THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL Sept. 9-16, 2016

» PAGE 8 THE TASTE OF VICTORY Champion Matt ‘Megatoad’ Stonie on his » PAGE 5 unique career and what his JACL Holds Successful future holds next. Teacher-Training Workshops. » PAGE 6 Shizuko Fujioka Returns to Manzanar, 71 Years Later. PHOTO: ALAN PHOTO: MIYATAKE

#3284 / VOL. 163, No. 5 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 Sept. 9-22, 2016 LETTERS/P.C. ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Editor, HOW TO REACH US Email: pc@pacifi ccitizen.org LETTERS TO THE EDITOR There seems to be some confusion as Online: www.pacifi ccitizen.org Dear Editor, There is a larger percentage of black Americans to what took place at the NY/SC Awards Tel: (213) 620-1767 Luncheon. Since I was there (the whole Fax: (213) 620-1768 who live in poverty, 26.2 percent in 2014, than Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., The conversation around Black Lives Matter white Americans who live in poverty, 12.7 time), I will report what took place, using Suite 313 has started to enter the Berkeley JACL, JACL in percent in 2014 (United States Census Bureau the speaker’s own words, and let people Los Angeles, CA 90012 general and the Pacifi c Citizen. There are so many decide for themselves. Unfortunately, “Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014” STAFF different views of this issue in our society, and (Source 5). there is no transcript, as the speaker was Executive Editor I wanted to provide a perspective I have developed This racial prejudice also enters our justice “too busy” to prepare her remarks, so Allison Haramoto based on my reading, experiences, values and system, something that is supposed to be fair. she just “winged it.” Fortunately, I took Business Manager being a young Asian American woman living in For example, Brock Turner and Cory Batey copious notes, probably the only written Susan Yokoyama the Bay Area. both raped an unconscious woman and were both record of what took place. Production Artist I recognize that we all have different experiences star athletes. However, Brock Turner was only There was a brief video of the “perfor- Marie Samonte and values that we have developed throughout sentenced to six months in jail, and Cory Batey mance artist” in action. The video was Circulation our lives and think it is important to learn about was sentenced to 15 years in prison. What’s the taken on the sidewalk in front of LAPD Eva Ting as many viewpoints as possible to develop a more difference between these two men? Brock Turner headquarters, which apparently is serv- The Pacifi c Citizen newspaper informed opinion on controversial matters. is white, and Cory Batey is black. This New ing as her dance studio, living room, din- (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published First, I want to thank everyone for sharing your York Daily News article by Shaun King “Brock ing room and sleeping quarters. She was semi-monthly (except once in views. I think it is really important to learn about giving a tutorial in modern dance, which December and January) by the Turner, Cory Batey Show How Race Affects Japanese American Citizens all of the different views so we can all come Sentencing” (Source 6) also has statistics of the consisted of moving one of her legs for- League, Pacifi c Citizen, together and see where we are similar, different disparities between white and black convictions. ward and backward several times. I guess 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 and what we can all fi ght for together as a civil If you want to hear more experiences, see the New the hokey pokey is what it is all about. Los Angeles, CA 90012 rights organization. She used the phrase “black on black Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA York Times’ “A Conversation With Black Women POSTMASTER: Send address I used to think that “Black Lives Matter” implied on Race” (Source 7) and see New York Civil violence” at least four times. The NY/SC, changes to National JACL, 1765 that all lives don’t matter, but as I learned more, Liberties Union’s Stop and Frisk Data (Source 8). the sponsors of the luncheon, had deter- Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 I realized that “Black Lives Matter” actually is All of these stories and statistics demonstrate mined that this simple four-word phrase JACL President: Gary Mayeda saying that all lives matter. The reason it is called that racism is deeper than a few cops, it extends was so “offensive and racist” that they Interim Executive Director: “Black Lives Matter” is because there is a focus to our judicial system — those who convict the wanted to ban its usage from the council Bill Yoshino on black lives, and so it is “Black Lives Matter disproportionate number of African-Americans meeting. I’m not sure how or why this Interim Assistant Executive also.” And there is this focus because statistics in prison — it extends to the job market and woman was granted an exemption. Director: Stephanie Nitahara show that they are targeted much more often than it extends to everyday people who judge the She used the words “white suprema- P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD other groups. (President Obama’s words around cist nation” twice, as well as phrases like Leona Hiraoka, EDC; Jody Mitori, African-American person walking down MDC; Joy Goto, CCDC; Jim Duff, Black Lives Matter: Source 1 (The Guardian the street. “state-sponsored killing” and “white pa- NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, “Obama Defends Black Lives Matter Movement We all can list out a number of stereotypes of triarchal society.” She made no distinc- PNWDC; Rhianna Taniguchi, IDC; at Town Hall”) and Source 2 (The Guardian each ethnicity or subgroup of the population, tion between good law enforcement of- Michelle Yamashiro, PSWDC; “Obama Praises Black Lives Matter Movement”) yet we all know that these are only stereotypes fi cers and bad law enforcement offi cers, Juli Yoshinaga, youth rep. and Source 3 (visual representation created by and not all people of one ethnicity has the same and indicted all police offi cers as “killers SUBSCRIBE Kris Straub)). traits. Not all Asians are good at math. Not all and murderers.” Get a one-year subscription of the I also wanted to be clear that I am not against African-Americans are fast runners. Not all In particular, she referred to both Pacifi c Citizen newspaper at: all cops. In fact, I believe that most of our cops Asians are passive. Not all African-Americans George Zimmerman and Darren Wil- www.pacifi ccitizen.org or call (213) 620-1767 have good intentions and are here to protect us. are angry. But we can list these stereotypes. I son as murderers. Both men have gone I actually saw a video about how some cops through the legal system, and both have have bias, we all have bias, and it is so important ADVERTISE arrested a white racist lady who grabbed at/hit for us to recognize this because it is only when been exonerated of any criminal acts. To advertise in the Pacifi c Citizen, a black lady and told her to leave a public park. we recognize our personal biases that we can Both of them should sue her for slander. call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: (Source 4 (“This Is What Is Going on in the overcome them and then we can realize when we Those Black Lives Matter individuals pc@pacifi ccitizen.org World” Facebook page). If you are for Black Lives are being unfair and can open our minds to other who engaged in acts of violence (includ- LEGAL Matter, that doesn’t mean you have to be against viewpoints and possibilities. ing murder) against law enforcement No part of this publication may be cops, too. At the same time, we still have many offi cers were praised. This was particu- reproduced without the express We tend to generalize in our society. . . all permission of the Pacifi c Citizen. African-Americans disproportionately targeted cops are this . . . all black people are that . . . all larly ironic since the funerals of three Editorials, letters, news and the opinions by some cops. Muslims are like this . . . when in reality, it isn’t Dallas P.D. offi cers were taking place at expressed by columnists other than There is a great amount of racial prejudice in “all” it is “some” or “a select few” but defi nitely the same time as the luncheon. the national JACL president or national our society that goes beyond police shootings. not “all.” Even within organizations and within She referred to the “freedom fi ghter” director do not necessarily refl ect These biases are shown in statistics and real- JACL policy. Events and products parties and within ethnic groups, etc., there are Assata Shakur, who is “forced to live in advertised in the P.C. do not carry the life stories. As a black American, it is harder to differences in opinions and attitudes and values exile.” There is no one by the name of implicit endorsement of the JACL or this get a job, it is harder to buy a house and it is much and choices. But we often forget this. Assata Shakur. There is a woman named publication. We reserve the right to edit more likely a black American will be stopped by Joanne Chesimard. She was a Black Pan- articles. © 2016 not only law enforcement but also shop owners. ther member who killed a New Jersey >> See LETTER 1 on page 12 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif. state trooper in 1973. She received due and mailing offi ce. process and a fair trial and was convicted of murdering a law enforcement offi cer. She escaped from prison and eventually made it to Cuba, where she is a fugitive. JACL MEMBERS This is the kind of person Black Lives Matter considers to be a heroine. Change of Address In the interest of brevity, I will stop here. If you’ve moved, I have heard some people describe the please send new speaker as “positive” and “uplifting.” I information to: have also heard those who were disgusted National JACL CHECK YOUR IN-BOX: by her remarks described as racists. I will 1765 Sutter St. always speak out against those who speak San Francisco, hatred and advocate the murdering of CA 94115 A digital PDF of the Pacifi c Citizen will police offi cers. If that makes me a racist, (415) 921-5225 then so be it. I think it makes me a patri- ext. 26 be available beginning with the Sept. 23 otic American and proud JACL member. Allow 6 weeks for The NY/SC presented the speaker with address changes. Scholarship Special Issue! the Vision Award. I don’t share her vision, and I don’t think the majority of JACL To avoid interruptions members do either. in delivery, please notify your >> All JACL members and P.C. Nonmember Subscribers that Sincerely, postmaster to include requested a digital PDF of the latest P.C. will receive an EMAIL from periodicals in your the P.C. containing a direct link to the latest issue. David Unruhe, change of address Placer County JACL Member (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY Sept. 9-22, 2016 3

