Jacl National Convention 2016

THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL July 29-Aug. 11, 2016

JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION 2016

» PAGE 5

A NEW CHAPTER Delegates convened in Las Vegas for the JACL National Convention. A new JACL National Board was installed by the Hon. Norman Mineta (top); JACL Honolulu’s David Forman (center) speaks with fellow delegates; and the Hon. Norman Mineta and his wife, Deni, with new JACL National President Gary Mayeda and his wife, Chris.

PHOTOS: TOM NISHIKAWA AND TIFFANY UJIIYE

#3281 / VOL. 163, No. 2 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 SPRING CAMPAIGN/LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, HOW TO REACH US LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I support the Pacifi c Citi- vorable impact on your Tax Email: pc@pacifi ccitizen.org Online: www.pacifi ccitizen.org Dear Editor, zen. I am a senior citizen Return and also provide you Tel: (213) 620-1767 who always looks forward to with an annual income in the Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., I was appalled to read in the Weekly that of a canine companion who served the next edition of the Pacifi c range of 5 percent to 7.5 per- Suite 313 Digest by the JACL that yet again, the on the force from ANY agency within Citizen in my mailbox. What cent of your donated amount. Los Angeles, CA 90012 JACL is promoting the culture of vio- the United States, ALL offi cers and staff I read is always informative, And, establishing a Legacy STAFF lence against police offi cers by featur- feel their loss, their sadness, their pain. Executive Editor educational and inspira- Gift Fund in your Living ing the awarding of a scholarship by the This community is also one of the stron- Allison Haramoto tional. And reading how the Trust will benefi t the Pa- National Youth/Student Council to the gest because even in the face of organi- Assistant Editor few dedicated staff members cifi c Citizen after the donor’s Tiffany Ujiiye Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles chapter zations such as THIS that dare stand up at the Pacifi c Citizen pub- passing and that amount will Business Manager at the National Convention. How could AGAINST those who put THEIR lives lish every edition with the also be tax deductible on Susan Yokoyama something like THIS become a HIGH- on the line for YOU EVERY SINGLE very limited resources they your annual tax return. Production Artist LIGHT of the convention? If anything, it DAY, they wake up, go to work and put Marie Samonte have is nothing less than The JACL/Pacifi c Citizen is a TRAVESTY not only of the conven- on that uniform to protect YOU, your Circulation miraculous. can provide and assist you tion, but of what it says of us as a society FAMILY and your FRIENDS with little Eva Ting We have all read or heard with information and prepa- of human beings in these United States of to no complaints because THAT is what The Pacifi c Citizen newspaper about what the future may ration of these important America. Whatever happened to uphold- they do. How much more UNGRATE- (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published hold for the Pacifi c Citizen documents. Please consider semi-monthly (except once in ing the mission statement of the JACL? FUL and DISRESPECTFUL could you without adequate funding these to keep the Pacifi c December and January) by the “The Japanese American Citizens be to those MEN and WOMEN serving Japanese American Citizens and support from its mem- Citizen fi nancially viable League is a national organization whose to protect us? League, Pacifi c Citizen, bers and subscribers, present and ensure that we continue 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 mission is to secure and safeguard the Not only am I DISGUSTED and DIS- and new. The 2016 Spring to receive and enjoy reading Los Angeles, CA 90012 civil and human rights of Asian and Pa- APPOINTED with the awarding of the Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA Fundraising Campaign is the newspaper. cifi c Islander Americans and all commu- scholarship itself, I am appalled for the POSTMASTER: Send address now ongoing, so please sup- Thank you very much. changes to National JACL, 1765 nities who are affected by injustice and REASONS it is being awarded! Those port it to the fullest. Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 bigotry. The leaders and members of the reasons being, “. . . to an individual or Please consider a large A Concerned Pacifi c JACL President: Gary Mayeda JACL also work to promote and preserve organization that has made strides in an donation that will have a fa- Citizen Supporter Interim Executive Director: the heritage and legacy of the Japanese unconventional fi eld, that exemplifi es Bill Yoshino Interim Assistant Executive American Community.” excellence and leadership in community Director: Stephanie Nitahara Dear Editor, Those who support the Black Lives outreach, perseverance, dedication to P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD Matter movement are CREATING in- history, cultural preservation, and social I’ve just returned from the But not this time. Carol Kawamoto, chairperson; justice and bigotry TOWARD police of- justice informed activism.” Leona Hiraoka, EDC; Jody Mitori, National Council Meeting in There was no mention of MDC; Joy Goto, CCDC; Jim Duff, fi cers. What about the civil and human “In an unconventional fi eld”? Well, Las Vegas. All in all a great the War on Police, not even NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, rights of the COMMUNITY of police of- doesn’t that say enough all in of itself. convention, and I’m excited a moment of silence in honor PNWDC; Rhianna Taniguchi, IDC; fi cers who the Black Lives Matter group But just to be sure, I’ll spell it out for Michelle Yamashiro, PSWDC; about our new President of the fi ve Dallas PD heroes. Nicole Gaddie and Kota Mizutani, has declared war on? Is it not a civil and you. IF you followed the law like you are Gary Mayeda. A huge thank Evidently, the cop haters youth reps. human right to be able to return home SUPPOSED to, you SHOULDN’T have you to all staff (including have bullied everyone into their loved ones safe and sound every a problem with the law or police offi cers. SUBSCRIBE interns and fellows) for pull- silence. I want no part of Get a one-year subscription of the night after doing their JOBS? Is it not a It’s when you DISOBEY an order from ing this off under extremely this. I will continue to defend Pacifi c Citizen newspaper at: civil and human right to perform one’s a police offi cer or BREAK the law that trying circumstances. and honor law enforcement www.pacifi ccitizen.org or call JOB to the FULLEST extent as one is you begin to have problems with police (213) 620-1767 Just one question: How did whenever and wherever ADVERTISE capable of? offi cers. If you only COMPLIED, there we allow the cop haters to I can, including JACL To advertise in the Pacifi c Citizen, This is one of the CLOSEST-knit would be no problem. Instead, we are take over our organization? functions. call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: communities there is that would rival placing blame on the police offi cers who Usually when a national BLUE LIVES MATTER. pc@pacifi ccitizen.org even the close-knit-ness of ALL of the are only doing their JOB, and promot- LEGAL tragedy such as the one that No part of this publication may be Asian communities combined. I would ing violence against these offi cers BE- occurred in Dallas coincides Sincerely, reproduced without the express know being the daughter of a retired CAUSE they are doing their job. THIS is with our gathering, there is permission of the Pacifi c Citizen. David Unruhe, Placer Editorials, letters, news and the sergeant of the California Highway Pa- most defi nitely unconventional. at least a token acknowledg- JACL, Auburn, Calif. opinions expressed by columnists trol. ANY loss be it an offi cer’s life or >> See LETTER on page 12 ment from JACL. other than the national JACL president or national director do not necessarily The P.C.’s Themission P.C.’s is mission to “educate is to “educate on the past on the Japanese past Japanese American American experience experience refl ect JACL policy. Events and The P.C.’s mission is to “educate on the past Japanese American experience products advertised in the P.C. do not and preserve,The promote P.C.’s mission and help is to the “educate current on and the futurepast Japanese AAPI communities.” American experience The P.C.’sand preserve,and missionTheTheThe preserve, P.C.’s P.C.’s P.C.’s promote is mission missionto missionpromote “educate and isis tohelpis toand to“educate“educate on “educatehelpthe the current the past onon current onthethe Japaneseand the past future pastand Japanese Japanesefuture AmericanAAPI American AAPIcommunities.” American experiencecommunities.” experienceexperience experience carry the implicit endorsement of the andandand preserve, preserve, preserve, promotepromote promote andand and helphelp help thethe the currentcurrent current andand and futurefuture future AAPIAAPI AAPI communities.” communities.” JACL or this publication. We reserve and preserve,Theand P.C.’s promote preserve, mission and promote is help to “educate andthe helpcurrent on the the currentandpast Japanesefuture and future AAPI American AAPIcommunities.” communities.”experience the right to edit articles. © 2016 and preserve, promote and help the current and future AAPI communities.” JACL MEMBER?JACLJACL MEMBER? MEMBER?Y N Y N Y N Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, JACLJACLJACLJACL MEMBER? MEMBER?MEMBER? Y YY YNNNN Calif. and mailing offi ce. JACL MEMBER? Y N NAME: JACL ______MEMBER? Y N NAME: ______NAME: ______JACL MEMBERS NAME:NAME:NAME:NAME: ______NAME: ______NAME: ______20162016 Change of Address ADDRESS: ______20162016 ADDRESS:ADDRESS: ______ADDRESS: ______20162016 ADDRESS:ADDRESS:ADDRESS: ______20162016 If you’ve moved, ADDRESS: ______ADDRESS: ______please send new CITY,CITY, STATE, STATE, ZIP: ZIP: ______information to: CITY, STATE, CITY,ZIP:CITY,CITY,CITY, ______STATE, STATE,STATE, ZIP: ZIP:ZIP:ZIP: ______National JACL CITY, STATE, ZIP: ______1765 Sutter St. CITY, STATE,PHONE:PHONE: PHONE:ZIP:______San Francisco, PHONE:PHONE: ______CA 94115 PHONE: ______PHONE: ______PHONE: campaigncampaign (415) 921-5225 or PHONE: ______EMAIL: ______campaigncampaigncampaign [email protected] EMAIL: EMAIL: ______EMAIL:EMAIL: ______campaigncampaign EMAIL: ______EMAIL:EMAIL: ______Allow 6 weeks for address changes. 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Your donationsYourMoreYour Your donationsthan donations willdonations ever, help yourwill willbuild willhelp tax-deductible help helpand build build buildpreserve and and and preservefunds preserve preservea cohesive will a help acohesive a cohesive cohesive library preserve library oflibrary library the legacyofPacific ofof the thethe Pacific ofPacificPacificCitizen the Pacifi CitizenCitizen to educatec Citizen. to educate futureDonations future futuregenerations. of generations. generations. $150 or more will periodicals in your YourYour donations donations will will help help build build and preserveand preserve a cohesiveWeb: a cohesive www.pacificcitizen.orglibrary libraryof the Pacific of the CitizenPacific to Citizen educate to future educate generations. future generations. Suite 313,be Los entered Angeles, in a monthly CA 90012 drawing for a box of “Fugetsu-Do” Japanese manju delivered to the winner’s door. change of address Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations. (USPS Form 3575) Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations. COMMENTARY July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 3

