THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL May 31-June 13, 2019

» PAGE 6

» PAGE 2 JACL Supports Efforts to Rename Street After Late-D.A. Jeff Adachi.

» PAGE 4 MIS, 442nd Double- Play Coming to Los Angeles.

A personal look into the lasting footprints Japanese Americans have made in

Athena Asklipiadis and her childhood friend, South L.A. Britney, at the Taste of Soul Festival in Crenshaw in 2017 Celebrating 90 Years PHOTO: COURTESY OF ATHENA MARI ASKLIPIADIS WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG #3343 / VOL. 168, No. 9 ISSN: 0030-8579 2 May 31-June 13, 2019 NATIONAL

JACL NATIONAL AND S.F. CHAPTER SUPPORT HOW TO REACH US Email: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Tel: (213) 620-1767 RENAMING STREET AFTER JEFF ADACHI Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 JACL supports a resolution made to the San Francisco Los Angeles, CA 90012 STAFF Executive Editor Board of Supervisors to honor the city’s public defender, who Allison Haramoto Senior Editor passed away unexpectedly in February. Digital & Social Media George Johnston ACL National and the organization’s San Francisco “Jeff was tenacious and passionate in his Business Manager chapter are supporting a resolution sponsored by belief that all people, regardless of their eco- Susan Yokoyama District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney to rename Gilbert nomic or social status, deserved full and equal Production Artist JStreet to Jeff Adachi Way. representation in the criminal justice sys- Marie Samonte After the Board of Supervisors’ Land Use and Tran- tem,” said John Hayashi, president of the San Circulation sportation Committee unanimously passed a resolution Francisco JACL. “He refused to play politics Eva Ting to begin the process of renaming the street, the next step with his principles, remained unmoved in his The Pacific Citizen newspaper is to gain approval to begin the process of officially convictions and was not intimidated by the (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi-monthly (except once in changing its name. powerful and connected.” December and January) by the Supervisor Haney chose Gilbert Street, which runs In an official letter dated May 24 to Haney, Japanese American Citizens parallel to Sixth and Seventh streets between Bryant JACL VP for Public Affairs Sarah Baker League, Pacific Citizen, 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 and Brannan, because it is the street that the late pub- wrote, “Jeff (Adachi) was not only a voice for Los Angeles, CA 90012 lic defender used to walk between his office and the Japanese Americans, but for people across Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA courthouse, located at 850 Bryant St. the nation in his fight for social and racial POSTMASTER: Send address changes to National JACL, 1765 Adachi, 59, passed away suddenly on Feb. 22. Born in equality. He was an inspiration to generations Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 Sacramento, he was “the most highly visible Japanese of lawyers, his community and beyond. It is for these Jeff Adachi PHOTO: COURTESY JACL President: Jeffrey Moy American elected official in San Francisco and the reasons, amongst innumerable reasons, that the JACL OF PUBLIC Executive Director: David Inoue only elected public defender in the State of California,” would like to support the renaming of Gilbert Street DEFENDER’S OFFICE, SAN P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD according to a statement by the JACL. Adachi was to ‘Jeff Adachi Way.’ FRANCISCO Rob Buscher, chairperson; Ron re-elected four times. » See ADACHI on page 12 Kuramoto, MDC; Marcia Chung, CCDC; Nancy Ukai, NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, PNWDC; Kayla Watanabe, IDC; John Saito Jr., JACL RECOGNIZES AAPI DAY AGAINST BULLYING AND HATE PSWDC; Juli Yoshinaga, Youth Rep. By David Inoue and Sarah Baker this day: “The murder the untold story that However, today, on this AAPI Day SUBSCRIBE of Vincent Chin brought is concerning. Why Against Bullying and Hate, we want Get a one-year subscription of the WASHINGTON, D.C. — May Pacific Citizen newspaper at: the Asian American is it that Asian stu- to emphasize that no one should feel www.pacificcitizen.org or call 18, 2019, would have been Vincent community together dents are unwilling they need to gaman through any (213) 620-1767 Chin’s 64th birthday. Vincent Chin, in solidarity in a way to come forward to form of bullying. ADVERTISE a Chinese American, was killed be- it had not experienced make these reports? To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, cause two unemployed autoworkers previously. It forced us It makes today even For more information about what call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: believed him to be Japanese and to recognize the shared more important to let you can do to stop bullying in your [email protected] blamed him for their loss of work. experience we have as Asian Ameri- our community know that we can- community, visit the Act to Change LEGAL In his memory, JACL today joins cans, and that includes the bullying not allow bullying to happen and to website at https://acttochange.org/. No part of this publication may be Act to Change, a national nonprofit and racial animosity that many of report it when it does. reproduced without the express dedicated to ending bullying in the permission of the Pacific Citizen. us experienced as children and into In Japanese culture, there is To download the AAPI Bullying Editorials, letters, news and the Asian American and Pacific Islander adulthood.” a word, gaman, which means to Prevention Task Force report, opinions expressed by columnists community, in recognizing the first- Most studies show that students “persevere, or bear the burden si- visit the Education Department’s other than the national JACL ever AAPI Day Against Bullying of Asian heritage report the lowest lently and patiently.” Perhaps this website at https://sites.ed. president or national director do and Hate. not necessarily reflect JACL policy. incidences of bullying. Rather than is part of why there are not more gov/aapi/files/2015/02/AAPI- Events and products advertised in JACL President Jeffrey Moy high- these numbers reflecting a positi- incidences of bullying reported by Bullying-Prevention-Task-Force- the P.C. do not carry the implicit lights the importance of recognizing ve outlook for AAPI students, it is Asian Americans. Report-2014-2016.pdf. endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2019 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif. and mailing office.

JACL MEMBERS Change of Address

If you’ve moved, please send new information to: National JACL 1765 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 921-5225 ext. 26 Allow 6 weeks for address changes.

To avoid interruptions in delivery, please notify your postmaster to include periodicals in your change of address (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY May 31-June 13, 2019 3 A MOTHER’S TAKE

25 YEARS LATER OSHIMA SCOTT PHOTO:

Today, I know that JACL also approved a transgender resolution in 2015. This directly affects me because of Aiden, but I also have another son who is adopted from Japan, and By Marsha Aizumi so the visibility that the JACL brings to injus- tices, discrimination and hatred are making his year, the JACL National Conven- the world safer for both of my sons. tion will be hosted in Salt Lake City It was also a heartwarming connection when . . . the same city that 25 years ago I realized that the redress money that my TJACL made the decision to support same- parents received and gave me part of helped sex marriage. JACL was the second national to pay for the adoption of both of my sons. Stan Yogi (right) and his organization after the ACLU to declare its And so today, the work that JACL has done husband, David Carroll support. In 1994, this historic moment was not and is doing has become more and more im- even on my radar. Aiden was 6 years old and portant to me and my family because it is Michael Iwasaki in elementary school. He was a little, happy fighting to secure and safeguard the civil and tomboy who had many friends. human rights of not only the API community, Twenty-five years ago, my ties to the Japanese but also all communities that are affected by My work with Stan in the LGBTQ commu- American community were not that strong. injustice and bigotry. nity is focused on Okaeri: A Nikkei LGBTQ Many of Aiden’s friends were not Asian, and JACL is sending a message of acceptance Gathering in Los Angeles. Stan and I were since my parents did not talk about the inter- to those individuals like my sons and the co-chairs of Okaeri 2016 and ’18. He is also the nment camps, I did not have a connection to LGBTQ+ community. The work of the JACL co-author of a book called “Fred Korematsu that piece of our JA history. continues to be a blessing to me and my family. Speaks Up.” Today with the camp pilgrimages, DORs In August, I will be attending the JACL Sarah has attended all three Okaeri events, AIZUMI OF MARSHA COURTESY PHOTO: and my work with Okaeri: A Nikkei LGBTQ National Convention from Aug. 1-4 and par- starting in 2014, and has been the driving force Gathering, I have circled back to my JA roots ticipating in a workshop with Stan Yogi and behind Seattle’s Family 1.0: An API LGBTQ in a way that has helped me to understand more Sarah Baker, where we will share our journeys Gathering and Family 2.0. She is currently a of my history and more of my connection to as Nikkei LGBTQ individuals or, for me, as a JACL National Board VP and Seattle JACL the work that has been done on my behalf parent of a transgender son. Moderating our president. (From left) Sarah Baker, for so many years, even though I had little panel will be Michael Iwasaki, co-president See LATER on page 12 Marsha Aizumi and Bill knowledge of it. of the Salt Lake City JACL chapter. » Tashima at Okaeri 2016 LEGAL-EASE: AN ATTORNEY’S PERSPECTIVE WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES

