Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL

Page 8 AN ANIMATED LIFE Willie Ito discusses his career achievements and what’s next.

JACCC Holds Bookstores Launch Commentary: Comedy ‘Remembering Sadako’ Murakami’s Latest Central’s ‘Drunk Tribute Page 6 Offering Page 11 History’ Page 13

#3239 / VOL. 159, No. 4 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 NATIONAL

represented us in good over evil could possibly HOW TO REACH US turn on us . . . .” Email: [email protected] JACL: DON’T MIX POLITICS The use of racism continues to plague the Online: www.pacificcitizen.org everyday lives of Asian Americans in the utter- Tel: (213) 620-1767 Fax: (213) 620-1768 ances by Groob and Nugent. It’s unfortunate AND RACISM Mail: 250 E. First St., Suite 301 that racist quips continue as a convenient tool Los Angeles, CA 90012 to inflame a pliable segment of the electorate. By JACL National STAFF The JACL has consistently railed against these Executive Editor he JACL issued the following statement posts, Kathy Groob, a Democratic activist and tactics because we know that provoking fear by Allison Haramoto on Aug. 7. the founder of a group called Elect Women, using racism is often effective. Assistant Editor The battle to win favor in the market- said, “She (Chao) isn’t from KY, she is Asian,” The JACL has stated repeatedly that it is Tiffany Ujiiye Tplace of political ideas took a distasteful turn and “Wedded to free trade China.” The posts important to confront racism wherever it Business Manager recently with racial rhetoric at a political rally were rebuked by the Democratic Party and appears. We cannot afford to be bystanders, Susan Yokoyama in Wyoming and in an election campaign in were taken down. especially when haters seek to spread fear. Kentucky. While speaking before the Big Horn Basin In the coming months, political campaigns Production Artist Marie Samonte Twitter posts attacked Elaine Chao, the Tea Party gathering, Nugent used the slur will seek to gain an advantage where the former secretary for the Department of Labor, “Japs” to underscore his notion of evil. In partisan divides are deep and where certain Circulation and musician Ted Nugent used a vile racial criticizing the government, he said, “ . . . we issues are extremely contentious. Eva Ting slur at a political rally. have bent over since World War II because It will be important for everyone to remain The Pacific Citizen newspaper Chao, who is married to Sen. Mitch McCon- we couldn’t believe that good — the univer- vigilant and respond where necessary because (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi- monthly (except once in nell (R-Ky.), was the target of a racial attack in sally celebrated good of America crushed the our best defenses for combating racism are December and January) by the an attempt to tarnish McConnell’s campaign universally understood evil of Japs and Nazis. education and the reliance on good people to Japanese American Citizens for the Senate in Kentucky. In several Twitter We couldn’t believe that the government that stand up, speak out and reject it. n League, Pacific Citizen, 250 E. First St., Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA POSTMASTER: Send address JACL DENOUNCES ‘JONAH FROM TONGA’ changes to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115

he JACL said Aug. 1 that it is Tongan teen living in Australia. “The JACL is disturbed that HBO would JACL President: David Lin “disturbed” by HBO’s decision to air a “Jonah and his Tongan peers are portrayed as condone such a racist and offensive show and National Director: Priscilla Ouchida new Australian “mocumentary” comedy disrespectful, aggressive and delinquent,” the urges HBO to pull ‘Jonah From Tonga’ from P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD Carol Kawamoto, chairperson; Tseries “Jonah From Tonga.” JACL said in a statement. “Numerous scenes its lineup.” Leona Hiraoka, EDC; Kevin In the series, a white Australian actor, Chris in the series mock or misrepresent Tongan The producers of “Jonah From Tonga” Miyazaki, MDC; Roberta Barton, Lilley, performs in brown makeup and culture and customs. Although styled as a describe it as “an adventurous journey into the CCDC; Jim Duff, NCWNPDC; Gabrielle Nomura, PNWDC; Gil a wig to depict Jonah, a young comedy, there is nothing clever or funny life of 14-year-old rebellious schoolboy Jonah Asakawa, IDC; John Saito Jr., about the harmful and offensive stereotypes Takalua, his family, friends and the crew of PSWDC; Kevin Mori, youth rep. perpetuated by ‘Jonah From Tonga.’ teachers and counselors who are exhaustively SUBSCRIBE “Too often, bigotry and racism are employed trying to help him channel his seemingly limit- Get a one-year subscription of the Pacific Citizen newspaper at: in the pursuit of humor; when done correctly, less energy into bigger and brighter things.” www.pacificcitizen.org or call satire can be a powerful weapon for revealing The cast includes Tama Tauli’I as Jonah’s (800) 966-6157 and skewering the irrationality and absurdity of brother, Isaia Noa as his father, Linda Horan ADVERTISE the racist ideas. Yet the juvenile and crude char- as his aunt, Jane Reupena-Niko as his cousin, To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, acterizations in ‘Jonah From Tonga’ only reveal Eigawe Hunt as his sister and Tevita Manu as call (800) 966-6157 or e-mail: [email protected] Lilley’s deep ignorance and disrespect of the his uncle. LEGAL Tongan people. The show has elicited protests from members No part of this publication may be “Whether the content of this series is accept- of Australia’s Pacific Islander communities. reproduced without the express able elsewhere, it is an affront to the sensibili- Prinnie Stevens, a former contestant on “The permission of the Pacific Citizen. Editorials, news and the opinions ties of American audiences who understand that Voice Australia,” posted on Facebook, “I have expressed by columnists other than honoring diversity implies a healthy respect for always despised the stereotypes that society put the national JACL president or national the dignity of all cultures. upon us as Tongans/Polynesian people.” n director do not necessarily reflect JACL policy. Events and products advertised in the Pacific Citizen do not carry the implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve Donate $150 or more to become a WALL OF FAMER; $200 or the right to edit articles. © 2014 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, more for a chance to win a cruise! Calif. and mailing office.

JACL member? Y N JACL MEMBERS Change of Address Name ...... If you’ve moved, Address ...... please send new information to: National JACL City ...... 1765 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA State ...... Zip ...... 94115 Allow 6 weeks for address changes. Phone ...... To avoid interrup- Email ...... tions in delivery, please notify your postmaster to Help the P.C. complete include periodicals our archive. in your change of address (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 3 NIKKEI VOICE HOW ARE ASIAN AMERICANS REACTING TO THE NEWS FROM FERGUSON?

By Gil Asakawa

just got back from a week in Washington, D.C., the country and the deadly volley of gunfire that killed four thinking about the state of race relations in America, both attending the Asian American Journalists Assn.’s students at Kent State University in 1970. then and now. annual convention. I sat in on a lot of interesting (and That night led to a brief peace, when the state’s governor But at the AAJA convention, conversations about Isome not-so-interesting) sessions about social media and assigned state patrol to take over for the overmilitarized Ferguson were private conversations among attendees, not journalism, about why it’s important to cover the Asian local police force. The state troopers are led by an African on panels. I heard Ferguson mentioned twice, once in a American Pacific Islander community, and lots of other American Ferguson native who chose a community-based, panel about covering the Asian American community and current topics in the news. nonconfrontational approach to calming the neighborhood. then by Jose Antonio Vargas, the Pulitzer Prize-winning But one topic was barely mentioned as part of the panel But tensions and violence resumed after a bungled Filipino journalist who’s an undocumented immigrant. discussions: The death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, an announcement of the name of the police officer who shot Richard Prince, an African American columnist for the unarmed African American man who was shot by a local Brown, and the next night, the governor announced a Maynard Institute, an organization for training journalists police officer in the small town of Ferguson, Mo., a suburb curfew. The National Guard was called in. of color, attended the AAJA convention and wrote a column of St. Louis. It’s been a huge ongoing breaking news story, and it’s not titled “Do Asian American Journalists Have a Stake in He was killed on Aug. 9, and for the next week — during over yet. Ferguson Story?” that calls out the lack of reaction to the AAJA convention — the tension in Ferguson between It’s easy to assume that the original shooting, the heavy- Ferguson. protesters and law enforcement has been front and center handed military reaction and curfew are racially-based. I don’t have an easy answer why Ferguson wasn’t the in the news. The suburb of Ferguson is mostly black, but the local official buzz at our convention. The programming was The scenes during the first nights, when local police police department of 53 officers only includes three black decided months ago, and the organizers weren’t prepared showed off their military hardware and went after protesters officers. That’s why images from the civil rights struggles to fold in an all-new topic in an ad hoc fashion; “people with tear gas, evoked nothing less than the civil rights era —marchers being attacked with water cannons and snarling here are focusing on jobs and career, and you tend to be of the early 1960s, the 1968 Democratic Convention in police dogs — come to mind with little prompting. in a bubble” at conventions (according to AAJA President Chicago or anti-war protests on college campuses across These parallels should have all of us, including AAPIs, Paul Cheung). >> See FERGUSON on page 16 FTW: FOR THE WIN ARE YOU A FAN?