view during the NY/SC luncheon, when they gave their Vision Award to Black Lives Matter L.A. The warm, full- NIKKEI VOICE throated support for the Black Lives Matter movement was heartwarming for many in the room — I for one believe AAPIs must continue to build bridges with the African- American community — but I could sense some members THE NEXT GENERATION OF JACL were uncomfortable. When the Black Lives Matter representatives had the audi- LEADERSHIP GIVES ME HOPE ence stand and chant with them, some people followed along sheepishly. One member left the room. By Gil Asakawa On the fi nal day, Kota Mizutani, the newly elected National Youth Representative, moderated a plenary session arrived in Las Vegas for the JACL convention with low Student Council. panel during the National Council Session that focused on a expectations. I’d been asked to speak on a plenary ses- I’ve written before that I feel JACL has been too focused topic that the NY/SC is keenly focused on: multiracial Asian sion about the Pacifi c Citizen’s future and the sorry state on our shared community’s past — in particular, of course, Americans and Shin-Nikkei, or recent Japanese immigrants. Iof the newspaper industry. And, I’d been asked to represent the WWII incarceration and concentration camps. That’s an The panel included Desun Oka, whose master’s thesis was the Mile High Chapter in the week’s voting. I worried that important part of our identity, but I have long felt that the on the subject of Korean comfort women and who is active the print version of the P.C. might not survive the week, and organization’s priorities weren’t inviting to young people. in Asian justice issues; Curtiss Takada Rooks, a mixed-race I worried about JACL’s future. I was always jealous of the West Coast chapters, which professor of AAPI history; Jennifer Kaku, who’s lived both I’m happy to report that the P.C. will continue a printed have always had a lot of youth participation. In Denver, a in the U.S. and Japan; and Sarah Baker, who proudly calls version for at least the next two years. younger generation took over leadership of the Mile High herself a “Hapa Shin Sansei.” It’s a breather, not a solution. I hope the P.C. — and JACL chapter about six years ago, but we haven’t been able to draw The panel discussed the “otherness” of being more Jap- members who want a print edition — can brace for the in- in youth since then. anese than many Japanese Americans, of “fi tting in” as evitable switch to digital-only because it’s simply the way of But at the National Convention, the embrace of the next mixed-race Asian Americans. It was a refreshing conversa- the future. Maybe technology will make it easier to custom- generation of JACLers was palpable, and the infl uence of tion about the reality of the Japanese American community print copies, or maybe technology will become easier for all their contemporary issues and values were refreshing. today: We’re not one homogenous population like we were members to see the P.C. in a digital form, like a cheap, easy- The members of the NY/SC were everywhere during the when JACL was founded. to-use tablet or smartphone edition. convention, active in their chapters and districts and con- For this organization to grow, it needs to reach out to new That wouldn’t be ideal, but it would accept the march of necting in groups with other youth. The Youth are the only people. Looking at the diversity of the NY/SC’s membership progress. We’ll have this discussion again, and next time, part of JACL that is increasing membership — a remarkable and their obvious commitment to JACL, and the energy that I don’t know that the “print” P.C. can continue much longer. achievement that bodes well for the future of the organiza- binds them together, I left Vegas feeling hopeful about the I also left Vegas feeling much better about the future of tion. The NY/SC is also the most diverse in the history of future of JACL. JACL because I’ve seen the future of the organization’s JACL, which also bodes well for the future. Gil Asakawa is a former P.C. Editorial Board Member leadership in the passion and energy of the National Youth/ Their presence at the convention was on full glorious and Board Chair. He writes a blog at http://nikkeiview.com.

and the joy I feel is greater than I could ever imagine. I am so grateful for these points in time because there was a time A MOTHER’S TAKE that these moments seemed like they were not possible. This past weekend, I was in Seattle with Aiden speaking at the Seattle JACL’s FAMILY API LGBT Gathering. Since it was the Month of Pride celebration, Seattle JACL chose to CELEBRATING WITH PRIDE hold this one-day event to bring greater awareness, resources and create a place of community, where individuals and By Marsha Aizumi families could share their stories. People were so grateful for the safe space. he month of June is known for graduations, weddings We in the LGBTQ community do not take safe spaces for and now, for our family, it is LGBTQ Pride month. granted. It is a luxury that we are not always able to live in, This year, I had the opportunity to celebrate all three. and so this weekend so many of us who attended appreciated TBeginning in May, I attended four University of La Verne having a place where we could speak from our hearts and graduation celebrations for Aiden: one for LGBTQ individu- feel accepted unconditionally. als and their allies and another for Asian American gradu- I want to thank Sarah Baker for being a leader of this event. ates. I also attended Aiden’s baccalaureate, where he read the She is a Seattle college student who has the heart and spirit Litany of Affi rmation, which began with “We are the many of a thousand. She showed me the kind of leaders that are songs of this Universe . . . And so we have a great responsi- emerging from this generation of young people. Sarah, you bility to remember who we are.” The litany ended with “We give me hope for the world that Aiden will live in. are makers of peace.” I cried when I heard my son read those One day, I dream that I will be see those changes in a world words because through all his challenges and pain, I know that will accept my son not as a second-class citizen but the all he wants to do with the rest of his life is to be his true self wonderful man, husband, son, brother and eventually the and bring greater peace and love into this world. father that he so wants to be. The fi nal graduation celebration was, of course, the Aiden (right) and Stefen Aizumi Later this week, I am off to Denver to speak to the Mile commencement exercise, where our family cheered and High JACL. The JACL has been one of our family’s great- I cried once again when I saw my son proudly accept his gratitude that he never had. Less important was the time it est supporters in recent years, along with PFLAG, a national diploma after nine long years of holding onto this dream of took, more important were all the qualities of character my organization that supports parents, families and friends of fi nishing college. son found through his struggles to believe in himself. LGBTQ individuals, and NQAPIA, an API LGBTQ national Before our journey to stand by our transgender son, I think I think the most amazing part of our journey is we organization. I would have felt guilty that it took my son so long to fi n- experience moments at a higher level. When Aiden got Our family is stronger because organizations like these ish school. I would have never focused on the resiliency and married in 2013, I wanted to celebrate every minute of exist and are working tirelessly and fearlessly to bring determination my son brought forth to walk across the stage the day because there was a time that I thought he would equality and understanding to all. So, as I refl ect on this to get his bachelor’s degree. I would not have looked for all never fi nd love. My appreciation was deep, intense and ever month, my niece’s wedding, my son’s graduation and the the beautiful moments that we have been able to share, as present. And when Aiden fi nished his bachelor’s degree, various Pride events happening around the country, a warmth we have spoken around the country to so many LGBTQ I wanted to celebrate every graduation moment because he fi lls my heart for our family, our son and our LGBTQ individuals, their families and straight allies. And I would didn’t walk at his high school graduation and wasn’t sure communities’ future. And that makes this mother smile. have missed so much of those amazing moments, if that were he would even go to college. Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in the LGBT community the case. The beauty of having challenges in my life is that I don’t and the author of the book “Two Spirits: One Heart: A Yes, Aiden took nine years to fi nish college, but through take things for granted as often. I appreciate the moments at Mother, Her Transgender Son and Their Journey to Love those years, he has developed the strength, confi dence and a higher level. I try to live fully present within the moment, and Acceptance.” 4 July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 NATIONAL/COMMUNITY SEABROOK JACL HOLDS APAs in the News GRADUATE RECOGNITION AND Hawaii Rep. Mark Takai Passes Away at Age 49 HONOLULU — U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, a fi rst-term congressman from Hawaii, died July 20 following a nine-month battle with INSTALLATION LUNCHEON pancreatic cancer. He was 49. Takai’s death comes less than a year and a half after he earned his congressional seat; a special election will be held in conjunction with the general election on Nov. 8. The winner will serve until Jan. 3, 2017. In the general election, one of the winners of the Aug. 13 primaries will serve a full two-year term, representing the 1st Congressional District. After Takai announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election, 10 individuals fi led to run for his seat, including former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. Takai’s offi ce issued a statement on July 20: “Today, Congressman Mark Takai passed away at home, surrounded by family.” Takai, a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii National Guard and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was fi rst elected to the House in 2014 after serving 20 years in the Hawaii State House. He is survived by his wife, Sami Takai, and two children, Matthew and Kaila.