the cargo area. Since the pilot did not know what was caus- ing the heat, he decided to land at the closest airport and A MOTHER’S TAKE sent out a distressed plane signal. Thankfully, his greatest fear of fi re in the cargo area was not the cause of the sensor reading hot. I have often heard that life holds no guarantees, and during WISDOM FROM PORTLAND those eight minutes, I realized how true that statement was. I had no card that said that I was going to get out of this situation alive. All I knew was I was trusting this pilot to PHOTOS: MARSHA AIZUMI make the right decisions to get us on the ground safely, but By Marsha Aizumi I had no guarantees about that as well. recently received a very kind note from a Portland JACL The next day, I decided to stay in bed to recover physically member named Herb. In his note, he talked about read- and emotionally from the trip. It gave me time to refl ect on ing “A Mother’s Take” and expressed his amazement at what had happened the day before. The scared part of me Imy bravery. He also said, “This may be easy for me to tell wanted never to get on another plane, stop doing advocacy you, but live each and every day to the fullest with gratitude.” that would take me out of the Southern Califor- His note came at a very important time for me . . . and here nia area and just enjoy being a retired person. is the reason why. I could dote on my plants, organize all the I was on a plane from Dallas/Fort Worth to Los Angeles photos I have always wanted to do and read all recently. It had been a very successful trip with a LGBTQ the books that I bought but never cracked the training in Shreveport, La., followed by a leadership summit cover. The determined part of me wanted to Marsha Aizumi is grateful for her life in New Orleans. I was feeling good about everything that double up on my advocacy, accept every speak- and the joys of her family, including had happened on this trip. ing engagement or project that came my way, her husband and (pictured) her We were 90 minutes into a 2.5-hour fl ight back home, when because who knows how many more days I son, Aiden, and his wife, Mary (top), the pilot came on the PA system. We were being diverted to have to live. But these two reactions were based along with her other son, Stefan. the closest airport to check out something that was off in the on me being afraid, and I never want to make cargo area. I thought, “Oh no, not another problem,” since on decisions based on fear. my way to Louisiana, we had an air-conditioning problem and so did the man across the aisle from me. One of the And so Herb, I choose to live my life to the that delayed us two hours in Dallas. But what happened next fl ight attendant’s face had lost all its color, and another fullest with gratitude and with love. I am grateful for my sent a ripple of fear through me. looked very concerned. The lead fl ight attendant did a fi nal family and want to have time and space to be there for them. The pilot calmly indicated that we would land in Albu- sweep through the cabin but stopped to ask me if I was OK. I am grateful for time with my two sons and daughter-in- querque, N.M., in about 10 minutes. The fl ight crew needed I said, “No, I was nervous,” and she said, “The pilot says we law, to laugh while working on a puzzle, to travel to share to pick up all drinks and food and prepare us for an emer- might not have to evacuate.” That gave me some assurance. our story, to wave good-bye from my porch as they leave gency landing and immediate evacuation. I knew at that The next few minutes seemed to move so slowly with fear of our house or share a meal together. I am grateful for time point it was not just a simple problem. As attendants rushed the unknown hanging in the air. with my husband while we make dinner together, explore around to pick up our drinks and food, they announced that In the end, the landing gear came down, there was no fi re new restaurants or walk our dog, Mochi. And I am grateful we should look at the safety brochure to get familiar with an in the cargo area and we taxied down the runway uneventfully for my LGBTQ advocacy, which has given me a purpose and emergency landing. Then a fl ight attendant demonstrated the past at least 15 fi re engines and emergency vehicles with connection to amazing people that I have fallen in love with. two ways that we could get into emergency position if we fl ashing lights. We did not have to get in an emergency land- I will continue to do all those things I love. were advised to brace. ing position, but you could tell that the airport was prepared Life has no guarantees except for this moment. And a For the next eight minutes, everything was quiet. One for something major to happen, so the potential severity of sweet note from a man from Portland has reminded me to woman was quietly crying. The 18-year-old girl sitting next the situation sent another jolt of fear through me. savor each moment and be grateful for the life that I am to me kept asking her mother sitting in front of her, “Are we We all cheered and clapped when the plane wheels touched living. So that is what I am going to do, Herb . . . . going to be alright, mom?” The mother reached behind and down. I remember holding hands with my seat partner, even Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in the LGBT community held her hand. I was scared, but I kept trying to keep my though we had barely spoken a word before, and I could feel and the author of the book “Two Spirits, One Heart: A thoughts positive. Inside, I could feel myself shaking. The the tears running down my face in relief. Mother, Her Transgender Son and Their Journey to Love woman in front of me grabbed my hand to give me assurance The fi ndings were that a faulty sensor had signaled heat in and Acceptance.”

