Hope Healing Harmony

2017

#3312 VOL.165 #11 Newstand $5/Postpaid $8 Dec. 15, 2017-Jan. 25, 2018 2 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 3 4 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · PACIFIC CITIZEN Letter From the Editor 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 Los Angeles, CA 90012 uring our editorial meetings to discuss what this year’s Holiday Tel: (213) 620-1767 Issue theme would be, the Pacific Citizen staff kept coming back to Email: [email protected] Website: www.pacificcitizen.org the central theme of “hope” — something we all hold within us to Dsomehow right what’s wrong with the world today. © 2016-2017 The Pacific Citizen newspaper (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semimonthly As 2017 comes to a close, it seems more than ever that we’re precariously (except once in December and January) by leaning toward the wrong end of the seesaw — on one side is a world filled with the Japanese American Citizens League. the “healing” effects of “harmony,” where everyone is able to coexist in peace Pacific Citizen 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 and safety; on the other, the dangers of nuclear war, racial discrimination, Los Angeles, CA 90012 violence and human rights injustices threaten to destroy it all. Periodical postage paid at Los Angeles, CA What can we do to move us back in the right direction? It all starts with POSTMASTER: Send address changes to National JACL our voices. And there’s no better place to make ourselves heard than in the 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 JACL and the Pacific Citizen, which have been fighting for our rights and OFFICE HOURS — Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. documenting our history since 1929. Pacific Time Today, the JACL is more relevant than ever — national staff, chapters and ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES: JACL MEMBERS: $12 of the national dues provide districts across the U.S., youth and the P.C. are working nonstop to represent one year on a one-per-house­hold basis. our voices and keep us informed so that our story will continue to be told. NONMEMBERS: 1 year – $50 payable in It’s especially important now as other ethnic communities are facing similar Cover By: Marie Samonte advance. Ad­di­tion­al postage per year — $50 International Delivery. (Subject to issues and threats. change without notice.) Periodical postage Let’s hope the world hears us in 2018. “Hope. Healing. Harmony.” We’ve all got to believe in the power of those paid at Los Angeles, Calif. Permission: No part of this publication may three words. It’s the only way to ensure our future. be reproduced without express permission — Allison Haramoto, of the publisher. Copying for other than per- Executive Editor sonal or internal reference use without the express permission of P.C. is prohibited. Story Index ...... Executive Editor: Allison Haramoto A Philadelphia Story ...... 8 Senior Editor, Digital & Social Media: By Rob Buscher Year in Review: 2017 ...... 42 George T. Johnston Business Manager: From the Executive Director ...... 15 National News ...... 43 Susan Yokoyama By David Inoue Circulation Manager: Eva Lau-Ting ...... 45 Production Designer: Marie Samonte JA Activism in Minnesota SF JACL Remembers Mayor Lee ...... 15 By Yuichiro Onishi Production Assistant: Mary Wong By SF JACL NEWS AD DEADLINE FRIDAY Hoping for the Best ...... 48 BEFORE DATE OF ISSUE. The Universe of Yayoi Kusama ...... 16 By Gil Asakawa Editorials, news and the opinions By Alissa Hiraga expressed by col­um­nists other than the A Dream Is a Wish Your national JACL pres­ident or executive Music to Soothe the Soul ...... 18 Heart Makes ...... 52 director do not necessarily reflect By Kristen Taketa By Marsha Aizumi JACL policy. Events and products advertised in the Pacific Citizen do not carry the implicit endorsement of Death Valley’s Days of Incarceration 25 Perfect Presents ...... 55 the JACL or this publication. By David Woodruff By Connie K. Ho We reserve the right to edit articles. Pacific Citizen Editorial Board: Gil Asakawa, Building a Better World ...... 28 AARP: Home for the Holidays ...... 59 chairperson; open, EDC; Jody Mitori, MDC; By Kenji Kuramitsu By Scott Tanaka Joy Goto, CCDC; Jim Duff, NCWNPDC; Chip Larouche, PNWDC; Kayla Watanabe, Elder Law: Important Health Care IDC; John Saito Jr., PSWDC; Juli Yoshinaga, Pledging ‘Allegiance’ ...... 32 youth rep. Documents You May Need ...... 63 By George Toshio Johnston By Staci Yamashita-Iida JAPANESE AMERICAN Yonsei Memory Project ...... 35 In Memoriam 2017: CITIZENS LEAGUE By Brynn Saito and Nikiko Masumoto Tributes and Obituaries ...... 68 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 Tel: (415) 921-5225; Fax: (415) 931-4671 Drs. Sankey and Sankey Point to Founded in 1929, JACL is the nation’s oldest Spiritual Health ...... 36 and largest Asian American civil and human By George Toshio Johnston rights organization with a 10,000 membership ...... Ad Index base. JACL has 112 chapters nationwide, two regional offices, a Washington, D.C., office and a national headquarters in San Alameda ...... 31 New England ...... 44 Snake River ...... 41 Francisco. JACL’s mission is to secure and uphold the human and civil rights of Arizona ...... 40 New Mexico ...... 27 Snowflakes ...... 58 Japanese Americans and all Americans while Berkeley ...... 64 New York ...... 40 Sonoma County ...... 41 preserving our cultural heritage and values. Boise Valley...... 44 Olympia ...... 34 St. Louis ...... 41 National Board Chicago ...... 67 Omaha ...... 21 President: Gary Mayeda; VP General Stockton ...... 2, 3 Operations: Michelle Amano; VP Public Cincinnati ...... 66 Philadelphia ...... 40 Twin Cities ...... 21 Affairs: Jeffrey Moy; VP Planning and Clovis ...... 66 Pocatello-Blackfoot ...... 40 Venice-West L.A...... 7 Development: Matthew Farrells; VP Membership: Haruka Roudebush; Secretary/ Contra Costa...... 30 Portland ...... 4 Ventura County...... 6, 7 Treasurer: Alan Nishi; National Youth/Student Dayton ...... 7 Puyallup Valley ...... 54 Wall of Fame...... 60 Council Chair: Kota Mizutani; NY/SC Detroit ...... 34 Riverside ...... 44 Youth Representative: Kenji Kuramitsu Wasatch...... 7 Eden Township...... 11 Sacramento ...... 7 District Governors: Carol Kawase, Washington, D.C...... 41 NCWNP; Roberta Barton, CCDC; Carol Fort Lupton ...... 21 Salinas Valley ...... 15 Wisconsin...... 12 Kawamoto, PSW; Chip Larouche, PNW; Fresno ...... 27 Salt Lake City ...... 54 Janet Komoto, IDC; Betsy Sato, MDC; Scott Nakamura, EDC Greater L.A...... 54 San Diego ...... 31 DISTRICT COUNCILS Holiday Helpers ...... 14 San Fernando Valley ...... 47 National Headquarters Central California...... 44 Hoosier ...... 66 Interim Assistant Executive Director: San Jose ...... 27 Eastern...... 41 Stephanie Nitahara; Business Manager: Idaho Falls ...... 44 Santa Barbara ...... 40 Intermountain...... 21 Matthew Walters; Membership Coordinator: JACL “Annual Giving”...... 22 Mariko Fujimoto; Membership/Data Entry: Seabrook ...... 41 Midwest ...... 31 Tomiko Ismail; Bookkeeper: Mei Kuang Livingston-Merced …...... 40 Seattle ...... 34 N. Cal Western Nevada Pacific ...... 31 Regional Offices Lodi ...... 13 Selanoco ...... 12 Pacific Northwest...... 44 Northern California-Western Nevada/Pacific Mile High ...... 19 Sequoia ...... 54 District: Patty Wada, director; Pacific Southwest...... 12 Pacific Southwest District: Monterey Peninsula ...... 34 Silicon Valley ...... 54 Stephanie Nitahara, director Mount Olympus ...... 54 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 5 6 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 7 IN-DEPTH

PHOTOS: WRA Tadafumi Mikuriya

Hiroshi Uyehara and Fuku Yokoyama The Inouye family on the steps of at Independence Hall the Philadelphia Hostel Naomi Nakano

Following the conclusionA ofPhiladelphia WWII, many Japanese Americans re-established Story roots in Philadelphia, helping to grow the community into a vibrant and thriving city that continues to celebrate that history today.