Vineland High School Graduate Estrella Orta-Contreras (center) is Emperor Akihito Reportedly Considering Retirement congratulated for being selected by Vineland High School for the JACL TOKYO — Japan’s Emperor Akihito, 82, has expressed his Citizenship Award for 2016. She is pictured with (from left) Lenore intention to retire and relinquish his title in the next few years, Wurtzel, scholarship chairwoman; Michelle Amano, former JACL EDC rather than reduce his duties as he ages, the country’s public TV Governor and now JACL VP of General Operations; Michael Asada, reported July 14. Seabrook JACL president; and Sharon Yoshida, Seabrook JACL vp. Akihito in recent years has referred to his old age and admitted to making small mistakes at ceremonies, and the Imperial Household Agency has suggested reducing his duties, while giving more he Seabrook JACL chapter recently tended to new incoming President Michael responsibility to Crown Prince Naruhito, 56. held its annual Graduates Recog- Asada and outgoing Co-Presidents Lenore The NHK report said Akihito has been mulling the possibility over the past few years nition and Installation Luncheon, Wurtzel and Sharon Yoshida, who have lead and that his two sons have accepted the idea. Twhere then-JACL Eastern District Governor the Seabrook JACL for the past 13 years. Akihito ascended to the throne after his father, Hirohito, died in January 1989. While Michelle Amano (newly elected JACL VP Framed letters, pearl service pins and bon- abdication is unheard of in modern Japanese history, Akihito has broken with other of General Operations) read the JACL creed sai plants were among the many expressions imperial traditions. He was the fi rst emperor to marry a commoner, Empress Michiko, and installed the offi cers and board for the of appreciation presented to them for their and surprised the nation in 2013 when he chose to be cremated upon his death. coming year. numerous years of leadership and dedicated Congratulations and appreciation were ex- service. ■ Nisei Week Prepares for 76th Annual Grand Parade LOS ANGELES — Emmy Award-winning makeup artist and community leader Kaori Nara Turner (pictured, far left) has been named ARTIST KENNY YAMADA the grand marshal of the 2016 Nisei Week Grand Parade and Brittany Ishibashi, who starred recently in “Teenage Mutant Ninja RECOGNIZED BY THE WALT Turtles: Out of the Shadows,” is the parade marshal, offi cials announced. This year marks the 76th annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival; the grand parade is set DISNEY CO. to take place Aug. 14 beginning at 4 p.m. rtist Kenny Yamada has been Tokyo-born Turner became a professional dancer at 14 and established her career in accepted into the Disney Gallery, the U.S. after marrying Hollywood makeup artist Bill Turner in 1966. Following a knee and on Aug. 20, Yamada will be injury, Turner became one of the most successful Japanese makeup artists in the fi lm and Athe gallery’s showcase artist, where he will TV industry. In 2003, she won an Emmy Award for her work on the TV show “Alias.” sign his original prints of Snow White and Ishibashi has built a consistent career in both TV and fi lm, with feature and guest- Pinocchio at the Disneyana Shop on Main- starring roles on more than three dozen TV series in addition to her role in the most street U.S.A. in Anaheim’s Disneyland recent “TMNT” fi lm. theme park. Nisei Week is one of the longest-running ethnic festivals in the U.S. As a gallery artist, Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s art galleries will sell Mitchell Maki Named Interim President of the Go For Broke National Yamada’s original art and prints. The Disney Artist Kenny Yamada will sign his Education Center Gallery is unique in that it is the only loca- original Disney prints on Aug. 20. LOS ANGELES — Mitchell Maki, Ph.D., a member of the Go For tion in the entire park that is considered both Broke board and a professor at California State University, an attraction and a merchandise location. football poster that was displayed on BART Dominguez Hills, has been named interim president of the Go For Cast members who work and sell items in trains. More than 50 of his posters were Broke National Education Center, effective immediately. the gallery are also specially trained to run reportedly stolen off BART trains that year. Having served as president and CEO for six months, Vince the gallery as a museum. In the years following, Yamada also creat- Beresford is stepping down from his role to pursue a new opportunity Through the years, Yamada has com- ed the Cal Bears posters that were displayed initiated by In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Synder. He will pleted several projects for the Walt Disney on billboards and on the sides of buses. continue to work for Go For Broke in a new capacity. Co. Among his most notable works are the Yamada’s artistic passion developed at “I am so excited to join Go For Broke National Education Center,” Maki said in a Walt Disney World 25th anniversary logo, a very young age. He began drawing Dis- statement. “As a board member, I have been deeply committed to the organization’s the diamond castle with Mickey and Minnie ney characters by age 3 and started to make mission. During this transition period, I look forward to working closely with the staff in diamond costumes for Disneyland’s 60th public appearances by age 5. He grew up in in the coming months as we identify a permanent president.” anniversary and the grand-opening poster Lodi, Calif., and graduated from the Uni- Maki will lead the organization as it searches for a new president and CEO. He is for Euro Disney. versity of California, Berkeley, and the San taking an offi cial leave of absence from CSUDH until the end of the year. One of Yamada’s fi rst clients was the Uni- Francisco Academy of Art. versity of California, Berkeley’s Athletic He currently resides in Anaheim with his — P.C. Staff and Associated Press Department. His fi rst project was a Cal Bears wife, Millie, and two daughters. ■ IN-DEPTH July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 5

The National Council NATIONAL listens to the “What’s at Stake” plenary panel. CONVENTION 2016 MembersJACL and delegates of the JACL National Meg and Kota Council gathered in Las Vegas to continue the Mizutani organization’s ongoing mission to maintaining the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all other victimized by injustice and bigotry. This year’s election saluted the outgoing board and Voting delegates celebrated a newly elected leadership. for Resolution 1

(From left) Barbara Neuman, Amy Dickerson, Mieko and Ron Kuramoto

(From left) Tim Storey, Nan Aron, Joseph Liu, David Mermin, Norman Mineta and Emil Trinidad during the ‘What’s at Stake in the 2016 Elections?” plenary session

(From left) Valerie Duff, Jim Duff and Beth Uno (From left) Stephanie Nitahara, Craig Shimizu and Alice Lin

Miyako Kadogawa tries her luck (From left) Jennifer Kaku, Curtiss Takada Rooks, Sarah on the casino Neil Kozuma and Baker, Desun Oka and Kota Mizutani participate in the ﬂ oor with Mas Sharon Uyeda “Who Do We Represent?” plenary. Yamaoka.

Members from the NY/SC and youth delegates onstage after the (Front row, from left) Floyd Shimomura, Consul General Jun Yamada, Minister Youth Luncheon along with Black Lives Matter — Los Angeles Takuya Sasayama and Norman Mineta with alumni from the Kakehashi Program 66 JulyJuly 29-Aug.11,29-Aug. 11, 2016 2016 IN-DEPTHIN-DEPTH