A YONSEI TRANSPLANTED DEPUTIZING JOURNALISTS, EN MASSE

By Matthew Ormseth has lengthened the media’s reach. But this democratization Let me be clear: This is not a news story. This is an opinion t’s a cliché, but it’s true — anyone with a smartphone is of media has blurred the boundary between rumor and truth piece. a journalist nowadays. You can shoot and edit photo and and thrown consumers of news into a confusing snarl of But this erosion of the strict distinction between video using technology carried in the average person’s opinion and fact that’s often diffi cult to untangle. professional journalism and citizen journalism challenges Ipocket. Apps like , Instagram and Facebook can then Professional news outlets have in-house rules that mandate the long-held assumption that media is fair, balanced and upload that footage onto the web in seconds, allowing us to fact checking. Reporters and editors are required to paint purely informative. share breaking news (or, as is more often the case, photos of a balanced picture of a situation or issue — if someone is Professional journalists have to follow rules that mandate the family cat) with the rest of the world. accused of something, they get a chance to explain or defend fairness; their work is reviewed by even more experienced When the Arab Spring erupted in late 2010, traditional themselves. Dissenting opinions are incorporated into stories. journalists who point out errors and fl aws in a story. But American media outlets like the Washington Post and the No statistic goes unchecked, no assertion unchallenged. media is still produced and edited by human beings with New York Times relied on tweets from local activists and Citizen journalists have no such obligations. Their built-in biases. The professional journalist is only slightly protesters to piece together a semblance of sense from the content is published without vetting from editors or fact- better-equipped (and more obligated) than the citizen chaos. Bystander footage of police shootings now appears checkers. And so we often get incomplete, if not deliberately journalist to identify them and weed them out. regularly on TV news. Self-produced podcasts streamed on misleading, stories from such citizen journalists. Biases can be rooted in anything — race, gender, class, the Internet are gaining popularity. What’s more, publications like the Odyssey Online, Elite sexuality, geography, level of education — and in this This trend has incorporated the citizenry in the news- Daily and the Huffi ngton Post enlist the aid of college respect, the democratization of media with smartphones and gathering and news-making process. Arming ordinary students like myself to write opinion pieces on the day’s hot social media can help hold these biases in check. topics. Too often, these are misconstrued as news stories. people with the tools to make and disseminate journalism >> See JOURNALISTS on page 9 4 Sept. 9-22, 2016 NATIONAL/COMMUNITY KYLE LARSON FINALLY NewsBytes University of California, Davis, Professor Killed in Bicycle Crash SECURES RACING VICTORY SACRAMENTO — A bicyclist who died of injuries suffered in a collision with a refuse truck in West Sacramento on Aug. 31 was CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kyle Larson fi rst everybody, hundreds of people at our race identifi ed as Kentaro Inoue, 47, of Sacramento. took off his steering wheel and hung it out shop, people who have got me through to the Inoue was a plant sciences professor at the University of Califor- the window as he did celebratory burnouts. Cup Series, it was all paying off.” nia, Davis. The accident occurred at 7:50 a.m. on the 2000 block Then he climbed to the roof of his car and With his victory at Michigan International of West Capitol Avenue. When offi cers arrived on the scene, Inoue raised his arms in triumph. Speedway, Larson has clinched a spot in was pronounced dead. Larson gave a rare display — by NASCAR NASCAR’s playoffs — the chase for the Inouye and the truck were both westbound on West Capitol when the truck driver standards — of raw emotion after winning NASCAR Sprint Cup. made a turn and the collision occurred, according to police. The driver stopped and his fi rst Sprint Cup Series race on Aug. 28. It Larson dedicated his win to friend Bryan fully cooperated with offi cers. From witness testimony, the collision appears to be an came in his 99th start, three long years after Clauson, who died from injuries in a sprint accident. he burst onto the national scene with projec- car crash on Aug. 7. Inoue joined the university faculty in 2002. His specialties, according to the UC Davis tions of being the next big thing in a sport “It was all emotion,” Larson said. “I had website, included cell and developmental biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and that hypes up young drivers and then spits spent two or three minutes screaming and genomics. them out when they fail to produce. jumping and running and I was pretty light- Inoue, who was from Niihama, , is survived by his wife, Amy Brown. Larson, a 24-year-old California native, headed. I just wanted to take a second and became the fi rst driver of Japanese Ameri- regain my composure. I didn’t need to be Priyanka Yoshikawa Wins Miss Japan Title ■ can heritage to win in the sport’s top series, passing out in victory lane.” TOKYO — Priyanka Yoshikawa, 22, was crowned Miss World the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Larson’s Japan 2016 on Sept. 5, becoming the second woman of mixed-race mother is Japanese American, and her par- heritage to win a beauty pageant in Japan. ents spent time in a Japanese internment Yoshikawa’s father is Indian, and her mother is Japanese. She camp during World War II. has a certifi cate in elephant training, teaches English to children, Larson took the lead on a restart with nine enjoys kickboxing and volunteers as a translator at medical meetings. laps remaining and held off Chase Elliott at She beat out more than 6,900 other applicants to win her title. Michigan International Speedway in a dual The newly crowned Yoshikawa is now preparing for the worldwide pageant in between two of NASCAR’s up-and-coming Washington, D.C., in November. standouts. Elliott had a comfortable lead Yoshikawa dreams of pursuing a career in Bollywood while building a children’s before a tire problem on Michael Annett’s home in . car brought out the yellow fl ag. Larson had “I think (being mixed race) is getting more acceptable,” said Yoshikawa, citing the better restart and went on to win by 1.48 her victory as the second in a row following the crowning of Ariana Miyamoto, a seconds. half-American of African descent, as . “ It’s a matter of “who can “I think with two to go, I was represent your country (best).” starting to get choked up,” Lar- son said. “We worked really, Federal Offi cials Take Humpback Whales Off Endangered Species List really hard to get a win, and HONOLULU — Federal authorities took most humpback whales off the endangered just haven’t done it. Fi- species list on Sept. 6, saying their numbers have recovered through international nally, all the hard work by efforts to protect the giant mammals. They had previously been listed as endangered since 1970. Humpback whale numbers have grown steadily since a global ban on commercial whaling started nearly 50 years ago. The whaling moratorium remains in effect, despite the new classifi cation. CAUSE, LTSC AND GVJCI TO The National Marine Fisheries Service said it fi rst had evidence to indicate there were 14 distinct populations of humpback whales around the world. It then said nine of these populations have recovered to the point where they no longer need Endangered HOST VOTER INFORMATION Species Act Protections. These include whales that winter in Hawaii, the West Indies and Australia. “Today’s news is a true ecological success story,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant WORKSHOP administrator for fi sheries at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in GARDENA, CALIF. — Changes to health- heard this election cycle.” a statement. care, taxes and other laws are at stake! The session will be conducted in English, The whales will continue to be protected under other federal laws, including the The Center for Asian Americans United for Japanese and Korean and will begin with an Marine Mammal Protection Act. Vessals will also continue to have to stay a specifi c Self-Empowerment, Little Tokyo Service overview of the voting process and ballot distance away from the whales in Hawaii and Alaska waters. Center and Gardena Valley Japanese Cultur- measures, followed by a Q & A session. An Japanese Prince Turns 10 Amid Talk on Emperor’s Abdication al Institute will be holding a Voter Informa- opportunity drawing will conclude the work- tion workshop at the GVJCI Nisei Veterans shop. Light refreshments will be provided. TOKYO — Japan’s Prince Hisahito turned 10 on Sept. 6 amid Memorial Hall on Sept. 24 from 1-3 p.m. “GVJCI is excited to work with CAUSE national attention over the future of the Japanese monarchy after This voter education session will be geared and LTSC in a program targeted toward Emperor Akihito, his grandfather, indicated a wish to abdicate. primarily toward Japanese, Korean and Asian Pacifi c American communities in Akihito, 82, in a rare public address last month, expressed English-speaking seniors who are seeking the South Bay. We are proud to be able to concern about fulfi lling offi cial duties as he ages, suggesting he easily accessible information about voter host this workshop in multiple languages to would like to abdicate. registration and voter reregistration, in ensure that our communities have the tools Hisahito, a fourth-grader who enjoys playing with bugs and help- addition to absentee ballot information, and resources they need this upcoming ing rice-growing at the palace farm, is third in line to the chrysanthemum throne. His ballot propositions and other information November election,” said GVJCI Program father, Prince Akishino, 50, is second after his brother, Crown Prince Naruhito, 56. regarding the Nov. 8 General Election. Manager Michelle Yamashiro. The government is reportedly considering enacting a special law allowing Akihito’s “The stakes are at an all-time high for The event is free and open to the public. abdication that would not be applicable to his successors, although discussions over Asian Pacifi c American communities in the Every senior that attends the workshop will revising the Imperial House Law could reopen debate over the divisive issue of whether November 2016 elections,” said CAUSE receive a fi ve-pound bag of rice. to allow female emperors. Board Chair Charlie Woo. “CAUSE is Akihito and his wife, Michiko, have four grandchildren, but only Hisahito is eligible proud to work with LTSC and GVJCI to To RSVP for this event, please visit to assume the throne under Japan’s male-only succession system. The three granddaugh- ensure that our senior and limited-English- http://tinyurl.com/SBVoterWorkshop, ters, Naruhito’s daughter Aiko and Hisahito’s two sisters, will lose royal status when profi cient voters have access to the email [email protected] or call they marry. resources they need to make their voices (213) 617-8596. — P.C. Staff and Associated Press NATIONAL Sept. 9-22, 2016 5 JACL COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS feel really privileged to have PHOTO: COURTESY OF JACL Henry Sugimoto. participated in it,” said one of the And Mitch Maki discussed the postwar teachers in commenting on JACL’s impact of the camps in individuals and the ‘Irecent workshops on the incarceration. Japanese American community related to The participant went on to say, “I love the trauma caused by that experience as that it wasn’t just professors imparting well as the discussion within the commu- their knowledge, but speakers who were nity about remedies in the lead up to the instrumental in the redress movement, the redress campaign. Korematsu case, as well as those who lived Dale Minami who led the effort to vacate in the camps.” the conviction of Fred Korematsu during National JACL held two weeklong work- the 1980s, discussed the constitutional shops for teachers from July 24-29 and issues raised by the incarceration in the from Aug. 7-12. Titled “Civil Liberties in cases of Korematsu, Gordon Hirabayashi, Times of Crisis: The Japanese American Minoru Yasui and Mitsuye Endo. Incarceration,” the workshops were spon- In one of the fi nal sessions, John Tateishi, sored through a $165,000 grant from the who directed the early stages of JACL’s National Endowment for the Humanities. redress efforts, detailed the legislative A total of 72 teachers from throughout the campaign that resulted in an apology and United States attended the sessions. compensation for those affected by Presi- The workshops were designed to pro- A total of 72 teachers took part in JACL’s recent Teacher Training Workshop, dent Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive vide experience-based insight into the where participants, volunteers and presenters visited the Manzanar concentra- Order 9066. incarceration by visiting sites such as tion camp and the Santa Anita detention facility in Southern California. Sharon Ishii-Jordan, retired professor the Santa Anita detention facility and in education from Creighton University, Manzanar concentration camp. In addition, the workshops and with the manner in which some of these episodes were and Greg Marutani, chair of JACL’s Education Committee, were held at the Japanese American National Museum in translated into a movie version of her work. served as facilitators. They also assisted the teachers who Los Angeles, and the fi rst session consisted of a walking June Aochi Berk and Minoru Tonai also shared personal collaborated on a project to develop learning activities to be tour of the Little Tokyo area led by Alan Nishio and his stories about their experiences at Santa Anita as well as at used in their classrooms. colleagues from the Little Tokyo Service Center. Rohwer and Amache, respectively. Their recollections were In a closing comment, one of the teachers said, “I am “The power of place cannot be underestimated,” comment- a highlight for the teachers who appreciated the opportunity leaving this workshop with a deeper understanding of a topic ed one of the teachers who participated in the workshops. to hear these fi rsthand accounts. that is important, yet rarely or too quickly discussed. I can’t “The trips in Little Tokyo, Santa Anita and Manzanar are Valerie Matsumoto, a professor of history at the wait to share the wide array of primary sources with my experiences I will never forget.” University of California, Los Angeles, made a presentation kids! I am so excited to share with other educators whose Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, author of “Farewell to Man- on art in the camps by depicting camp life through numerous responsibility it is to highlight the importance of civil zanar,” captivated the teachers with episodes from her book works of artists such as Mine Okubo, Estelle Ishigo and liberties and equality.” ■ TIPS FOR THE WISE CAR BUYER LIVING TRUSTS 1. Before you 2. Make your 3. Next call or STACI YAMASHITA-LIDA leave home, way to the head over to ATTORNEY-AT-LAW visit our Auto dealer and National JACL Center at purchase Credit Union. jaclcu.com to your nd the new car. best deal.