By Rob Buscher, Philadelphia, they sold Japanese art Watanabe continued, “There were founded by Quakers in the Philadel- Contributor goods, silks and other items from demands, increasing after Pearl Har- phia suburbs. about 1915 until the attack on Pearl bor, that Nakano be removed from College President John Nason was a hile much has been Harbor made their merchandise jobs his firm had undertaken or had Quaker and AFSC member who was written on the events undesirable. bid on. Wark executives resisted such appointed national chair of the NJAS- leading to and during Another Issei named Yosuke W. demands by countering that without RC and pledged to lead by example, the mass incarcera- Nakano left a major impact on the Nakano’s services, the firm would welcoming the university’s first JA Wtion of Japanese Americans during landscape of Philadelphia through his have to withdraw.” students in fall 1942. Overall, about a World War II and the Redress move- work as an architect. After graduating As the war progressed and it became dozen or so students of Japanese de- ment, historians have barely scratched from Penn, Nakano was employed as clear that Japanese Americans posed scent attended Swarthmore as a direct the surface of the resettlement that chief engineer at the firm of Wark and no military threat to national security, result of this program, including three took place after. While much of what Co. There, he worked on many sig- the War Relocation Authority began Nisei siblings: William, George and has been written has focused on the nificant projects such as the Sun Oil establishing regional branch offices in Miyoko Inouye, whose parents would West Coast experience as families Building, Presbyterian Hospital, Bell cities outside of the Exclusion Zone to later be instrumental in assisting with and individuals endeavored to re- Telephone Building, Lankenau Hos- aid in the resettlement of citizens and the resettlement of the larger commu- build their lives, the stories of those pital in Wynnewood and the iconic aliens who had proven their loyalty nity in Philadelphia. who journeyed east is also inspir- Jefferson Hospital main building. through the questionnaire. Not all Philadelphia schools would ing. There were many hopeful Issei Another Issei Penn graduate and In the 1940s, Philadelphia was the be as welcoming, as Nakano’s daugh- and Nisei who worked together to contemporary of Nakano’s was Tada- third-largest city in the U.S. after New t e r wou ld fi nd out i n t h e sp r i ng of 19 44. establish the new Japanese American fumi Mikuriya, who earned his degree York and Chicago, so it made sense Despite already being enrolled as an community in Philadelphia and its in civil engineering and worked for that a sizeable portion of the resettlers undergraduate student of philosophy surrounding suburbs. Baldwin Locomotive Works before would consider moving there. More at the University of Pennsylvania, Favoring the moderate California starting his own business, the Tada important to realizing this, however, Naomi Nakano would be excluded climate and densely populated Japa- Engineering Co. in 1948. Although was the sustained lobbying efforts by from graduate studies at her father’s nese ethnic enclave communities in his company was based in Trenton, WRA personnel from the Philadel- alma mater due to a racially restrictive farm towns and Japantown sections Mikuriya remained involved with the phia branch office, National Japanese policy that forbid new enrollments in West Coast cities, few Japanese Philadelphia community throughout American Student Relocation Coun- from Japanese students, regardless of migrants journeyed east before the his life, serving on the chapter board cil and American Friends Service their citizenship. Immigration Act of 1924 stemmed of JACL along with Nakano in the Committee (a Quaker organization In a June 1944 edition of the the tide of Asian immigrants. 1950s. that promotes lasting peace with jus- Topaz Times, Naomi Nakano is While there was a community As one might expect with the com- tice, as a practical expression of faith quoted as experiencing “great disap- of Japanese in Philadelphia before mencement of hostilities between in action) to encourage incarcerated pointment at not being allowed to con- WWII, it was exceptionally small by the U.S. and Japan, the lives of Phila- individuals to consider relocating to tinue graduate study at the university comparison to most municipalities delphia Issei changed dramatically. Philadelphia. where I spent four very pleasant years. on the West Coast and amounted to a While certainly to a lesser degree At a time when it was political sui- The principle of discrimination upset couple dozen families before the war. than those who were forced to evacu- cide to be seen as a “Jap sympathizer,” me very much. This is the first time – Founding JACL Philadelphia mem- ate their homes on the West Coast, the the Quakers of Philadelphia went out the only time it has touched me.” ber and chapter historian Hiroshi Issei community outside of the Exclu- of their way to support the resettle- In the wake of Penn’s decision, Bryn Uyehara wrote in his brief history sion Zone was subject to a curfew, had ment of Japanese Americans into Mawr College (another Quaker insti- of the chapter, “In contrast to the their assets frozen and were restricted their community. tution) offered her a graduate fellow- West Coast experience, the Issei who from traveling more than five miles Even before the incarceration be- ship in sociology. graduated from University of Penn- from their home without express per- gan, AFSC had opposed the forced The Philadelphia WRA office sylvania with degrees in engineer- mission from the FBI. removal of persons of Japanese ances- opened in July 1943 after the U.S. ing, architecture, medicine and den- Mary I. Watanabe, a JACL Philadel- try from Military Zone 1 as a gross in- Military cleared the East Coast for tistry were able to secure professional phia member and founding president fraction of civil rights. At the behest of resettlement of Japanese Americans. employment or establish their own of the Friends of the Japanese House AFSC, the WRA agreed to allow the It was operated under the direction practices or businesses within the & Garden, wrote of the Philadelphia creation of the NJASRC in May 1942, of Henry Patterson, a Quaker from community-at-large.” Issei, “Some businessmen who had which began working immediately to Swarthmore who had already shown Despite their small numbers, profitable gift shops selling a r t objects resettle the more than 2,500 Japanese himself to be a vocal civil rights ad- several noteworthy individuals left and novelties from Japan suddenly American students whose college and vocate for both the African-American an impact on the larger society. From found themselves without a means of high school education were interrupt- and Japanese American communities. the 1890s onward, there were several livelihood and were forced to work as ed by the incarceration orders. This connection between the Quak- Issei-owned Japanese import shops bakers’ helpers or domestic servants.” Unsurprisingly, one of the first ers and Philadelphia WRA office located in Philadelphia, the best Others like Nakano were able to East Coast institutions to accept and would prove instrumental in relocat- known being Okamoto Bros., oper- weather the storm due to their tech- actively recruit Japanese American ing the community in a more inte- ated by Yosaburo and Tokizo Oka- nical expertise and deep roots within university students was Swarthmore grated manner than many of the other moto. At two locations in center city the community-at-large. College, a small liberal arts school areas selected for resettlement. 8 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH

Mack Tsujimoto at Philadelphia Women’s Hospital Dr. George Wada at Rose Stetson Utsunomiya Harold Hospital Arase at at Jefferson Lankenau Hospital Hospital urbs. The Newell Star reported, “The Stetson Hospital in North Philadel- resettlers in the city should feel that WRA opened its Philadelphia District phia, Harold Arase a lab technician the hostel is a home for them.” The ar- Office in July 1943, and since then, at Lankenau Hospital (designed by ticle continued, “‘I like to feed them 3,704 resettlers have passed through Percy Fukushima at the architect Nakano), Rose Utsunomiya when they come,’ said Mrs. Inouye, its doors. Approximately 1,700 re- James G. Biddle Co. a pharmacologist at Jefferson Hospi- who prepares the hostel’s sukiyaki settlers now are living at Seabrook tal and Mack Tsujimoto an orderly at dinners. ‘It is important that they en- Farms in New Jersey, and most of Philadelphia Women’s Hospital. joy this place from the first time they the remainder in the district have There were also many Issei and Ni- Reporting the early successes of visit here.’” taken up residence in metropolitan sei who found work in Philadelphia’s WRA resettlement in Philadelphia, Nisei Herb Horikawa reflects on his Philadelphia. Philadelphia, with more manufacturing industry such as Percy Tad Tomita wrote in the September experience during this period: “We than 75 percent of its resettlers in Fukushima, who worked at the James 1943 edition of the Tulean Dispatch, arrived in Philadelphia on or about complete family groups, has been the G. Biddle Co., or Shojiro Horikawa, “More than 200 Japanese Americans Jan. 6, 1944. I was 11 years old and had city with the highest family relocation who found work as a printer at the have found a haven in Philadelphia only a vague idea of the changes about in the nation.” Message Publishing Co. during the last two months. And all, to take place in our lives. We were for- Farming would continue to be a ma- “Dad had his own printing shop without exception, agreed they had tunate to have friends in Philadelphia jor source of employment for many of in downtown San Francisco, so this received a friendly welcome and fair who encouraged us to make this move. the community members, particularly would be different for him,” Herb treatment from Philadelphians.” The person who was most instrumen- at Seabrook Farms — one of the larg- Horikawa, Shojiro’s son, remembers. In the same article, WRA Phila- tal was Mrs. Abiko, who arranged a est producers of canned, frozen and “My mother became a dressmaker delphia Director Henry Patterson is scholarship for my older brother at the dehydrated vegetables; the company working at home. Her clients were quoted, “As far as Philadelphia is con- Westtown School. As you may have also provided troop rations for the largely women referred by her Quaker cerned, the Japanese Americans need guessed, she was a Quaker. There U.S. military throughout WWII. friends.” have no fears, for we have yet to hear were very few JAs when we arrived. Reflecting on her father’s role in Another influential family among of a single case in which one was mis- We met and became friends of virtu- establishing the relationship with the resettlers was the Kaneda’s, whose treated here, and all are still in the jobs ally all members of the JA community Seabrook, Nisei Miiko Horikawa daughter, Grayce, would become in which we placed them.” here. Most notable were the Inouye wrote, “In 1943, a committee of three, instrumental in founding the Another major factor in the (Hostel), Nakano (Wark) and Higuchi including my father, Fuju Sasaki, also Philadelphia JACL chapter along resettlement effort was the Philadel- families.” known as ‘Mayor,’ volunteered from with her future husband, Hiroshi phia Hostel, a dormitory-style facility By December 1944, it became clear the Jerome Concentration Camp to Uyehara. that welcomed individuals and fami- that a U.S. victory over Japan would explore the possibilities of working for Grayce’s father, Tsunayoshi lies seeking permanent housing and come in a matter of time, and the in- Seabrook Farms. Workers were sorely “George” Kaneda, provided for his employment in the city or surround- carceration camps were scheduled needed, and housing was to be subsi- family of eight by working as second ing areas. to close by end of the following year. dized by the Federal Housing Author- chef in the busy kitchen of Quaker- Funded by a coalition of faith-based As resettlement in Philadelphia and ity. The committee’s report was made owned Hotel Whittier. organizations and private citizens, elsewhere became more normalized, available to other camps, and conse- Others like prolific woodworker and the hostel was initially operated by a the Nikkei gained further accep- quently, 2,500 detainees moved to architect George Nakashima found Quaker psychologist named Victor E. tance within the larger community of Seabrook.” solace in the quieter surroundings of Goertzel, who had previously served Philadelphia, opening businesses and The majority of farm workers es- the Philadelphia suburbs, building his as a high school and junior high school finding employment opportunities in tablished positive relationships with workshop on the grounds of a small guidance counselor in the Topaz Relo- a variety of fields. their employers and local commu- farm in New Hope, where he would cation Center. After a few months, the The April 1945 edition of the Man- nity, particularly at Seabrook and the live and work for the next 40 years. responsibility of managing the hostel zanar Free Press wrote, “To Mrs. smaller farms closer to Philadelphia. By November 1945, about a thou- was turned over to an Issei couple – Miyo Tachihara Ota goes the credit In November 1945, Rocky Shimpo sand Japanese Americans had chosen Saburo and Michiyo Inouye, who had for starting the first evacuee-owned announced, “Takashi Moriuchi has Philadelphia as their new home in previously worked at the Cincinnati business in this city. The beauty shop, just purchased a 100-acre vegetable addition to many others who resided Friends Hostel. which she opened early in January, farm in Moorestown, N.J., 10 miles there temporarily before accepting The Philadelphia Hostel entry in the has been keeping her so busy that she from the center of Philadelphia.” employment opportunities in Densho Archive explains, “A trained has not had enough free time to ac- Southern New Jersey or else- dietician, Michiyo handled the shop- cept an offer to teach beauty culture where in the surrounding sub- ping and cooking (of both ‘American at one of Philadelphia’s biggest and Oriental’ meals, according to hos- beauty schools.” Another en- tel publicity), while Saburo took care trepreneur was Issei Jimmy of building maintenance and garden- Kikushima, whose Oriental ing and also met new arrivals at the Restaurant was one of the first railroad station.” Japanese eating establish- The Philadelphia Hostel was ments in Philadelphia and a both one of the longest-running favorite gathering place for and most populous of the Japanese many Nisei college students. American hostels, thanks largely to Several of the resettlers the family-like hospitality afforded to found employment in the new arrivals. medical industry amongst A 1944 Pacific Citizen article de- Philadelphia’s many research Shojiro Horikawa at the scribed the couple thusly, “Mr. and hospitals. Dr. George Wada George Nakashima and family Message Publishing Co. Mrs. Inouye are anxious that all the became a resident physician at · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 9 IN-DEPTH