By Tiffany Ujiiye

n a conversation with someone over dinner, I was had conveniently landed in my face when I turned to see ujiiye explaining my time at Comic Con, and I said something that the booth had started to hand out free posters of the along the lines of “the fans were crazy, and Comic Con new “Avengers” film. I later discovered that these posters tiffany

Iwas crazy.” : were again limited and a one-time deal going for handsome It’s hard to make sense of the ridiculously elaborate prices on eBay.com. These fans were insane. They were costumes people made and wore all through San Diego’s photo obsessed. 2014 Comic Con International, which was held July 24-27 My dinner date cut me off and asked, “You do know what at the San Diego Convention Center. There were Marvel fan is short for, right?” I stopped chewing and thought superheroes, the entire Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle about it, slightly offended. gang and characters I have never even heard of before “Well, it means fanatic,” he said. Up until that point, all smashed into one place. I had never given the word fan much thought. What comes On my first day, I remember taking a good look at the to mind when I imagine fans are screaming girls at a boy Exhibit Hall map. The building’s 525,701 gross square feet band concert or an entire sports arena cheering on their was covered in all things popular culture — you name it, respective teams, but in this case, I would see the latex- and it was there: video games, comic books, graphic novels, Suited up female fans of “Halo” were just some of covered Captain America in 84 percent humidity and movies, TV shows and so much more. the thousands of fanatics at this year’s Comic Con. 77-degree weather. Crazy, right? Then there were the lines and lines and even more lines to Oxford English Dictionaries defines a fanatic as wait for panels, special releases and exhibits. Visitors would Some fans would start their day at 5 a.m. to wait in line “a person with an obsessive interest in and enthusiasm spend hours or even days waiting in partitioned rows to for several hours before the convention opened to have a for something.” That’s fair; I would consider some fans at watch the latest “Walking Dead” season on AMC or watch chance to buy limited-edition toys. This is true because Comic Con a little obsessive. Yet, the definition and history a sneak peak of the next “Avengers” movie. I could feel I ran into a college friend who had done just that to of fandom, especially in the United States, is incomplete this incredible hunger from crowds hustling to be in the purchase his Batman figurine! and widespread. same space as these actors, creators, artists, writers and By random chance, I was strolling past the Marvel booth culture icons. when suddenly a wave of bodies came over me. An elbow >> See FAN on page 16 4 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 NATIONAL JAPAN MARKS HIROSHIMA APAs in the News Doi Todd Receives Margaret Brent Award ANNIVERSARY CHICAGO — Associate Justice Kathryn Doi Todd (retired) is the recipient of the 2014 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Mayor Kazumi Achievement Award. Given annually by the American Bar Association Commission Matsui invites world on Women in the Profession on Aug. 10 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston during the ABA Annual Meeting, Todd joins leaders to visit such previous honorees as Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court. A-bombed cities. Todd became a lawyer after working as a secretary in a law office in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, where she helped Japanese Americans with their legal issues. She went on By Associated Press to open her own office, becoming one of only three Japanese American women lawyers in the L.A. area. TOKYO — Japan marked the 69th Todd was then appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the Los Angeles Municipal Court, anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima making her the first female Asian Pacific American justice in the U.S. In 1981, she was on Aug. 6, with the city’s mayor inviting appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court, and in 2000, she served on the California world leaders to see atomic bomb-scarred Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, where she remained until her retirement cities first-hand to be convinced that nuclear in 2013. weapons should not exist. The ABA Women Lawyers of Achievement Award honors outstanding women lawyers Speaking before a crowd of survivors, their who have achieved professional excellence in their area of specialty and have actively descendants and dignitaries including U.S. The Hiroshima Peace Arch Dome, paved the way to success for others. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the mayor which honors atomic bomb victims. The award is named for Margaret Brent, the first woman lawyer in America. urged U.S. President Barack Obama and others to visit, referring to a proposal made Albert Shen Named National Deputy Director of the MBDA at a ministerial meeting in April of the Non- as “hibakusha,” was just more than 190,000 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Albert Shen has been tapped to serve as Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative in this year. Their average age is 79, and many national deputy director of the Minority Business Development Hiroshima. of the attendants at the ceremony were Agency, announced MBDA National Director Alejandra Castillo on “President Obama and all leaders of their younger relatives and descendants. Aug. 1. nuclear-armed nations, please respond to that Hiroshima officials said that 5,507 survivors Shen, a second-generation Chinese American and native of call by visiting the A-bombed cities as soon died over the past year. Washington state, will manage the agency’s day-to-day operations as possible to see what happened with your The anniversary comes as Japan is divided and its national network of 44 business centers. own eyes,” Mayor Kazumi Matsui said. “If over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s recent “I am honored to accept this appointment . . . and I look forward to elevating the you do, you will be convinced that nuclear Cabinet decision to allow the country’s narrative of economic development importance for all minority businesses in this country. weapons are an absolute evil that must no military to defend foreign countries and The demographics of our economy are changing rapidly and minority businesses must longer be allowed to exist.” play greater roles overseas. To achieve the be at the policy table in order to close the wealth gap in the United States and meet the About 45,000 people stood for a minute of goal, Abe’s Cabinet revised its interpretation demands of a competitive 21st century international economy.” silence at the ceremony in Hiroshima’s peace of Japan’s post-World War II pacifist The MBDA is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global park near the epicenter of the 1945 bombing constitution. competitiveness of U.S. minority-owned businesses. that killed up to 140,000 people. The Abe said at the event that as the sole country bombing of Nagasaki three days later killed to suffer nuclear attacks, Japan has the duty Toshiko Shimoura Is Awarded Japan’s Foreign Minister Commendation another 70,000, prompting Japan’s surrender to seek to eliminate nuclear weapons. But he MICHIGAN — Toshiko Shimoura of Southfield, Mich., has been in World War II. did not mention his push for a more assertive selected as one of 10 individuals in the U.S. to receive the Foreign The number of surviving victims, known defense posture. n Minister’s Commendation by the government of Japan. This honor is conferred on individuals and groups each year for outstanding efforts and valuable contributions to mutual understanding and friendly relations with Japan. PLANNED GIVING ENABLES Shimoura attended Michigan State University after spending her high school years in an internment camp during World War II. Upon earning a degree in microbiology, she worked as a bicounty laboratory director before returning to Michigan YOU TO HELP YOURSELF and becoming active in her community to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions about Japanese and Japanese American citizens. She is a longtime leader of the Detroit chapter of the JACL. WHILE SUPPORTING YOUR In addition, she has served as an ikebana instructor for many years, working to promote a cross-cultural understanding between Japanese and Americans through her intricate floral arrangements. FAVORITE CHARITY Shimoura will receive her honor from Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Detroit, in an upcoming award ceremony. By Steve Okamoto, JACL Planned Giving Minami Tamaki LLP Attorneys Named to ‘Best Lawyers’ List lanned giving provides donors with a unique opportunity to help themselves SAN FRANCISCO — financially while supporting their favorite charities. Minami Tamaki LLP As head of JACL’s Planned Giving effort, I am available to explain these surprising partners Dale Minami, B. Pbenefits in easy-to-understand terms. Mark Fong and Seth I. I can offer members compelling suggestions for helping others while helping themselves Rosenberg have been through the same donation. This approach makes it possible to make a tax-deductible gift to Fong Kwok Tamaki selected by their peers for the JACL while retaining the right to receive payments. inclusion in the 21st edition The most popular tool to accomplish this is a charitable remainder trust. The No. 1 benefit of the Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation — from a CRT is: Plaintiffs. It is the second year in a row that Minami, Fong and Rosenberg have received To exchange highly appreciated but low-yielding property into a lifetime stream while this honor. avoiding the capital gains taxes that would be owed if the property were sold. Since the In addition, partner Minette Kwok was honored for the practice area of Immigration property is donated to a CRT, it is not subject to estate taxes. Law. To learn more about this very popular Planned Giving tool, contact Steve Okamoto at Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers uses a peer-review survey of nearly [email protected]. 50,000 attorneys to select the lawyers who are named to the list. n COMMUNITY Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 5

at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds TULE LAKE HOLDS ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE and the Tule Lake Pilgrimage cultural program at the Ross Ragland Theater in This year’s theme, ‘Criminalizing Dissent: The Tule Lake Jail,’ Klamath Falls, Ore. This year’s keynote speaker was Wayne focuses on validating and honoring the experience of those Merrill Collins, son of the late Wayne Mortimer Collins, who is revered among who dissented during WWII. Tule Lake’s segregants as a passionate defender of Japanese American civil rights. ina he Tule Lake Committee hosted Collins spoke of the government’s the biennial four-day pilgrimage forced removal and wartime incarceration