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PROMO CODE: PCAUTO2016 6 Sept. 9-22, 2016 IN-DEPTH

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE FUJIOKA FAMILY RETURN TO MANZANAR 71 YEARS LATER Shizuko Fujioka (née Sakihara) makes her fi rst — and perhaps her last — visit to the concentration camp that was her home during World War II.

By Charles James, Contributor Shizuko Fujioka (center) with her two sons, Thomas and Robert Fujioka, along with hizuko “Shiz” Fujioka is a lovely, soft-spoken and increasingly NPS Ranger Rose Masters at the end of her Manzanar tour frail, delicate Japanese American woman in her late 80s. In June, she leaned on the arms of her sons, Robert and Thom- Sas, as she gingerly exited from the back seat of their rental car in the parking lot of the Manzanar National Historic Site, which is a three-hour drive from Los Angeles. This is her fi rst — and perhaps her last — return to the Manzanar National Historic Site, where she was incarcerated more than 70 years ago from 1943-45 while just a teenager along with her parents and forced to live behind barbed- wire fences for three years. This was the fi rst-ever visit as well for her sons, Robert and Thomas, to the Japanese American concentration camp formerly and euphemistically called the Manzanar War Relocation Center, when their mother was still known by her maiden name, Shizuko Sakihara. This trip would be a learning experience for both sons, who admit- ted they both know very little about their mother’s experiences at the camp. Waiting inside the auditorium for the Fujioka family was National Park Service Ranger Rose Masters, who had been called ahead of time to expect them. Masters was looking forward to meeting the Fujiokas and giving them the VIP tour of the museum’s exhibits and camp barracks’ exhibits. Shizuko and her sons viewed the various exhibits inside the visitor’s center, which included seeing her parents’ and her own name listed on the fl oor-to-ceiling wall of scrolls on which is listed every Shizuko Fujioka shares her experiences at Manzanar with NPS Ranger Rose Masters.

family and family member ever incarcerated in the her time at Manzanar. camp during the war. Some 11,000 names are listed. Shizuko Sakihara was only a young 15-year-old Ranger Masters provided Shizuko with copies girl from West Los Angeles when she and her parents of the Sakihara family’s registry from old camp (her mother, Hisako, and father, Ikumori Sakihara) records. The family viewed the exhibit with the were sent to the Manzanar War Relocation Camp model of the camp and identifi ed the barracks where in the Owens Valley in early 1943 after the surprise the Sakihara family was housed. Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. At another exhibit featuring the 1944 Manzanar In one of the most fl agrant violations of citi- High School Yearbook, there is a photo of Shizuko zens’ civil rights under the U.S. Constitution, some as a young girl standing almost exactly in the center 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry living on the of the 11th grade class photo. Masters would later West Coast of the United States, most all of them send copies of the yearbook photo to the family. American citizens, were ordered imprisoned in The trip inside the museum was followed by a tour camps located in remote areas of the country, with outside of the barracks, which features exhibits of more than 11,000 of them sent to Manzanar. how the incarcerees lived while in Manzanar, in- Some aspects of Shizuko’s story in describing cluding one of the rebuilt barracks of a communal camp life in Manzanar might remind a few readers mess hall. “Shiz,” as she is known by her family and of the best-known book on the Japanese American friends, could be seen talking softly of her experi- concentration camp experience, Jeanne Wakatsuki NPS Ranger Rose Masters looks for Shizuko’s 1944 Manzanar ences at the camp as a young girl with Ranger Mas- Houston’s “Farewell to Manzanar,” published in High School yearbook photo, which is part of the exhibit. ters, telling her that she has many fond memories of 1973. IN-DEPTH Sept. 9-22, 2016 7

The shared experiences included doing homework.” communal baths and restrooms During their stay in Manzanar, Shizuko’s family with no privacy, communal mess would often be allowed to travel on “furloughs” in- halls, barbed-wire fences, land away from the West Coast. They would travel watchtowers with armed to Utah or Idaho, where her parents would be paid guards and spotlights, ma- to work on independently owned farms and stay at jestic mountains rising the owner’s home or in separate housing for two to above a desolate land- three months during harvest season. scape and, of course, the There is a photograph of Shizuko taken by the extreme weather — very famed photographer Ansel Adams on one of his sev- hot in the summer, icy eral trips to Manzanar in 1943 and 1944. The photo cold in the winter — and titled “School Children, Manzanar Relocation Cen- the never-ending dust. ter, California,” shows three young schoolgirls in “Farewell to Manzanar” the foreground, with others following behind them was based on the remembered across a barren roadway leading to a block of bar- experiences of a 7-year-old. racks in the background. Shizuko is prominently Houston told of the devastating featured in the photo. effects the incarceration had on her After graduating in the last Manzanar High School family members, which resulted in resent- Senior Class of 1945 and leaving the camp, Shizuko ment, withdrawal and a sense of isolation that and her family returned to West Los Angeles. She undermined their relationships. said the family was treated well on their return, and Unlike Houston’s tale of a dysfunctional family, there was little hostility from the white community. broken and isolated by the forced move, and the On returning to West Los Angeles and working cultural upheaval that camp routines had on their as a fi lm developer for Susan’s Photo Studio in traditional Japanese family life, Shizuko said that Beverly Hills, Shizuko attended Los Angeles City her family did well in the camp. College, where she met her future husband, Yoshiro Both of her parents worked, as did most adults in “Babe” Fujioka, while eating lunch in the cafeteria. the camps. Her father was one of the camp barbers, She was 26. He was 25. Apparently, “Babe” needed and her mother worked in the main camp cafete- the encouragement of his best friend, Bob Ogawa, ria. If a book were to be written based on Shizuko to introduce himself. The couple was married and Sakihara’s life while at the camp, it could well be went on to have four children. titled “Return to Manzanar,” and it would be a story According to her four children, Margaret, Robert, of a family and a young girl’s acceptance, optimism Janice and Tom, their mother is described as “lov- and sense of adventure. ing, optimistic and always encouraging to others.” “As a young girl,” says Shizuko, “I just did Shizuko’s children added that she has also always whatever I was told to do whether that was mov- been very patriotic and proud of being an American Shizuko Sakihara (pictured far left in the foreground) is ing to another place (Manzanar) or waiting in line and that she is also a very forgiving person. featured prominently in Ansel Adams’ “School Children, for everything while living in the camp. You just Shizuko Fujioka now lives in Texas with her Manzanar Relocation Center, California” photo. accepted and adjusted to it.” youngest daughter, Janice Frey. She is looking for- She went on to say, “I was not frightened by the ward to attending the 70th Manzanar High School PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE FUJIOKA FAMILY move to the camp. I found it very interesting to live Reunion in Las Vegas this month. around so many Japanese Americans of all ages At the end of her tour of Manzanar in June, Shizu- after having lived around mainly white Americans ko stood beside her sons, Robert and Thomas, with in West Los Angeles.” She noted that, “It was in- Ranger Masters at the entrance to the camp, and she teresting to go from being a ‘minority’ in West Los had a big smile on her face. She was looking for- Angeles to a ‘majority’ at the camp.” ward to visiting her friends and fellow incarcerees In the book “Farewell to Manzanar,” while Hous- in Las Vegas at the 71st Manzanar Reunion, which ton wrote about the freedom she had to explore the was set for early August. ■ camp without parental interference mostly from the indifference of parents that allowed her to do what- ever she wanted, Shizuko talks about how much she loved her parents and the care-free life she enjoyed while exploring the camp on her bicycle and visiting with her friends, all with the support and knowledge of her parents. The difference between the two points of view on their experiences at Manzanar demonstrate how vastly different some families dealt with the experi- ence, which ranged from resentment and depression to acceptance or optimism that things would work out in the end. When pressed to describe what she and her friends at the camp were like, Shizuko says that they were just like any other American kid during the 1940s; they were interested in the same types of music, singers, dances, fi lms and movie stars as the rest of the country. Shizuko says that she never considered herself anything other than an American for all of her life and that she is very proud of her country. “I loved attending the camp’s school, and I had a group of a half-dozen girlfriends with whom I would play table games and sit around and talk about our day,” Shizuko recalled. “We would visit each other and go to movies that were held at the A young Shizuko in a family portrait with her parents, Hisako camp. I would borrow a neighbor’s bicycle to ride Shizuko and her husband, Yoshiro “Babe” and Ikumori Sakihara around the camp. I spent a lot of time reading and Fujioka 8 Sept. 9-22, 2016 IN-DEPTH COMPETITIVE EATER MATT STONIE ON