Having relocated to Philadelphia in As the resettlement community began Court when he presented an amicus It would still be another five years February 1944, Moriuchi had worked increasing their engagement with pre- brief in support of interracial mar- before the Redress bill was finally as a foreman on the farm of Lewis war community leaders like Nakano riages in 1967 during the landmark signed into law by President Ronald Barton in Haddonfield, N.J., along- and Mikuriya, the Philadelphia Ni- Loving v. Virginia case, which struck Reagan, a final victory that is widely side other Nisei resettlers, some of sei Council was looking to establish down anti-miscegenation laws. He attributed to Uyehara. Referring to whom he would later employ on his a more permanent organization in also spent time working as a pro bono her genuine approach, Maebori wrote, own farm. Moriuchi was also among which to continue its work — this led voting rights attorney in the Jim Crow “Grayce framed the Redress move- the Nisei leaders who organized the to the formation of the Philadelphia South, where his office was destroyed ment as not a Japanese American is- Philadelphia Nisei Council along chapter of the JACL. by a pipe bomb. sue but as an American issue. She with Grayce Kaneda (later Uyehara) Hiroshi Uyehara wrote, “On March Marutani would eventually become impressed people for her dedication and several others to acquaint local 25, 1947, the chapter was chartered senior partner at the law firm before to right the wrong of the incarcera- resettlers with community services with the help of Mas Satow and Mike being appointed by Pennsylvania Gov. tion. Once Grayce identified you as and promote better integration into Masaoka. Tetsuo Iwasaki was elected Milton Shapp as a judge of the Court one who could help, you could not say the existing community. to be the chapter’s first president and of Common Pleas of Philadelphia in no to her.” By the end of WWII, the community Hiroshi Uyehara became the chapter’s 1975. Two years later, he successfully Past Chapter President Ed Nakawa- of Japanese Americans in the Greater official delegate to JACL’s National ran for re-election and was appointed tase offers the following praise, “I Philadelphia area had expanded from Convention. Iwasaki would eventu- for an additional 10-year term. can attest to her ability to focus on the a mere handful of families to encom- ally be succeeded by Jack Ozawa in Past JACL Philadelphia Presi- work at hand and not worry about who pass a sizeable minority population 1948 and ’49, who is the namesake dent Teresa Maebori wrote about got credit.” JACL Philadelphia Trea- that extended across all industries and of our local scholarship fund. The the Marutani campaign, “Bill was surer Jamie Kawano adds, “Grayce’s age groups. The community members impact of the Philadelphia Chapter the first Asian American to serve on achievements should also be viewed came from disparate socioeconomic on the national organization is much the bench in Philadelphia, and first as pivotal for the promotion of women classes and regions across the U.S., greater than might be expected from Japanese American judge east of to leadership positions in JACL.” each coming to Philadelphia under its relatively small numbers.” California. When he was running, the Endo fondly recalls Uyehara: “I re- very different circumstances. Perhaps During his 2013 Day of Remem- Philadelphia JACL was mobilized to member seeing Grayce arriving from the only commonality was that the brance address to the Philadelphia work on his campaign, and they did usually D.C. dressed up carrying her Quakers had, in some way, touched Chapter, Grant Ujifusa called Phila- with gusto.” b r i e fc a s e, a b a l l o f fi r e w it h e n e r g y. T he each of their lives and would continue delphia “a city that I think was the Marutani recounted his experience usually quiet Nisei were very proud of to pave the way for their peaceful co- epicenter of Japanese American re- as a CWRIC committee member: Grayce for her savvy, persistence and existence in the postwar years. dress. Why? Because Grayce Uyehara “For me, it’s a mixture of anger and energy in doing this big thing, which “The extent to which Quakers lent once lived here, and Grayce Uyehara grief, of rage and frustration. Having had a deep meaning of rightness — a helping hand to Nisei and Issei is was the heart and soul of redress.” the Issei testify how the uprooting af- that’s probably why the Philadelphia pretty deep,” said Russ Endo, editor The Philadelphia chapter was also fected them, how their dignity was chapter was one of the biggest donors of the JACL Philadelphia newsletter. one of the top fundraisers for the re- destroyed. Several times when I was to the Reparations Movement. Grayce “For instance, a volunteer Quaker at dress effort, which helped pay for sitting on the commission, I wished could not have made it without hus- AFSC, Harriet Russell, saw my mom Uyehara’s modest salary as executive I didn’t know what they were telling band Hiro, who fully supported her and sister’s living situation, and she director of the Legislative Education me was true because it wouldn’t hit in a way quite unusual for the time, hired my mom to be a nurse for her Committee, a separate lobbying group me in the gut as hard as it did. I was I think.” ailing father as an additional job. Out established in 1985 by members of the also outraged at some of the steps the Their son, Paul Uyehara, confirms of gratitude, my mother both con- JACL to advocate for the enactment of politicians took, the way they toyed his father’s supportive attitude. “Dad verted to Quakerism from Buddhism HR 442, better known as the “Redress with our people.” would drive her to Wilmington, where and also named me, her first-born son, bill.” Marutani further expanded his she caught the Amtrak, and she’d work after Harriet’s last name.” Another JACL Philadelphia mem- point by suggesting that despite over- in D.C. three days a week, staying at a Eventually, about half of the Japa- ber who had a profound impact on whelming evidence that Japanese hotel at night. She commuted weekly nese Americans who were resettled redress was Judge William Marutani, Americans posed no threat to national for about three years,” he said. in the Philadelphia area decided to who was the only Japanese American security, the government delayed In addition to establishing relation- return home to the West Coast, but appointed to serve on the Congressio- the closing of the camps until after ships with hundreds of legislators on those who stayed became deeply en- nal Commission on Wartime Reloca- President Roosevelt had won his Capitol Hill, Uyehara also distributed trenched in their local communities tion and Internment of Civilians. fourth-term re-election. sample form letters, lobbying advice and also began interacting with the Marutani settled in Philadelphia Suffice it to say, Marutani was a and “action alerts” scoring the posi- community that had predated WWII. after graduating from law school when powerful voice amongst the CWRIC tion on redress of every member of he accepted a position with commissioners and one of the lead Congress to JACL members in each the firm of MacCoy, Evans authors of “Personal Justice Denied,” of their respective districts. By 1987, and Lewis in 1953. He also the 1983 committee report that of- more than 200 organizations, includ- served as JACL National’s ficially recommended a formal apol- ing veterans groups and state legisla- legal counsel from 1962-70 ogy and monetary compensation in tors, had endorsed monetary redress. and became highly engaged the amount of $25,000 to each living with his local Philadelphia person directly impacted by Ex- » See STORY on page 13 chapter. As JACL counsel, ecutive Order 9066. In making PHOTO: MARUTANI FAMILY Marutani was the first per- the recommendation, Marutani son of Japanese ancestry to recused himself from receiving speak before the Supreme any reparations payment.