kiyoshi program as a source of duress that led

over the July 4 holiday weekend to : Tconnect pilgrims with the historic Tule Lake thousands of U.S. citizens to give up their Segregation Center and its turbulent and photo citizenship and of his father’s 20-year fight complicated history. to help thousands of Japanese Americans More than 350 participants came from reverse the damage done to them by this all across the United States and Japan to unprecedented denationalization and take part in the journey. Departing from deportation program. West Coast cities including Berkeley, Eugene, Olympia, Portland, San Francisco, nps San Jose, Seattle and Union City, they : traveled by bus, which is an integral part of the pilgrimage, as it allows the pilgrims photo to create a community that reflects on the experience of those who were forced from their homes on the West Coast in 1942 and imprisoned in 10 War Relocation Authority A group photo of pilgrims born at Tule Lake camps and other detention facilities in remote areas all over the U.S., including of documentaries including “Cats of At the jail, pilgrims Tule Lake. Mirikitani,” “From a Silk Cocoon,” “Jimmy were greeted by Jimi This year’s theme was “Criminalizing Murakami: Non Alien” and “A Flicker in Yamaichi, who spoke Pilgrims took part in a hike on Castle Rock. Dissent: The Tule Lake Jail.” According to Eternity.” about the Army stockade the TLC, the focus was on segregation and Many participants also took part in and the jail’s construction. the 12,000 dissidents who were branded as the Castle Rock hike; this year, the At Camp Tulelake, the Tanimoto brothers This year’s Tule Lake Pilgrimage was “disloyal” and imprisoned at the maximum- oldest person to make it to the summit recalled their detention after their housing a powerful and healing event, one that security Tule Lake Segregation Center. was 84 years old, a mere teenager when block protested the loyalty questionnaire. allowed those who gathered to reflect on Dissent became a crime that led to a incarcerated at Tule Lake. The other tour was collaboratively the injustice of the wartime incarceration lifetime of stigma, a stigma that, to this day, The TLC and the National Park Service conducted by Cultural Resource Manager as well as honor those individuals who is still felt within the community. worked together to offer participants Jessica Middleton and TLC’s Barbara Takei, suffered a lifetime of humiliation and The goal of the Tule Lake Pilgrimage two separate options for tours of the and it focused on historic use, significance stigma. was to lift that stigma, validate the historic site. and potential future uses for the National The Tule Lake Unit is open year round experience of those who dissented and Tour buses staffed by NPS rangers and Historical Landmark area and its existing and offers tours on Saturdays in the create an environment where understanding, volunteers visited a latrine foundation, structures, including the carpenter shop, summer. acceptance and healing can take place. jail, California State Historic Site marker stockade and two motor pool buildings. For more information or to schedule a The program was packed full of activities and Camp Tulelake, where interpretive At the invitation of the TLC, members of ranger-led tour for other times, call and sessions. There were also viewings presentations were given. the local community also attended activities (530) 260-0537. BRIDGING COMMUNITIES: Building Communities of Courage By JACL National Staff from the island and those who devel- oped the memorial site. These record- he national program Bridg- ed interviews will be used to create an matsumoto ing Communities of the educational video to help preserve and JACL recently took a group interpret the legacy of the memorial. jason Tof high school students to the Ni- : After the pilgrimage, students doto Nai Yoni “Let It Not Happen collaborated with each other to photo Again” Bainbridge Island Japanese produce a short media presentation that American Exclusion Memorial in embodied the collective message Washington. behind the memorial through eyes of The memorial is located on the their generation. Students presented former Eagledale ferry dock where their work and personal reflections to on March 30, 1942, 227 Americans their communities on June 28. of Japanese decent were forcibly re- Bridging Communities: Building moved from their homes and unjust- Communities of Courage is located in ly incarcerated during World War II. Seattle and is a collaboration between It is also the satellite site of the Mini- the Bainbridge Island Historical Mu- Participants of Seattle’s Bridging Communities program at the Bainbridge Island doka National Historic Site in Idaho. seum, Power of Words Committee of Japanese American Exclusion Memorial This year, the program featured the JACL Seattle Chapter, Bainbridge two main sessions: an interactive Island Japanese American Community workshop and an educational trip to the During the trip, Clarence Moriwa- “Learning about the memorial from a (BIJAC) and Muslim Association of Puget Bainbridge Island Japanese American Ex- ki, president of the Bainbridge Island classroom is very different from actually Sounds (MAPS). The program is funded, clusion Memorial. The interactive workshop Japanese American Exclusion Memorial walking down and visiting the memorial,” in part, by a grant from the Department of engaged participants in lively discussions Assn., immersed the students in the history said high school student Mikayla Kato. the Interior, National Park Service, and and activities focusing on self-identity, com- of the island through an interactive tour of Students also had the opportunity to inter- Japanese American Confinement Sites munity and stereotypes and propaganda. the memorial. view those who were formerly incarcerated Grant Program. n 6 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 IN-DEPTH SHINING A LIGHT ON PEACE AND ho . k

connie

HARMONY :

The JACCC photos holds a three-day ‘Remembering Sadako’ celebration festival.

By Connie K. Ho Contributor

star shining bright to shield from the cold, inori, inori, say a prayer for harmony.” Yuji Sasaki held a guitar in his arms, strumming and singing these words about compassion and ‘Aharmony. The nephew of Sadako Sasaki, the young victim of the Hiroshima atomic bomb who attempted to fold 1,000 origami cranes in a symbol of peace, was a participant in the three-day festival “Remembering Sadako: Folding for Peace.” Held in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo from Aug. 1-3 at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, the Folded paper cranes and a copies of Sadako event brought together community members and performers Sasaki’s story at the “Remembering Sadako” in hopes of remembering Sadako Sasaki’s life and spreading event at the Japanese American Cultural and her message of empathy and understanding. Community Center

One of the highlights of the weekend was a speak- ing event by Masahiro Sasaki, Sadako Sasaki’s older brother, who traveled from his home in Fukuoka, Ja- pan, to present at the JACCC. Following the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima in 1945, his 12-year- old sister was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in wish would come true. She began to fold the cranes from 1955. His presentation to the crowd in the JACCC’s Garden wrappings of her medicine and gifts from visitors. She Room was moving and brought tears to those in attendance. passed away before she was able to complete the 1,000 Sasaki was able to lead an intimate and engaging cranes, but her classmates helped to finish the remaining conversation at the “Remembering Sadako event,” something number and buried the cranes with her. that hasn’t been done in the past. He recounted the bomb- “We must continue to tell of these tragedies, however we ing of Hiroshima, how flames engulfed his family’s home, should not speak with resentful hearts. In exchange for her leaving nothing but rubble. The bomb happened all in an life, this is the lesson Sadako has taught me, and so in her instant, and people were left in disfigured form while iron, short life, this is what she has left behind,” Sasaki said. stone and glass were all melted in the blast. One of the students who helped raise money for Sadako “War provokes people to kill one another. It decays the hu- Sasaki’s monument in Hiroshima also spoke about her expe- man mind, it causes an affectionate heart of mercy to burst rience. During that time, 3,000 schools across Japan partici- into scorching flames of hatred. Please remember that- ha pated in the fundraiser. The grassroots efforts, which led to tred only breeds hatred,” said Sasaki through a translator. the construction of the Children’s Monument in Hiroshima He spoke about his sister’s experience growing up and Peace Park, were initiated in memory of the children who staying in the hospital for treatment. When she was diag- were lost in the atomic bombing. nosed with subacute lymphocytic leukemia, she started to “When I was in high school, she was about 12 and I was 18 keep count of her white blood cell count without others years old, I went to high school in Hiroshima, and I heard knowing. Tracking this data helped her see how long she about her sad story from our classmates. We all felt so sad, had left with family and friends. and we felt we had to do something to remember her strug- “Despite knowing she had little time to live, she accepted gle and then also let the other people know how important to it without complaint or bitterness. She was always calm and say no more Hiroshima,” said Toshie Mosher of San Marino, composed in her behavior, and she kept her pain and suffer- Calif. “Sadako’s story became so big, and it inspired every- Masahiro Sasaki speaks to a crowd in the Garden ing wrapped in her little, compassionate heart. It was in this body. I still admire what she did. After I hear the story from Room, fondly remembering his sister’s strength and way that she showed us all a remarkable way in which to Sadako’s brother, it makes me feel more admiration to her. determination while battling leukemia. live,” Sasaki said. I’m kind of hoping her legacy will spread all over the world, Sadako Sasaki believed that if she folded 1,000 cranes, her and then we will have a much more peaceful world.” IN-DEPTH Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 7

The Grateful Crane Ensemble and Yuji Sasaki (with guitar), Sadako Sasaki’s nephew, perform a special A Sadako monument stands in her honor in bilingual performance of “Inori – Sadako’s Prayer” at the “Remembering Sadako” event. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan.

Later that night, the Concert for Peace was hosted at the The second annual celebration of peace also included a tea next year’s “Remembering Sadako” event. For 2015, the Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo. Grammy award-winning ceremony dedicated to peace, an interfaith ceremony and an organization has plans to make the event even bigger as it is singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester took to the stage to origami-folding workshop. The JACCC aims to fold 3,000 the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing. perform famed hits such as “Through the Eyes of Love” and cranes. Last year, one strand of paper cranes was sent to “We’re trying to build the relationship with Japan and the “Don’t Cry Out Loud.” She was joined by saxophonist Justin Sadako Sasaki’s elementary school and another strand was Consulate General of Los Angeles has been very supportive Klunk and multi-instrumentalist David Lindley. sent to a museum at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This year, the — building bridges across the country and really positioning “People that have attended really appreciated Melissa organization hopes to have one strand of paper cranes to Japanese Americans as that bridge between the two Manchester’s performance and the feeling she brought forth. keep in Los Angeles, another to be taken back to Hiroshima countries,” Ito said. n She had been blogging all week about peace, posting on with the Sasaki family and a third strand will be given to Facebook about her thoughts on peace, so it was nice to have the family of a “Remembering Sadako” committee member her in the mix to help us spread the message,” said Leslie Ito, who recently passed away. president and CEO of JACCC. “I think the overall feeling and The song “Inori,” commemorating the life of his aunt message was peace and children and Sadako Sasaki, was also performed by singer-songwriter really showing compassion to each Yuji Sasaki. other. I know that with the current “Folding cranes one by one, she always believed, someday world events, peace and a push for she would be free from the pain in her heart. In a world peace is a really important message, where peace would reign, no wars to be fought, and every especially with what’s happening in child will find happiness,” he crooned. “She gazed into the the Middle East right now,” Ito said. night sky and made a wish, that someday she could be a “People really enjoy being a part of shining star. Her light will guide the world to a better place, something, and it’s very tangible every one will live together in eternal peace and happiness.” and it’s the act of participating On the third day of the program, there was a live, interactive in something bigger that really storytelling performance of Sadako Sasaki’s life presented appeals to people. That’s what I’m by the Grateful Crane Ensemble in the Doizaki Gallery of really trying to do — to engage the JACCC. people in the arts and culture.” The group performed the children’s story “The Tortoise In addition, the JACCC has and the Hare,” as well as book songs like “Where Does the been working on strengthening Wind Blow?” relations with key “This event brings the community together to where contacts in everything started in a way,” said Japan for Candace Watase, a volunteer from Whittier, Calif.