yourself from CDPH Vital Records, but it’s It’s the responsibility of the trustee (i.e., you) take fees in the future, it will come in handy. much easier to have your funeral director help to marshal the trust’s assets, keep them secure Finally, contact an estate planning you. But he’ll ask, “How many?” A good rule and distribute or administer them according attorney to help you administer the trust. of thumb is to order one death certificate per to the terms of the trust. Hopefully, the Settlor The trustee has numerous “statutory duties” By Judd Matsunaga, Esq. financial account and one per real property, (person who created the trust) kept a list of owed to the beneficiaries, most of which the such as a home or condo. financial assets in his/her “Schedule of Assets” nonprofessional trustee has no idea. The trustee hen a loved one dies, you might Notify the local Social Security office. in his/her trust binder. should choose the attorney. You do not need be the one faced with the Typically, the funeral director will notify If there is no Schedule of Assets (or if there to contact the attorney who drafted the trust overwhelming responsibility of Social Security of your loved one’s death. If is and it’s not filled out), the trustee has the (that attorney may be retired or even dead). Wclosing out the person’s life. There are many your loved one was receiving benefits, they duty to use reasonable efforts to locate all trust Getting recommendations from family or things to attend to — from planning the funeral must stop because overpayments will require accounts. You can look through the mail and friends might be the best approach. and/or memorial service to closing bank ac- complicated repayment. If the deceased has a also through desk drawers and filing cabinets. Remember, as trustee, you have the power counts to notifying the post office, all of which surviving spouse or dependents, ask about his/ If you find a flat key on the decedent’s key ring, to use trust assets to hire CPA’s and attorneys require attention to detail — adding stress to her eligibility for increased personal benefits there’s a good chance there’s a safety deposit to help guide you through the trust admi- what is already a pretty emotional time. and a one-time payment of $255 to the survivor. box containing important documents like life nistration process. The attorney will help In this article, I am going to assume the Another important step is to gather all insurance policies. you provide beneficiaries with proper notice dearly departed had created a living trust to financial documents. Financial documents Chances are, the dearly departed (i.e., the requirements, an accounting and perhaps most keep his/her family from the high cost and include items such as the following: bank Settlor) has provided for “Trustee Fees.” You, importantly, a “release of liability” from the delay of a probate proceeding. So, there is account statements, brokerage or security as the trustee, may intend to waive such com- trust beneficiaries. nothing in this article about the nightmare of statements, life insurance policies, annuity pensation. However, many trustees change their probate. These instructions are intended for statements, stock certificates and statements, minds later after they find out how much time Judd Matsunaga is the founding attorney the “Successor Trustee.” pension documents and bills from credit cards, and energy is required. Therefore, it is highly of Elder Law Services of California, a law To cope, don’t try to handle everything your- mortgages, hospital bills, etc. advisable that the trustee keep a detailed log firm that specializes in Medi-Cal Planning, self, i.e., “cut yourself some slack.” When close Some of the financial accounts may have a of the time spent “administering” the trust. Estate Planning and Probate. He can be family members and friends ask what they can “beneficiary” listed on the accounts. Depen- This log should include the trustee’s time contacted at (310) 348-2995 or judd@elder- do to help, take advantage of the offer. In other ding on the type of asset, the beneficiary may spent arranging the funeral, getting the house lawcalifornia.com. The opinions expressed words, delegate. The purpose of this article is get access to the account or benefit by simply ready for sale and meeting with CPA’s and in this article are the author’s own and do to help the Successor Trustee get started in filling out appropriate forms and providing a attorneys. Unless expressly stated in the trust not necessarily reflect the view of the Pacific the right direction. copy of the death certificate. If that’s the case, instrument, trustees are entitled to “reasonable Citizen or JACL. The information presented One of the first things you need to do is the trustee wouldn’t need to be involved — compensation.” There is no harm in keeping does not constitute legal or tax advice and order death certificates. You can order them those accounts are not part of the trust. track of your time, and should you decide to should not be treated as such. 4 May 31-June 13, 2019 IN-DEPTH MIS, 442ND DOUBLE­–PLAY COMING TO LOS ANGELES ‘American’ gets help from ‘Proof of Loyalty’ for Oscar eligibility. By George Toshio Johnston, Senior Editor, Digital & Social Media

eginning Sunday, June 9, through Friday, June 14, a cinematic one- two punch of Japanese American

Bmilitary service will land in Los Angeles. FAMILY YAMANE THE OF COURTESY PHOTOS: Taking place at the Downtown Inde- pendent theater will be a double-feature showing consisting of 2017’s 55-mi- nute-long documentary “Proof of Loyalty: Kazuo Yamane and the WHAT: SCREENINGS OF ‘PROOF OF LOYALTY: Nisei Soldiers of Hawaii” and the KAZUO YAMANE AND THE NISEI SOLDIERS OF The new dramatic short “American,” HAWAII’ AND ‘AMERICAN’ Yamane starring George Takei and new- family WHERE: Downtown Independent Theater, comer Rachel Michiko Whitney. store The former, which aired nation- 251 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. wide on Veterans Day 2018 on PBS Phone: (213) 617-1033 than Seattle,” said Ostrander, who noted that because they needed to learn about the history after a fruitful film festival run, was WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 9–FRIDAY, JUNE 14 they had been commissioned to produce a of Japanese Americans in Hawaii. “Without produced and directed by Bainbrid- documentary about the mill. understanding the context of Hawaii and the ge Island, Wash.-based filmmakers TIMES: June 9: 6 p.m.; June 10-14: 4 p.m. The island’s history of ethnic diversity and Japanese Americans in Hawaii, it wouldn’t Lucy Ostrander and Don Sellers. Tickets: $12 harmony was underscored during WWII, when have the impact of what we were able to “Proof of Loyalty” focuses on journalists Mildred and Walter Woodward Jr. finally achieve. Hawaii-born Kazuo Yamane, who, VISIT: https://american.bpt.me and www. famously editorialized in their Bainbridge “The arc of the story is the arc of Kazuo during World War II, served in proofofloyalty.com for more information. Review for constitutional protections to apply Yamane’s life before the military and in the the Army’s Military Intelligence to all Americans and against the mass incar- military,” he continued. “But it’s also the Service as one of just a handful ceration of Japanese Americans. overall experience of the Nisei from Hawaii of Japanese American linguists to Bainbridge Island Connection “During WWII, Bainbridge Island was during WWII. So, those two arcs are going serve in the European Theater, in this case For documentarians Ostrander and Exclusion Order No. 1, the first community on simultaneously.” under Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. (The movie’s Sellers, living on Bainbridge Island, Wash., had in the country where Japanese Americans For Yamane, the documentary achieved title actually refers to vital Japanese military “everything to do with the fact that we did were taken away,” Ostrander said. what she wanted. documents translated by Yamane while serving this,” said Sellers, referring not only to “Proof Enter Yamane “They did an excellent job of generational in Europe.) of Loyalty” but also several other works that As for the genesis of “Proof of Loyalty,” sweep, which was what I was intending, so “American,” meantime, is a new dramatic have had Japanese American subject matter: Joyce Yamane — the Hawaii-born Sansei the Yamane descendants could all under- story about a 100th Battalion/442nd Regi- “My Friends Behind Barbed Wire,” “Honor daughter of Kazuo Yamane who resides in stand the sacrifices and challenges the Issei mental Combat Team veteran named Clinton & Sacrifice: The Roy Matsumoto Story” and Washington State — says it was she who ap- went through,” Yamane said. “That was the Nakamoto (played by Takei), who volunteers as “Fumiko Hayashida: The Woman Behind the proached Ostrander and Sellers after a buying whole point because oftentimes the younger a docent at L.A.’s Japanese American National Symbol,” as well as other Asian American- a copy of “Honor & Sacrifice” during a visit generation now has no idea what the Issei and Museum. One day, he encounters the descen- themed documentaries “Island Roots: Portrait to the headquarters of the National Japanese the Nisei went through. What started out as dants of a fallen comrade named David Seki of a Filipino-American Community” and American Historical Society in San Francisco. a family heritage movie has ended up to be during their visit to JANM, and as a result, he “Home From the Eastern Sea.” For several years, she had struggled over a really rich educational resource for history has an unexpectedly emotional flashback to a “Bainbridge Island had a very unusual his- what to do with the photo albums, documents — for all ethnic groups.” traumatic time from when he was a young man. tory in terms of different types of people who and memorabilia inherited from her late father Festival Friends The screenings (see Info Box for dates, times came from different places all over the world for the benefit of his descendants. Once completed, Ostrander and Sellers took and venue) aim to meet the eligibility require- who lived here. There was a real rich texture From feedback she had received from others, “Proof of Loyalty” on the festival circuit, where ments of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts of ethnicity on this island,” Sellers said, re- she knew some of it was quite valuable — but it screened at such locations as the Hawaii and Sciences in order to be considered for an ferring to the Japanese, Scandinavians, Native her main goal was to pass along the story. International Film Festival on Veterans Day Oscar in the live-action short film category for Americans and later, Filipinos, who worked Then, she watched 2013’s “Honor & Sacrifice.” 2017, New York’s 2017 Asian American Inter- “American,” an 18-minute-long movie written at the lumber mill at Port Blakely. “I thought, ‘This is what I want to do with the national Film Festival (where it was selected and directed by Louisiana-based filmmaker “In the late 1800s, it was the largest lumber family archives and my father’s numerous pho- the Audience Choice in the documentary Richie Adams and executive produced by Liz mill in the world, and it was better known to albums from WWII,” Yamane told division), the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Reiko Kubota Whitney and Ken Whitney. the Pacific Citizen.“I called [Sellers Festival, the Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival and Ostrander], and we connected.” and the Sedona International Film Festival. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE YAMANE FAMILY While the filmmaking couple had During that run, “Proof of Loyalty” was Kazuo done much already on mainland Ja- often paired with “American,” according to Yamane panese American subject matter, they writer-director Adams. The pairings were how worked as a knew little of the particulars of the Ha- he met Ostrander and Sellers. MIS linguist waii Japanese American experience. For Adams, completing “American” had its at Camp “It was a true learning curve for challenges — but also some unusually fortui- Savage. them,” Yamane said tous circumstances that put wind in its sails. Ostrander and Sellers concurred, A writer and director who also runs a noting that it took two and a half Louisiana-based company that creates title years to complete “Proof of Loyal- sequences for movies, Adams directed 2014’s ty,” with one year spent just doing “Of Mind and Music,” a feature film about the research. As they delved through the power of music for dementia patients. materials provided by Yamane, they Ken Whitney, meantime, had been an execu- realized that their original idea to pro- tive producer on a 2016 movie titled “Tommy’s duce a 30-minute-long documentary Honour,” about father-son golfers Old Tom wouldn’t do justice to the depth of the Morris and Young Tom Morris, and their story — and it went to 55 minutes. relationship serving as the heart of that story. “It took us a long time to pie- (It won a BAFTA Scotland in the best feature Kazuo Yamane ce everything together,” Sellers said, film category in 2016.) IN-DEPTH May 31-June 13, 2019 5