The Uyehara family PHOTO: DENSHO

Judge Marutani, with his family looking on, receives his judicial robe. Moriuchi family dinner Judge William Marutani at a CWRIC hearing

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STORY » continued from page 10 incredible foresight and political clout of Marutani, the tireless orga- Endo offers his opinion on how nizational work of Grayce Uyehara things transpired. “Given the history and support — both monetary and Lodi of the Redress Movement — first, emotional — from the Philadelphia Relocation findings, then, Repara- JACL chapter. tions Movement — I wouldn’t put it Alas, no generation is immune to beyond Bill Marutani to have helped the passage of time, and as the Nisei mastermind it all,” he said. “Bill generation fades, very little record of thought like a lawyer as well as a pol- their great accomplishments outside itician; first find and cor rect the facts, of our local community histories then leverage them using the new remains. Asian American politicians, some of Marutani passed away in 2004, whom came out of camps.” followed by Grayce Uyehara in However, Endo also recognizes 2014. There are now fewer than two that Marutani was far too humble to dozen of the Nisei left in our local Salinas Valley take credit for something that was community. hard fought by his entire generation. Yet, even in their twilight years, “It was the coming of age of the Ni- the Nisei remain a solid bedrock of sei in self-awareness, conviction and this community, congregated around also politically,” Endo concluded. Medford Leas, a retirement commu- Given the political will of the nity established by Tak Moriuchi af- Nisei generation, redress was bound ter his farm grew into one of the most to occur at some point. The manner in profitable apple farms in the region. which it did, and the extent to which it He, too, is gone now, but his daugh- accomplished the goals of the move- ter, Chiyo — currently a board ment, are directly attributable to the member at the retirement home PHOTO: MARY YEE and lifelong Quaker — keeps his memory alive through her work. It is there that JACL Phila- delphia celebrates the annual New Year’s Party with the last of our greatest generation, celebrating its storied Salinas Valley past with a hopeful eye toward the future.

The 2018 JACL National Convention Three generations of the Uyehara family will be held in Phila- include (from left) Hiroshi, Grayce, son delphia in July. More Paul and grandson Kaz. details regarding the event will be available in the coming months.

Larry S. Kathryn & Kevin HIRAHARA 749 College Drive Salinas, CA 93901

Harry Stuart Osaki, DDS Valerie M. Aoki, DDS Mona Goel, DDS

· HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 13 14 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · LETTER/NATIONAL

We have taken positions in support of DREAMer immigrants and MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER BEFORE opposing the Muslim travel ban. As we see the same discrimination we received in the past applied to new communities, it is imperative that we use our voice to speak out for those other communities. When we talk of JACL’s mission being one of education, the education of others on the connection between past discrimination to current is a range of our membership. policies that barred Japanese core part of that lesson. It was clear that the actions of Americans from naturalizing as We often talk about the challenges Houston Astros baseball player Yuli citizens. that JACL faces today. One clear take Gurriel touched something deep It is because of these racist views away from these current issues is that within our experiences interacting of us as “other” that World War II JACL has an increasingly important with others who have made clear that incarceration did happen. The view relevance in today’s environment. they do not see us as fully American. of Asian Americans as outsiders is In an ideal world, we would learn It is perhaps universal that all of a longtime-held view and continues from the mistakes of our history. us have experienced this gesture today as demonstrated by Gurriel, Unfortunately, today, many of these at some point in our lives. We are who, ironically, is an immigrant discriminations are not even seen as now engaged in dialogue with the himself. mistakes. Some have openly praised corporate offices of Major League It is also a shared experience these policies of mass incarceration. Baseball and intend to continue to for every other Asian immigrant It is our role as a civil rights By David Inoue, share how deeply this incident cut community. My mother’s family advocacy organization to take a stand JACL Executive Director through our community. immigrated from China in the early against these policies that re-create s the year comes to a close, Much of what we have been 20th century. At the time, Chinese the same divisions of nearly the last we often reflect back on doing publicly is in response to our immigration was banned through century. Perhaps they never went the past year and all that president and his administration. It is the Chinese Exclusion Act, so my away, but they are clearly here today. has happened. I would unfortunate any time relations reach grandfather came over as what is now JACL remains as well, and we will like to take this opportunity to share an almost adversarial tone. However, known as a “paper son.” continue our role in representing the A many of our positions are directly I often hear third- and fourth- Japanese American experience as a with our JACL membership and our supporters through the Pacific Citizen related to the impact of the World generation Asian Americans who warning for where such hatred and some of the issues we have focused Series slight on our community, support the Muslim travel ban or discrimination can lead our country. on and how they relate to JACL’s which did receive widespread support oppose the DREAM Act claim that Some might argue that JACL was core mission of education. from all our membership. their ancestors immigrated legally. most important for its role in securing Our interaction with Major League Our history of discrimination I often wonder if that really was the redress. That was an important time Baseball during the World Series in extends back beyond the incarceration case, it certainly wasn’t for my own for our community. But now, it is November drew perhaps the most experience, to one of blatant family, and likely wasn’t for many of time for us to serve a more important attention and touched the widest discrimination through immigration those who may think otherwise. role for our nation. n

SAN FRANCISCO JACL MOURNS THE LOSS OF MAYOR ED LEE in leading our city.” The son of Chinese immigrants, Lee will be remembered for his advo- cacy on numerous issues, including homelessness, affordable housing, climate change and immigrant rights. Very early on, he declared San Fran- cisco a sanctuary city to protect im- migrants, and stated, “San Francisco is and always will be a sanctuary city. Anita, and his two daughters, Brianna Governor. Later that same year, Lee We want everybody to feel safe and and Tania. was elected to a full term as the 43rd utilize the services they deserve, in- Lee was a dedicated and compas- mayor of San Francisco, becoming cluding education and health care. sionate public servant for over 40 the city’s first elected Asian American . . . It is my obligation to keep our years, caring for his beloved City of to hold that position. The citizens of city united, keep it strong . . . crime San Francisco. A social justice advo- San Francisco re-elected him again in doesn’t know documentation. Dis- cate, his early years were spent as a 2015. ease doesn’t know documentation.” civil rights attorney at the Asian Law “The San Francisco JACL greatly Lee was also a champion of inclu- Caucus, fighting for low-cost hous- admired Mayor Lee for the integrity sion and diversity, saying, “Every- ing, tenants’ rights and other social and values by which he lived his life body knows they can belong here in justice issues. and guided the City of San Francis- San Francisco.” He would later head various city co,” said SF JACL President Judy “We are heartbroken,” stated he San Francisco Chapter departments, among which were di- Hamaguchi. “Despite the huge and Hamaguchi. “Mayor Lee has been a of the Japanese American rector of the Human Rights Commis- endless responsibilities and challeng- supporter and a presence in our com- Citizens League mourns the sion, director of Public Works and es he bore in carrying forth a vision munity. He nurtured relationships and passing of San Francisco then as city administrator from 2005. for the city and the stature he com- furthered many important projects to Mayor Ed Lee, who passed away on He was tapped in 2011 to become manded, he never forgot his roots, the T preserve and enhance Japantown. We Dec. 12 at the age of 65. the mayor upon the departure of everyday people, the powerless. He owe him much gratitude, and his life The JACL expresses its deepest then-Mayor Gavin Newsom, who was very humble and approachable, shall inspire us to carry on his vision condolences to his family – his wife, was elected the state’s Lieutenant yet was wise, determined and resolute of a better society for all.” n · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 15 IN-DEPTH Hope, Boundless: The Universe of Yayoi Kusama ‘YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS’ IS A TRAVELING EXHIBITION OF THE ACCLAIMED ARTIST’S WORKS. .PHOTO: TOMOAKI MAKINO, COURTESY OF THE ARTIST. © YAYOI KUSAMA Yayoi Kusama By Alissa Hiraga, with recent works Contributor PHOTOS: CATHY CARVER in Tokyo, 2016