(From left) The Grateful Cranes’ Haruye Ioka, Darrell Kunitomi, Shawn Shimoda, Helen Ota and Keiko Kawashima also conducted interactive storytelling performances of popular children’s stories. 8 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 IN-DEPTH ujiiye

tiffany : AN photos Animated LIFE Willie Ito is awarded the Inkpot Award at this year’s Comic Con International, where he also announces the premiere of his latest book ‘Kimiko’ in 2015.

By Tiffany Ujiiye Assistant Editor animated film “Lady and the Tramp” with mentor Iwao Takamoto and the 1957 short “What’s Opera, Doc?” dur- n the sea of costumed Batmans, Super Marios, Sailor ing his time at Warner Bros. under the direction of Chuck Moons and all things pop culture was an 80-year-old Jones. Later, Ito went on to animate “The Beany and Cecil man with a sun-faded Disney baseball cap in a pat- Show” with Bob Clampett and then “The Flintstones,” “The terned green Hawaiian shirt and slacks. Jetsons” and many other cartoons IAt this year’s 2014 Comic Con International in San Di- at Hanna-Barbera. ego, Calif., artist Willie Ito was awarded the Inkpot Award Today, Ito is working on his third book, which is titled on July 26 for his 60 years of achievement in animation. “Kimiko,” about a Nisei girl living in San Francisco. The Inkpot Award is an honor given to professionals in The children’s book is a parallel to Ito’s life experience the fields of comic books, comic strips, animation, science growing up in Japantown and his memories from Topaz. fiction and other related areas of pop culture. Past recipients “I want to talk about Topaz,” Ito explained. “You don’t include such icons as Ray Bradbury, Will Eisner, Hayao always hear about Topaz, and so it made sense to do a Miyazaki, Stan Sakai and Steven Spielberg, to name a few. book about it.” “I always thought that possibly one day I might deserve “Kimiko” will premiere in 2015 at the opening of the it,” Ito said of his honor. “I truly never expected it.” Topaz Museum and Education Center in Delta, Utah. Since 1991, the San Diego Convention Center has housed Ito, along with other former internees, attended the mu- Comic Con International, the world’s largest hive of all seum’s groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 4, 2012, and he things pop culture, dedicated to creating awareness and plans on returning for its opening. No official date has been appreciation for the genre. These platforms include any- announced yet, but Ito expects to finish “Kimiko” in time thing from comic books to full feature films to toys and for opening day. everything else in between. The four-and-a-half day event Back in 2005, Ito and Shig Yabu, a childhood friend, swallows downtown San Diego in art and media, attract- collaborated on creating and publishing “Hello Maggie” ing more than 130,000 attendees from all over the world. and “A Boy of Heart Mountain” under Yabitoon Books, a Yet, in the middle of the foot traffic hovering over the latest publishing company the collaborators created themselves. “Avengers” film or AMC’s “Walking Dead” panel was a Both tomes drew from their creators’ experiences of being remembrance to animation’s golden years. incarcerated during WWII and the need to further educate Leslie Combemale of ArtInsights, a gallery specializing children on what life was like during the war. Willie Ito holds his Inkpot Award, given to him by in animation and film art located in Virginia, discussed Ito’s Today, readers can find these books on Amazon.com and Comic Con International, moments before the life, revisiting his childhood at Topaz Internment Camp in at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, spotlight discussion with Leslie Combemale of Utah and his time after World War II as an animator. the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in Wyoming, the ArtInsights. During his career, Ito helped animate such renown proj- Japanese American Veterans Assn. in Virginia and other ects as the famous spaghetti scene in Walt Disney’s 1955 Japanese American booksellers and museums. IN-DEPTH Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 9

At Comic Con, Ito happily signed autographs for his fans.

While “Kimiko” is his latest project, Ito’s love for animation and drawing started almost 75 years ago in San Francisco at a local theater in Japantown. “This one day I truly had an epiphany,” Ito explained to the Comic Con audience while accepting his award. A 5-year-old Ito and his father, Will Katsuichi Ito, had gone to see Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The film premiered in December 1937 in full Technicolor A collection of autographed and hand-drawn art pieces illustrated by Ito, including iconic characters and and was a boxoffice success, becoming 1938’s top-grossing scenes he drew during his 45-year animation career sound film. “I was sitting in this theater, and in living Technicolor came seven little men marching across the screen. My fate checking each car entering the city and asking for “They called in an Asian guy to see my portfolio, and I was sealed, and after the film, my father took me to the identification. really needed that,” Ito said about his Disney job interview. Woolworth store and he bought be a Dopey bank,” “I thought, ‘Gee, what’s going on?’” Ito explained. “I had just left the comfort of Japantown and now I’m here Ito recalled. “Finally, we saw the newsstands and it read, ‘War.’ I never in Hollywood. It was a different world with not a lot of To this day, Ito has the Dopey bank that he was unable to knew what that word meant until I found out that Pearl Asian people, and even though it was only nine years after bring with him when he and his family were incarcerated at Harbor was attacked by the Japanese.” the war, I didn’t know what reaction I would get. When Topaz. His memories of life in camp are still very vivid in A profound hysteria created by inflammatory journalism I saw Iwao, the anxiety was drained.” his mind. spread fear in the U.S., leading President Franklin D. The apprentice-mentor relationship was as rewarding as it Ito first learned about the war on a Sunday afternoon Roosevelt to sign Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942. was challenging for young Ito. when he, his aunt and his future uncle were returning to The exclusion act incarcerated Japanese Americans from “Iwao would chop up my drawings, criticize it and San Francisco after spending a day at the beach in Santa the West Coast outside of Hawaii and forced them into change it. He was such a perfectionist — he wanted to Cruz. Ito saw the armed guards with their weapons, detention centers within the western United States. As see perfection,” Ito remembered. “I would go back to my a result, more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent desk totally devastated, and I thought I should’ve taken my were forced to leave their homes and businesses behind. father’s advice.” For Ito, it was not just all of the above but also his Ito’s father had suggested early in his career that Ito attend prized Dopey bank. barber college to obtain a license should his animation job “(Before the war,) I put the Dopey bank on my fall through. Although his family was supportive of his time dresser, and every morning I would see my Dopey. in Hollywood, they were always concerned about the late His character made an impression on me, and it was a nights Ito spent in the studio. magnificent feeling,” Ito said. “It was one of the most “But I grew a thick skin,” Ito said with a smile. “This valued things I had, and suddenly, I couldn’t take it business isn’t for everyone, and a lot of people hated it, but with me. We could only take what we could carry in I always saw it as a learning experience. The criticism made two hands.” me a lot stronger.” Ito continued his love for animation in camp, After a year and a half at Disney, Ito was hired at Warner drawing on Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Montgomery Bros. He then moved to Hanna-Barbera for 14 years, Ward & Co. catalogs that his family received every working with Clampett before making another jump to three months. Within the catalog margins, Ito would Sanrio. draw Disney characters, including Dopey, in random The comic strip department was dissolved when Ito sketches and then animate them by flipping the pages returned to Disney years later. However, he spent another with his fingers. 23 years there until he retired as the director of Disney After the war, Ito’s family returned to their former Character Art International, working with international home in San Francisco, which was kept safe thanks offices to mentor artists and making sure the integrity of to a Chinese American family. Upon first re-entering Disney characters were maintained. the house, Ito ran upstairs to his bedroom, where he Now retired and working on “Kimiko,” Ito is also found his Dopey bank still sitting on the dresser. working on a coloring book for “Hello Maggie” and “A Ito’s 45-year animation career began several years Boy of Heart Mountain.” Today, he lives with his wife, later when he landed his first job at age 19 at Walt Rosemary, in Monterey Park, Calif. Together, they have Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif. During that four adult children, six grandchildren and two great- time, he was attending the Chouinards Art Institute grandchildren. His house is full of cartoon memorabilia in Los Angeles and worked as an apprentice and and, of course, his beloved Dopey bank. inbetweener, a job title given to animation students. Ito’s love for animation, Dopey and life continues, and It was at Disney that he assisted with the production the stories never end. Even today, Ito still sits at his drawing of “Lady and the Tramp” and later 1967’s “The table, taking on new projects about old memories. n Jungle Book,” mentoring under Takamoto. 10 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 COMMUNITY SACRAMENTO HOLDS FORUM ON THE 1984

Temple that killed an estimated 3,000 Dave Jones, State Assemblyman Roger SIKH GENOCIDE IN INDIA people; the October assassination of Gandhi Dickinson, Sacramento County D.A.-elect by her two Sikh bodyguards; and the No- Ann Marie Schubert and State Assembly- vember massacre of thousands of innocent woman Mariko Yamada.