FOOD AND FITNESS PHOTOS: ALAN MIYATAKE

Competitive food eating champion Matt Stonie considers the gyoza championship one of his favorites because it’s tied in to the Nisei Week festival and celebrates his heritage.

Wings in 10 minutes, 182 slices of in fi ve minutes, 22 it’ll be about two months of preparation since it’s a big event. The trim eating champion, pounds of Smoke’s Poutinerie Poutines in 10 minutes and It really comes down to how I’m feeling about the contest. 71 Smithfi eld pork ribs in fi ve minutes. In addition to hav- If I’m worried, I’ll practice more. If I feel like I’m in a good who has traveled the world in ing an extremely popular YouTube following, he’s traveled place, I’ll just practice a little bit to get ready. the world to compete in speed eating competitions, visiting Just like any sport at the competitive level — football, bas- his food conquests, shares big cities such as Toronto and Los Angeles to smaller towns ketball, etc. — it’s hard on the body, and it’s just a matter of in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The 24-year-old pro- fi guring out how to take care of yourself and how to maxi- fessional competitive eater, who stands in at fi ve foot eight mize. The thing about competitive eating is that if you aren’t insight on what drives him to inches and a trim 130 pounds, told the Pacifi c Citizen about healthy, you won’t do well. If you’re out of shape cardio- his career highlights and what he’s looking forward to next. wise and you go onstage, you won’t eat as much. It’s a sprint always consume more. — you have to be in shape. The Pacifi c Citizen: What was your entry into competi- One of the biggest decisions I made three years ago was By Connie K. Ho, tive eating, and what prompted it? I decided that I wanted to make sure I was focused — get- Contributor Matt Stonie: The fi rst contest I ever did was in 2010. I was ting to the gym, making sure I can eat in intervals, drink- 18. It was Maine lobster rolls — whoever ate the most in 10 ing plenty of water and taking care of myself. [I decided] magine downing 323 gyoza in one sitting. That’s the minutes got $1,000. I was working a summer job at the time I would take a break from school. So right now, competi- feat professional competitive eater Matt “Megatoad” — I signed up for the contest and ended up winning it. I had tive eating for me is full-time. That was the biggest thing: Stonie accomplished recently at the Day-Lee Foods a fun time doing it, and I just had a knack for it. From there, shifting the focus and really making sure that six days of the IWorld Gyoza Eating Championship in Los Angeles’ it just sort of snowballed. I’ve always been competitive, and week I watch my diet, exercise properly, take care of myself, Little Tokyo. Stonie, who is half-Japanese and a quarter I’ve just been pushing myself and working hard. get enough sleep — all that stuff. Lithuanian and a quarter Czechoslovakian, was the fi rst The Pacifi c Citizen: What exactly is competitive eating? You have to fi gure out what works best for you. I took a back-to-back winner to do so since 2009. Have you experienced any health risks because of it? few nutrition classes when I was still in school to fi gure out Stonie, who was born in San Francisco, moved to San Jose, Stonie: We are professionals fi rst — we work hard, there’s what eating 50 hot dogs would do to your body, do to your Calif., with his family when he was fi ve years of age and money involved, titles, etc. It’s a little different for me now system, and fi guring out multivitamins, how long to fast for, has lived there ever since. He holds several world records since this is going into my fi fth, sixth year with contests I go how long to not fast for. It’s one of those things I’m still for his eating accomplishments, among them: consuming 25 to. For the prep, it’ll depend on the contests I go to. For the working on because there are no books written on competi- McDonald’s Big Macs in 22 minutes, 241 Hooters Chicken Nathan’s (Famous International Hot Dog Eating) Contest, tive eating. A lot of it is experimentation. IN-DEPTH/COMMENTARY Sept. 9-22, 2016 9

The Pacifi c Citizen: How do you stay in shape? Stonie: I do focus a lot on cardio but also low weight, high reps and keeping my cardiovascular system going — getting a good sweat. One of the things I’ve also found out in the last few years is that working out isn’t always the answer — sometimes your body just needs to rest. I don’t have a strict regimen – I just cater to whatever my body needs. The Pacifi c Citizen: How do you prepare for these food competitions — do you stay away from any specifi c foods you’ll be eating in the contests? Stonie: Last weekend, I was at a chicken sandwich competi- tion, and twice I cooked those up, and I got used to the texture and the fl avor. It’s like learning about your enemy, fi guring out what your game plan is going to be when you’re onstage and know what you’re dealing with. Some people ask, “Do you get tired of the food? Do you get tired of the taste? Does it taste good? Does it not taste good?” It’s work. My focus is on what I’m doing — it’s a one-track mind. The Pacifi c Citizen: What are some of the competitions that you’re preparing for now? Stonie: Most immediately, there’s a contest in Massachusetts close to where my dad’s family is from — I’ll be getting ready for that. I might not do too much preparation for that since are pretty simple, but a month from now Matt Stonie celebrates his gyoza championship win with the 2016 Nisei Week queen and her court. there’s a contest in Canada with poutine (French fries, cheese and gravy). The Pacifi c Citizen: Do you have any interesting stories to defi nitely a highlight of my career. It’s an experience in itself. A few weeks ago, I was share from competitive eating? The second was obviously when I won the Nathan’s contest down in L.A. for a Japanese potsticker contest, which Stonie: One of the highlights was the fi rst time I ever beat last year. It’s like the Super Bowl of competitive eating — to be is one of my favorites, personally, because it’s part of (world champion competitive eater) . It was a onstage and to be there that year and to beat Joey Chestnut was the Nisei Week Festival, and it’s part of my heritage. local contest in Stockton, Calif., and I think it was my third year. something. It took me about a week to fully grasp everything That one is really fun, and the sponsor really cares I remember we were going at it, and I remember I kept watching that had happened. about the competitors and takes care of us. It was held Joey the whole time and I was thinking, “I’m still ahead of him The Pacifi c Citizen: What is the experience like being in a right outside of the Japanese American Cultural and . . . I’m still ahead of him . . .” Winning that contest was kind competitive eating contest? Community Center, and it was in the plaza right out- of crazy because I always looked up to Joey as this unbeatable Stonie: With Nathan’s, just the whole vibe of being in Coney side of Little Tokyo. The energy is fun, and the same mountain of a competitor, and to beat him the fi rst time was Island with 40,000 people live, cameras — it’s an insane time. people come out every year to support it. ■