lupof Valleythe Power JACL: of ReplacementWords; Puyal- of Signagelup Valley at “Harmony” JACL: Replacement at the Wash- JACLJACL ANNUALANNUAL NATIONALNATIONAL CONVENTION CONVENTION ingtonof Signage State at Fairgrounds; “Harmony” Seattle at the JACL:Washington Family 2.0State — AnFairgrounds; API LG- ThisThis year’s conventionconvention along along with with the the biennial beinnial election election welcomed welcomed a new a new board board and and president president BTQSeattle Gathering; JACL: FamilySouth Bay 2.0 JACL:— An Tanoshii Fun Camp; Twin Cities asas thethe organization facesfaces deep deep fi financialnancial troubles troubles and and dwindling dwindling membership. membership. API LGBTQ Gathering; South JACL:Bay JACL: February Tanoshii 19, 1942: Fun The Camp; Day PHOTOS:PHOTOS: TOM TOM NISHIKAWA NISHIKAWA AND AND TIFFANY TIFFANY UJIIYE UJIIYE theand Constitution Twin Cities Died. JACL: February By P.C. xpressingStaff their confi dence The National Youth/Student 19, 1942: The Day the Constitu- and concerns over the or- Council presented a special Vision tion Died. xpressingganization’s their future, confidence mem- Award during the Youth Luncheon The National Youth/Student Ebers ofand the JACL concerns National over Council the to Black Lives Matter — Los Ange- Council presented a special Vision and Boardorganization’s met at the 47thfuture, National mem- les. The Vision Award is presented Award during the Youth Luncheon EbersConvention of the JACL in Las National Vegas from Council July to an individual or organization and10-14. Board met at the 47th National thatto Black has made Lives strides Matter in — an Los uncon An-- ConventionIn the ballroom in Las Vegas halls from of Julythe ventionalgeles. (For field. more For ( coverage more and cover in-- ((FromFrom leftleft)) DavidDavid Ono Ono with with (From(From left) JACL past presidents David Kawamoto, Floyd 10-14.Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, agedepth and discussion, in-depth discussion, please visit please Page HenryHenry and and Sharon Sharon Uyeda Uyeda Shimomura, Raymond Uno, Larry Oda and David Lin delegatesIn the fromballroom around halls the countryof the visit8.) Page 8.) Montevoted to Carlo install Resort a new board and Casino,as well In closing, newly elected NaNa-- delegatesas discuss from the next around steps the in country fi nding tionaltional PresidentPresident MayedaMayeda andand thethe voteda new to Executiveinstall a new Director. board as JACL well NationalNational Board met to to collabor- collabo- asannounced discuss the that next former steps Executivein finding rateate on on a aroad road map map for forthe thenext nexttwo aDirector new Executive Priscilla Director.Ouchida JACL had twoyears. years.Initiatives Initiatives included includedimprov- announced that former Executive resigned on June 14 just weeks improvinging communication communication channels channels be- Director Priscilla Ouchida had before the convention. The new tweenbetween staff, staff, the thenational national board board and resigned on June 14 just weeks chapters. national board as well as the Per- JACL Legacy Grant recipients and their programs were and chapters. before the convention. The new (From left) John Tobe and sonnel Committee is currently re- recognizedKristi Lin is during a fourth-year the convention’s UC Davis Sayonaracollege student.Consed Banquet. ChallengesChallenges this this year include National Board as well as the Scott Nakamura viewing candidates. ma volupta tusdae. Cuptatem quo bearum et aliqui is rerias (From left) John Tobe eliminatingeliminating the major budget defidefi -- Personnel Committee is currently cit that immediate past National Delegates and members elected enianis quae peri ommoles and Scott Nakamura cit that immediate past National reviewing candidates. Services Elections.” Sponsored by AARP President David Lin and his board a new national president, Gary The Kansha Project Alumni Lead- President David Lin and his board Delegates and members elect- Other members sworn in were: and the Wallace H. Coulter Foun- looked to decrease, hiring a new Mayeda, from the Pacifi c South- ershipThe Board; Kansha Mile Project High Alumni JACL: looked to decrease, hiring a new ed a new national president, • nia Western Michelle Nevada Pacifi Yamashiro, c Dis- dation,and profound the panel impact looked ofat thethe deep up- Executive Director, as well as west District. Succeeding David TheLeadership Minoru YasuiBoard; Legacy Mile Projec;High Executive Director, as well as de- Gary Mayeda, from the Pacific Pacifictrict Council Southwest Governor District Council andcoming profound election impact to notof the just upcom Asian- New Mexico JACL: New Mexico’s developing a plan to grow and sus- Lin, Mayeda has previously served JACL: The Minoru Yasui Legacy veloping a plan to grow and sustain Southwest District. Succeeding Governor• Roberta Barton, Central Califor- ingAmericans election to and not Pacifijust Asian c Islanders Amer- Small Towns & JA Confinement tain rapidly declining membership on the National Board and has Project; New Mexico JACL: New rapidly declining membership fi g- David Lin, Mayeda has previously • nia Janet District Komoto, Council IntermountainGovernor icansbut also and for Pacific the nation. Islanders but also Experience; National Youth/Stu- figures. been a member for nearly 28 years. Mexico’s Small Towns & JA Con- ures. served on the National Board and District• Betsy CouncilSato, GovernorMidwest District forMineta the nation. also included his person- dent Council; Philadelphia JACL: “We are set to do astonishing “The JACL is an amazing organ- fi nement Experience; NY/SC; “We are set to do astonishing has been a member for nearly 28 • CouncilDavid Unruhe, Governor Northern Califor- al Minetaexperience also includedand touched his personal on the Good Luck Soup Interactive Ex- things,” Mayeda encouraged. Philadelphia JACL: Good Luck things,” Mayeda encouraged. years.ization that shows how democracy nia• Scott Western Nakamura, Nevada Interim Pacific EasternDistrict experienceimportance and of building touched aon coalition. the im- hibit; Philadelphia JACL: Uprooted The next National Board meet- Soup Interactive Exhibit; Phila- The next National Board meeting is “Thewell served JACL at every is an level. amazing From CouncilDistrict Governor Council Governor portance“What’s of buildinghappening a coalition. in 2016, Exhibit — East Coast Showing; ing is expected to take place in O delphia JACL: Uprooted Exhibit is expected to take place in Octo- organizationdebating resolutions that showsto declaring how •• Sheldon Roberta Barton,Arakaki, Central Pacifi c Califor North-- what’s“What’s happening happening with those in issues 2016, Portland JACL: Spreading the Mes- ctober in San Francisco, Calif., at the — East Coast Showing; Portland ber in San Francisco, Calif., at the democracyour resolve isfor well issues served that atwe every hold niawest District District Council Council Governor Governor. what’sand how happening we are withengage those with issues the sage of the Power of Words; Puyal- National JACL Headquarters. n JACL: Spreading the Message National JACL Headquarters. level.dear to Fromour election debating process, resolutions [it all] • BetsyThe JACL Sato, National Midwest Council District and2016 how elections we are is engage critical,” with Mi- the toaffi declaringrms that our leaders resolve will for issuesguide Councilvoted on Governor several resolutions re- 2016neta said elections before is the critical,” audience Mineta and thatus forward,” we hold Mayeda dear to told our electionthe P.C. • Scott Nakamura, Interim Eastern said before the audience and panel- garding civil rights violations on panelists. “JACL is a nonprofi t, AMERICAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL process,“This year, [it our all] members affirms gathered that our DistrictCanadian Council citizens Governor of Japanese des- ists.nonpartisan “JACL isorganization, a nonprofit, sononpar we- leadersto say that will the guide Japanese-Canadian us forward,” •cent, Sheldon additional Arakaki, operation Pacific funding North- tisanhave to organization, keep that in so mind, we havebut this to 2016 TOUR SCHEDULE Mayeda told the P.C. “This experience is important for history westfor the District Pacifi Council c Citizen(ITAL) Governor and keepis one that that in requires mind, buta full this and is open one year, our members gathered to to remember and that our employ- supportThe JACL for aNational U.S. asylum Council policy vot- thatdiscussion requires by a allfull of and us.” open discus- Nova Scotia Holiday Tour (Carol Hida) ...... Aug 10-18 say that the Japanese-Canadian ees are important enough to mod- edfree on of several racial resolutionsand religious regarding preju- sionThis by allyear’s of us.” major highlights Halifax, Baddeck, Cabot Trail, CharlotteTown, experience is important for history to civil rights violations on Canadian This year’s major highlights ify our budget to keep our JACL dice. Additionally, a resolution was also included the presentation of Prince Edward Island, Grand Pre, Lunenburg. remember and that our employees citizens of Japanese descent, addi- also included the presentation family together.” passed unanimously supporting the the Japanese American of the Bi- are important enough to modify our tional operation funding for the Pa- of the Japanese American of the China Silk Road Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida)...... Sep 12-23 Chair of the Nominations Com- establishment of the Tule Lake Na- ennium Award, JACL’s highest budget to keep our JACL family cific Citizen and support for a U.S. Biennium Award, JACL’s highest Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang. mittee Kent Kawai announced the tional Historic Site. public award. The National JACL together.” asylum policy free of racial and public award. The National JACL completed elections. Those elected All resolutions were passed, in- has presented this recognition to an British Landscapes Holiday Tour (Elaine Ishida) ...... Sep 12-21 to Chairthe National of Boardthe Nominationswere: religious prejudice. Additionally, a has presented this recognition to Committee Kent Kawai announced resolutioncluding additional was passed funding unanimously for the anAmerican American of ofJapanese Japanese ancestry ancestry at England, Scotland, Wales. • Michelle Amano, VP of General Pacifi c Citizen. (For details re- each biennial national convention theOperations completed (Washington, elections. ThoseD.C. supporting the establishment of the at each biennial national conven- Korea Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Oct 4-17 elected to the National Board were: garding the fi nancial summary and since 1950. Award recipients this Chapter) Tule Lake National Historic Site. tion since 1950. Award recipients Seoul, Nami Island, Sokcho, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Cheju • Michelle Amano, VP of analysis, please visit Page 7.) year were Carole Hayashino, Del- • Jeffrey Moy, VP of Public Affairs All resolutions were passed, in- this year were Carole Hayashino, Island, Gwangju, Daejon, Suwon, KBS Drama Center, DMZ Tour. General Operations (Washington, cludingSeveral additional plenary fundingsessions for were the Delphinephine Hirasuna Hirasuna and andDan Danand June and (Washington, D.C. Chapter) D.C. Chapter, immediate past EDC Pacificalso held, Citizen.tackling (For this detailsyear’s up- re- JuneKuramoto. Kuramoto. New England Autumn Holiday Tour (Elaine Ishida) . . . . Oct 11-18 • Matthew Farrells, VP for Plan- Governor) gardingcoming thepresidential financial electionsummary andand Additional recognition was given Boston, Woodstock, Stowe-Vermont, North Conway- ning and Development (Twin Cit- • Jeffrey Moy, VP of Public analysis,exploring please U.S.-Japan visit Page 7relations.) throughoutthroughout thisthis year’syear’s conventi convention, on, New Hampshire, Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport Maine. ies Chapter) Affairs (Washington, D.C. Chapter, withSeveral Consul plenary General sessions of Japan were in includingincluding thethe AwardsAwards andand YouthYouth • Kota Mizutani (NY/SC chair- Kyushu-Shikoku Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Oct 27-Nov 9 reelected) alsoSan held,Francisco tackling Jun this Yamada year’s and up- Luncheon.Luncheon. TheThe Awards Luncheon, • person) Matthew Farrells, VP for comingMinister presidentialand Head electionof Chancery and heldheld onon July July 13, 13,celebrated celebrated the 2016 the Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Ibusuki, Kagoshima, PlanningAppointed and board Development members were: (Twin exploringof the Embassy U.S.-Japan of Japanrelations Takuya with Legacy2016 Legacy Fund GrantFund RecipientsGrant Recipi- and Miyazaki, Beppu, Matsuyama, Kochi, Takamatsu, Cities• Alan Nishi, Chapter, National immediate Secretary/ past ConsulSasayama. General Additionally, of Japan a indiscus- San theents Georgeand the InagakiGeorge Inagaki Chapter Chap- Citi- Shodo Island, Tokushima, Osaka. NationalTreasurer Secretary/Treasurer) Franciscosion dedicated Jun Yamada to the andShin-Nikkei Minister zenshipter Citizenship Award. Award. New Orleans Get-Away Tour (Carol Hida) ...... Dec 12-16 •• Kenji Kota Kuramitsu, Mizutani (National NY/SC Rep. Youth/ andexperience Head of openedChancery dialogue of the Embe-- Venice-West Los Angeles ChapChap-- One hotel, City Tour, New Orleans Cooking School- Student• Colleen Chairperson) Morimoto, VP for One bassytween of Japanese Japan Takuya and Sasayama.Japanese terter membermember JohnJohn SaitoSaito presented Dinner, Cajun Swamp Tour. TheThousand candidates Club aboveand Membership ran unop- Additionally,Americans communities a discussion as well dedi as- thethe GeorgeGeorge InagakiInagaki ChapterChapter CitiCit-- posed.Services Appointed board members catedeveryone to the in Shin-Nikkei between. experience zenshipizenship Award Award to to the the SeattleSeattle JACL For more information and reservations, please contact: were:Other members sworn in were: opened dialogue between Japanese Chapter for its tireless work in civil Plenary moderator and former Chapter for its tireless work in civil AMERICAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL •• Michelle Alan Nishi, Yamashiro, National Secretary/ Pacifi c andU.S. Japanese Secretary Americans of Transportation communi- andand socialsocial rightsrights advocacy.advocacy. 312 E. 1st Street, Suite 330 * Los Angeles, CA 90012 TreasurerSouthwest District Council Gov- tiesNorman as well Y. asMineta everyone facilitated in between. talks Legacy Fund Grant Recipients TeL: (213)625-2232 * EmaiL: [email protected] • ernorKenji Kuramitsu, National Youth/ overPlenary “What’s moderator at Stake andat the former 2016 werewere recognized duringduring the Awards Student• Janet Representative Komoto, Intermountain U.S.Elections.” Secretary Sponsored of Transportation by AARP LuncheonLuncheon andand honoredhonored below: below: Ernest or Carol Hida or Elaine Ishida (Tel: 714-269-4534) • Colleen Morimoto, VP for One District Council Governor Normanand the WallaceY. Mineta H. facilitated Coulter Foun- talks • Berkeley• Berkeley JACL: JACL: The The Mineta (CST #200326-10) Thousand Club and Membership • David Unruhe, Northern Califor- overdation, “What’s the panel at Stakelooked at at the the 2016deep LegacyLegacy Project;Project; ChicagoChicago JACL: IN-DEPTH July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 7