ensaaf Sikhs, including more than 3,000 in the Yamada has been an especially strong : capital of New Delhi. backer of the Sikh community, saying

photo Local veterinarian Gupreet Singh told that “the first step toward reconciliation the forum of his experiences when he was is acknowledging the facts.” Yamada also a 15 year old in New Delhi. He saw mobs sponsored the successful 2012 California chasing and attacking Sikhs in the park. Workplace Religious Freedom Act to help Some people were saved only due to com- prevent discrimination against Sikh, passionate Hindu neighbors who were able Muslim and Jewish religious dress. to hide them. Amar Shergill wrote that community Elk Grove Unified School Board member friends need to understand “the significant Bobbi Singh Allen, who is a Sikh, shared role that the events of 1984 continue to play that on a 1988 family trip to India, the in the lives of local Sikhs. Many families in police were still ominously looking for our region were personally affected by the her outspoken Sikh father. Allen said that genocide and its aftermath.” He shared at “our government apologized to the Native the forum that there is currently a “growing Americans and Japanese Americans, so right wing fundamentalist culture in India, must the Indian government.” putting Sikhs and other minorities at risk.” In 2010, Sikh religious leaders labeled the Basim El-Karra, executive director of the mass murder of these innocent men, women Council on American Islamic Relations — and children as “genocide carried out to Sacramento Valley, echoed those concerns. Protesters in India rally against the killing of Sikhs and the ensuing government eliminate Sikhs from the country.” He told forum attendees that in 2002, Indian cover up. The Indian Central Bureau of Investiga- mobs massacred 1,000 innocent Muslims tion finally concluded in a 2012 report that under similar circumstances in Gujarat the ruling Congress party and New Delhi State, then under Chief Minister Narendra By Andy Noguchi of their religious devotion. police had organized and backed the 1984 Modi’s leadership. Today, Modi is the Civil Rights Co-Chair of the Florin JACL There are 23 million Sikhs worldwide, massacre. “Of 32 members of the Congress prime minister of India. including 500,000 in the U.S. according to Party identified (in the attacks), no case Marielle Tsukamoto, president of the he 1984 slaughter of thousands of statistics presented at the forum. “Ninety- against them was ever brought,” stated Florin JACL chapter and a young prisoner Sikhs in India horrified a Sacra- nine percent of those wearing turbans in forum speaker Bachittar Singh of Ensaaf, in the World War II concentration camps mento crowd of 75, including many the U.S. are Sikhs,” explained one speaker. a human rights group seeking justice for for Japanese Americans, agreed on the Telected officials and 15 other Asian and The Sikh American community, facing the victims. importance of defending human rights. Pacific Islander American reps supporting unfair backlash after 9/11, have been key Several community groups attended the Tsukamoto said that she learned something the Sikh community, at the “Remembering pillars of civil and human rights efforts in event, including the Chinese American important at the forum, and Americans have the 1984 Anti-Sikh Pogroms” forum on July recent years. Council of Sacramento, which was repre- “an obligation to look beyond our borders.” 16, which was sponsored by the American Sikhs in India have a long history of sented by leaders Honey Lum, Joyce Eng The American Sikh Political Action Sikh Political Action Committee along pushing for equality, democracy, freedom and Alex Eng. Joyce Eng commented that Committee continues to educate others with Amar Shergill and Darshan Mundy. and autonomy, as shown in their Anandpur unknown to her and other Americans at through a public solidarity letter as the November marks the 30th anniversary of Resolution of 1973. Some Sikhs have the time, these atrocities were “perpetrated 30th anniversary of the 1984 massacre the Sikh genocide in India. advocated for full independence. by elected officials and law enforcement approaches in November. Sikhs are the fifth-largest world religion The ruling Indian government strongly agents. This is a horrific crime and should and concentrated in the Punjab State of repressed this movement, often resulting not be tolerated by anybody.” For more information, visit www. India, where they make up about 2 percent in tragedy. This included the June 1984 Many public officials also came to the facebook.com/AmericanSikhPAC. For of the country’s population. Men are often military attack ordered by Prime Minister forum to show their support, including information on the human rights group distinguished by beards and turbans, a sign Indira Gandhi against the holy Sikh Golden California State Insurance Commissioner Ensaaf, visit www.ensaaf.org/.

GO FOR BROKE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF SECOND ANNUAL STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST he Go For Broke National about the Nisei soldier experi- heroic stories are not forgotten,” Education Center is proud to ence. In all, the GFBNEC re- said Don Nose, president of the Tannounce the winners of its 2014 ceived more than 220 essays from GFBNEC. High School and College Student all over the country. Winners hail GFBNEC acknowledges the Essay Contest. Thirteen students from California, Florida, Hawaii, Pacific Global Investment - Man will share $6,000 in prize money. Idaho, Maryland and Washington. agement Co. and an anonymous Christopher James Lindsay, A panel of local student educa- donor for sponsoring its cash a freshman at Iolani School in tors served as judges. Students prize awards. Honolulu, won the top prize in wrote about the heroic accom- The 30 winning essays will the high school division for his plishments of the Nisei soldiers be presented in a booklet at the essay “Silent Heroes.” Spencer and how these men served as in- Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner, Tanaka, a sophomore at Califor- spiration in their own 21st century which is celebrating its 25th anni- nia State Polytechnic University, lives. versary on Sept. 27 at the Westin took home first place among col- “This contest provided a won- Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in lege and university students. Each derful opportunity for students to downtown Los Angeles. recipient will receive $1,000 for connect to the Nisei veteran story their achievement. in a meaningful way and ensure For more information, visit Students were asked to write that the lessons embodied in these www.goforbroke.org. COMMUNITY/NATIONAL Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 11 HARUKI MURAKAMI’S LATEST BOOK DRAWS CROWDS ON ujiiye ITS FIRST DAY OF RELEASE tiffany : Bookstores across the nation host midnight launch photos parties for English-translated copies of ‘Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.’

One of the 45 By P.C. Staff signed copies that were sold at the midnight kylight Books, a small, cozy general bookstore in release Los Feliz, Calif., hosted a midnight launch party on Aug. 11 for Haruki Murakami’s latest book Japanese writer has had his works translated into 50 S“Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage.” languages. His numerous awards, both in Japan and Murakami first published the book in his native Japan in international, include the World Fantasy Award, the April 2013, where it became a bestseller, selling millions Franz Kafka Prize and Jerusalem Prize. during its first week. “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage” Now translated in English, booksellers across the United digs deeper into Murakami’s signature fantasy and reality States also hosted midnight release parties of their own. fiction writing. The story follows a young man, Tsukuru The iconic Skylight Books, which stands in the shadows Tazaki, who is haunted by a great loss. Dreams and of famous Griffith Park, welcomed fans and readers of nightmares surface with unintended consequences around Murakami’s works with 45 autographed copies of his latest Tazaki’s world as his past attempts to mend the present. offering. At 10 p.m., Skylight opened its doors, offering live According to NPR’s Meg Wolitzer, she writes in music along with wine and other refreshments as lines of her review that “the novel feels like a riddle, a puzzle, eager fans snaked through the store’s bookshelves. or maybe, actually, more like a haiku: full of beauty, Murakami’s latest book on display at Skylight Books Each customer was allowed to purchase only two copies strangeness, and color, thousands of syllables long.” and unlimited additional unsigned copies. Readers eager to take a stab at Murakami’s “puzzles” and Murakami’s formidable international career is apparent, Books Event Manger Mary Williams. “But this turnout is “haikus” waited for the clock to strike 12:01 a.m. for their as store employees were surprised at the large turnout. wonderful. I didn’t expect it to be so big.” opportunity to purchase the author’s hardcover book and a “We’ve had other midnight releases,” said Skylight Such a showing is hard to ignore as the contemporary chance to get their hands on the first 45 signed copies. n

closed polling stations, Schatz has carried his slim election- During the celebration, the documentary “Issei: The First night lead to a victory. Generation (1984)” by Toshi Washizu was also shown. NEWS BRIEFS Schatz edged out Hanabusa, capturing 48.5 percent of the Through the years, the chapter has been contributors vote, compared with Hanabusa’s 47.8 percent. to the redress and reparations campaign, to the National After Heavy Rain, Hiroshima Landslide Leaves Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL Celebrates Its Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism, advocates for 36 Dead and Seven Missing the inclusion of the Military Intelligence Service to the 80th Anniversary Congressional Gold Medal campaign for the 100th/44nd TOKYO — Rain-sodden slopes collapsed in torrents of RCT veterans and requesting the U.S. Postal Service to mud, rock and debris Aug. 20 on the outskirts of Hiroshima issue commemorative stamps for the Nikkei nation (the 10 city, killing at least 36 people and leaving seven missing, camps). In addition, its Speakers Bureau on the wartime hashimoto

according to Japanese police. incarceration annually reaches 2,500-3,000 students of the