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE FAMILY OF DON SEKI Both Ken and Liz Whitney had also been passive investors in some Broadway shows and were direct investors in “Fun Home,” which won a Tony award in 2015 for best musical. “After you make a movie, and people know that, you start to get some phone calls,” Ken Whitney said, relating how a friend who was a colleague of Adams’ father suggested that he meet Adams, which happened after the Whitneys viewed “Of Mind and Music.” Leonardo Nam (left) as young Clinton Nakamoto and Ivan Shaw Leaving a Legacy as David Seki in “American.” “We really liked Richie,” said Ken, noting that he and Liz were looking into doing some (From left) “American” stars George projects with him. There were discussions of Takei and Rachel Whitney on the film’s working on a feature project, according to set with (center) Tracey Matsuyama Adams, but they decided to put that project (Don Seki’s daughter) on hold. “I recall the conversation that we had at The Whitneys were interested, but they the very beginning when we met, and I kind wanted more. Adams took it upon himself to of told him, ‘What I’d like for you to know write a screenplay for his idea, centering on about me as a filmmaker is that I want to be an elderly Japanese American veteran of the a part of projects that will ultimately leave a 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat legacy of some kind,’” Adams said. Team who, in the present day, volunteers as Adams said Ken Whitney responded by a docent at the Japanese American National George Takei stars as 442nd RCT veteran Clinton Nakamoto, and Rachel telling him he was very interested in somehow Museum and was himself a former concent- Whitney stars as Liz Seki in “American.” telling a story “that honors the experience ration camp incarceree. The Whitneys liked that my wife’s family had endured during it very much. WWII, through Japanese American intern- Camp Connection George’s family lived in the barracks right Whitney’s three daughters. She plays the grand- ment camps.” “I said, ‘I’d like to go to George Takei with across where my mom’s family’s barracks daughter of Takei’s character’s KIA buddy. Adams admitted that at the time his know- it,’” Adams recalled telling the Whitneys — were, on the end,” Liz said. “My mom was More Good Fortune ledge regarding the experience of mainland Ja- but he didn’t know how to get the script to him. one of seven kids, and they had more than In the present day, Takei’s character, panese Americans during WWII was limited. It was then that they told him of Liz’s familial one barrack.” Nakamoto, wears a red, white and blue gar- The Louisiana-native noted that “being in the connection with Takei. It would be one of the Her mother, Florence Shimazaki at the time, rison cap used by veterans who served in the South, it’s just not something that’s covered.” many fortuitous incidents that helped to get was forcibly removed from the West Coast 100th/442nd. It was not, however, something Still, a seed of an idea was planted. “American” made. when she was 17 and didn’t graduate from from an L.A. prop house. With production “Actually, I came to learn that many folks, According to Liz, her parents, Florence her original high school. Later in camp, she about to get under way, Adams said the one regardless of if you’re from the North, South and Tsugio Kubota, met while they were in- got a job as the block secretary, and she wor- important part of Takei’s wardrobe that was — wherever in the U.S. — if you weren’t carcerated at the Rohwer War Relocation ked for George Takei’s father, who was the missing was that garrison cap. directly affected, many folks hadn’t heard Authority Center in Arkansas. (Many years block manager. Florence still remembered “I just thought, ‘It’s Los Angeles, there’s about it,” Adams said. later, according to Liz, Tsugio Kubota served the 5-year-old George Takei running around umpteen prop houses, someone has to Adams eventually approached Ken and said as president of the Stockton JACL chapter.) the office. have this cap,’” he said. But the production to him, “Would you have an interest in a short Rohwer was also the same camp where George Via Liz’s brother, Glenn, who is also an designer said they had looked everywhere film about the Japanese American internment Takei’s family was incarcerated. actor, Liz and George connected. “When and one could not be found. story? I have kind of a rough idea.” “My mom’s family was in the same block. I spoke with George, and I told him about Desperate, Adams called Mitch Maki, the my mom, he said, ‘I remember being in my CEO of the Go for Broke National Education dad’s office, seeing this young woman and Center, and he put out the word out. Adams Don Seki her fingers just flying over this typewriter!’ said that in a matter of 30 minutes, he got an prepares So, he had that memory.” email from Tracey Matsuyama, the daughter to film his As it turned out, Florence Kubota would of 442nd vet Don Seki. cameo later reconnect with George Takei in person Matsuyama not only lent Adams her father’s appearance when she flew from her home in Lodi, Calif., garrison cap to be used as a prop, but also his in to see “Allegiance” when it was running on real medals also appear in the movie. “American” Broadway. “They are an incredible, just wonderful at the Go With Takei now connected to the Whitneys, patriotic family,” Adams said. for Broke they were able to get Adams’ script to the Seki and Matsuyama even make a cameo Monument “Star Trek” alumnus, via actress Marilyn appearance in the movie. And, the character in Los Tokuda (who appears in “American”), whom David Seki share a last name and first initial. Angeles’ Liz knew from when she, too, was pursuing Later, that cap provides a touching payoff Little Tokyo. OF DON SEKI THE FAMILY OF COURTESY PHOTOS: an acting career. at the movie’s conclusion. “What I’ve learned in the entertain- With a busy schedule running his title com- ment business is nobody gets pany, however, it would take until January back to you very quickly. Ge- 2018 to complete, with “American” going on orge got back to us right away,” the film-festival circuit route in March 2018 said Ken. “He read it, he liked it. at the Newport Beach Film Festival. I think within two weeks he told us It nevertheless went though several different he would do it.” cuts or versions — including one that they con- Adams said that Takei sent him sidered submitting to the Festival de Cannes, a note that said, “Richie, your story but due to a 15-minute time limit, discarded is haunting me. I can’t get it out of because it left out too much. my mind. You have a very important With both “Proof of Loyalty: Kazuo project that I would like to be a part Yamane and the Nisei Soldiers of Hawaii” and “American” of. What’s the next step?” “American” sharing a double-bill, Ostrander “It was like two months later that thinks the respective films tell an important PHOTO: STOURWATER PICTURES writer-direc- tor Richie we found the dates to film in L.A.,” story that is relevant to today’s status quo. “Proof of Loyalty” filmmakers Adams (left) said Ken, with the shoot taking place “We think they are incredibly timely, Don Sellers and Lucy Ostrander and Don Seki in July 2017. There was also a major especially with what’s going on with our part for Rachel Whitney, one of the country today,” said Ostrander. n 6 May 31-June 13, 2019 IN-DEPTH

PHOTO: SUSAN ASKLIPIADIS

Athena Askli- piadis and her grandma, TODAY AS THEDARKROOME.COM PHOTO: Hatsu Yahiro, outside of her Leimert Park home during a A JAPANESE Crenshaw rare L.A. snow- Square in 1992, fall in 1984 post-L.A. Riots

AMERICAN PHOTO: SUSAN ASKLIPIADIS The writer reflects on the area’s influence on who she is today — and the lasting footprints JA’s have made as a vital part of that history. Athena Asklipiadis in a Nipsey Hussle Crenshaw

Athena Asklipiadis with her neighborhood friends, hoodie with her parents during Christmas 2018 ASKLIPIADIS FAMILY THE OF COURTESY PHOTO: By Athena Mari Asklipiadis, Britney and Brandi Contributor