the Pacifi c Citizen mailed to them. The budget amendment assumes that in COLLABORATION AND COMPROMISE 2017, 3,220 members will opt to pay the $17 A call to action for all JACL members and supporters to It was back to the drawing boards analyz- per year and 2,796 in 2018. If those numbers ing, discussing and eventually compromising seem too exact to be assumptions, they are bolster revenue in the coming biennium. on various revenue sources. The ad hoc group based on the projected number of members PHOTO: TIFFANY UJIIYE decided that the best solution to amending the we will have in 2017 and 2018 multiplied by and/or interested in the fi nancial aspects of budget so we could continue our programs the 59.197 percent of the members who re- the JACL budget process. The intention- with existing staff positions was to raise turned post cards and indicated they wanted ally geographically diverse group included revenue as follows: a paper Pacifi c Citizen. members of the National Board, staff and First, for the next biennium, increase the dis- At the Thursday morning National Council more than a dozen delegates, some with tribution from the Legacy Fund from four per- session, after more questions, answers and strong personalities and differing fi nancial cent to fi ve percent of the endowment value as impassioned discussions on the convention objectives. of the close of business for January 2016. fl oor, both budget amendments passed by When we met on Tuesday evening, while Second, suggest to chapters and districts substantial majorities, and the amended bud- other delegates were heading off to dinner that they donate back to national the amount get was approved, keeping intact the nation- or one of the hospitality rooms, it became of their chapter and district Legacy Fund al JACL and Pacifi c Citizen staff positions. clear that this group was interested in col- distributions for 2017 and 2018. The ad hoc group reminds the membership laboration and compromise as we discussed Third, hold a national fundraising program that these revenue sources are clearly short- the effect of losing the full-time employ- with a goal of $17,000 in 2017. This will give term solutions to give you, the JACL mem- Silcon Valley Chapter’s Milo Yoshino ees and methods of increasing revenue so the incoming National Board and Executive bers, two years to generate more permanent speaks to the JACL National Council. we would not have to lose valuable staff Director freedom to craft a fundraiser appro- revenue sources. positions. priate for 2017. One signifi cant revenue source you can By Milo Yoshino, But we did not want to do this with “pre- Fourth, in 2018, institute a modest, but long- have immediate impact on is membership Silicon Valley JACL tend money.” We left the session believing overdue dues increase. revenue. You can change the trajectory of we had come up with a short-term solution The second task for the evening was to ham- JACL membership revenue by asking a mid the speeches, plenary sessions to preserve the two non-Pacifi c Citizen staff mer out the budget amendment regarding the lapsed member to renew, or ask a friend, and reports at the recently com- positions with the fate of the Pacifi c Citizen Pacifi c Citizen now that the National Coun- neighbor or even a complete stranger to pleted JACL National Convention full-time position largely dependent on the cil had approved the surcharge of up to $25. join, or for you to upgrade your member- Awas the challenge of approving a balanced, passage of Resolution 2. That resolution After extensive discussions, several revenue ship to Thousand Club, Century Club or reasonable budget for the next biennium. would provide additional revenue for Pacif- and expense items were adjusted to amounts Millennium Club. As most of you know, our delegates trav- ic Citizen operations with a surcharge of up the group found to be realistic. By the way, all of this can be completed on eled to Las Vegas knowing the proposed to $25 per year to any member who requests The key factor and eventually the most- your computer, tablet or smart phone and a fi scally conservative budget called for the a paper (hard-copy) Pacifi c Citizen. discussed assumption on the convention fl oor credit card. A simple goal could be to have reduction of two non-P.C. full-time equiva- On Wednesday afternoon, after a lengthy the next day was the number of members who your chapter end 2016, and then 2017, and lent positions and one full-time equivalent and passionate discussion, the National would be willing to pay $17 (down from the then 2018 with the same number of members position at the Pacifi c Citizen. Council passed Resolution 2 as authored by earlier projected $25) to have a hard copy of you started with on Jan. 1, 2016. ■ Although a fi scally responsible budget, Harold Kameya of the San Fernando Valley many delegates expressed concern about chapter. This was the fi rst step toward keep- the loss of valuable staff and the potential ing the current Pacifi c Citizen staff and pro- dramatic reduction of the programs we have duction capabilities intact. TIPS FOR THE WISE CAR BUYER become proud of over the years. The Wednesday evening ad hoc group On Tuesday afternoon, our outgoing Sec- meeting started with the bad news that our retary Treasurer, Matthew Farrells, gave short-term solution from the day before was 1. Before you 2. Make your 3. Next call or an explanation of the proposed budget and not viable due to the complex difference be- opened up the fl oor for suggestions on how tween Legacy Fund distribution of earnings leave home, way to the head over to to increase revenue or reduce expenses. He vs. distributions in accordance with the en- visit our Auto dealer and National JACL collected the suggestions and convened an dowment spending policy approved and in ad hoc group of members knowledgeable use since February 2007. Center at purchase Credit Union. jaclcu.com to your nd the new car. GREETINGS FROM THE best NEW MDC GOVERNOR deal. ACL’s MDC district is pleased to out what is really behind the words then welcome new governor Betsy Sato. move forward to create mutually agreed ‘Quite frankly, serving on the JACL on solutions. The National Board has sev- Get a better JNational Board was not on my bucket list. eral big tasks ahead and will need patience, I have been chapter president and MDC creativity and good listening skills to rate and up vice governor, but I had no ambition to complete them successfully. be promoted. Now that I am, I am looking “I am hopeful that we are ready to meet Tell them to $500 cash forward to being an active member. Hav- the challenges and fi nd creative and inno- you want to back. ing attended my fi rst National Board meet- vative solutions so that JACL will continue Call us to get ing at the end of convention, I think this is to be a leading organization in the AAPI nance at a good time for me to serve. community and for the forces of justice. pre-approved. “I have been an executive director of a “Representing the Midwest District is an JACL CU. nonprofi t and have served on nonprofi t honor. Some of our chapters may be small, boards, both large and small. So, I under- but they’re quite active. At convention, Use this innovative auto buying resource that connects you with stand how things are supposed to function I was able to meet many younger and comprehensive research and comparison tools. Make a smart buying when they function well. I have also seen dynamic leaders from MDC. I look decision with competitive credit union nancing. Know Before You Go! them work not so well. This is where my forward to working with them. I hope other skill-sets may come in handy: I am to see many of them at our MDC Fall trained as a mediator and confl ict resolver. Meeting in Detroit on Oct. 14-16.” 800-544-8828 www.jaclcu.com

I know it is important to listen and ﬁ gure — Betsy Sato PROMO CODE: PCAUTO2016 8 July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 IN-DEPTH/NATIONAL

Fundraising for the Future. The NY/SC is JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION NY/SC extremely grateful for all those convention attendees who supported the 2016 NY/SC Sweepstakes Fundraiser, our largest fundraiser of the year. With the generous support RECAP: TO BE THE FUTURE OF THE JACL of contributors and our sponsors — South- west Airlines, MGM Resorts and State Farm By Emi Kamemoto, Kenji Kuramitsu, — the NY/SC successfully raised nearly Kota Mizutani $6,000. The proceeds will go toward funding NY/SC initiatives in the State of Nevada. n every corner of the JACL, we often Thank you all for the continued support of hear, “The youth are the future of the the NY/SC! JACL!” While this phrase is straight- A Space for Refl ection. As the National Iforward, we occasionally forget to unpack Convention came to a close, the NY/SC what exactly being the future of the JACL hosted a brainstorming and educational means. As young leaders charged with this Youth Closing session with Karen Kore- task, the National Youth/Student Council matsu, executive director of the Fred T. Ko- (NY/SC) constantly asks itself, “How do we rematsu Institute. Among other topics, the envision the future of the JACL? How do we youth shared experiences of exclusion and shape the current and future JACL so that acceptance in education. We left that space the NY/SC, young civil rights leaders, and mutually electrifi ed as Karen charged youth JACL members of all ages, can continue to members to utilize the tools the JACL pro- be proud of our work?” vides in fulfi lling our mission to safeguard At the 2016 JACL National Convention all communities from injustice and bigotry. in Las Vegas, the NY/SC — inspired by the The Hon. Norman Mineta (center) is joined by JACL NY/SC members including newly So, did we see the future of the JACL countless leaders who came before us — elected youth chairs Kota Mizutani (far left) and Kenji Kuramitsu (back row, center) at work during the convention? Did we and interim Assistant Executive Director Stephanie Nitahara (far left). took on that challenge. For all members who challenge the JACL to be the civil rights have encouraged and supported youth, we’d organization that current and future JACL like to share just some of the many successes Recognizing Allies, Challenging Our- Williams graciously took time out of their members can be proud of? Absolutely. the NY/SC and JACL youth accomplished at selves. The Youth Luncheon on Day 3 of busy schedules to accept the award at the We saw it when Sec. Norman Mineta this year’s National Convention. Convention was an opportunity for the NY/ Youth Luncheon. In selecting Black Lives embraced Bell after her powerful and Navigating Tools for Change. As an SC to highlight our accomplishments, ac- Matter-Los Angeles, we hope to show our thought-provoking keynote address at the opening activity, the NY/SC hosted a Youth knowledge our allies and supporters and community the importance of the Japanese Youth Luncheon. We saw it when young Orientation where all young Convention share our vision for the JACL. Every bien- American voice in addressing the anti-black JACL leaders stood up to express their goers shared why they came to Conven- nium, the NY/SC awards the NY/SC Vision racism that affects all communities of color. ideas on the fl oor of the business sessions tion and learned the tools needed to actively Award to an organization or individual that Inspired by JACL’s history of enlightening and placed votes impacting the future of the participate in National Council sessions. We has worked tirelessly to exact meaningful the country to the injustice of mass incar- JACL. We felt it when dozens of youth mem- welcomed Paul Uyehara, Resolutions Com- change in their community. This year, the ceration and institutional racism, the NY/SC bers eagerly planned continued involvement mittee chair, to skillfully demystify Robert’s NY/SC voted unanimously to honor the or- understands that we must acknowledge the with the NY/SC beyond convention. Rules of Order and empower us to represent ganization Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles. work of those that consciously protest sys- This is, indeed, what it means for the youth our chapters and youth communities. As guests of the JACL, Shamell Bell and Jan temic violence. to be the future of the JACL. ■ NEW TV DOCUMENTARY ON OLYMPIC CHAMPION WEIGHTLIFTER TOMMY KONO DEBUTS AS RIO GAMES BEGIN he inspiring life of one of the Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. “It’s been great to have a project where greatest modern Olympic athletes is Surprisingly, Kono won gold, and he did it we could really dive in,” said Phan. “To sit captured in a public TV documentary again in 1956 in Melbourne. He then com- down and interview Tommy Kono was a Tset to be distributed nationally in August. peted in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where chance to interview someone’s father, some- “Arnold Knows Me: The Tommy Kono he earned a silver medal. Kono also excelled one’s grandfather. It was a chance to docu- Story” depicts an Olympic hero at the peak in bodybuilding competitions — he won the ment his story for his family and for so many of his powers in Helsinki, Melbourne and Mr. Universe title three times and Ironman others to learn from. It was a chance to share Rome. The half-hour program will debut on Mr. World once. his story.” KVIE-TV in Northern California on Aug. 3. As a teenager, Schwarzenegger watched Yamamoto feels that the remarkable feats Tommy Kono, who grew up slender Kono compete in Europe, and he became of the weightlifter, excelling during the time and asthmatic in downtown Sacramento’s such a fan that he placed a photo of Kono of the Cold War, go far beyond the realm of vibrant Japanese American community, on his bedroom wall and shortly thereaf- athletics. inspired two generations of weightlifters and ter followed his idol’s path to international “When you can tell that story through a body builders, including former California fame. Kono noted that people asked him guy like Tommy Kono, I think people will Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. if he knew Schwarzenegger. “Do I know listen,” said Yamamoto. “I think people will Kono and his family were incarcerated in Arnold?” he recalled in the documenta- learn about Tule Lake, they’ll learn about the Tule Lake Relocation Center in World ry. “Arnold knows me!” the Japanese internment as they’re learn- War II. The mountain air cleared up his The friendship Schwarzenegger developed ing about this great athlete named Tommy Olympian Tommy Kono with health problems, and a group of older teens with Kono became lifelong, and Schwar- Kono.” former California Gov. Arnold got him interested in weightlifting. When zenegger has also said that without Kono’s Kono passed away in Honolulu earlier Schwarzenegger Kono came home after the war, he was pas- inspiration, he wouldn’t have come to this year at the age of 85, but in addition sionate about the sport and started to win lo- America, nor become a political leader or to his Olympic medals, his legacy includes sure around the Rio Olympics, the produc- cal competitions. But he was drafted into the worldwide boxoffi ce superstar. coaching Olympic athletes here and abroad tion team plans to enter the documentary in U.S. Army during the Korean War and was “The Tommy Kono Story,” a collabora- as well as authoring several books on lifting several fi lm festivals. trained to be a cook. Waiting to be shipped tion with the Center for Sacramento History, techniques. His hometown of Sacramento out to Asia, Kono’s talents were recognized, is the fi rst documentary fi lm for its is also home to an annual Tommy Kono Check your local listings for premiere and he instead was put into an Olympic producer, Suzanne Phan, and director, Ryan competition. dates of “Arnold Knows Me: The Tommy training program in advance of the 1952 Yamamoto. In addition to national public TV expo- Kono Story.” IN-DEPTH July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 9