Hillsides were swept down into residential areas in at mas Monterey Bay region. : least five valleys in the suburbs of the western Japanese city Guinness World Records Declares 111-Year-Old

after heavy rains left slopes unstable. photo Authorities have issued warnings that additional rain as World’s Oldest Living Man could trigger more landslides and flooding. TOKYO — A 111-year-old retired Japanese educator who Landslides are a constant risk in mountainous, crowded enjoys poetry has been recognized as the world’s oldest Japan, where many homes are built on or near steep slopes. living man. Hiroshima’s geology, consisting of highly water-retentive Sakari Momoi received a certificate from Guinness World soil, makes the city particularly prone to such disasters Records on Aug. 20. He succeeds Alexander Imich of New according to Hiroshi Ikeya, a landslide expert at the York, who died in June at the age of 111 years, 164 days. National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. The world’s oldest-living person is also Japanese: Misao Schatz Defeats Hanabusa in Tough Hawaii Okawa, a 116-year-old woman from Osaka. Senate Primary Watsonville-Santa Cruz centenarian JACLers Momoi was born Feb. 5, 1903, in Fukushima prefecture, Dr. Masako Miura (left) and Nancy Iwami cut a where he became a teacher. He moved to the city of Saitama, PAHOA, HI — Incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz won a birthday cake. north of Tokyo, after World War II and was a high school tense Democratic primary election in Hawaii, proving that principal there until his retirement. he is no longer just a senator who was appointed to his seat Momoi said he enjoys reading books, especially Chinese — he has captured the confidence of Hawaii voters. WATSONVILLE-SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. — poetry, and sometimes practices calligraphy. He said there The dramatic race to finish the term of the late Sen. Daniel Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL celebrated its 80th is no special trick for his longevity, but his caretakers say Inouye was tinged with emotional residue from the past. anniversary on Aug. 2, honoring four centenarian members Momoi keeps early hours and eats healthy, according to Schatz was challenged by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, as well, including Nancy Iwami, Dr. Masako Miura, Hiroko NHK public television. He has five children and lives at a who at one point said that he wasn’t a true incumbent Shikuma and Enji Shikuma. nursing home in Tokyo. because he had been appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie President Marcia Hashimoto welcomed all and accepted Momoi is one of 54,000 centenarians in Japan. The after Inouye’s dying wish that Hanabusa replace him. an Assembly resolution from State Assemblyman Luis country has the highest average life expectancy — 80.21 Now after an election that stretched over nearly a week Alejo, as well as read a congratulatory letter from National for men and 86.61 for women. because Tropical Storm Iselle knocked out power and JACL President David Lin. — Associated Press, P.C. Staff and JACL National 12 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 COMMUNITY

EDUCATION MATTERS

lthough it was still summer participants to view. vacation, participants in the Teacher The workshop’s facilitators were Training Workshop coordinated Greg Marutani and Sandra Grant, both Aby the Seattle Chapter of the JACL and the members of the JACL’s National Education Bellevue Arts Museum filled the auditorium Committee. on Aug. 9 to learn more about the Japanese In addition, JACL Pacific Northwest American experience. Regional Director Karen Yoshitomi The combined efforts of the Seattle contributed much insight and information Chapter’s Stan Shikuma, who also serves as about the redress movement and the role a National Education Committee member that many individuals, organizations and representing the Pacific Northwest, and elected officials played in bringing about Eileen Herbert, education curator at BAM, the eventual passage of the Civil Liberties brought about this very unique workshop for Act of 1988, which President Ronald educators. Reagan signed into law on Aug. 10, 1988. Those who attended the Saturday workshop Through his extensive network, Shikuma heard personal accounts from Anna reached out to many individuals and Hasegawa, Lilly Kodama, Yosh Nakagawa organizations in the Seattle area to prepare and Elsie Taniguchi. Between them, the for this workshop. As a result, they sent speakers shared first-hand accounts about representatives with educational materials, Bainbridge Island, the Puyallup Fairgrounds, often enough to allow the participating Minidoka and Tule Lake as they spoke educators to take copies of printed material during the morning session. During lunch, Participating in the recent Teacher Training Workshop in Seattle were (back row, from and/or DVDs. Many educators added these they were also available to answer additional left) Greg Marutani, Eileen Yamada-Lamphere, Eileen Herbert, Gloria Shigeno, Stan materials to the JACL Curriculum Guide questions, including inquiries by docents Shikuma, Sandra Grant and (front row, from left) Frances Ikegami, Anna Hasegawa, and Terminology Handbook that they who participated in the workshop. Elsie Taniguchi, Yosh Nakagawa, Lilly Kodama and Karen Yoshitomi. received as part of the workshop. Docents wanted to learn more about The program is funded, in part, by a why Americans of Japanese ancestry were grant from the Department of the Interior, incarcerated during World War II because it camps during WWII. Items on display Educators and volunteers toured the Art National Park Service and Japanese directly ties into the tours they are currently include tools, teapots, furniture, toys, games, of Gaman exhibit, as well as viewed art American Confinement Sites Grant Program. leading as part of the Art of Gaman exhibit, musical instruments and jewelry — all of by Roger Shimomura and the tag project which is on display at BAM through Oct. 12. which are physical manifestations of the art by Wendy Maruyama, which consists of The next Teacher Training Workshop will The Art of Gaman exhibit showcases of gaman, a Japanese word that means “to 120,000 tag replicas that were issued to be in Merced, Calif., on Sept. 26. For more more than 120 arts and crafts objects made bear the seemingly unbearable with dignity those impacted by Executive Order 9066. information, contact Robert Taniguchi at by Japanese Americans in U.S. internment and patience.” An origami exhibit was also on display for [email protected].

into the History Day Theme,” said Sudo. “The TC JACL TWIN CITIES JACL EDUCATION heartily congratulates Mary Jo for her efforts and fine work.” Dalsin’s mother, Emily, describes her experience during COMMITTEE ASSISTS STUDENT WITH the national competition as follows: “Each student is given a 20-minute timeslot for presenting his/her project. Documentary students begin their presentation by giving each of the three judges a 500- NATIONAL HISTORY DAY PROJECT word essay on their topic and an annotated bibliography. By Twin Cities JACL The judges read the written information and then the student plays his/her 10-minute documentary. After the dalsin very year, the Twin Cities JACL Education Committee documentary ends, the judges interview the student. The interview/question portion of the program takes about five to

receives requests from students who are participating emily in the National History Day competition. The : seven minutes, during which the student is quizzed on many aspects of the project. Erequests include using resource materials from the chapter’s photo extensive collection, oral history interviews or advice and “During the interview, MJ (Mary Jo) was eloquent and feedback on their projects. educated. She answered the judges’ questions thoughtfully National History Day is a yearlong academic program and with poise. We had been working with her all week to focused on historical research. Students work individually get her ready for the interview portion of the competition. or in groups conducting primary and secondary research I thought I had come up with every possible question, but around an umbrella topic. I was wrong. At the end, one judge asked, ‘Where do you This year’s theme was “Rights and Responsibilities in come down on this issue? How should the line between History.” Approximately 600,000 students, ranging from government responsibility for national security and citizens’ sixth-12th grade from across the United States, America rights be drawn?’ My heart started beating a mile a minute. Samoa, Guam, international schools and Department of I didn’t know if MJ had ever considered how she felt about Defense Schools in Europe and Asia participated in the this issue. She knew how others felt . . . but had she ever Seventh-grader Mary Jo Dalsin from New Prague, competition. considered her own opinion? Minn., at the National History Day Competition in Over the past several years, the Twin Cities JACL has had “When she spoke, I almost fell over. She was clear, articulate Washington, D.C., with her third-place medal in the students win awards at the local, regional and state level, and thoughtful. She could have been a college freshman, junior individual documentary division for her video but not until this year has a student received an award at the not a 12-year-old little girl as she spoke to her judges. “Japanese Internment: Rights, Responsibilities and national competition held in Washington, D.C. I was beyond impressed! At that moment, I understood the Reparations.” In June, Mary Jo Dalsin, a seventh grader at St. Wenceslaus strength of the NHD program. My kid was the expert, and School in New Prague, Minn., located about 40 miles from she was telling a story that she knew inside and out. She kept the Twin Cities, was awarded third place in the junior Dalsin interviewed TC JACL Education Committee Chair the judges’ attention and provided details that I didn’t know individual documentary division for her 10-minute video Sally Sudo for inclusion in her documentary. she knew. I was so proud!” said Emily Dalsin. titled “Japanese Internment: Rights, Responsibilities and “It is always interesting to see how students are able to To view Dalsin’s award-winning video, visit http://youtu. Reparations.” incorporate the Japanese American World War II experience be/pPhu6N-147c. COMMENTARY Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 13 COMMENTARY ‘DRUNK HISTORY’: DANIEL INOUYE’S HEROISM TOLD WITH TEQUILA

By Kota Mizutani JACL National Youth/Student Council representative

t this past JACL National Convention in San Jose, Of course, all while running on a full tank of tequila. segment, Hendrie makes sure to observe a high level of I had the pleasure of being part of a youth plenary Steven Yeun of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” plays the respect for Inouye, the 442nd and the Japanese American session regarding Asian Americans in comedy. role of Inouye alongside actor James Hong, who briefly struggle. AThe session highlighted recent depictions of Asian appears as Inouye’s father. He emphasizes the prejudice and discrimination that Americans in comedy media, which were undoubtedly If you can get past his barrage of F-bombs, asides and Japanese Americans faced during and after World War II racist and perpetuated common stereotypes of Asians. slurs, Hendrie does a surprisingly good job of accurately and even mentions President Barack Obama’s tribute to Although the panel addressed a broad variety of issues conveying the heroism and major accomplishments of the Sen. Inouye when he passed away in December 2012. surrounding racist comedy, we forgot to include a very larger-than-life World War II veteran and politician. It is exactly this balance between funny and fact that important part of any discussion on minorities in the media: It may appear as if the narrator is just making the story defines the healthy illustrations of Asian Americans in examples of appropriate and educational illustrations of as he or she goes, but Derek Waters asserts that historical comedy, of which we need more. Asian Americans in comedy. accuracy is an important facet of “Drunk History.” “They’re As an involved JACL youth member and National I would’ve been able to cite the perfect example during all passionate about the story or know something about it,” Youth/Student Council representative, it is my goal to the panel if the show “Drunk History” had aired its episode, Waters said of the narrators in an interview with Fox News. spread interest in the stories of Japanese Americans and featuring Japanese American legend Daniel Inouye, “We will send them research, but never put words in their other American minorities in innovative ways so that we a month early. mouth. We want it to be as factual as possible.” can prevent these crucial stories from fading away in our At its core, “Drunk History,” a Comedy Central show Although I wish that an Asian American had narrated the national dialogue. created by Derek Waters, is a series of short history lessons segment (I’m sure we can all think of more than a few good But please don’t take my word for it! Check out the pulled from a specific American city or region. OK, that’s nominations for this setup) I find little fault in the episode. “Drunk History” episode for yourself on Comedy Central’s not entirely accurate. The concept — both creative and funny — shares website (though I don’t recommend it for young children) The magic of this hit series is that in each segment, a Inouye’s story with a demographic that would not normally because, as the end of the episode contends, there’s nothing narrator recounts a history tale after consuming enough be exposed to this little-known tale in American history. wrong with drinking to a true patriot. alcohol to be only barely coherent (and sometimes not Indeed, last season, “Drunk History” averaged 1 million even that). Notable actors further enhance each episode by viewers a week and is the highest-rated TV original Comedy Central’s “Drunk History” airs Tuesdays at playing out and lip-syncing the narrator’s dialogue. series with men 18-34 years of age, according to the 10 p.m., with repeat episodes airing throughout the week. The result is absolutely hilarious, but the motive behind Baltimore Sun. Check your local TV provider’s listings to confirm show the show is more sobering (no pun intended). What’s more important, however, is that in the Inouye times. In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Waters said his dream is to find stories that will make viewers wonder, “Why weren’t we taught that in school?” I was certainly not taught about Daniel Inouye in school. Thus, it was fitting that in last week’s episode, radio personality and actor Phil Hendrie took on recounting central Sen. Inouye’s life as a young man bent on overcoming discrimination, serving his country with the 442nd comedy