JOURNALISTS >> continued from page 3

To be a professional journalist in this day and age, counteracts the biases of traditional media — media you have to have a college degree. This removes the that has long been dominated by educated, white and voices of a huge percentage of the population from wealthy men. traditional news outlets. A professional journalist has Media in 2016 is complicated. The old arbiters of a profoundly different view on life than, say, a fast- news are being challenged by smartphone-wielding, food worker. They’d probably live in different neigh- live-streaming citizen journalists and blogs that ac- borhoods and probably associate with different friend cept contributions from anyone with an opinion and a groups. The things a professional journalist sees on keyboard. It’s becoming more diffi cult to distinguish an average day would differ considerably from what a truth from rumor and fact from opinion when reading fast-food worker would see. the news, but this inclusion of everyday people into the This is why the democratization of media is impor- news industry has made for more comprehensive and tant. It allows people who were previously excluded diverse coverage of the issues that matter most to us. from the news-making process to publish content Matthew Ormseth is currently a student at Cornell without having to go through the traditional media University majoring in English. He seeks to give an avenues that require approval from well-educated honest portrayal of life as both a university student and often well-off professionals. And if such citizen- and member of the Millennial generation. produced media is tinged with bias, it is bias that

Polaris Tours 2016 Schedule

Oct. 05 – Oct. 16 Portugal In Depth: “Lisbon, Oporto, Viseu, Evora, Algarve” Oct. 16 – Oct. 25 Autumn Japan: “Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tokyo” Oct. 27 – Nov. 07 Discovering Poland: “Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk” Oct. 30 – Nov. 10 The Best of Kyushu: “Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Beppu” Nov. 27 – Dec. 14 Icons of India & Dubai: “Dubai, Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore Nat’l Park, Jaipur, Mumbai, Cochin”

Toll Free: (800) 858-2882 www.tourpolaris.com [email protected] 10 Sept. 9-22, 2016 CALENDAR A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR Price: Free will have two of his books on just future. Keynote speakers culture at the fair with about JACL Berkeley and NSU sale at the event: “Chronicles include Dale Minami. 60 vendors and stores. NCWNP present “Talk Story and of Ojii-Chan” and “Ripples Info: Visit www.densho.org. Info: Visit www. Treasures,” sponsored by in a Pond.” Proceeds from japanblockfair.com or email Sake Day 2016 Berkeley JACL and JC the sale will benefi t the Portland Taiko’s [email protected]. San Francisco, CA Berkeley Nikkei Student San Gabriel Valley JACL ‘Sound in Motion’ Oct. 1; 5-9 p.m. Union with support from Scholarship Fund. Portland, Ore. Philadelphia Asian The Armory Friends of Topaz, J-Sei and Info: Email [email protected] Oct. 16; 3-5 p.m. American Film Festival 1800 Mission St. Berkeley Methodist United. or call (626) 960-2566. Cabell Center Theater Philadelphia, PA Price: Advance purchase, Community members 8825 S.W. Barnes Road Nov. 10-20 $75 (ends Sept. 30); event are invited to spend an Price: Tickets $22-$26 Various locations in day, $85; 21 and over only, afternoon viewing historical “Sound in Motion,” Portland Philadelphia valid I.D. required artifacts, crafts, documents, MDC Taiko’s fall concert, will The Philadelphia Asian Eleven years of sake photographs and family feature Portland Taiko and American Film Festival is back exploration, fascination treasures lent by community Aki Matsuri Los Angeles’ award-winning this year paying tribute to and fun await attendees at members for the afternoon. Albuquerque, NM TaikoProject in an energetic rising stars in Asian American Sake Day 2016. Taste and The program will also feature Sept. 18 evening of contemporary fi lmmaking. This celebration is buy more than 200 amazing speakers who will share their National Hispanic Cultural taiko works. TaikoProject is the only one of its kind in the sake off erings, explore the stories associated with the Center making its Portland debut. Philadelphia area and is now growing U.S. craft sake artifacts. 1701 Fourth St. S.W. Info: Visit info@portland the largest AAPI fi lm festival market and talk to importers RSVP by Sept. 20, as The annual Albuquerque- taiko.org. on the East Coast. It attracts and distributors directly attendance is expected to based Japanese Fall festival actors, fi lmmakers and connected to the sake reach capacity. (Aki Matsuri) welcomes the audiences from the area and business. Come join this Info: Email berkeleyjacl@ new season with the New all around the world. Come incredible tasting experience, gmail.com. Mexico Japanese American EDC support the fi lms in this year’s with all proceeds benefi tting Citizens League in part lineup. the JCCCNC. supported by the New Mexico Encounters: A Musical Info: Visit wwwphilly Info: Call (415) 840-5025 or Arts Department of Cultural Exploration by Susie Ibarra, asianfi lmfest.org. visit www.sakeday.com. PSW Aff airs and the National Samita Sinha and Jen Shyu Endowment of the Arts. New York, NY Art Then & Now — A Thread Memories of Five Nisei Festivity activities include Oct. 1; 8-9:30 p.m. That Connects Us Los Angeles, CA food and games for all ages. 725 Park Ave. IDC Emeryville, CA Sept. 24; 2 p.m. Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org. Price: $15 members; Oct. 7 Opening Reception, Japanese American $17 seniors/students; Minidoka: Artist as Witness 5-7 p.m.; Oct. 8-9, National Museum Annual Japanese Kite $20 nonmembers Exhibit 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 N. Central Ave. Flying Festival Asia Society presents Boise, Idaho J-SEI Building, 2nd Floor Price: Free Denver, Colo. “Encounters: A Musical Oct. 8-Jan. 15, 2017 Atrium. 1285 66th St. As part of the Tateuchi Public Oct. 2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exploration,” in which Boise Art Museum This exhibit and benefi t sale Program Series comes The Pavillions near Martin three boundary-crossing 670 E. Julia Davis Dr. will off er unique paintings, this event that will feature Luther King Jr. Pkwy. performance artists will Price: Varies art wear, jewelry, artisan fi ve second-generation Price: Free explore their creative This exhibit features papers and antiques by Japanese Americans The Japan America Society encounters with diff erent poignant works by Takuichi internationally known (Takashi Hoshizaki, Toshi of Colorado presents this musical and cultural Fujii, Wendy Maruyama Japanese American artists Ito, Willie Ito, Sam Mihara beautiful event that is fun for expressions. Each artist will (Tag Project), Kenjiro from the past and today. and Shig Yabu) who will all ages! Special guests will present a 20-minute musical Nomura, Roger Shimomura Works by artists including share signifi cant memories include Mikio Toki, Edo Kite performance, then engage (painter) and Teresa Tamura Ruth Asawa, Chiura Obata, of their lives, with a focus Master from Japan, and Scott in a discussion about how (photographer), who have Arthur Okamura, Vicky on the World War II camp Skinner, kite maker and artist. explorations of the Asian created art based on personal Mihara Avery, Ellen Bepp experience. Reservations are All kites are welcome, and American experience can lead or family experiences related and Keiki Fujita will be recommended. picnics are encouraged. to new aesthetics. to Minidoka. It is sponsored featured. A portion of the Info: Visit www.janm.org. Info: Visit www. Info: Visit www.asia by the Boise Valley and Snake proceeds will be donated to jascolorado.org. society.org. River JACL chapters. the Smithsonian Institution’s 2016 Akimatsuri Fall Festival Info: Email britney@ National Museum of American West Covina, CA Ramen Contest and boiseartmuseum.org or call History in conjunction with the Oct. 1; Noon-8 p.m. Japanese Fall Festival (208) 345-8330, ext. 26. ■ 75th anniversary of Executive East San Gabriel Valley PNW New York, NY Order 9066. The event is Japanese Community Oct. 15-16 sponsored by the JACL Densho 20th Astor Center Center Anniversary Gala Berkeley chapter. 1203 W. Puente Ave. 399 Lafayette St. ADVERTISE HERE Info: Email keikicolour@ Seattle, WA Price: Free Price: Free Sept. 24; 5-8:30 p.m. Events in the calendar gmail.com. Bridging culture, family and An indoor eating ramen Sheraton Seattle Downtown contest will serve up some section are listed based on community, this annual event 1400 Sixth Ave. space availability. Place a ‘Talk Story and Treasures: will feature food, taiko, ondo of New York’s most popular Nikkei Artifacts Tell Tales Densho celebrates 20 years Japanese ramen shop ‘Spotlight’ ad with dancing, martial arts, games of collecting and preserving photos of your event for We Must Not Forget’ and much more. It’s a great dishes. The weekend event Berkeley, CA the living memory of World will also host a Japanese maximum exposure. opportunity to experience the War II Japanese American Oct. 8; Noon-1 p.m. and best of Japanese culture and fall festival along Broadway FOR MORE INFO: 2-4 p.m. (open viewings), incarceration. All are invited Street between 92 and 94 pc@pacifi ccitizen.org tradition. In addition, author- to celebrate the past two Program 1-2 p.m. Streets as well. Come and (213) 620-1767 playwright Jon Shirota, a decades and support Densho Berkeley Methodist Church longtime member of JACL, enjoy Japanese heritage and 1710 Carleton St. as it works to build a more OBITUARIES Sept. 9-22, 2016 11