PHOTOS: WAYNE H. COLE COMING OUT The author recounts lessons learned on her journey toward self-discovery. By Diana Morita Cole, Contributor

fter I published my book “Sideways: Memoir of a Misfi t” in 2015, an old friend from Ontario asked why he was only learning about my birth in a Aconcentration camp now when we had known each other for more than 40 years. Kay Endo (left) and My husband and I had emigrated to Canada in 1968 from Richard Oba in front of Chicago when the Great White North was absorbed with what was once a tarpapered its own struggle for identity—which we found bewilder- barrack used to “house” ing but were forced to accept as what defi ned this young Japanese Americans colonial country. Shortly after our arrival in Toronto, the Globe and Mail published a story about a violent clash between the French and English in Quebec and called it a racial While inside the Victorian stone edifi ce where I was study- confl ict. ing, teachers would often ask me to explain why I spoke Racial confl ict? My husband and I wondered what the English so well, as they commented on the alarming number reporter was talking about. of “strangers” arriving in their city. In ’69, after receiving terrorist threats, the Toronto Transit How was I to explain my upbringing in an ambience as A photograph Commission shut down the subway system. This disruption frosty as that was? of what remains took place just before the FLQ Crisis, which has since been Back then, the only satisfying Canadian narrative for me of the Minidoka renamed the “October Crisis.” was “Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie,” an epic poem about concentration This euphemistic new name deftly disguises the horror another expulsion, contrived by the British in 1755. camp waiting that unfolded over October, November and December as But as startling as the parallels may have been to what was room Pierre Trudeau and the Quebec government desperately ne- done to the Nikkei in British Columbia during WWII, the gotiated with two separate cells of the homegrown separatist expulsion of the Acadian settlers from Nova Scotia took paramilitary group Front de libération du Québec that place too long ago for it to have currency in the Anglophone U.S. and Canada resulted in simultaneous apologies and had abducted a British diplomat and killed Canada’s then- world where I now lived. symbolic payments for the loss of human rights the Nikkei Minister of Labour. Decades later, in 1982 (a year after “Obasan” was pub- endured during and after the war. Prime Minister Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act, lished), Acadian youths in Nova Scotia rejected my son as By 2011 when I set down to write my memoir in Nelson, now called the Emergency Planning Order, and we quick- did the English-speaking children at the school in Yarmouth which is nestled in the Kootenay mountain range where ly learned to tread carefully in our new land. Plain-clothes where we transferred him, hoping he might fi nd refuge there. many Canadian Nikkei were interned, things had changed. offi cers from the RCMP knocked on our door and asked if Our son was a unique victim of the two cultural forces of I was now retired, living in the province where Canadian we had smuggled stereo equipment into Canada. When we intolerance that Hugh MacLennan illuminates in his literary scholar and activist Roy Miki had for more than a decade produced the receipts and paper work to show that we had work “Two Solitudes” and which B.C. poet Earle Birney been advocating “Asiancy: Making Space for Asian Can- imported our new stereo legally, they warned, “You better knocks in “Can. Lit.” adian Writing” and decrying the limitations of multicultural- think about who your friends are!” We French and English ism as public policy, and where Kirsten Emiko McAllister After that, my husband and I knew that our status as never lost our civil war had compared the New Denver Nikkei Internment Memorial landed immigrants was provisional — and precarious. Not endure it still Centre to Auschwitz in her thesis “Terrain of Memory: A only were we fearful due to our tenuous legal status, I, per- a bloody civil bore Japanese Canadian Memorial Project.” sonally, felt further restrained by the narrow establishment Writing my memoir has forced me out of the psychologic- perspective that carefully discarded the mistreatment and the These antipathies were what defi ned the Canadian national al hiding place where my old friend in Ontario fi rst found expulsion of the Nikkei from its history books. dialogue, stifl ing other voices. me. Telling my own story gave me a reason in June 2016 to Within the dull, derivative landscape of Toronto, I quick- Then in 1994, our collective attentions shifted from the return to Minidoka where I was born –– a no-man’s land ly spotted the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and the separatists to the standoff at Oka and the killing of the un- I had never felt any desire to see again. Ontario Science Centre, designed by the brilliant Canadian armed Chippewa Native Dudley George by the Ontario During the Legacy Session, I had the good fortune to read architect Raymond Moriyama. Provincial Police. to the other pilgrims the story of my brother’s job delivering In London, Ontario, where we lived at the time, a woman telegrams while he was held captive in Minidoka. This story deserted her family and took the “Red Path” as my Uni- was well-received —which was very encouraging for me as tarian minister described our mutual friend’s departure: a writer. “Barbara was a survivor of the residential school system, but But my biggest take-away from the pilgrimage was the re- she didn’t know until a few months ago.” covery of that palpable feeling of trust I knew while growing In London, I also learned about the life of David Suzuki, up in an ethnic community in Chicago. who, like our son, attended Central Secondary School after I felt no hesitation in asking a stranger whom I had just the Suzuki family was forced to leave British Columbia. met to deliver the money I’d collected for the Campaign for I recall Dr. Suzuki fl ying all the way from Vancouver to Justice to my sister in San Jose, just because they both lived debate the “research” fi ndings of Dr. Philippe Rushton, who in the same city. theorized the size of the human male reproductive organ cor- Traveling back to Nelson, I asked another stranger, whom related inversely with IQ. Based on his fi ndings, whites were my husband and I met by chance in a park, to deliver a copy superior to blacks, and Asians were superior to whites. of “Sideways” to the Idaho State Historical Society in Boise. None of Rushton’s colleagues at the University of Western Both the money and my memoir found the way to their Ontario dared, but Suzuki disputed Rushton’s ideas publicly. respective destinations. The debate, which was broadcast in 1989, has since been Learning to trust again was a healing I never expected. uploaded to YouTube, where it may be viewed today. I recall the words of Hanako Wakatsuki, who sits on the Ideas were percolating. The national conversation was board of the Friends of Minidoka. She calls herself a opening up to entertain alternative realities than just what we pilgrimage junkie. knew in the familiar European polemic. But still, it remained “Each one has its own personality, but Minidoka’s my a challenge for me to fi nd a way to insert my story into the favourite,” she said. Diana Morita Cole standing in the former Canada narrative. When I asked why, she said, “Because it’s warm, like automotive warehouse I felt encouraged when the redress movement in both the family.” ■ 10 July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 CALENDAR A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS ggg CALENDAR as they work to build a more Mike Inouye, plus a silent (213) 625-7000. National Hispanic Cultural just future. Keynote speakers auction and reception. RSVP Center include Dale Minami. NCWNP by Aug. 12. Origami Workshop With 1701 Fourth St. S.W. Info: Visit www.densho.org. Info: Contact Debbie Yee Paul Jackson The annual Albuquerque- Nihonmachi Street Fair and Jessica Tran at dyee@ Los Angeles, CA based Japanese Fall festival 44th Annual Federation of San Francisco, CA kimochi-inc.org and jtran@ Aug. 21; 11:30 a.m. (Aki Matsuri) welcomes the Buddhist Women’s Aug. 6-7; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. kimochi-inc.org or by phone Japanese American new season with the New Association Conference San Francisco Japantown at (415) 931-2294. National Museum Mexico Japanese American Bellevue, WA Considered the melting pot of 100 N. Central Ave. Citizen’s League in part Oct. 7-9 street fairs, this annual event “Above the Fold” artist supported by the New Mexico Westin Bellevue celebrates the many cultures Paul Jackson will lead a Arts Department of Cultural PSW 600 Bellevue Way N.E. in San Francisco. Join the hands-on workshop that Aff airs and the National The Federation of Buddhist city to experience and watch 2015 NAAAP Convention gives participants a taste Endowment of the Arts. Women’s Assn. will host its amazing performances, Las Vegas, NV of the unique folding and Festivity activities include biennial conference and all art, music, food and Aug. 11 cutting techniques used in food and games for all ages. are welcome. English and demonstrations. Caesar’s Palace works seen in the exhibition. Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org. Japanese keynote speakers Info: Visit www.sfjapantown. 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd. No origami experience is are Dr. SharonSuh and Rev. org. Price: Convention passes necessary. Mutsumi Wondra. The $195-$545 Info: Visit ww.janm.org or PNW deadline for registration is ‘Fall Seven Times, Get Up Join the National Association call (213) 624-0414. Aug. 31. Eight: Japanese War Brides’ of Asian American Nikkei Community Picnic Info: Visit www.buddhist Screening Professionals as it hosts Asian American Journalism Portland, OR churchesofamerica.org. San Jose, CA its annual summit and Association of San Diego Aug. 21; Noon-5 p.m. Aug. 20; 1-3 p.m. recruitment convention. Anniversary Fundraiser Oaks Park Japanese American The event will also include San Diego, CA Oaks Pkwy. and Museum of San Jose leadership workshops Sept. 25; 3:30 p.m. Macadam Ave. EDC 525 N. Fifth St. and panels for Asian NBC 7 Studios Price: Free Hiro Photograph Exhibition The Japanese American professionals. 9680 Granite Ridge Road Join the local organizations Boston, MA Museum of San Jose will host Info: Visit www.naaap Network and learn about of the Nikkei community to Aug. 14 a special screening of “Fall convention.org/2016/. storytelling from top Asian celebrate the ethnic heritage. Museum of Fine Arts Boston Seven Times, Get Up Eight: American on-air talent and Food, fun, rides, prizes and 465 Huntington Ave. Japanese War Brides,” in 2016 Cause Leadership reports with a tour of NBC7’s performances are scheduled Yasuhiro Wakabayashi, also addition to a special Skype Academy Graduation new station in Kearny Mesa. for this year’s program. Food known as “Hiro,” is known for discussion that will be held Pasadena, CA The Anniversary Fundraiser dishes are welcomed to his distinctively conceived and with director Lucy Craft Aug. 12; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. will grant scholarships to contribute for sharing. precisely realized images and Prof. Stephen Murphy- KPCC Crawford Family Asian American journalists. Info: RSVP to Connie across a range of subjects Shigematsu. The fi lm is about Forum Program speakers include Masuoka at (503) 243-3291. including fashion, portraiture the resiliency of three women 474 S. Raymond Ave. ABC7 Los Angeles’ David and still life. All are welcome who immigrated to the U.S. Join elected offi cials, Ono and NBC News ‘Do You Know Bruce’ Exhibit to view some of his greatest as wives of American military community leaders, local correspondent Jinah Kim. Seattle, WA images. He grew up in stationed in Japan after WWII. press and families as the Info: Visit www.aaja.org. Sept. 6 China and spent the years Info: Email publicprograms@ Center for Asian Americans Wing Like Museum of the following WWII in Japan janmsj.org or call (408) 294- United for Self Empowerment Asian Pacifi c American before arriving in the U.S. in 3138. (CAUSE) celebrates the Experience MDC 1954. commencement of its 719 S. King St. Info: Visit www.mfa.org or Kimochi San Mateo Benefi t Leadership Academy interns. New Mexico Asian Family This exhibit dedicated to call (617) 267-9300. Dinner Lunch will be provided as Center 10th Anniversary Bruce Lee will end this fall. San Mateo, CA part of the program. Celebration Items include new rarely seen Ikebana Demonstration Aug. 27; 5-9 p.m. Info: Visit www.causeusa. Albuquerque, NM memorabilia with personal With Hiroki Ohara College of San Mateo org or call (626) 356-9838. Aug. 27; 6 p.m. letters and behind-the-scene Cambridge, MA 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd. Albuquerque Garden Center photos from Lee’s early Aug. 26; 4 p.m. Welcome Kimochi’s latest ‘One Night Only: The Future 10120 Lomas Blvd N.E. TV career. Hyatt Regency Cambridge extension at the benefi t Is Bright’ Fundraiser Price: $35 Info: Visit www.wingluke. 575 Memorial Dr. dinner. Program emcees Los Angeles, CA The New Mexico Asian com or call (206) 623-5124. Price: $10-$20 include Wendy Tokuda and Aug. 20; 5:30 p.m. Family Center turns 10 and The head master of the East West Players David will celebrate by recognizing Densho 20th Anniversary Ohara School of Ikebana in Henry Hwang Theater distinguished community Gala ADVERTISE HERE Japan will host his fi rst public 120 Judge John Aiso St. leaders and partners. The Seattle, WA demonstration in the Boston Events in the calendar East West Players, the evening will also highlight Sept. 24; 5-8:30 p.m. area. Ohara is the fi fth head section are listed based on nation’s largest producing Asian and Pacifi c narratives Sheraton Seattle Downtown master of the school that was space availability. Place a organization of Asian and stories with dinner and 1400 Sixth Ave. founded over 120 years ago. ‘Spotlight’ ad with American artistic networks, entertainment. Densho celebrates 20 years There will also be a musical photos of your event for announces its fundraiser Info: Call (505) 717-2877 or of collecting and preserving performance by Sumie maximum exposure. event. The program will visit www.nmafc.org. the living memory of World Kaneko with traditional introduce new Artistic Director War II Japanese American FOR MORE INFO: Japanese koto and shamisen. Snehal Desai. Aki Matsuri incarceration. All are invited tiff any@pacifi ccitizen.org Info: Visit www. Info: Visit www.eastwest Albuquerque, NM to celebrate the past two (213) 620-1767 oharaschoolma.com. ■ players.org or call Sept. 18 decades and support Densho OBITUARIES July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 11