umankind dis- covered that the universe, with its brilliant starry Hexpanses and galaxies, also holds dark matter and ele- ments often invisible and un- predictable. Amid fiery, vio- lent cycles, black holes and impossible conditions, the Yayoi Kusama, installation view of Infinity universe has astonishingly Mirror Room — Phalli’s Field, 1965/2017, at maintained harmony, even if the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gar- temporary, for life to be pos- den. Sewn stuffed cotton fabric, board and sible. Some have likened hu- mirrors. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/ Singapore; Victoria Miro, London; David man beings as its envoys — Zwirner, New York. © Yayoi Kusama styled with a complex psyche as mysterious as the universe itself and as delicate as stardust — on an often painful quest, haunted by the fundamental question — the eternal riddle — of what it means to be human. We’ve long danced with the belief that to be human certainly means to suffer. Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored One of the most prolific artists Room — All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, 2016 living today is Yayoi Kusama, 88, Wood, mirror, plastic, black whose wondrous works are the result Yayoi Kusama, Dots Obsession — Love Transformed Into Dots, 2007, at glass, LED Collection of the of an imagination that never rests. A the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Mixed media installation. artist. study of her works reveals the artist’s Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore; Victoria Miro, London; David dedication to her artistic process, Zwirner, New York. © Yayoi Kusama scene, Kusama moved to New York. which serves as healing and renewal It was in New York where she creat- ed the “Net” paintings and her works from suffering. gradual in character and thus thrives world’s most influential people. Her started to capture attention in other Her creations are essentially mani- on repetition. Thus, painting becomes likeness and art have also been ador- countries. festations of her focus on imperma- a form of healing in this way,” said ingly replicated in the form of Kokeshi During this time, Kusama began nence, life and death, as well as the de- Mika Yoshitake, associate curator of dolls and giant plush pumpkins. creating soft sculptures and phalliclike sire for time to exist beyond the natural the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Born in Matsumoto, Nagano, in fabric tubes in a series called “Accu- cycle bestowed to us. There is childlike Garden, Smithsonian Institution. 1929, Kusama’s early childhood was mulations.” These works served as an charisma in her obsessive collection of With works spanning more than 60 marked by tormenting hallucinations. expression of Kusama’s fear of sex. dots and patterns, but also wisdom be- years, Kusama is a luminary in the art She began capturing the experiences in “By continuously reproducing the hind the sheer ferocity of details. world. As the first woman to repre- the form of drawings. Kusama would forms of things that terrify me, I am Kusama’s ability to render disruptive sent Japan at the Venice Biennale, her suffer from crushing emotional abuse. able to suppress the fear . . . and lie elements into a singular piece, where story is one of constant breakthroughs. As a young child, her mother pro- down among them. That turns the these elements become harmonized, is She has become more familiar over hibited her from practicing art, and frightening into something funny,” a feature of her genius. time to people across the world. Her her youth was darkened by the brutal she said in “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity “Kusama has a tremendous capacity iconic presence is felt even in those Second-Sino Japanese War and World Mirrors.” to access her body memory. With her who may not necessarily connect her War II. As a teenager, Kusama and her Kusama started incorporating mir- lack of premeditation and her practice name with her works. Her art adorned classmates worked in a military fac- rors and electric lights in the mid- of letting her hand lead the way, she has luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton’s tory sewing parachutes. 1960s. In the late ’60s, Kusama’s works trained her body to acquire its own sense storefronts and products in a 2012 col- In “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mir- reflected her support of gay rights and of memory, which is cumulative and laboration. Last year, TIME magazine rors,” she recalled, “My adolescence social/political change. named Kusama was spent in the closed darkness; es- She returned to Japan in the 1970s among 100 of the PHOTO: CATHY CARVER pecially because of the war, many and began creating poetic collages and dreams I had rarely, if at all, saw the ceramic works. Grappling with health light of day.” issues, Kusama voluntarily admitted Kusama held her first solo exhi- herself to a hospital and continued to bitions in Tokyo during the 1950s. work. Rebelling against a Japanese so- She would hold five solo exhibitions ciety that was suffocating in its a few years later and was featured in social conformity and patriarchy, major exhibitions in Japan, Europe and she journeyed to the U.S. and held the U.S. The subject of major retro- her first solo exhibition in Seattle, spectives, Kusama was selected by the Wash. commissioner of the Japanese Pavilion One imagines the steely deter- at the Venice Biennale. mination Kusama had to traverse As documented in the “Yayoi Kusa- Installation view of Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at the post-war West as a Japanese ma: Infinity Mirrors” chronology, this the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 2017. female artist. With aspirations to was “the first time a single artist had Life (Repetitive Vision), 1998. be a part of the avant-garde art been chosen.” 16 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH

PHOTO: CATHY CARVER PHOTO: COURTESY OF OTA FINE ARTS, TOKYO/SINGAPORE; VICTORIA MIRO, LONDON; DAVID ZWIRNER, NEW YORK. © YAYOI KUSAMA

PHOTOGRAPH: QAGOMA PHOTOGRAPHY © YAYOI KUSAMA

Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored Room — Love Forever, 1966/1994, at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculp- ture Garden. Wood, mirrors, metal, Yayoi Kusama,Infinity Mirrored Room—Aftermath of Oblitera- and lightbulbs tion of Eternity, 2009 Wood, mirror, plastic, acrylic, LED, black glass and aluminum. Collection of the artist