Regimental Combat Team during WWII and becoming the : first Japanese American Congressman and Senator. photos central

citizen

comedy pacific : : photos photos 14 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 CALENDAR A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS ggg‘Yuri Kochiyama: Passion for Justice’ Screening San Jose, CA Sept. 4, 7 p.m. Japanese American Museum of San Jose 534 N. Fifth St. Cost: Free This evening will reflect on the impact and influence of Asian Americans in the Silicon Valley and their innovation in technology, arts and culture, media and community. JAMsj will be screening ‘Yuri Kochiyama: Passion for Justice,’ a documentary chronicling the history of Kochiyama’s political activism. The film will touch on her legacy and caamfestsj

: passion for civil rights. Info: Reserve tickets at www.jamsj.org. CALENDAR photo

Wilson Road Japanese culture. Mediums Community Center the idea and legacy of National Cost: Free include sculpture, painting, 12953 Branford St. the JACL. Highlights include Roger Shimomura’s print, Cost: Donation ticket $10, a recognition for the Nikkei exhibit dives into the 2014 National JACL Gala Awards ceramics and many other bento ticket $10 LGBTQ Initiative Program, Japanese American A film created by eight Dinner items that introduce the API Rise, Bridging Communi- experience during internment ethnically different high Washington, D.C. spectacular craftsmanship ties and local leaders. and related historical events. school students investigates Oct. 6, 6-10 p.m. and sophisticated designs of Honorees include Mary Shimomura will be lecturing at Sgt. Ted Tanouye and the Capital Hilton Japan’s contribution to the Adams Urashima, Asian the opening reception. impact the war had on 1001 16th St. NW. movement. and Pacific Islanders for Torrance, Calif. A Q&A will be This year’s Gala Awards Info: www.museum.wsu.edu or Info: Visit www.seattleart LGBT Equality and riKu held after the screening with Dinner, themed “A Salute to call (509) 335-1910. museum.org or call Matsuda. producers Craig Yahata and Champions,” will celebrate (206) 654-3100. Info: Call (213) 626-4471 or Meet and Greet with Robert Horsting. JACL and community email [email protected]. members. Keep an eye out for Producers and Cast From NCWNP Info: Contact Brian Moriguchi at ‘Witness: The Legacy of Heart [email protected] or event details and updates. JACL Summer BBQ Mountain’ Patty Takayama at Info: Visit www.jacl.org or Montecito, CA Pullman, WA Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage [email protected]. call (202) 223-1240. Sept. 21, Noon Oct. 15, 7 p.m. San Francisco, CA Manning Park Compton Union Building Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Noh: Moon Viewing and Sake MDC Cost: Adult $10, children $6 Wilson Road Immigration Station at Los Angeles, CA Angel Island State Park The Santa Barbara JACL Cost: Free Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. chapter cordially invites all Annual Aki Matsuri David Ono, Jeff MacIntyre Rediscover the little-known JACCC James Irvine Japanese friends and neighbors for the Albuquerque, NM and Patti Hirahara will offer history of the Japanese and Garden annual JACL barbeque. Get Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. audience members an Japanese American legacy at 244 S. San Pedro St. a chance to win raffle prizes National Hispanic Cultural insider’s view of the Angel Island, where 85,000 Cost: General Admission $35, and feast on tasty summer Center production. This will be Ono persons of Japanese descent JACCC Member $30 foods. The festivities will be 1701 Fourth St. SW and MacIntyre’s first visit to landed between 1910-40. Master Motonori Umewaka held at the lower picnic area Cost: Admission $5, free parking Washington State University The event will honor the of the Kanse School of Noh in Manning Park. Please This year’s annual fall festival, to see the WSU George and legacy of George Araki and will perform two works, RSVP by Sept. 17. themed “Bushido: The Way Frank C. Hirahara Collection Alexander Weiss. “Hagoromo” and “Mayflower.” Info: Call Naomi Muneno at of the Warrior,” will be full of of Heart Mountain, the Presenters include Judy Yung, In addition to these plays, the (505) 963-4954 or Roxanne activities, food and live inspiration for the award- Grant Din, Japanese military evening will include Kagami Nomura at (805) 452-9766. n entertainment. Don’t miss out winning documentary. POWs, Linda Harms Ozaki Biraki, which is a ceremony on the Japanese vintage car Info: Visit www.cub.wsu.edu or and members from the San that includes the opening of a club shows, vendor booths call (509) 335-6678. Francisco JACL. cask of sake. and a special samurai exhibit. Info: Visit www.nichibei.org/ Info: Visit www.jaccc.org/ ADVERTISE HERE Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org or angel-island-pilgrimage or Deco Japan: Shaping Art and noh.php or call (213) 628-2725. Events in the calendar call (505) 565-2185. Culture, 1920-45 email programs@nichibei foundation.org. section are listed based on Seattle, WA PSW 2014 Annual Awards space availability. Place a PNW Oct. 19 Benefit Luncheon PSW ‘Spotlight’ ad with Tateuchi Galleries Los Angeles, CA photos of your event for Roger Shimomura: An American 140 E. Prospect St. Sept. 20 maximum exposure. Knockoff Exhibit Reception Cost: Adults $7 ‘Citizen Tanouye’ Screening Skirball Cultural Center FOR MORE INFO: Pullman, WA The Seattle Art Museum has Pacoima, CA 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m. nearly 200 works on exhibit, Sept. 7, 2 p.m. This luncheon will honor [email protected] Washington State University revealing the widespread San Fernando Valley Japanese those in the community (213) 620-1767 Museum of Art impact of Art Deco on American Cultural and whose life and work reflects OBITUARIES Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 15 In Memoriam