n the last few months, it has been nearly woven into their biographies, I couldn’t help Where are our stories? over the years. When people ask where I am impossible to miss the mentions of rapper but think of what once was and how different As I walked from home to attend Nipsey from, insinuating I’m not likely local, I eagerly Nipsey Hussle and filmmaker John things were for my family living here in earlier Hussle’s funeral procession on April 11 (Hussle reply, “Here, I’m from down the street, I grew ISingleton in the news. Both celebrities, whose days. was gunned down in the parking lot of his up in this area.” This answer is usually met deaths dominated headlines in the spring, each The area is now widely referred to as a “black clothing store in South L.A. on March 31), I with surprised reactions. hailed from South Los Angeles. community,” but it has a lingering Japanese rapidly noticed that I was definitely the only Even while donning a “Crenshaw” hoodie The pride they had for their African- American footprint that still remains visible. It Asian-looking face in a sea of everything but. from Hussle’s clothing line, I still knew I American roots and their neighborhood is made me wonder if many people today know I found a good viewing spot just outside of would appear, to the mostly young crowd, as something that they not only referenced in of our existence and the Japanese American Angelus Funeral Home on South Crenshaw a newbie, a bandwagon fan or the most recent their work, but also made a focal point — history here in this place. Boulevard, in direct view of the Crenshaw assumptions in the area — a gentrifier, a house voicing ’hood stories from a raw first-hand Even during the 1990s and 2000s, dominant Square sign, and for the first time in a while, flipper or a transplant who took the Metro line point of view. Asian American depictions in the news or I thought about how truly Japanese its style is. from the Westside. In addition to their enormous creative talents, films located in the area mostly highlighted The sign, which has changed in font and Most never guess that for my whole life, my they may be arguably best remembered for Korean American characters rather than JA’s. color over the last few decades, still maintains family has lived and worked in South L.A. their advocacy work for the people in their In the 2000 comedy film “Next Friday,” the its original torii-esque design. Torii or 鳥居, My grandparents first moved to the area in community. “Crenshaw” is now becoming only Asian role was that of a comical neighbor, literally means “bird abode,” and according the 1920s (minus the time surrounding their synonymous with the late rapper, his loss Mrs. Ho-Kim (played by Japanese-Finnish to Wikipedia, is a “traditional Japanese gate internment), helping to establish Los Angeles spotlighting this culturally rich, but sometimes American actress Amy Hill). In Singleton’s most commonly found at the entrance of or Holiness Church on South Gramercy Avenue troubled, part of Los Angeles, located Oscar-nominated 1991 film “Boyz n the Hood,” within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically and 36th Place. a few miles south of a billboard read “Seoul to Seoul Realty” and marks the transition from the mundane to the Wearing Hussle’s apparel makes me feel Downtown L.A. mentioned only Koreans in the scene about sacred.” a renewed sense of the pride I have always While seeing the gentrification and the area’s changing diversity. Its style origin dates back to Japan’s Heian wanted to display for my hometown, but never recent images The Japanese American voice and image Period to year 922. Coincidentally, Hussle’s could gather the courage for. He made the name of South L.A. has been largely invisible within the South first paid gig as a rapper was actually in Japan, “Crenshaw” popular and cool by branding L.A. cinematic narrative, but it has always and he eventually released a music video it through his line, the Marathon Clothing been such a huge part in building the area filmed entirely there, depicting Tokyo’s famous (TMC). into what is is today. Yasukuni torii and shrine. I also wear the brand because I am a fan of his Reflections raced through my mind of my As the crowd at Hussle’s funeral procession music and his commitment to our community. The Crenshaw own family story, as well as questions about grew, I got the usual inquiring stares and the Role models who remember where they come Square Sign in the shifting demographics of the area. subtle questions that I have grown used to from and give back are always heroes of mine. 2019 Before his passing, my hoodies mostly served as conversation pieces about both the boulevard Tak’s Hardware on and neighborhood area more than the rapper Jefferson Boulevard himself. When asked about it, I would explain who Nipsey Hussle was, since he wasn’t as widely known then, and that I was reppin’ my home. It often became an unplanned opportunity to explain how the community was in the past and how my family and I came to be there. It was a way for me to feel like I could belong, even though I did not always feel or look the typical part. As a longtime South L.A. resident, my pride for my neighborhood has been a rocky journey

PHOTO: ATHENA MARI ASKLIPIADIS PHOTO: COURTESY OF TAK KIKUCHI to say the least. IN-DEPTH May 31-June 13, 2019 7 As a ’90s kid on the heels of the L.A. Riots, flaws and all. I learned to slowly embrace it to attend if not bused out. into this community. This passion, recently growing up as a hapa Japanese American in a and find its charm as I grew older. Wearing their Pali High football gear and invigorated by Nipsey Hussle, was always primarily black neighborhood was not easy on As a teen, having “street cred” became waiting for the bus invited criticisms by teens bubbling unbeknownst to me. my identity formation. My mere existence is a something many kids wanted, so being from who called them “lame” and “sell outs.” Being The strength of my JA brothers and sisters far cry from the once very Japanese American my neighborhood all of a sudden became so far removed from the local culture made who created so much here is something I have community that existed in the 1960s and ’70s. “gangsta” and tough — a coveted bad boy/girl interactions sometimes a nerve-wracking always carried with me, but never articulated None of the kids playing on my block looked image popularized by rappers. Finally, being experience. properly. The history here is just so valuable like me. I never knew the same Crenshaw or from the ’hood made me more interesting and “The only time I was actually at Dorsey was in understanding who we are, and it makes me Leimert Park my family knew — the dozens unique, not ghetto and poor. when I had to take the SAT’s,” Ito recalled. appreciate my unique Yonsei story. of Japanese neighbors, the peak of the vibrant Was this hometown image something I could “I was so nervous that didn’t even do good.” As the poet Maya Angelou brilliantly put, (and tasty) Holiday Bowl, the plethora of JA finally accept as my own and represent? At Reflecting on experiences of people from “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t businesses, the famous tea cakes at Grace one point, I even sought to embrace the hip- my generation soon shifted to questions about know where you’ve come from, you don’t Pastries or the fun of the Crenshaw Square hop trends, wearing my hair in cornrows and the stories that came before us. Where were know where you’re going.” Festival. sporting brands like Sean Diddy Combs’ Enyce the masses of Japanese who previously lived My curiosity of learning where I come from I grew up as an anomaly in a graffitied, and Jay-Z’s Rocawear. here? Why did they leave? How many of us set me on a journey to learn about longtime rundown part of L.A. that has faced many But it didn’t last. It still wasn’t really me, and are left, and are any returning? residents, business owners and places of rebuilding challenges. Who would want to it didn’t really make me feel fully accepted. The simple answers I knew, based on what worship that survived the riots, the recession invest in and bring business to a place the media In some ways, I felt that I was appropriating I have seen — most moved to the safety and now face the change of gentrification. continually sensationalizes and ghettoizes? a culture that wasn’t mine even though I was of areas like Torrance, Gardena or Orange I’ll be writing a series of articles for the Much of Crenshaw Boulevard was still born into that influence. County, many seeking access to better schools. Pacific Citizen, the next of which will boarded up and charred following the riot Another fellow millennial who has had Japanese businesses were also slowly moving explore a few stories about the Japanese fires for most of my childhood, so things were similar experiences to mine is Doug Ito, out. American entrepreneurs of South L.A. I will not the prettiest driving to and from home. who grew up in and still currently resides in But I also knew there were still a decent be highlighting some of the aforementioned Most black families on my street had bused Crenshaw with his family. The 31-year-old number of JA’s left in the area, and what about businesses that still exist today. their kids out to schools in Beverly Hills or amateur rapper laughingly admits that he raps them? Why did they stay, and why did some I plan on not only discussing the origins of the Pacific Palisades; my parents decided on about love and heartbreak mostly. even chose to continue to invest in businesses their ventures and their survival, but also the a private school since the busing program was “I don’t have any street cred,” he blatantly here when most folks had left? These questions ways in which they remain devoted to their now not available to me. admitted. Rapping about subjects like gang swirled in my head as I thought about what multicultural community — bringing good to But even with the schools not being the life and the local culture, a popular topic of still remains in South L.A. the ’hood in true Nipsey fashion. greatest and living in close proximity to gang the genre, has always been a challenge for him. Surprisingly, businesses like Tak’s Hardware The motivation and dedication by South violence and crime, there are still positive “Rappin’ about it, you have to really be part (formerly home to Kay’s at the same location), L.A.’s remaining Japanese Americans and people and experiences intermingled into of that, and I’m not,” he said. “I felt like, yo, the Japanese American Community Credit their ability to thrive is truly inspiring, so I my memories. those [subjects] are cool, but . . . I’m always Union, All Capital Property Management, hope you all stay tuned to the next installment. My next-door neighbors were a mix of black like kinda in the middle. I’m like, ‘Am I part Kinji Kajukenbo, the Asian American Drug professionals with children, retired couples of this?’ . . . ‘Or am I like an alien to it?’. . . Abuse Program (AADAP) and Tak’s Coffee “Dedication, hard work plus patience who knew my family for decades and senior ‘Or am I both at the same time?’ . . . ‘Like, Shop were started by Japanese Americans and The sum of all my sacrifice, I’m done Niseis, all of whom were never represented what am I?’ I’m always like, ‘What the f*ck still serve South L.A. residents today. waitin’ when people would see South L.A. on TV. am I?’” Ito asked himself during our sitdown Today as a 30-something professional still I’m done waitin’, told you that I wasn’t The Wadsworth’s, an elderly black couple chat. “Because I am Japanese, but I don’t speak living in Leimert Park, I feel like I am filled playin’ who lived across the street, often showered the Japanese, and then I was in this community with more curiosity and respect than ever Now you hear what I been sayin’, neighborhood children with gifts during the that’s somewhat Japanese, but kind of wasn’t.” before about our beginnings here. My once dedication holidays. This act of generosity is something Ito’s confusion and the fogginess of his critical opinions have shifted as I have gotten It’s dedication.” I still remember fondly. identity was something I could totally relate to. older and morphed into an unparalleled pride — Nipsey Hussle’s “Dedication” My summer days were spent with two Being such a minority growing up here through for a neighborhood that truly made me who featuring Kendrick Lamar neighborhood girlfriends, playing from dusk the ’90s always made me question myself and I am. till dawn for years — riding bikes, playing my place. Attending faraway schools further I have rekindled old childhood friendships, Athena Mari Asklipiadis, a hapa Japanese Barbies and even making a lemonade stand. complicated our comfort in living here. participate in local events and am inspired to L.A. native, is the founder of Mixed Marrow, But even with the good times there, I still Ito attended Palisades Charter High continue to invest time, money and kindness a filmmaker and a diversity advocate. found myself often ashamed of my home School, commonly known as because of the scrutiny I got from my private Pali High, with many bused school classmates and even my own extended out teens who lived nearby A close- family. (Nipsey Hussle’s partner, up look I was called things like “Ghetto Superstar” actress Lauren London, also at the (the title of a 1998 song by singer Mya) by kids, attended the same school). PHOTO: SOUNDCLOUD Nipsey but was also simultaneously labeled “white But, attending an outside Hussle girl” by neighborhood boys who thought I area school wasn’t trouble memorial spoke too proper. free, Ito would quickly learn. outside Sometimes, my cousins would joke about Many of the football players of his making sure to lock their car doors when they whom Ito played with often Marathon exited the 10 freeway at Crenshaw Boulevard got accosted by teens from Clothing so they wouldn’t get carjacked on the way to Dorsey High, the local public store. our house. Through the good, the bad and the school many would have had ugly, it was home, the only home I have ever Doug Ito playlist known, a place both comfortable and loved, Nipsey Hussle at the tori of the Yasukuni