TRIBUTES Aihara, George T., 97, Santa Nagasawa, Masaru Richard, survived by her son; Perry Cruz, CA; May 31; he was 92, Gardena, CA; July 3; he Tao; daughters, Gail (Bill) incarcerated at Poston Camp; was predeceased by his wife, Wurtenberg and Vickie Jew; SUMI KITAHATA UJIMORI he is survived by his wife, Hanako; he is survived by his gc: 6; ggc: 3. Yoko; sons, Dean and Byron; sons, Roy and Richard (Tracey he is also survived by many Banning) Nagasawa; daughter, September 10, 1924-June 18, nieces, nephews and other Linda (Brian) Terao; gc: 2. Toguchi, Alice Sadako, 97, 2016 relatives. Los Angeles, CA; July 16; Sumi Ujimori, 91, of Upland, she was predeceased by her Calif., passed away on June Nakaguchi, Shizuye, 91, husband, George Takenori; 18. She was born and raised Amimoto, Marian Sachiko, Baldwin Park, CA; July 13; son, Roy Takehisa; she is in Reedley, Calif. Sumi worked 80, Monterey Park, CA; July she was incarcerated at survived by her daughter, as an electrical designer for 30 21; she is survived by her Poston Camp during WWII; Cynthia; gc: 1. years in Los Angeles County. husband, Seibo; son, Alan; she was predeceased by her She was predeceased by daughter, Diane (Bernie) husband, Hidetada; siblings, Vlach; sister, Lillian Yamauchi; Mary Yamane and Ted Tsukayama, Kazue, 78, her brothers, Henry and Ben brother, Joe Nanya; gc: 5. Muragishi; she is survived by Torrance, CA; July 6; she is Kitahata, and her sisters, Sunny her daughter, Peggy (Dennis) survived by her husband, Otani and Taye Umade. Murakami; siblings, Misako Ronald Tsukayama; son, Todd She is survived by her Baishiki, Midori Barbara, (Akira) Kadonaga and Kay Tsukayama; siblings, Sadako longtime friend, Michael Hadley; 92, Sacramento, CA; June (George) Ohno. Hashimoto, Asami (Lei) Kaya her sisters, Tomi Tanaka and Aiko (Hide) Matsuno; and her 1; she was predeceased by and Hiroko Gokan. three children, Miyoko Pruitt, Helyne (Kent) Noyes and George her husband, Sadao; brother, Ujimori. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Sheri Bob Yokoi; sisters, Mineko Nakamura, Tsuya, 91, Yamasaki (Steven Kim), great-grandson, Tyler Yamasaki Kim, Yamaguchi, Clara Takeda, Rowland Heights; July 11; Wakisaka, Sachiyo Shirley, Sally E. Ogata and Yukiye she was predeceased by 68, Monterey Park, CA; July 3; and many nieces and nephews. Yokoi; grandson, Sei Baishiki; her husband, Tsunemi; she she is survived by her children, nephews, Ray Baishiki and is survived by her children, Chiharu, Steve (Kathy) and Arthur Yokoi; she is survived by Shoichi (Sherri) Nakamura, David; gc: 2. TED NAMBA her son, Rodney (Katherine) Akemi Nakamura, Yuki (Tom) and daughter, Yukiye; gc: 2; Jimbo and Grace Nakamura; Ted Namba, 58, passed away ggc: 2. brother, Yoshiro (Yoko) Yamada, Thelma Tokiko, peacefully with family by his 96, Alhambra, CA; July 16; Morikawa; she is also survived side on July 24. He was born she was predeceased by her by many nieces, nephews and in Los Angeles, Calif., on Aug. Ichikawa, Haruo, 92, La husband, Harold; children, other relatives; gc: 6; ggc: 4. 12, 1957. He received his BA in Palma, CA; July 17; he was Richard and Ellen Yamada; a U.S. veteran; he is survived she is survived by her children, biology from UC Irvine in 1979. by his daughter, Karen (Bob) Nomura, Shoso, 97, Sierra Larry (Lupe) Yamada; Arlene Ted graduated from the SUNY Kunihara; sister, Hideko Madre, CA; July 13; he was (Stan) Yokoyama, Marion College of Optometry in 1984. Ichikawa; gc: 1. incarcerated at Gila during (Greg) Stewart and Curtis Later that year, he married his WWII; he was predeceased by Yamada; sisters, Teruko wife, Michele. After practicing his son, Robert Nomura; he is Kansaku, Yukiko (Norman) optometry in Torrance, Calif., for Kubota, George Setsuo, 79, survived by his wife, Florence; Masaki, Alice Ishii and several years, Ted and Michele Aptos, CA; April 25; he was daughters, Ann (Dale) Nomura- Katherine (Pete) Ottoboni; moved to Glendale, Ariz., with their two children. predeceased by his parents, gc: 8. Freyberger, Nancy Nomura In addition to his work, Ted was a beloved community leader, Richard Yutaka Kubota and and Lynn (Kevin) O’Connell; serving as president of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Kin Kubota; brother, Edward; son, Tim Nomura; daughter-in- co-chair of the Arizona Matsuri Festival and a board member sister, Agnes; he is survived by law, Marsi Nomura; gc: 5; Yamamoto, Kazuye ‘Kay,’ his wife, Joyce; children, Eric ggc: 2. 91, Watsonville, CA; May of several groups including the JACL AZ Chapter, Victoria (Karen), Kelley and Garrett 3; she was predeceased by Foundation, City of Phoenix’s Pacifi c Rim Advisory Council, (Lily); sister, Jane; gc: 4. her husband, Tom; brothers, Maricopa Community College Foundation Board and the Nakawaki, Kazuko Kay, 84, Yas and Joe Kamitani; sister, Japanese American National Museum. He was a founding Fullerton, CA; July 2; she is Frances Tsuda. member of the Asian American Democratic Caucus, the Asian Kushi, Kazuye, 95, Long survived by her husband, Tad; Hispanic Alliance and was founder of the City of Phoenix’s Asian Beach, CA; May 26; she is daughter, Elaine Nakawaki American Police Advisory Council. survived by her daughters, Yoshikawa, Shiro Joe, 97, (Foster); sons, Curt Nakawaki Ted is survived by his wife, Michele; children, Lauren and Jeanne McGarvey, Carol and Darrell Nakawaki; gc: 5. Los Angeles, CA; July 1; he (Oliver) Pena and Annette was incarcerated at Manzanar Bryan; parents, Wataru and Reiko; brother, Robert (Stephanie); Faye (Bob) Alperin; sister, during WWII; he is survived sister, Anne Nakao (Mark); and many nieces and nephews. A Tomiko Shibata; gc: 6; Sugimoto, Alice Yaeko, 86, by his children, Shirley, visitation was held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 Harry, Dennis and Theodore W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, on July 29. A memorial ggc: 3. Monterey Park, CA; July 5; ■ she was predeceased by her Yoshikawa; gc: 3. service was also held on July 30 at Crescent Crown Distributing, son, Steven Tetsuo; husband, 1640 W. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85202. Masuda, Lily Yuriko, 92, Shigeru; she is survived by Fountain Valley, CA; July her son, Michael Mikio (Alison 5; she is survived by her Mayumi) Sugimoto; brother, PLACE A TRIBUTE husband, Masao; daughter, Ben Isamu (Miyoko) Kawahata; Denice; son, Marvin (Donna); sisters, Hamayo Tamaki, ‘In Memoriam’ is a free sister, Frances; gc: 1. Otome Horita and Fumiko listing that appears on a Arakaki; gc: 2. limited, space-available basis. Tributes honor your loved Miyata, Yoshinari, 89, ones with text and photos and Piedmont, CA; June 3; he Tao, Mitsue, 92, Watsonville, appear in a timely manner at was predeceased by his CA; May 8; she was the rate of $20/column inch. wife, Mary; he is survived by predeceased by her husband, Contact: his niece, Nancy Yamada; Minoru; siblings, Kay, Roy tiffany@pacifi ccitizen.org grandnephews, Kyle and and Tom Kaita, Chiyoko Fujii or call (213) 620-1767 Casey Mizokami. and Yacko Fujimoto; she is 12 July 29-Aug. 11, 2016 COMMENTARY/LETTER REIMAGINE EVERYTHING LETTER >> continued from page 2 For “leadership in community outreach”? HUSBAND away from them. That it’s OK to That’s great! Congratulations! You’ve take away a MOTHER OR FATHER away managed to organize a whole SOCIETY of from their children. That it’s OK to break the people who have essentially declared WAR laws that have been set in place to PROTECT ALL THE LONELY against ANY and ALL police offi cers. What us. Police offi cers are only doing their jobs kind of message does that send to young —ENFORCING those laws that protect us. children who are growing up and seeing all THIS is NOT OK. To say that I am UPSET PEOPLE of this on the news and Internet when they with JACL’s promotion of the awarding of By Ron Mori are told that police offi cers are the ones who this scholarship is a gross understatement. protect us from the bad guys? All this is Yes, maybe there is a need for change, doing is creating a culture of DISTRUST and but this is NOT the way to do so. When has HATRED for a system that has and DOES violence ever solved anything? Because if r. Charlotte Yeh, the chief medical and Skype on our computers, tablets and protect those LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS. I remember history correctly, it HASN’T! offi cer of AARP Services, smartphones — can help, but they can For “perseverance”? I will admit that your There are SEVERAL ways to enact change was interviewed recently on also hurt. perseverance in ensuring that any and all such as by: continuously writing to your Dthe Filipino Channel about the topic of “Thank goodness for social media police offi cers and their families are even local newspapers and leaders, running for loneliness, and how important it is to stay because at least you