Fujikawa, Miyoko Sugi, 94, Shizuko Kodama; son, Jeffrey Nago, Miyoko, 90, Honolulu, HI; Bessie Teruya, Alice Eto and Sharon Aiko Miotke; she is sur- Oakland, CA; Aug. 9; Sadao Kodama; he is survived Aug. 3; she is survived by her Myrtle Yoshioka; 11 gc. vived by her sons, Steven and predeceased by her husband, by his son, Gordon (Clare); also daughters, Carol R. Youngquist, David (Cindy) Yaguchi; son-in- John Misuo “Moose”; survived survived by many nephews, Irene N. Sakoda and Amy S. Tsutsui, Lydia Kumeko, 95, law, Jeff Miotke; mother, Kikuyo by her children, Bruce, Mark nieces and other relatives. Nakagawa; 7 gc; 6 ggc. Honolulu, HI; Aug. 2; she is Utsumi; siblings, Kei Utsumi and (Georgia), Kirk (Karen) and survived by sister, Dorothy Kino; Aiko (Craig) Backhus; 5 gc. Scott (Betty); 8 gc; 6 gcc. Komoto, Midori, 92, Ono, Jane Ayako, 93, Cerritos, 1 gc. CA; July 29; she was Yoshida, Walter Toshio, 81, Hayashi, Yukiko, 91, predeceased by her husband, Yamamoto, Kokichi ‘Koke,’ Kihei, HI; July 31; was an Army Los Angeles, CA; July 29; Jaxson Y. Ono; daughter, Joanne 95, Cupertino, CA; July 31; he veteran; he is survived by his predeceased by her husband, Y. Osumi; grandson, Anthony was predeceased by his wife, brothers, Roy (Sally), James George Iwao Hayashi; she is A. Salazar; she is survived by Kazumi; he is survived by his (Merie); sisters, Ethel Asato, survived by her children, Dennis her children, Joyce L. (Earl) son, Clifford (Donna); siblings, Jean Reagan, Sally (Bruce) Bell Wayne (Mary), Gary D. and Dee Iwamoto, Randall K. Ono and Sachi Nishiseki, Yoneji (Sam), and many loving nieces. Ann Hayashi; also survived by Sheri T. Salazar; brother, George Kenji, Tommy and Tsugi (Sue) many other family members. Kamada; sister, Yae Sugino; Takayama; he is also survived Yoshihara, Koichi Frederick, 4 gc; 2 ggc. by nieces, nephews and other Higa, Grace Fuyu, 94, relatives; 2 gc. Oshiro, Randall Owen, 61, Ontario, OR; she was prede- Kapolei, HI; Aug. 8; he is Yaguchi, Margaret ‘Maggi,’ 80, ceased by her husband, Joe; survived by his wife, Rosanne daughter, Mary Jo; son-in-law, Anderson; son, Michael; Jim Lum; siblings, Tomiko Iwata, daughters, Kimberly and Taichiro and George; brother- Marissa; brother, Ryan; sister, in-law, Kazmo Kazuo (Dorothy) Karen; 6 gc. Komoto; she is survived by her children, Judy Lum, Bob (Janet), Rinaldi, Kazue, 93, Marcia (Ron) Kusaka, Melanie Los Angeles, CA; July 30; she is (Wayne) Gilbert; 3 gc; 1 ggc. survived by her daughter, Chieko 90, Rosemead, CA; Aug. 10; he Saugaya; also survived by many is survived by children, Sandy Myers, Terri Reiko, 49, nieces, nephews and other Shinobu (Glen) Kubokawa, Los Angeles, CA; July 30; relatives. Joyce Chiyo (Andy) Will and Lisa she was predeceased by her Long Beach, CA; Aug. 4; Miyuki Yoshihara; also survived husband, Soyei Higa; daughter, Sakamoto, Dorothy Kimiye, she was predeceased by her by many nephews, nieces and Jane Fukuda; granddaughter, 84, Kaneohe, HI; Aug. 9; she is husband, John; daughter, other relatives; 4 gc. n Lee Ann Fukuda; she is survived by her husband, Tom; survived by her daughters, sons, Neal and Ivan; brothers, Beatrice (Sadao) Yotsukura and Robert and Wayne Kaneko; 3 gc. Sandra (Stanley, predeceased) HIROSHI UYEHARA Miyashiro; also survived by Shigeta, James, 85, nieces, nephews and other Los Angeles, CA; July 28; he is Uyehara, Hiroshi, 98, Medford, NJ; surrounded relatives; 5 gc; 3 ggc. survived by his loving siblings, by family members, he died on July 29. He Howard T. Shigeta, Barbara was predeceased by his beloved wife, Grayce Honda, Toshiyuki, 87, (Wayne) Sato, Clarence K. Uyehara, brother Isamu “Sam” Uyehara; he Honolulu, HI; Aug. 10; was an (Eleanor) Shigeta and Wilfred is survived by children, Christopher, Lisa (Bill Army veteran; he is survived by Buena Park, CA; July 26; she is Joe Shigeta; he is also survived Sax), Laurence and Paul (Mary Yee); sister, his wife, Elaine; sons, Terrance survived by her husband, Ronald by many nieces, nephews and Yuri Moiruchi; 5 gc; 3 ggc. and Kevin; sister, Rose Nishida; Myers; parents, Kuni (Julie) other relatives. Born in Oakland, Calif., Hiroshi grew up in 3 gc. Kitajima; father-in-law, James Los Angeles, attending UCLA and graduating Pitts; mother-in-law, Betty Pitts; Sugimoto, Joan Tame, 93, from UC Berkeley. In May 1942, his family was Inouye, Sawae, 84, siblings, Matt and Cheri Kitajima; Kaneohe, HI; Aug. 11; she is sur- sent to Rohwer until 1944, when they were released and moved to also survived by many other vived by sons, Derek and Dean; Philadelphia. At Rohwer, he met his future wife, Grayce Kaneda. relatives. brother, George Toyota; sisters, After camp, he became president of the Nisei Council in 1946, Gladys, Eleanor Graff, Harriet which later became the Philadelphia Chapter of the JACL. He Moriyama, Albert Shoichi, Oda, Evelyn Kuroda and Deanna served as chapter president in 1959 and 1986, historian and rec- 80, Aiea, HI; Aug. 8; he is Galestian; 6 gc. ognitions chair at various times but was a longtime board member, survived by his wife, Lillian M., serving as EDC Governor, secretary and treasurer. daughters, Lora Lee E. Takaki, Russell Glen, 59, Memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the audito- Akscyn-Moriyama and Gardena, CA; Aug. 6; he is rium of Medford Leas, 1 Medford Leas, Medford, NJ 08055. In lieu Erin M.; brother, Wynters. survived by his wife, Jaimee of flowers or koden, donations may be made to the JACL, 1765 Itagaki; mother, Lilly Takaki; Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115, designated for the Uyehara Murakami, Sumiye, 94, sisters, Kathleen (Glenn) Internship Program. Los Angeles, CA; Aug. 1; Madokoro and Teresa (Robert) she is survived by her sons, Matsushima; brother-in-law, Los Angeles, CA; Aug. 2; she is John (Jane) and Henry Kenny Itagaki; sister-in-law, survived by her husband, Shinji; (Charlene) Murakami; also Sharleen Inouye; also survived brothers, Shunzo (Yoriko) Mise survived by nieces, nephews by nieces, nephews and other and Kunio Sasaki; brother-in- and other relatives; 2 gc. relatives. law, Kenichi (Tsuyako) Inouye; sister-in-law, Hiromi (Phillip) Nakagawa, Matsuka Takushi, Violet Uehara, 81, Choy; also survived by many Kifune, 96, Honolulu, HI; Honolulu, HI; Aug. 8; she is relatives, nieces and nephews. Aug. 15; she is survived by her survived by her husband, James son, Roger; daughters, Shirley “Jimmy”; daughters, Stanette Kodama, Sadao, 97, San Pedro, Woodhull and Kathy Chris- Kitamura, Tammy Kimura and CA; Aug. 1; he was tensen; brother, Yasutsuga; Starr Quon; stepson, Jon; step- predeceased by his wife, 7 gc; 3 ggc. daughter, Jan Bachman; sisters, 16 Aug. 22-Sept. 4, 2014 COMMENTARY FERGUSON >> continued from page 3 FAN >> continued from page 3

But when I think about it, there According to historian Lawrence at Comic Con in the first place. haven’t been many instances of Levine’s “Highbrow/Lowbrow: My assignment was to report on Asian Americans protesting and The Emergence of Cultural Hi- cartoonist Willie Ito’s amazing marching as a group. Individuals erarchy in America,” music and lifelong achievement and share his have been involved in political theater entertainment between story through the Pacific Citizen. activism — some high-profile 1850-80 created the first kind Maybe I didn’t care about the Japanese Americans were involved of fan behavior as “passionate figurines and panels, but I cared in the civil rights movement, for engagement.” about their stories and about instance, and marched alongside However, fancyclopedia.org Willie. This was why I went to black leaders (and even with the marks Hugo Gernsback’s 1929 college, so that I could have my Black Panthers). “Amazing Stories” as the father of face slammed by doors when There were protests during the today’s fandom culture. investigating a story or struggle era that established Asian Ameri- In 1930, Gernsback was unable through workshops to have my can studies in universities. And to pay his writers but invited papers shredded by my peers. there were protests after the Vin- readers to contribute stories. The There’s a level of “passionate cent Chin murder in 1982, arguably One of the few times Ferguson was mentioned (in passing) was magazine would later evolve into engagement,” as Levine put it, a pivotal moment when an “Asian in this panel, “Do Asian American Journalists Have a Stake in “Science Wonder Stories,” which that you need to have to make American” identity came together. Ferguson Story?” Pictured (from left) are Hansi Lo Wang (NPR), launched the science-fiction genre. anything worth it. I love stories, But there weren’t mass protests Shefali S. Kulkarni (PRI), Ernabel Demillo (CUNY-TV), Emil During the 1960s and ’70s, and I love reporting on them just when Japanese Americans were Guillermo (AALDEF) and moderator Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man). the fan movement grew into an as much as the fans love their rounded up and sent to concentra- epidemic that consumed comics superheroes. tion camps during World War II. and heroes, establishing canons For a moment, could you Maybe our cultural values keep us from such anti-black violence was wrong, the same way crack- for American popular culture. imagine going through life and not public displays of anger and frustration, until downs on Vietnam War protesters was wrong, the Of course, comics and science being a fan? In fact, I feel a little we’re pushed too far. way Vincent Chin’s murder was wrong and the way fiction are just one slice of the sorry for those who don’t want to I wish the speeches at the gala dinner mentioned Michael Brown died was wrong. And we should American pie. I haven’t even con- understand fandom because Ferguson more than just by Vargas. It would have call out what’s wrong in the world. sidered political or sports fans. to have that feeling of being been cool to change a panel on the fly and turn it Back at the restaurant, my completely and utterly passionate into a discussion of Ferguson. I hope we as a group Gil Asakawa is a member of the Pacific Citizen dinner date then asked, “What about something is beautiful. didn’t keep quiet because we think this is “not our Editorial Board and the author of “Being Japanese would you wait in line and I think it’s a part of what makes problem.” I know we don’t. American.” He blogs about Japanese and Asian through bad weather for?” us human. It would be a real shame if, as a community, American issues at www.nikkeiview.com, and he’s Again, I sat there kind of para- What are you a fan of? Asian Americans accept this injustice meekly, like on Facebook, Twitter and lots of other social media. lyzed because while I pointed my our own community accepted incarceration. He was recently named the 2014 Asian American fingers at the Zelda’s and Super Tiffany Ujiiye is the new Assis- Because that was terribly wrong, the same way Journalists Assn. AARP Social Media Fellow. Mario’s, I lost sight of why I was tant Editor of the Pacific Citizen.

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