Shrine in MARI ASKLIPIADIS ATHENA PHOTO: Tokyo PHOTO: CAMI MATSUKUMA PHOTO:

Jerry Matsukuma and the staff of All Capital Crenshaw Boulevard during Nipsey Hussle’s funeral Property Management Llc. processional PHOTO: SKEE TV, NIPSEY HUSSLE’S “FOREVER ON SOME FLY SH*T” 8 May 31-June 13, 2019 C0MMUNITY SHARING THE INCARCERATION STORY THROUGH DANCE than words. Open hearts lead to open minds The Seattle JACL serves — Farewell, shikata ga nai.” 500 students through Special recognition was given to Seattle JACL Chapter President Sarah Baker for fa- ‘Farewell Shikata ga nai.’ cilitating the dialogue, as well as board mem-

PHOTO: TESS WENDEL TESS PHOTO: WENDEL bers Renee Infelise and Josh Tashima-Boyd eattle JACL recently completed a for their part in organizing two successful school tour of “Farewell of the performances. The tour Shikata ga nai,” a performance crea- was made possible in part with Sted by Seattle-based dance artist Gabrielle grants from JACL National, as Nomura Gainor that combined dance and well as the Washington State Arts Asian American theater to explore the mass Commission. incarceration of Japanese Americans and “This May, we got to perform show how the trauma and injustice of that for students from kindergarten to dark chapter has impacted the generations college-age,” said Gainor. “As a that have followed. performer, nothing can compare Performances were held at North Seattle with getting to dance for young College, Licton Springs K-8, Franklin High (From left) Siena Dumas, Gabrielle Nomura Gainor people and to hear and engage School and Lake Washington Girls’ Middle and Hailey Burt during a performance of “Farewell with them. One of my favorite School over a two-week period. In addition Shikata ga nai” at Lake Washington Girls’ Middle comments came from a young to the dance performance, each visit included School. woman at Lake Washington Girls’ a Q & A with the dancers to further explore Middle School, who shared how topics such as social justice, xenophobia, the Shikuma recounted that his brother was prison camp? How would it feel to leave all much it meant to her to see Asian American immigrant experience and Asian American 4 years old when their family was taken from your friends behind and miss graduation? women like herself dancing onstage. And at representation in the arts. their home to a detention center at the Salinas What if you had to leave your pet and all Licton Springs, a young man shared, ‘I don’t Joining Gainor in the performances were Rodeo Grounds and then to the concentration your favorite belongings behind? What if you know why they called them ‘camps’ because it Hailey Burt, Siena Dumas and Sarah Eden camp at Poston, Ariz. He also recalled seeing couldn’t travel to see relatives or go shopping? seems like [Japanese Americans] were simply Wallace. Serving as technical director was a photo of his brother with his kindergarten At some level, young people grasp the injustice put in jail.’ Tess Wendel. class on a barren playground with barracks when presented in ways that strike a chord “My dancers and I were amazed by In addition, Seattle JACL Board Member lined up behind them. with their own experiences. these young people,” Gainor concluded. “As Stan Shikuma joined the cast for two of these “I think hearing stories about kids the same “Presenting the story in a theatrical dance storytellers, we must connect them with their performances to share more with the students age as themselves and their siblings makes it piece presents more facts and history lessons,” history and support them as best we can, so about his family’s experience of being forcibly more real for [the students],” said Shikuma. Shikuma continued. “It opens up feelings and that they, too, can continue the fight for justice removed and incarcerated during World War II. “What would it be like to start school in a emotions, which so often are more powerful in America.” n CAMOUFLAGE NET PROJECT ON DISPLAY IN WASHINGTON Seattle artist Tara Tamaribuchi’s art installations, inspired by the history of Japanese Americans who made camouflage nets for the U.S. Army during World War II, are on display in Seattle and Tacoma, respectively.

wo art installations from the series piece that blends photos of once-incarcerated “Camouflage Net Project” by Seattle Japanese Americans with photos of asylum artist Tara Tamaribuchi are currently seekers at the U.S. southern border and Japa- Ton display at the Northwest African American nese Americans making camouflage nets with Museum in Seattle and the Pantages Theater imagery of contemporary prison labor. in Tacoma, Wash. Tamaribuchi chose to include fabric from

The installation at the Pantages Theater, TAMARIBUCHI TARA PHOTO: one of her childhood kimonos into the net to which is on display until July 15, is in the underline the issue of child incarceration in storefront windows on Ninth and Commerce American concentration camps during WWII streets and is presented by Spaceworks Tacoma and today. and funded in part by Densho and the ArtsFund. The installation in the Edwin T. Pratt ex- The installation at the NWAA, which is on hibition features the original camouflage net view until Aug. 28, is part of the group ex- from the Seattle Center, draped over a tentlike hibition “Edwin T. Pratt: A Living Legacy,” structure. Inside the tent, a sound installation which features several Pratt Fine Arts Center A current storefront installation at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma, Wash. The features the oral histories of Japanese American scholarship recipients honoring the work, video installation with kimono fabric and netting is sponsored by Densho. internment camp survivors who made the nets, life and spirit of the fallen Seattle-area civil as well as Dennis Baumbauer, who is half- rights leader. man rights issues of today,” said Tamaribuchi. and the working hand, I wanted to connect Japanese and half-white. He was taken from The “Camouflage Net Project” features “Doing this work has made me realize how my hands to those who were working in the an orphanage in Los Angeles and imprisoned camouflage netting made with kimono fabric. interconnected our experience is with people factory,” recalled Tamaribuchi. “I have gotten at the Manzanar Relocation Center for being The project was inspired by the history of outside of our community.” the sense over my life that my Obaachan held half-Japanese. the Japanese Americans who made camou- The series began at the Seattle Center Sculp- shame and trauma from living in Tule Lake for The sound installation exhibits also feature flage nets for the U.S. Army, as prison labor, ture Walk in 2017, in response to the Muslim four years. When I weaved the kimono fabric, the oral histories of Fumi Hayashi, Yoshimi during World War II. Ban and the 75th anniversary of Executive I thought of her, wishing to weave away her Matsuura, Sam H. Ono and Kaz Yamamoto. Tamaribuchi was interested in connecting Order 9066, which wrongly imprisoned Japa- shame and trauma. I believe we can harness All of the oral histories were downloaded from her handiwork to those who were wrongly nese Americans and those of Japanese descent powers in the magnificence of our ancestral the Densho website. In addition, historical incarcerated during the war, transcending time living along the West Coast in American culture.” documentation presented in the slide show is and place to show pride of heritage through concentration camps during WWII. Tamaribuchi made a camouflage net that also from Densho. the use of kimono fabric. “I was moved by Dorothea Lange’s photos tented the underside of a glass walkway to act “I hope that when people experience these of Niseis weaving the camouflage nets in as a visual filter through which all people are For more information about the pieces, they learn about the Japanese American Manzanar. I had been unaware of this kind protected and seen as interconnected. “Camouflage Net Project,” visit www.tara incarceration and see the connections with hu- of labor. As an artist who references the body The installation in Tacoma features a video tamaribuchi.com. COMMUNITY May 31-June 13, 2019 9 TWIN CITIES CHAPTER AWARDS 72nd Japanese American Graduation SCHOLARSHIPS TO 12 HIGH SCHOOL Banquet Held in Oregon

ortland and the Gresham-Troutdale Takashi Teraoka, who congratulated the seniors SENIORS chapters of the JACL, along with nine and wished them well in his remarks. welve local high school other Japanese American organizations Dr. Wynn Kiyama, executive director of seniors were honored at Pand churches, held the 72nd annual Japanese Portland Taiko, was the keynote speaker. In the 56th annual Twin Ci- American Graduation Banquet on May 5 at his speech, Kiyama compared his journey Tties JACL Scholarship Awards the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, Ore. from college to where he is today and related