Today, Kusama continues to work in themselves and another Visitors are given colorful dot stick- her Tokyo studio, unabated in her love participant in endless ers to place anywhere in the “Oblit- for art and life. The Obliteration Room, 2002 to present Furni- ture, white paint and dot stickers Dimensions reflections. As detailed eration Room.” Among the scatter of In the current special traveling ex- variable Collaboration between Yayoi Kusama in the exhibition, Kusa- seemingly random dots, there are also hibition, visitors are able to enter the and Queensland Art Gallery. Commissioned ma relates the concept heavily saturated areas where dots artist’s imagination and universe Queensland Art Gallery, Australia. Gift of the art- of “Love Forever” to come together like magnetized candy. through interactive installations. The ist through the Queensland Art Gallery Founda- stand for civil rights, People who were seconds ago strangers exhibition, organized by the Hirsh- tion 2012. Collection: Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Australia sexual liberation, sat together at the dotted table locked horn Museum and Sculpture Garden, antiwar movements in a collective mission to imprint every Smithsonian Institution, and curated and various activist space. The installation is an example of by Yoshitake, also marks the North with the installations. groups of the 1960s. The installation why people from across the world are American debut of new works. “The artist transfers the decentered represents the connection and impact drawn to Kusama’s art. The accompanying exhibition cata- visual effects of her paintings and people have to one another. “Her work is driven by a utopian log, “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors,” sculptures into immersive, phenom- In “Aftermath of Obliteration of desire for radical connectivity,” which Yoshitake also edited, includes enological spaces in which visitors be- Eternity,” the visitor is enveloped in Yoshitake said. thoughtful essays on Kusama and her come active participants,” she said. a warm glow of lights reminiscent of Kusama, in an interview with Hirsh- work by Melissa Chiu, Alexander In “The Souls of Millions of Light Japanese lanterns and the ceremony of horn director Melissa Chiu that is Dumbadze, Gloria Sutton and Yoshi- Years Away,” an installation that has tōrō nagashi. Kusama’s installation is featured in “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity take. In addition to vibrant photos, the been at the Broad since the museum a study in contrasts — the comforting Mirrors,” said, “Early in my life, I re- catalogue features a detailed chronol- opened two years ago, one imagines glow implies the afterlife, while the member the sacrifices during the war. ogy compiled by Miwako Tezuka and being surrounded by celestial bodies surrounding darkness signals imper- This was the hardest time of my life. an annotated bibliography by Alex in the array of dotted lights and mir- manence and the unknowable. I don’t want to ever see this happen Jones. rors. The installation may also conjure The paintings and sculptures are tan- again. People being killed and the sac- The Broad in Los Angeles is the only images of stars dying and being reborn tamount in significance to the instal- rifices people made. After I die, I hope California museum to host the travel- or the Milky Way. lations and represent the challenges that people see that my paintings are ing exhibition. Sarah Loyer, assistant Visitors are instantly aware of their Kusama faced throughout her life and about love and peace and spirituality. curator at the Broad, says visitors existence with respect to the confined artistry. Among these important works This is why I am painting. I keep on are enthusiastic about the exhibition. space. Like the glass mirrors and light are Kusama’s oil on canvas “Infinity painting. Whenever I finish a painting, Kusama’s works bring to mind the effects, the idea of infinity may be an Net” paintings, which are described it is like the perfect thought and reflects intrinsic connections we have to the illusion, bound by time and space. But in the exhibition as works she created my thinking. I don’t ever want to stop world and others. the imagination can take viewers any- “without composition — without be- painting.” “Kusama’s artwork has great appeal where. ginning or center.” Kusama created the Suffering may be an ever-present as- worldwide, appealing to art historians, “A key theme within Kusama’s art- paintings during her first years in New pect of what it means to be human; we while also engaging a general audi- work is the celebration of life and its York, a time she was under extreme may not be able to release all our suffer- ence and even attracting young chil- aftermath, made clear in works of di- hardship. ing, but Kusama’s works affirm how an dren,” she said. “It is rare that an artist verse media including painting, sculp- Sculptures such as the slightly un- artist’s process to create courageously has such reach. Kusama’s consistent ture, works on paper and the artist’s In- nerving “Life (Repetitive Vision)” from even the darkest depths and the interest in repetition and in the concept finity Mirror Rooms. This embracing sprout, curl and peer like tentacles or most impossible conditions will bring of infinity are compelling, relatable of lifecycles is clearly tied to the idea trunks that could be from the land, sea to the light something meaningful for themes in our contemporary world. of resilience and is exemplified in the or on a distant planet. An installation others. The Infinity Mirror Rooms give visi- organic forms the artist uses from the of numerous sculptures including “My 1950s to the present, as well as in the tors the experience of being both the Adolescence in Bloom,” “Welcoming Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, concepts of infinity, boundlessness and most important thing in the room and the Joyful Season,” “Unfolding Buds” organized by Mika Yoshitake, repetition that are a through line of her simultaneously dispersed and not im- and “Story After Death” sets off an curator, Hirshhorn Museum and practice,” said Loyer. portant at all. This feeling is evoked in uplifting vibe without being escapist, Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian In the “Before Entering the Dots Ob- many of Kusama’s other works, such where Kusama’s focus on the expan- Institution, is currently show- session — Love Transformed” instal- as the ‘Accumulation’ sculptures, ‘In- sion of self, not the oppression of the ing at the Broad in Los Angeles lation, visitors are greeted by a video finity Net’ paintings and performanc- self, is made clear. There is also a play- until Jan. 1, 2018. Standby tick- projection of Kusama reciting her po- es. Visitors can relate to this feeling of ful edginess in the sculptures, a trait ets information for the Broad is etry and a giant balloon to peep into. being both significant and small at the that characterizes many of her works. available at www.thebroad.org/ Giant vinyl, polka-dotted balloons fill same time; it is a common feeling in The exhibition ends at Kusama’s art/special-exhibitions/yayoi- the installation room, bathed in pink- today’s world.” “Obliteration Room.” According to kusama-infinity-mirrors. The ex- ish-red light. “Phalli’s Field,” which The exhibition features six of Kusa- Loyer, “self-obliteration” is a term hibition will next travel to the Art feature the phalliclike fabric tubes that ma’s Infinity Mirror Rooms and a Kusama used beginning in the 1960s Gallery of Ontario (March 3-May appeared in “Accumulations,” is de- collection of large-scale installations to describe losing the boundaries be- 27, 2018), Cleveland Museum of scribed in the exhibition as the most and paintings, sculptures and works tween the self and the surrounding Art (July 9-Sept. 30, 2018) and important breakthrough during the on paper dating from the 1950s to the environment. “‘Self-obliteration’ is the High Museum, Atlanta (Nov. 1960s. present. There is also archival material an action toward radically connecting 18, 2018-Feb. 17, 2019). The “Love Forever” has a psychedelic, and photographs of Kusama’s public with others, and this is part of what is accompanying exhibition cata- kaleidoscopic feel. With a hexagonal performances. so compelling about the artwork. It logue is “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity shape and mirrored on all sides, the For Yoshitake, the exhibition is calls on people to simultaneously lose Mirrors,” edited by Mika Yoshi- installation features two peepholes unique in the impact it has to the view- themselves and find themselves, and in take, Prestel Publishing. ing public because visitors interact for visitors to look through and see doing so find connections.” · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 17 IN-DEPTH PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MICHAEL PAULO

Michael Paulo performs in June 2017.

Michael Paulo’s goal is to make his audience feel good with his music. MUSIC TO SOOTHE THE SOUL Acclaimed musician Michael Paulo’s melodies have always involved the audience, who play a vital part in every performance.

By Kristen Taketa, chosen to join Kalapana, a popular val in Jakarta, Indonesia. He has also Contributor Hawaiian pop-and-rock band, as their produced the Temecula Valley Bal- saxophonist, and hit the road. He loon and Wine Festival and the first- axophone man Mi- chose the road — to learn from real ever Asian American Music Festival, chael Paulo had experiences. which was held in Los Angeles’ Little two paths to choose “My education, to be honest with Tokyo in May. from after finishing you, was live learning, and it wasn’t Part of his drive, Paulo says, is Shigh school. so much being in college,” said Paulo, to break stereotypes that Asian He could’ve chosen to take now 61. “I learned from experience.” Americans don’t, or can’t, do jazz. a North Texas State Univer- That road has taken Paulo far, from For Paulo, the audience is a Paulo was awarded Hawaii’s Global sity scholarship he was of- his hometown on Oahu, Hawaii, to necessary part of every performance. Contemporary Music Lifetime fered and go to college, as places all over the world that have “It’s all about communicating with Achievement Award in November. many would expect a young wanted to hear him breathe melodies the audience — communicating with adult to do. Or, he could’ve into a piece of brass. them and making them feel happy Paulo, who is considered to be one and good,” Paulo said. “At the end of of the country’s leading Asian Ameri- the night, it doesn’t matter how pro- can jazz musicians, was awarded fessional I was or if I made mistakes. Hawaii’s Global Contemporary Mu- What matters is if people enjoyed sic Lifetime Achievement Award in themselves.” November and has played with jazz To Paulo, music is not about giving greats such as singer Al Jarreau and a perfect performance or being tech- pianist David Benoit. Paulo also has nically or musically correct. It’s about 10 solo records to his name, and he what he can make the audience feel. has either played in or produced sev- “The essence of what I do is to eral music festivals, including numer- try to enrich people’s lives,” Paulo ous years as an artist-in-residence at said. “When I play in concerts, the the world-renowned Java Jazz Festi- reaction you get — it’s uplifting for people. That’s very rewarding for not only myself but also for most Michael Paulo with his entertainers.” musician father, Rene » See MUSIC on page 23

Michael Paulo performs with his father at the Temecula Wine Festival.