Doi, Helene Mineyo, 93, Ann; children, Tom (Kathy), nieces and nephews; gc: 4. Lori (Rick) Teraji; gc: 5. the U.S. Army; he is sur- Honolulu, HI, Sept. 7; she Michael (Jodi), Mark (Rissa) vived by his wife, Sachi; was a retired Pearl Harbor and Brian; brother, Ray Matsumoto, George, 93, Nishitsuji, Kyoko, 78, children, Paul (Laura), Ken Naval Shipyard clerk typist; (Pearl); numerous nieces San Francisco, CA; June 28; Fullerton, CA, Aug. 24; she (Stacy); and many other she is survived by her sons, and nephews; gc: 7. he was interned at Poston; is survived by her husband, relatives; gc: 2. Randall N. and John J.; he was predeceased by his Bill; children, Lori (Kevin gc: 1. Iwata, Toshio, 92, CA, July wife, Kimi; he is survived by Pratt), Wendy and Deron; 31; a Nisei veteran, he was his daughters, Mari (John also survived by many predeceased by his wife, Ota), Kiyo (Colin Lee), Kei brothers and sisters-in-law, Jean Akiko; he is survived (Chris Lamen) and Miye nieces, nephews and other by his daughter, Ellyn; son, (Randy Sears); son, Ken- relatives; gc: 4. David (Lisa); sister, Jean Ha- neth; brother, Dr. Kenneth rue Ishida; as well as many Matsumoto; he is also sur- Omatsu, Cathleen Satomi, in-laws, nieces, nephews vived by numerous nieces 59, Hawthorne, CA, Aug. 26; and other relatives; gc: 5. and nephews; gc: 7. she is survived by her hus- band, Bob; daughter, Kelly Mikuni, Willie Toshio, 88, Omatsu; son, Barry Omatsu; Pasadena, CA, Aug. 30; he sister, Aileen (Peter) Ashley; was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy (Marianne) parents, Kokichi and Sato Horimoto; father, Bill Hori- Mikuni; son-in-law Ron moto; she is also survived Nakamura; he is survived by by many nieces, nephews his wife, Betty; son, Darryl and other relatives. (Pat Van Der Veer) Mikuni; Toyota, Craig, 53, Fujino, Ricky Miyoshi, 65, daughters, Janis Nakamura Osato, Isami, 95, Honolulu, Alhambra, CA; Aug. 22; Monterey Park, CA, Aug. 24; and Karen (Ethan Etnyre) HI, Aug. 21; he was a retired the Alhambra, Calif.-born he is survived by his wife, Mikuni; nieces, nephews Army veteran; he is survived Sansei is survived by his Eiko; daughter, Mika (Eu- and many other relatives; by his son, Dexter, and wife, Angie Ayako; children, gene) Tamura; son, Hideki gc: 4. daughter, Nan. Curtis Takashi and Kris- (Jamie) Fujino; gc: 2. tin Megumi; mother, Carol Miyashiro, Douglas Sato, Shirley Sakiko, 86, Hideko Toyota; brother, Neil Fujiwara, Harry, 82, Nash- Kamimura, Kikuko, 97, Tadashi, 79, Kaneohe, HI, Sacramento, CA, Sept. 3; Osamu (Gregory Williams); ville, TN, Aug. 28; he was Palm Springs, CA; Aug. 16; Aug. 28; he is survived by she is survived by her hus- sisters, Denise Tokiko (Eric) known as “Mr. Fuji” in World she is survived by her his wife, Jackie; daugh- band, George; children, Jodi Parker and Shelley Eiko Wrestling Entertainment and children, Nancie Self, ters, Joanne Burgo, Donna Sato-King (Lee), Ellen Sato (Tamlin) Dyvig; father-in- a martial arts master whose Richard (Marilyn) and DeBiasi and Susan Miyas- (Fred Simon), Curtis Sato law and mother-in-law, Ted signature move was hurl- Russell (Cynthia) Kamimura; hiro; sisters, Marianne W. (Anne), Eric Sato (Julie); Takafumi (Susan Kazue) ing a handful of salt into his gc: 14; ggc: 16; gggc: 1. Hee and June Yamashiro; sisters, Miyo Yamada and Imoto; sister-in-law, Margie opponents’ eyes; he went on gc: 5; ggc: 1. Agnes Deguchi; gc: 4. Masako (Steve Isamu) Na- to manage several profes- Kawamura, Frank, 80, kanishi; brother-in-law, Eric sional wrestlers and was Sacramento, CA, Aug. 30; Takeda, Joe Kazuya, 45, Eiichi (Julie Haruko) Imoto; inducted into the WWE Hall he was interned at Poston; Fountain Valley, CA, Aug. he is also survived by many of Fame in 2007; he is sur- he was predeceased by his 21; he is survived by his nieces, nephews and other vived by his children, Tyran wife, Lily; daughter, Amy; children, Rebeca Rika, Joe relatives. Wong, Teri Deettula, Tami parents, Roy S. and Katsuko Kazuhito and Jaida Ayumi; Nelson, Kimberly Brews- Kawamura; he is survived father, Kazuto (Tsugiko); he ter, Toni Will, Kelli Fujiwara by his daughters, Mona is also survived by many Sloan and Kevin Fujiwara; Kawamura (Patrick) and nieces, nephews and other gc: 13; ggc: 5. Suzan Sae Lee (Lai); relatives here and in Japan. siblings, Harry Kawamura, Hayashi, Hide, 88, Connie Okino (Sets), Takeshita, James Ka- Honolulu, HI, Sept. 6; she is Elaine Nakahara, Stanley zuyuki, 93, Waipahu, HI, survived by her son, Walter Kawamura (Janet) and Jane Aug. 30; he is survived by “Wally”; daughters, Glenda Abe (Robert) and numerous his wife, Marilyn; son, Keith Vinci and Merle Hayashi; nieces and nephews; gc: 1. (Cindy) Takeshita; daugh- gc: 3. Nishikawa, Toshiro, 92, ters, Avis (Joseph) Harrison, Kawano, Mary, 89, San Gardena, CA; Aug. 22; he Terry (Ajit) Kundanani, Lori Ito, George, 81, Sacramen- Francisco, CA, Aug. 21; she was predeceased by his (Patrick) Guerin; gc: 4. to, CA; he was predeceased was interned at Gila River wife, Mollie, and grand- by his parents, Kichiuyemon Relocation Center; she is daughter, Lauren Taguchi; and Kimiyo Ito; siblings survived by her son, Rob- he is survived by his daugh- Bill, Hiro, Frank and Reiko; ert (Mary Eijima); daughter, ters, Susan (Dennis) Tagu- he is survived by his wife, Elinor (Ross Lee); and many chi, Sharon (Paul) Landry, Umeda, Alice Yoshiko, 92, Los Angeles, CA; Aug. 20; she is survived by her PLACE A TRIBUTE children, Cheryl Nimori, Glenn and Kenneth (Arleen) ‘In Memoriam’ is a free Umeda; gc: 4. listing that appears on a limited, space-available basis. Wong, Doris Asaye N., Tributes honor your loved 91, Honolulu, HI, Aug. 19; ones with text and photos and she is survived by her appear in a timely manner at sons, Winston D., Dwight D., the rate of $20/column inch. Benedict D., Darrell F. Contact: Taketomo, Tom, 91, Culver and Dudley A.; daughter, City, CA; Aug. 29; he was a Dorene B.W. Martin; busmgr@pacifi ccitizen.org ■ or call (213) 620-1767 military veteran who served gc: 4. in the Korean Confl ict with 12 Sept. 9-22, 2016 COMMENTARY/LETTER/NATIONAL REIMAGINE EVERYTHING LETTER 1 >> continued from page 2