Banquet on May 9. In addition HIRATA-DULAS CHERYL PHOTO: Seventeen high school seniors from the gre- that to some of the ideas he had heard from to academic records, community ater Portland area were honored with awards the graduates as he chatted with them before service and extracurricular ac- and/or scholarships totaling more than $19,000. the luncheon. tivities, applicants were evalu- The 2019 Twin Cities JACL Scholarship Award- The event’s emcee was Chip Larouche, In all, more than 185 guests were in attendance ated on essays expressing their ees are (front row, from left) Alyssa Romportl, PNWDC governor of JACL. Also in atten- to congratulate the students as they begin their perspectives on “The Relevance Jack Dagoberg, Sam Sikkink, Danielle Honda dance was Consul General of Japan in Portland collegiate career in the fall. n of JACL Today.” and Miki Rierson and (back row, from left) Rina Scholarships totaling $18,800 Yamamoto, Micah Maeda, Mari Thompson, Ma- were awarded to Gigi Bocek (PiM rissa Dulas and Gigi Bocek. Not pictured are Arts High School), Jack Dagoberg Caleb Maeda and Eric Ewoldt. (Wayzata High School), Marissa Dulas (Edina High School), Eric Ewoldt (School of Environmental Studies), Nisei Kimi Hara proposed starting a chapter Danielle Honda (Mounds Park Academy), scholarship program with proceeds remaining Caleb and Micah Maeda (Rosemount High from the JACL Eastern District and Midwest School), Miki Rierson (The Blake School), District Convention in 1960. The first awards Alyssa Romportl (Buffalo High School), Sam were presented in 1962. Sikkink (Hopkins High School), Mari Thomp- In her welcome speech, Chapter President son (Eastview High School) and Rina Yama- Amy Dickerson invited the young scholars to moto (White Bear Lake Area High School). “continue their involvement in the communi- The Class of 2019 scholarship recipients honored at the Japanese American Family members presented named scholar- ty,” and “remember that the JACL has many Graduation Banquet are (front row, from left) Luke Wilson, Emily Ogawa, Lauren ships in memory of the following individuals new opportunities for you.” The Scholarship Yanase, Alexandra Tomita, Cinclair Mathies, Mili Nakamura, Erica Pasquanto- and couples: Bill Doi, Annie Sakai Girard, Committee also acknowledged its gratitude nio, Leonard Tanne, Michael Hasegawa and (back row, from left) Kent Ishida, Kay Kushino, Dr. Norman Kushino, Susan to “the Issei and Nisei because without them, Ella Hirata, Alyson Miura, Isaaiah Baltzel, Sean Cunningham, Yukaiya Nomoto, Matsumoto, Reiko H. Ohno, Tom Ohno, Tom we could not have achieved the success we Kaito Wilson and Miles Takiguchi. and Martha Oye, Tsuyano Sakai, Earl K. and have today.” Ruth Tanbara, Phyllis Takekawa and Minoru This year’s scholarship committee members and Mary Yoshida. were Pam Ohno Dagoberg (chair), Carol Because graduating seniors did not qualify Dean, Sylvia Farrells, Teresa Swartz, Connie for other minority scholarships at that time, Tsuchiya and Fred Tsuchiya. n CCDC Holds JACL Scholarship Luncheon

On May 19, 2019, CCDC JACL held its scholarship luncheon honoring Clovis, Fresno and CCDC JACL scholarship recipients. Pictured are this year’s recipients (front row, from left) Jenna Aoki, Nathan Nakaguchi, Taylor Mori, Avery Fong, Julie Morimoto, Patricia Navarro and (back row, from left) Tomi Toshiye Eijima, Sierra May, Leah Moment, Drew Nishikawa, Christopher Tom, Christopher Liu and Carson Evans

he annual CCDC JACL Scholarship Fresno who plans on attending the University Luncheon, honoring an outstanding of California, Santa Barbara, in the fall. senior from each of the five Clovis Jody Hironaka-Juteau and Joy Goto were Thigh schools, was held at Pardini’s restaurant on the scholarship committee for CCDC and in Fresno, Calif., on May 19. Fresno JACL. The Fresno chapter awarded six recipients, “I’m always amazed by the high caliber and the CCDC district recognized three hono- of scholarship recipients,” said past CCDC rees from Fresno, Merced and San Francisco. Governor and current P.C. Editorial Board The CCDC District honored Tomi Toshiye Member Marcia Chung. “One graduate wants Eijima, who is a senior at Lowell High School to work on stem cell research. I think the in San Francisco, plans on attending Occidental lowest GPA was 4.2. Wow, it’s just amazing College in the fall; Julie Morimoto is a senior what these young people have accomplished at Merced High School in Merced; and Taylor in their young lives. We wish them the very Mori is a senior at Central High School in best in their futures!” n 10 May 31-June 13, 2019 CALENDAR A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS Don’t miss this must-attend event Students; $5 Children 6-17. for the entire family! The veneration of deities called Info: Visit vjcc.com, email office@vjcc. kami has been a central feature of com or call (310) 822-8885. IDC 47th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Japanese culture for many centuries. Denver, CO This exhibition introduces works ‘At First Light: The Dawning of Asian June 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; June 23, 11 exemplifying kami worship from the Pacific America’ a.m.-4 p.m. Heian period (794-1185) through the CALENDAR Los Angeles, CA Japanese American survivors of Sakura Square Edo period (1615-1868). It takes a Thru Oct. 20 the American concentration camps 1947 Lawrence St. thematic approach to understanding JANM NATIONAL of WWII. His exhibition “Gambatte! Price: Free the artworks created to celebrate the 100 Central Ave. world of kami. This exhibition will be The 2019 JACL National Convention Legacy of an Enduring Spirit” is now Co-presented by the Tri-State/Denver This multimedia exhibition explores presented in two rotations: Rotation Salt Lake City, UT on tour. Kitagaki will be in attendance Buddhist Temple and Sakura Foun- and celebrates the emergence of 1 runs thru May 19; rotation 2 runs July 31-Aug. 4 to talk about his new book “Behind dation, the festival is a celebration a politically defined Asian Pacific from May 23-June 30. Little America Hotel Barbed Wire,” which documents his of Japanese/Japanese American American consciousness and iden- Info: Visit http://www.clevelandart.org/ 500 Main St. research about the Japanese survi- culture, heritage and community. The tity. A co-production between Visual exhibitions/shinto-discovery-divine- vors. Refreshments will be provided. festival will feature dancers, singers, Save the date: Join JACL at its an- Communications and JANM, this japanese-art. musicians, martial arts and visual nual National Convention in Salt Lake exhibition serves as a reminder — as art demonstrations, as well as 40- City! Registration is now open! Don’t well as a call to action — of what can plus vendors selling crafts, jewelry, miss this opportunity to connect with be accomplished when people unite PSW clothing and more. Venture inside the JACLers from across the country as ‘Proof of Loyalty: Kazuo Yamane and the as a community with commitment. EDC the organization continues its civil Info: Visit www.janm.org. Temple for delicious Japanese food Nisei Soldiers of Hawaii’ Film Screening Info: Visit www.cherryblossom Theater: ‘Pacific Overtures’ rights advocacy mission. Los Angeles, CA Boston, MA Info: Visit www.jacl.org. denver.org or email staceys@sakura June 9-14 foundation.org. Thru June 16 Downtown Independent Theater Lyric Stage Company 251 S. Main St. PNW 140 Clarendon St. Times: TBD Seattle Night Market: Asia Tickets: Prices Vary NCWNP Seattle, WA This musical, by Stephen Sondheim Eden Japanese Community Center This documentary from filmmakers MDC June 22; 4-10 p.m. and John Weidman, is set in 1853 and Annual Bazaar Lucy Ostrander and Don Sellers tells ‘Exiled to Motown Exhibit’ South Lake Union Saturday Market follows Japan’s difficult westerniza- San Lorenzo, CA the true story of Kazuo Yamane and Novi, MI 139 Ninth Ave. N tion as told from the point of view June 8, 1-7 p.m.; June 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. the loyalty of the Nisei soldiers from June 6-July 29 Price: Free of the Japanese. Lead characters Eden Japanese Community Center Hawaii in World War II, despite fac- Novi Public Library This Night Market series features Kayama, a samurai, and Manjiro, a 710 Elgin St. ing discrimination and incarceration, 45255 W. 10 Mile Road street food, makers and imports fisherman who was marooned and Price: Free and how they overcame all adversity Price: Free to serve with the greatest distinc- inspired by global night markets later rescued by a New England ship, Don’t miss this annual bazaar fund- This exhibit tells the story of Japa- tion in the U.S. military. Yamane en- throughout Asia. Explore and dis- are two friends caught in the change. raiser that features Japanese food, a nese Americans in Detroit, drawing tered the U.S. Army just before the cover the best this city has to offer. The Boston cast features Sam Ha- raffle, bingo and carnival-type games on oral histories conducted by the attack on Pearl Harbor and went This event is family-friendly and is mashima as Manjiro and Carl Hsu for kids. It’s an event for the whole Detroit JACL chapter, as well as ar- on to serve at the Pentagon, under free and open to the public. A beer as Kayama. family to enjoy! Popular food includes chival photographs and documents. Eisenhower in Europe and helped garden and moonlight cinema series Info: Visit https://www.lyricstage.com/ BBQ teriyaki chicken and rib din- From the Ford Motor Co. to WWII, identify a secret document that would will be provided by Seattle Outdoor productions/pacific-overtures/#Cast ner, sushi, udon, chicken curry and the murder of Vincent Chin and significantly help America’s war in the Cinema. for information; for tickets, call shave ice. Japanese-Arab American solidarity Pacific. “Proof of Loyalty” will also Info: Visit https://www.evensi.us/ (617) 585-5678 and mention PO20 seattle-night-market-asia/299781506. in the wake of 9/11, this exhibit sheds for a discount or email boxoffice@ Japanese Cultural Fair screen with a special showing of the light on a little-known but critical award-winning short film “American,” lyricstage.com. Santa Cruz, CA Allie Takahashi: ‘Uranai’ piece of U.S. history. June 8; begins at 11 a.m. featuring George Takei. Info: http://exiledtomotown.org. Info: Visit proofofloyalty.com for Portland, OR Concert: Jake Shimabukuro Mission Plaza Thru July 7 Lexington, MA additional details. Minnesota’s Secret Language School 103 Emmett St. Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center June 19; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Photo Display Price: Free 121 N.W. Second Ave. Cary Hall Returning to California: Post-Camp St. Paul, MN Come out and experience a day of Price: $5 Adults/$3 Students and sen- 1605 Massachusetts Ave. Stories June 15; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Opening Event; Japanese arts and culture in the heart iors; Friends of Oregon Nikkei Endow- Price: Tickets $39-$59 Los Angeles, CA Exhibit Runs Thru Sept. 2 of Santa Cruz. The day’s events will ment are free. June 29; 2-4 p.m. Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center The Ukelele virtuoso returns with his feature cultural exhibits, martial arts JANM Allie Takahashi, an artist and tatooer inspired touch on everything from demonstrations, a taiko performance 200 Tower Ave. 100 N. Central Ave. based in Oakland, Calif., uses the Price: Free (admission to photo exhibit, island standards, popular tunes and by Watsonville Taiko Group, Japanese Price: Discussion included with visual language of ukiyo-e (Edo- classical symphonic concertos. He dance, musical performances in addi- presentation and opening reception); museum admission period Japanese woodblock prints) Free admission to historic site for JACL will be introducing new songs into his tion to delicious food and much more! to evoke dynamics of intergenera- concert as he embarks on an exten- Info: Visit https://www.jcfsantacruz. Regarded as “worse than camp” by members; discounted admission of many Nikkei, the immediate post- tional trauma and healing, specifi- $6 for non-JACL members. Regular sive U.S. tour and fall tour of Japan. org. Info: https://www.caryhall incarceration period is often over- cally in the context of the Japanese exhibit hours are Tues.-Fri. (10 a.m.- American experience. Uranai refers lexington.com/events/2019/6/19/ Chiura Obata: An American Modern looked in Japanese American history. 4 p.m.); Sat./Sun. (10 a.m.-5 p.m.); to the process of looking behind the jake-shimabukuro. Sacramento, CA Join JANM’s Collection Manager closed on Mondays except Labor Day curtain of the visible world for divine June 23-Sept. 25 Kristen Hayashi and Densho Content (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) guidance. Her use of fabric, limbs Royal Celebrations: Japanese Prints Crocker Art Museum Director Brian Niiya as they discuss View photographs and narratives and cord express the fluidity of the and Postcards 216 O St. aspects of this time period. Hayashi telling the remarkable story of the ancestral connection between past Boston, MA Price: Free for members; Adults $12; will talk about the unique situation of Japanese American men and women and present. Thru Sept. 15 Seniors/Students/Military $8; Youth: $6 Japanese Americans in Los Angeles who trained as linguists at the Military during the post-war years, and Niiya Info: Visit http://www.oregonnikkei. Museum of Fine Arts Born in Japan, Chiura Obata emi- org/exhibits.htm. Intelligence Service Language School 465 Huntington Ave. will provide an overview of the sto- at Camp Savage and Fort Snelling grated to the U.S. in 1903 and began As Japan welcomes a new emperor, ries throughout California based on during World War II. At the Opening a seven-decade career that saw him the MFA offers an exhibit of prints, Densho interviews with those who Reception at 1 p.m., Fort Snelling Site emerging as a leading figure in the postcards and illustrated books from returned. Supervisor Kimmy Tanaka will give a Northern California art scene and as Info: Visit www.janm.org and CCDC its collections that depict important special presentation in the auditorium. an influential educator. This exhibi- to register, visit https://9644p. Elder Law Seminar Featuring Judd events in the Japanese imperial family This event is co-sponsored by the tion offers more than 100 paintings, blackbaudhosting.com/9644p/ Matsunaga from 1868-present. Twin Cities JACL and Historic Fort drawings, prints and personal items tickets?tab=2&txobjid=004c495c- Clovis, CA Info: Visit https://www.mfa.org/ from the artist, many of which have June 29; 9:30 a.m. Snelling/Minnesota Historical Society. exhibitions/royal-celebrations. n 797d-4b20-b8d1-634c955e1de0. Info: Please preregister by June 12 to never been on public display. They United Japanese Christian Church Sally Sudo at (952) 484-5193 or email range from the artist’s early formal 136 N. Villa Ave. VJCC Summer Fest [email protected]. For other infor- studies as a student in Japan to the Venice, CA Price: Free California landscapes for which he mation, visit mnhs.org/fortsnelling/ June 22, Noon-9 p.m.; June 23, Fresno Betsuin, Central California activities/calendar/7024. ADVERTISE HERE is most recognized. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nikkei Foundation and the UJCC Events in the calendar Venice Japanese Community Center are proud to sponsor attorney Judd Paul Kitagaki Book Signing and Shinto: Discovery of the Divine in section are listed based 12448 Braddock Dr. Matsunaga from Elder Law in Tor- Prerelease Sale Japanese Art Price: Free rance, Calif., who will be presenting on space availability. Berkeley, CA Cleveland, OH a free law seminar. Lunch will be Place a ‘Spotlight’ ad with June 30; 2-4 p.m. This year’s Summer Fest celebrates Thru June 30 provided at no charge. Reservations photos of your event for Berkeley Methodist United Church Venice’s deep-rooted, decades-old The Cleveland Museum of Art are required for lunch ordering. maximum exposure. 1710 Carleton St. Japanese American community with The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith cultural exhibitions, great foods such Info: To RSVP, call (559) 322-0701 or Paul Kitagaki Jr., Pulitzer Prize-win- Foundation Exhibition Hall as teriyaki chicken, Spam musubi and email [email protected]. For questions, FOR MORE INFO: ning photojournalist has recently 11150 East Boulevard sushi, as well as live music provided please contact Marcia Chung at (559) [email protected] completed a 13-year journey to pho- Price: Members are free; by acoustic band Endless Summer. 273-0397. (213) 620-1767 tograph and interview Japanese and Nonmembers $10; $8 Seniors and OBITUARIES May 31-June 13, 2019 11