can connect,” Dr. Yeh MORE fearful and doubtful of their loved offi ce and enacting change and, above all, connected with other people, especially as agreed when she was asked about it. “But ones ever returning home, even more so than ACTUALLY ABIDING BY THE LAWS we age. it’s also hard to have deep, meaningful those who are in the military and deployed in THAT WE ALREADY HAVE! What point is Loneliness is different from isolation, relationships and conversations in a the Middle East, by promoting this message there in making NEW laws when we clearly she explained. Isolation is a factual term. hundred-forty characters.” and culture that you do is persistent. But hey, CANNOT enforce the ones that we already It refers to the size of your social network, Besides, social media is also fl eeting . . at least you can persevere. have? Why is that? Because of the Black like friends, family and other people you . and it’s not face-to-face. I would much For “dedication to history?” Sure, I can see Lives Matter people who continue to wage connect with. But loneliness is different, rather have a conversation in person with where there are those who say this feels like war with police offi cers. The police offi cers she said. my daughter who’s in college than trade what has happened in that past. That’s great! who enforce the law, as it is their job, are “Loneliness is actually subjective, texts and tweets. But I guess it beats It means that you have an understanding of now so FEARFUL of their lives that they it’s how you feel,” she explained in the paying for fl ights back and forth. what happened in the past, what the history CANNOT do their jobs to their FULLEST interview. “You could have lots of friends But the U.S. will be facing a real is. However, history is just that —history. It extent. By merely performing their duties as . . . and be lonely. Or you can have no challenge with increasing loneliness in cannot be changed or altered in any way. The police offi cers, they are being ridiculed for friends, and not be lonely.” the years to come — it’s inevitable. only thing that can be changed is the future, EVERY SINGLE THING, and becoming the The Beatles captured the feeling in their More and more older people are living but the only change that will happen in the headlines for the 5 o’clock news. Why didn’t classic 1966 song “Eleanor Rigby.” “All alone. Dr. Yeh cited 30 percent of the 65 future is that there will be even MORE distrust they act faster if there were that many hostages the lonely people, where do they all come and older already live alone, two-thirds of and even MORE violence against police in the nightclub? Why weren’t there more from? All the lonely people, where do people 85 live alone. offi cers should this culture CONTINUE to patrols around the Sandy Hook Elementary they all belong?” What can we do about it? Let’s maintain be promoted. There are crimes against police School? Blame has to go somewhere, and But the effects of being alone isn’t just our family relationships and friendships offi cers now. What’s to say that that won’t apparently, police offi cers are the best for emotional sadness, Dr. Yeh added. as we get older. We can seek out activities progress onto the FAMILIES of those offi cers that, especially recently. “We are beginning to learn how in the community to volunteer, or meet next? Is that the kind of change you want There is a reason not everyone is a police impactful loneliness is. If you’re lonely, people with the same interests. We can use your children to grow up in? Apparently, offi cer because they have to make split- it’s the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes social media to start or attend meetups, since the JACL CONTINUES to promote and second decisions that will decide whether or a day. It can shave eight years off the end fi nd others like us. encourage this behavior/mind-set. not they actually get to go home that day. If it of your life. You have a 29, almost 30 And let’s make sure other people we For “cultural preservation”? Could were that easy, your average Joe off the street percent higher risk of heart attacks, 32 know aren’t left on their own. Is someone someone PLEASE explain to me what KIND could become an offi cer, no problem. In fact, percent higher risk of stroke, and all from withdrawing because they have hearing of culture is the Black Lives Matter trying to we wouldn’t even need an actual police force being lonely because we were meant to be loss? Help him or her get a hearing test. preserve? Because frankly, all I see is cultural because EVERYONE would be a police socially connected, we’re social animals.” If we know someone who doesn’t speak PROMOTION: Cultural promotion of offi cer. HOWEVER, that is not the case! If Wow, that was a shocker that truly made English well, help that person overcome VIOLENCE against police offi cers, Cultural only it were possible, I would challenge you me think. Loneliness can be very bad for the language barrier by fi nding others promotion of people NOT abiding by the law, to step into their shoes and see what it is they our physical health! who speak his or her language. Being Cultural promotion of DISTRUST of those ACTUALLY do and what kind of decisions Growing up, we were surrounded by an immigrant adds another challenge who are only doing their JOB . . . . Is it THIS they actually HAVE to make. family and friends. OK, so maybe we because as we age, we start losing other kind of ARCHAIC and BARBARIC culture I used to do ballet, and all of my friends had some pretty lonely stretches when we people who know our culture and speak that we want our children growing up in? IS couldn’t understand why I became couldn’t get a date in high school and we our language. THIS the kind of message we want to send so aggravated why society refuses to thought our world was about to end. But “It’s important to reach out if you see to the world about how PETTY and STUPID acknowledge that ballet is just as challenging of course, it didn’t. someone withdrawing,” Dr. Yeh said in we are? and athletic as the sport known as As we got out of school and started our closing. Call them. Make the fi rst move. For “social justice involved activism”? Is cheerleading. So, I would teach them BASIC careers and families, our network shrank. “Maybe they’re beginning to lose the MURDERING police offi cers what gave moves that beginners HAVE to learn. After How many of us have a much smaller confi dence to socialize.” the Black Lives Matter-Los Angles group their minilesson, they realized that, “WOW! circle of friends today than we did when So, be sociable to others, and you’ll be the qualifi cation for “social justice involved There’s a muscle I moved that I didn’t even we were in our 20s? helping yourself! If you’re walking down activism”? Even if it WASN’T this chapter REALIZE was there!” “That is actually a Loneliness is becoming more common the street and you see someone sitting specifi cally, it is still associated with a chapter LOT harder than it looks!” in the U.S. because as the country gets alone on a bench, just say, “Hello.” I bet that DID, making them equally as guilty. Understanding police offi cers is the same wealthier, we’re having fewer children, they’ll smile back in gratitude. Since when has the act of taking someone’s way. Except, we are REFUSING to try and the extended family and that circle of You can fi nd articles and resources life become “social justice”? Since when has and understand the police and are instead people we count on gets smaller. about loneliness and isolation at www. breaking the law and being praised for doing waging WAR against them. That’s fi ne. But In my case, my mom lives in the aarp.org/loneliness. You can also watch so “social justice”? I thought we were trying to resolve some sort Chicago suburbs, my sister lives in Dr. Charlotte Yeh’s interview about EVERY life is precious, and those fi ve of problem? How can you do so without fi rst California, my brother lives in Memphis isolation on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ Dallas police offi cers did NOT need nor did knowing and understanding ALL parts of the and I live in Virginia. So, it’s much harder Hfz9LrGTyw4. they deserve for their lives to be cut short as story? to stay connected — we no longer live Ron Mori is a board member for they did. It’s all thanks to these Black Lives in the same city or in multigenerational the Washington, D.C., JACL chapter Matter people that people are beginning to Sincerely, households. and manager of community, states believe that this is OK! That it’s OK to take Samantha Liang, JACL Member, Our modern tools of social media and and national affairs — multicultural someone’s SON OR DAUGHTER away French Camp Chapter technology — texts, emails, Facebook leadership for AARP. from them. That it’s OK to take a WIFE OR