While I agree the media should be showing everything MEMORY LOSS? ODDS ARE, and all sides of the story, the unfortunate current reality is that they don’t. So, we must take it upon ourselves to steer clear of the propaganda and read as many articles IT’S NOT ALZHEIMER’S as we can from all sides of the story. We must also try to realize that “a few” do not represent “all” and that By Ron Mori such as paying bills, driving, following recipes and adhering even a “majority” does not refl ect “all.” If the president to medication schedules. So, it’s not something to take thinks we should go to war that doesn’t mean all United or most of us these days, staying “mentally sharp” as States citizens think we should go to war. If National we age is a high priority. With all we’ve been hearing lightly or ignore. On the other hand, some cognitive functions can actually JACL believes one thing that doesn’t mean that every and reading about Alzheimer’s in recent years, it’s JACL member also believes it. improve with age. Wisdom and knowledge often increase Fperfectly understandable that virtually any sign of memory Our society tells us to pick sides, but I don’t think it’s loss can trigger real fears about a possible onset of that deadly with age, and older adults report greater levels of happiness quite that simple. I think it’s OK to have exceptions and disease. Some might even unwisely decline to discuss it with and satisfaction than their younger counterparts. And it’s support some and not all. Our world and all of our current their doctor out of fear of “hearing the worst.” possible to positively promote and support your “brain issues are not black and white. There are many shades of But there’s good news. For many, if not most people, health” as you age. Important steps you can take include: grey in the middle that we cannot forget. We must all do a modest decline in memory does not mean you have • Be Physically Active — Staying physically active can our best to learn as many different viewpoints as possible and learn from as many different sources and people as Alzheimer’s. It may simply be a matter of cognitive aging, promote cognitive health in middle-aged and older adults we can, instead of listening to only one person or only which can be addressed. Like other parts of your body, your by helping to reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as one news channel. We are our own person and can think brain changes with age, along with its ability to carry out hypertension and diabetes. for ourselves, make our own decisions and create our various functions. The brain is responsible for “cognition,” • Manage Your Medications — A number of medications own perspectives based on our own research and values a term that includes memory, decision making, processing can have a negative effect on cognitive function when used and experiences. I think it is OK to agree to disagree speed, wisdom and learning. As a person ages, these alone or in combination with other medications. The effects sometimes or to agree with parts of someone’s argument functions may change — a process called “cognitive aging.” can be temporary or long-term. It’s important to review all and disagree with other parts. As Asian Americans, we have also faced discrimina- AARP co-sponsored “Cognitive Aging: Progress in of your medications with a health-care professional and tion — extra rules placed upon us, being called Japs, Understanding and Opportunities for Action,” a report from learn about their effects on cognitive health. the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies being told to go back where we came from, being asked of Science, Engineering and Medicine. This report offers • Be Socially and Intellectually Active — Continually “what are you,” being sent to internment camps even though you are a citizen of the United States and just be- an extensive examination of how age changes the brain seek opportunities to learn new things. ing treated differently than someone who is white. when it’s not affected by neurodegenerative diseases like • Get Adequate Sleep and Reduce Stress — Seek Looking throughout history, whenever civil rights Alzheimer’s, along with specifi c actions people can take to professional treatment for sleep disorders, if needed. were withheld, people spoke up, lobbied, protested and reduce their risk of mental decline with age. • Eat a Healthy Diet. sometimes it lead to violence (e.g., Civil War). All of Cognitive aging is not a disease. In fact, unlike Alzheimer’s, these different things have something in common: They which affects about 10 percent of older Americans, cognitive AARP is offering a new digital product — https:// get people’s attention and get others to listen and realize aging is a process that occurs in every individual, beginning stayingsharp.aarp.org — that is packed with brain-boosting the inequality that they did not see before. at birth and continuing throughout our life span. There is activities, articles and recipes designed to help you keep your Black Lives Matter is trying to get our society’s tremendous variability in how people’s cognition changes as brain in shape. Please check it out. attention before another friend or loved one is killed or they age. Some older adults may experience very few effects put in jail for no other reason than the color of their skin. from cognitive aging, while in others, the effects might be Ron Mori is a board member for the Washington, D.C., As minorities who have also experienced racism, it is important to support other minorities in attaining their more pronounced. In the more pronounced cases, cognitive JACL chapter, and manager of community, states and national affairs — multicultural leadership for AARP. civil rights, their human rights. aging can affect a person’s abilities to perform daily tasks, Right now, it is more important than ever for all of us to realize that we are all people living in this world and in this society and that while we are different, we are all NPS ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF $3 MILLION IN human. Each person has people who care about them and each person has a life and each person has a story and all awarded after a competitive review of of these things shape who we are and also connect us all. CONFINEMENT SITE GRANTS project proposals. Successful grantees During this time of hate and confl ict, we must rise WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Na- organizations, educational institutions must match $1 in nonfederal funds or above that hate and also talk about the confl icts and the tional Park Service is now accepting and state, local and tribal governments “in-kind” contributions to every $2 they problems and fi gure out how we can all support each applications for $3 million in grants for work to preserve confi nement sites receive in federal money. Matching other, everyone, together. to support the preservation of places and their histories. funds can be raised and spent during where more than 120,000 Japanese In establishing the program, Con- the grant period and do not have to be Sincerely, Americans were imprisoned during gress authorized up to $38 million in “in the bank” when a group applies for a grant. Applicants may receive up to two Tara Umemoto, World War II. grants that can be awarded over the life JACL Berkeley Member “Through these grants, the National of the program, with funds appropriated grants a year. Park Service is giving communities and annually. To date, the program has More than 60 historic sites are eli- SOURCE 1: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ partners a voice in telling the diffi cult awarded more than $21 million in gible for grant-funded work. They in- video/2016/jul/15/obama-defends-black-lives-matter- story of Japanese American confi ne- grants to 163 projects involving 20 clude the 10 War Relocation Authority movement-video ment during World War II,” NPS Direc- states and the District of Columbia. centers that were established in 1942 in SOURCE 2: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ tor Jonathan B. Jarvis said. “By doing In fi scal year 2016, the NPS distrib- seven states: Granada (Amache), Colo.; video/2015/oct/22/barack-obama-black-lives-matter- so, we honor those who endured incar- uted 15 grants totaling more than $2.8 Gila River and Poston, Ariz.; Heart video SOURCE 3: https://twitter.com/krisstraub/sta- ceration and ensure that a new genera- million. The president’s budget for fi s- Mountain, Wyo.; Jerome and Rohwer, Ark.; Manzanar and Tule Lake, Calif.; tus/751163631300063232/photo/1 tion of Americans can learn from this cal year 2017 seeks $3 million for the SOURCE 4: https://www.facebook. tragic episode in our history.” next round of program grants. Minidoka, Idaho; and Topaz, Utah. Also included are more than 40 other com/1524089581224722/ videos/1578988792401467/ Congress established the Japanese Grants may be used for a variety of SOURCE 5: https://www2.census.gov/programs-sur- sites, including “assembly centers” and American Confinement Sites Grant efforts, including the design and con- veys/demo/tables/p60/252/pov_table3.pdf Program in 2006 to preserve and ex- struction of interpretive centers, trails, U.S. Army and Department of Justice SOURCE 6: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ plain the places where Japanese Ameri- wayside exhibits and other facilities, detention and internment facilities. national/king-brock-turner-cory-batey-show-race- can men, women and children — most oral histories and site-history research, The deadline for applications is affects- sentencing-article-1.2664945 of them U.S. citizens — were incarcer- school curricula and the purchase of Nov. 1 (5 p.m. MST). SOURCE 7: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/01/ ated after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor nonfederal land at authorized sites. For more information, including opinion/a-conversation-with-black-women-on-race. in 1941. Japanese American Confi ne- The program requires applicants to 2017 application materials and lists html?_ r=2 SOURCE 8: http://www.nyclu.org/content/stop-and- ment Sites grants are awarded to eligible raise project funds from other sources of the program’s most recent awards, frisk-data groups and entities, including nonprofi t to “match” the grant money, which is visit https://www.nps.gov/jacs/.