Don (Cheryl) and Ken (Karen); she Ogi, Fumiyo Kazuyo, 82, Los Ange- is also survived by many cousins, les, CA, Feb. 25; she is survived by nieces, nephews and relatives; gc: 10. her husband, Noboru; children, Jeffrey (Alice), Mitchell (Tammy) and Julie Kiriyama, Taketo, 97, Los Angeles, (Movses) Ogi; siblings, Yoji Imaya CA, March 2; he is survived by his and Wakako Matsunaga; gc: 4. Asano, Hideko, 93, Torrance, CA, and Jenny; he is also survived by her husband, Ken Hasegawa; she is daughters, Carol (Herb Morita) and Feb. 19; she is survived by her son, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and survived by her sister-in-law, Fudge Lorraine (Steven Okuhata); gc: 4; Okamoto, Noriyuki, 63, Los Angeles, Gary (Vickie Wakinaka) Asano; sister- other relatives. (Joe) Umemoto; she is also survived ggc 3. CA, April 12. in-law, Setsuko Asano; she is also by many nieces and nephews; and survived by many nieces, nephews 2 godsons. Madokoro, Sumio, 95, Los Angeles, and other relatives; gc: 1. CA, Feb. 27; he was predeceased Ido, Yukichi Harry, 87, Los Angeles, by his siblings, Toshio (Kazuko) Blackwood, Tsuyuko, 91, Spring- CA, Jan. 16; he is survived by his Madokoro and Misayo Madokoro; field, OH, Dec. 18, 2018; she was wife, Umeka; 5 children and their he is survived by his wife, Haruko; predeceased by her husband, John; spouses; siblings, Katsuji and Kimiko; siblings, Masako Iijima and Keizo she is survived by her children, Linda gc: 11; ggc: 17. (Takae) Madokoro; he is also sur- (Gary) Bodey and John (Anna) Black- vived by many nieces, nephews, a wood; brother, Kio (Miki); sisters-in- grand-nephew, a grand-niece and law, Betty (Kazuo) and Emi (Fumio); other relatives. gc: 3; ggc: 3.

Fukui, David, 79, Seattle, WA, March 31; during WWII, his family and he Saito, Fumiko Yabe, 95, Sacramento, were incarcerated at the Minidoka CA, Jan. 29; during WWII, her fam- WRA Center in Idaho; he is survived ily and she were incarcerated at the by his uncle, Henry; aunts, Rose Tule Lake WRA Center in CA; she Fukano and Michi Fukano; he is also was predeceased by her husband, survived by several cousins. Perry Hitoshi; she is survived by her children, Patricia Saito-Stewart (Max Stewart), Lincoln (Linda), Christine Ishii, Ichiko, 83, Bellevue, WA, March (Otis) Laird, Deborah (Mark Kretovics) 12; she was predeceased by her Saito and Rebecca (Delroy Calhoun) husband, Takashi “Tak” Ishii; she Matsudaira, Martin, 81, Seattle, WA, Saito; sisters, Connie Washino and is survived by her children, Chris March 24; during WWII, his family and Lily Shimazu; gc: 13; ggc: 22. Bosque, Yuko ‘Sybil,’ 94, San Jose, (Donna), Cindy and Clyde (Cindy he were incarcerated at the Minidoka CA, April 2; she was predeceased by Kamimae); siblings, Masaru (Kathy), WRA Center in ID; a former president Takeda, Tsugiko, 69, Fountain Valley, her husband, Charles ‘Bud’ Bosque; Katashi (Julie), Satoshi (Pearl), Set- of the Seattle Chapter of the JACL, CA, Feb. 27; she was predeceased she is survived by her son, Steven suko Hamamoto, Fusako Kamihara he is survived by his children, Mark by her son, Joe Takeda; and brother, “Butchie” Furukawa; she is also sur- and Yasuko Yamamoto; sister in-law, (Yuka), David (Judy), Melissa (Roddy) Tomohiro Maemura; she is survived vived by many cousins, nieces and Tsuneko; gc: 4. and Scott; siblings, Theo (Joyce), by her husband, Kazuto; siblings, Yo- nephews; gc: 1; ggc: 3; gggc: 1. Vincent (Charlotte), Stephen (Linda), shimasa Maemura, Munehiro (Akemi) Ishiki, Thomas Taichi, 85, Torrance, Pauline, Ida and Theresa (Wes); Maemura and Eiko Yamamoto; she Fujioka, James Kazutomi, 85, Los Hasegawa, Shigemi, 105, Lynnwood, CA, Feb. 22; he is survived by his sisters-in-law, Lillian, Barbara, Hisako is also survived by many nieces, Angeles, CA, Feb. 3; an Air Force WA, March 27; during WWII, her wife, Doris; siblings, Ellen Arakaki and Brenda; he is also survived by nephews and other relatives; gc: 3. veteran, he is survived by his wife, family and she were incarcerated and Dennis (Karen) Ishiki; he is also more than 45 nieces and nephews; June; children, Kevin, Janine, Ser- at the Heart Mountain WRA Center survived by many nieces, nephews gc: 9; ggc: 1. ena Duardo (George) and Audrey in WY; in 1943, she was allowed to and other relatives. Yamada; sisters, Florence, Helen move to Chicago, IL, where she lived Mikami, Chieko, 99, Honolulu, March until 2005; she was predeceased by 11. TRIBUTE

