,” means “bathroom” to the time of internment and terrible the JACL functions first-hand, I am JAs, and to Japanese way back in the day. But segregation. That turned out to certain that I would like to become Japanese today use more refined words. The most definitely not be the case. a more active member and partici- polite term is o-te-arai, or “place to wash hands.” It also surprised me that the JACL pate in fighting whatever social or But most common today is toi-leh, which is how not only tackled political and social political issue that may arise. Japanese pronounce “toilet.” But JAs still use the problems regarding Japanese Amer- From what I saw during the con- old word. At the end of every big holiday feast as icans but also has recently expanded vention, the JACL will only grow people are leaving with the nokori or “leftovers,” its influence to other minority larger and widen its powerful, posi- you’ll hear Auntie so-and-so yell out, “Wait a groups such as African Americans tive influence to minority groups minute, I have to go benjo first.” and the LGBTQQIAAP community. around the globe. We are living in I tell audiences that my book is a perfect benjo It was extremely thought-provoking a rapidly evolving world, and the book. Japanese Americans guffaw and everyone I often sign my books with the phrase, and valuable to hear first-hand issues of today can only be solved else gives me a quizzical look. Japanese from Japan “To celebrate JA culture is to celebrate American stories from LGBT members through the dedicated, strategic frown slightly because they think I’m just being culture!” But I’m going to add a new phrase next to about their hardships and struggles approach of experienced, informed rude and crude. my signature: “Be JA!” growing up. civil rights advocates. But the book is organized in chapters with short Now that I’m of voting age, learn- I have high hopes that the JACL bits of text in the margins (common words and Gil Asakawa is a P.C. Editorial Board member ing about political issues such as will continue its strong influence phrases and their meanings, or quotes from JA and and former Board Chair. He is AARP’s AAPI these is becoming more important and aim to make the world a Japanese Canadians, and increasingly, mixed-race Marketing Communications Consultant, and for my development as a Japanese better place. people, about how they relate to the ethnic iden- he blogs at www.nikkeiview.com. A new revised American citizen. I now see the tity). So, it’s easy to read in small chunks, a few edition of his book, “Being Japanese American,” JACL as an invaluable organization Brandon Yee is the JACL minutes at a time. has just been published in August by Stone Bridge for me to be a part of. There, I can Philadelphia Chapter Youth Like I said, a perfect benjo book! Press. build up my political awareness and Representative. Having Trouble

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