EDWARD YOSHIKAWA

Age 94, died April 7, at home in Apple Valley, Minn. Survived by Pearl, his wife of 71 years; 5 sisters, Sue Kashiwagi, Edith Oshita, Judy Taniguchi, Tule Yomogida, and Laura Katayama; 3 children, Joy Taketa, Haruso ‘Horace,’ 86, Kent, Yoshikawa, Candee Ploog and Lance WA, Oct. 12, 2018; an Army veteran, Yoshikawa; 7 grandchildren; and 12 great- Kikkawa, Alice Kiyoko, 87, Pas- he was predeceased by his brother, grandchildren. Born in Sacramento, Ca- adena, CA, April 2; during WWII, Fred Taketa; brothers-in-law, Sadamu lif., he proudly served in the Japanese her family was forced to moved to Takashima and John Wong; and sister- American 442 Regiment in WWII while the Santa Anita Assembly Center Nakamura, June, 85, San Jose, in-law, Arlene Taketa; he is survived his family was interned at Tule Lake. He before being incarcerated at Gila CA, April 2; she was predeceased by his wife, Sonoe; children, Daniel worked for Munsingwear USA until his River WRA’s Camp 2 in AZ; she was by her husband, Hideo; and son, Ty; (Stephanie), Neal Taketa and Kristine retirement in 1997 and with Munsingwear predeceased by her son, Alan; she she is survived by her daughter-in Simons (Doyle); siblings, Kiyoko Ta- Japan in 2005. Throughout his life, he joyfully served the Lord in many is survived by her husband, Robert law, Stephanie; she is also survived kashima, Alice Wong, Dianne Sawa ways. He was interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with all military “Lefty” Kikkawa; children, Debbie by siblings, nieces, nephews, other (Kiyo) and Mun Taketa; sister-in-law, honors due to him. (Alan) Kubota, Sharon (Allen) Lee, relatives and friends; gc: 2. Michiko Taketa; gc: 3. n TRIBUTE

PLACE A TRIBUTE MIDORI SAKAMOTO ‘In Memoriam’ is a free listing that appears on a SAKAMOTO, MIDORI (92) passed away on May 21, 2019, limited, space-available basis. in Gardena, Calif. She is survived by her husband, Roy Y. Tributes honor your loved ones Sakamoto; children, Jeanne Sakamoto/Ikeda and David (Lois) with text and photos and appear Sakamoto; grandchildren, Grayce and Dean Sakamoto; she is in a timely manner at the rate of also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives. $20/column inch. A private funeral service was held on Friday, May 31, 2019, CONTACT: at the Chapel of Green Hills Memorial Park. Visit www.kubota [email protected] mortuary.com (213) 749-1449. or call (213) 620-1767 ext. 104 12 May 31-June 13, 2019 COMMENTARY REIMAGINE EVERYTHING AARP ENDORSES CREDIT FOR CARING ACT pocket on caregiving expenses such as home financial relief by helping with modifications, care at home and transpor- the cost of in-home care, adult tation. Long-distance caregivers averaged day care, respite care and other $11,923 in annual expenses. services. The bill would give By Ron Mori Paying for caregiving expenses can mean eligible family caregivers the using savings, cutting back on the caregiver’s opportunity to receive an annual ARP endorses the bipartisan Cre- own health care or reducing or stopping tax credit for 30 percent of quali- dit for Caring Act introduced in saving for retirement. fied expenses above $2,000 paid the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House Employed family caregivers can also lose to help a loved one, up to a maxi- Aof Representatives this month, and it com- income if they leave the workforce or cut mum credit of $3,000. mends the sponsors. This bill would give a back their hours. Leaving the workforce can About 40 million family care- federal tax credit of up to $3,000 annually to mean lost job security and career mobility, givers across the U.S. provide 37 eligible family caregivers. employment benefits and retirement savings. billion hours of unpaid care, va- The Credit for Caring Act was introdu- Estimates of lifetime income-related lued at an estimated $470 billion ced in the Senate (S. 1443) by Senators losses sustained by family caregivers age 50 annually. By helping older adults and over who leave the workforce to care for and people with disabilities live Joni Ernst (R-IA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), A strong majority (87 percent) of likely a parent range from a total of $283,716 for independently in their homes and commu- Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Elizabeth voters age 50 and older support a tax credit men to $324,044 for women, or $303,880 on nities, caregivers help save taxpayer dollars Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), for working family caregivers, according to average, in lost income and benefits over a by preventing more costly nursing home care Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal an AARP poll. caregiver’s lifetime. and avoiding unnecessary hospital stays. (D-CT), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Chris Coons Let’s all contact our lawmakers to ask them “Many family caregivers are using their More than three quarters (78 percent) of (D-DE), and in the House (H.R. 2730) by to support this bill. It’s a common-sense, own life savings, cutting back on personal family caregivers pay out-of-pocket to pro- Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and bipartisan law that would help a lot of spending, setting aside less for retirement or vide care for their loved ones, spending an Tom Reed (R-NY). Americans who face the challenges of taking out loans to help loved ones live inde- average of nearly 20 percent of their annual Caregiving is costly both in terms of direct caregiving for loved ones! expenses and potential income and retire- pendently,” said AARP Chief Advocacy and income in 2016, according to an AARP Re- Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. “The search report. This equals roughly $7,000 ment savings foregone. Ron Mori is a member of the Washing- Credit for Caring Act would help with the fi- each year in out-of-pocket costs related to Family caregivers spent nearly 20 per- ton, D.C., JACL chapter and manager of nancial struggles experienced by millions of caregiving expenses. Long-distance fami- cent of their income, on average, in 2016 community, states and national affairs — caregivers, and we urge Congress to pass it.” ly caregivers spent an average of nearly providing care for an adult relative or fri- multicultural leadership for AARP. end. This equates to $6,954 paid out-of- The Credit for Caring Act provides some $12,000.

ADACHI » continued from page 2 LATER » continued from page 3

“The JACL joins our local Stan, Sarah and Michael are all amazing voices for I am as an individual and a better understanding of the San Francisco chapter in than- our Nikkei community, and I am so grateful for their power of our visibility and voice. king you for your leadership on work through JACL, Okaeri, Family and numerous I look forward to being with many of you in Salt Lake the board of supervisors to re- other organizations. City and hope that we will have a chance to meet if we

cognize Jeff,” Baker continued. ROJI OYAMA PHOTO: I hope that I will see many of you at the JACL Natio- haven’t met before or catch up if we have met in the past. “Please feel free to contact me nal Convention. And I hope that if you have a chance It will also give me a chance to thank you for all your if the National JACL can be of to attend our workshop called “Intersecting Identities: work in person, and perhaps we take a selfie, which any assistance in ensuring that Nikkei LGBTQ Stories,” you’ll stop by, even to say hello. I am still working on getting better at. . . . ‘Jeff Adachi Way’ may serve Some of my most heartfelt moments are when I meet To register for convention, visit https://www. as a memorial to a great public Mourners readers of “A Mother’s Take,” and they share with me convention2019.jacl.org/register. servant.” paid their the connection I have made with them through my See you soon in SLC. . . . JACL’s San Francisco chapter respects to writing. I always feel it is such an honor when people submitted its letter, signed by Jeff Adachi read my words, and it speaks to them in a personal way. Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in the LGBT commu- Hayashi, to Haney on May 8, at City Hall Coming together with the Nikkei/API community has nity and author of the book “Two Spirits, One Heart: saying it unanimously supports on March 4. brought to me a greater sense of belonging, a deeper A Mother, Her Transgender Son and Their Journey the supervisor’s effort to rename feeling of being part of something greater than who to Love and Acceptance.” Gilbert Street after Adachi. “During his time at the Office of the Public Defender, Jeff worked diligently to defend those in need, believing each individual deserved STACI TOJI, ESQ. a fair trial,” the letter stated. (See the full version of the letter on Page 2.) TOJI LAW, APC Should the board approve the resolution, work will begin on sur- Estate Planning for the Generations veying the businesses and residents on Gilbert Street. Another vote would then take place. 3655 Torrance Blvd., Suite 300 | Torrance, CA 90503 Although some residents have voiced the difficulty of changing (424) 247-1123 | [email protected] | www.tojilaw.com their address information should the street be renamed, many more have supported the resolution, saying it is LIVING TRUSTS | WILLS | POWERS OF ATTORNEY the perfect tribute to honor Adachi’s lifelong commitment to the people in the city. n