Rene and Akemi Paulo are also well-known musicians in Hawaii. 18 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 19 20 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 21 DONATE TO THE 2017 JACL ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN! The strength of the Japanese American Citizens League lies within our members and friends. Become a part of the JACL legacy and donate today5 Visit us online at www.jacl.org/donate Or mail contributions to: Japanese American Citizens League P.O.Box 45397 San Francisco, CA 94145-0397 Donations of k250 or more will receive a thank you gift from the Japanese American National Museum store5

22 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MICHAEL PAULO MUSIC » continued from page 18 As a young musician, Michael Paulo played saxophone with Kalapana, regarded as one of Hawaii’s greatest musical groups.

Paulo has been in the music go to Hawaii, everyone seems to be not too much in the mainstream in business for happy all the time. That’s where I America,” he said. more than 40 came from. That’s part of my nature.” Paulo said he wanted to highlight years. Breaking Stereotypes talent of fellow Asian American mu- sicians he knew, but who seemed to He describes music as a break in Born of Filipino and Japanese par- be overlooked or underestimated by people’s daily working lives that re- ents, Paulo has worked to break the the larger American public. He start- minds them that they are human, and assumptions of many who don’t think ed the festival because he knows, for thus have emotional needs. Asian Americans play jazz music. example, female Asian American “We’re all emotional beings. Both now and in the early days of musician colleagues who were asked, Human beings are emotional people. But perhaps no other opportunity his career, Paulo says people have “Where’s your violin?” or, “Where’s We need that in our lives,” Paulo shaped Paulo as much as when he was given him odd looks at seeing a sin- your flute?” said. “It’s very important. Everybody hired to play with Jarreau, the seven- gle Asian American man up onstage, Paulo also uses the festival as a way works, everybody has things that they time, Grammy Award-winning musi- playing with jazz musicians who are to cultivate young talent and encour- do. But when they come out and they cian. Jarreau showed Paulo how to overwhelmingly African-American age more Asian Americans to pursue hear entertainment, they hear music put emotion into every performance, or Caucasian. dreams of performing music. — it kind of heals them.” Paulo said. “I’d get these looks like, ‘Where’d Recording Again A Rising Career “Every single performance — he this guy come from?’” Paulo said. put his heart and soul into it,” Paulo “When I was on the road with Al back For the past two decades, much Paulo’s path to a four-decades-long said of Jarreau. “He was never inse- then, I was basically the only Asian of Paulo’s time has swiveled to the career began when he was 15 years cure about himself, so he was always musician onstage. When I travel business side of music, such as pro- old in high school. He didn’t feel like able to highlight and showcase his around the world, people look at me ducing and promoting festivals. It’s taking a PE class, so instead, he joined band, so on stage, we all played, we and say, ‘What’s that guy doing up been about seven years since his last the high school band and picked up a all got featured. There are a lot of art- there?’” recording. saxophone. ists out there who don’t do that, and Most people don’t exactly peg But he said he wishes he could “I just enjoyed it,” he said of the they feel insecure, like somebody’s Hawaii as a hotbed of jazz either, spend more time performing music sax. “It felt great.” stealing the spotlight.” Paulo said, but he’s proud to tell for the sake of playing music and Music was already woven into his He says Jarreau is one of the big- people that’s where he’s from. making audiences happy. He’s wary life. He was born into a family of gest influences on his own work, and “People are like, ‘Wow, you’re when a career starts to become more entertainers: Paulo’s mother was a his time with Jarreau became a major from Hawaii?’ And I’m always proud about money and business than about singer, his father an acclaimed pianist launching pad for his career by con- of that,” he said. joy and love for music. and all of his other siblings played in- necting him to other big players in the Paulo laughs when he talks about “The hardest part is trying to stay struments as well. It used to be that music business. these stares and stereotypes. He creative. When you’re dealing with when his family performed together Throughout his career, Paulo has responds to such gestures with a business things every day and setting at parties, Paulo would dance while traveled the world many times over. powerful greeting. things up, that’s a challenge trying to his family sang. He’s performed in Japan, Russia, “Anytime somebody looks at me make a record,” he said. “When I was Starting an instrument at 15 years South Africa, Thailand and more. But funny, I just say aloooha!” Paulo said younger, I could stay up all night until old could be considered late com- he says performing in one country loudly and with joy. the sun comes up. Now that I’m 61, pared to other performing musicians. wasn’t any different than performing Once, Paulo was asked to perform I can’t do that anymore.” But Paulo proved it didn’t take him in another. To Paulo, music is a uni- at an event in Nebraska. He walked Now, he’s trying to get back into long in his rise to musical success. versal joy that traverses the boundar- into the venue, which was filled with performing, the thing he enjoys After about a year of playing the ies of nations. many people who hadn’t seen a jazz the most. Paulo is currently work- saxophone in high school, he was al- “Music is universal. People performance before. The venue was ing on a new record, a project he’s ready playing professionally, he said. appreciate music everywhere,” Paulo playing country music before him. undertaking largely on his own. It’s a By the time he graduated high school, said. “The biggest kick I get is, if I fly Paulo hollered, “Aloooha!” to the au- project and an idea he’s been wanting he was performing across Waikiki 6,000 miles and play for somebody dience, and “they loved me,” he said. to complete for 10 years. and Honolulu and was already one in Asia, it’s like ‘Wow, these people By the end of the night, people were But, he says, it’s not an easy dream of Hawaii’s most-noted young saxo- flew me all the way to their country asking him to perform for their wed- to chase, even for someone with as phonists. and paid me to come and play for dings. long a résumé as him. Record compa- His first big break came when he them.’ That’s like a gift. I never take “It kind of shows you that music nies, he says, pay less and less for mu- was asked to tour with Kalapana af- that for granted.” can bridge the gap with anybody,” sicians to record their songs, which ter high school, a pop-and-rock group At the heart of Paulo’s music is a Paulo said. pressures musicians to raise money that, to Paulo, was Hawaii’s No. 1 joy that spills over even into his con- Paulo’s experiences confronting on their own, especially through band. He turned down the North Tex- versations. When he talks with some- these looks and preconceived notions crowdfunding. He’s currently work- as State scholarship and spent four body, he laughs in a big way in almost are the motivation behind one music ing to raise $18,000 for his recording years with the group. every other sentence. festival he has produced, the Asian project. “They were already doing what I “I guess I would call it Hawaiian American Music Festival. But despite the pressures of the was going to go to school for, to study soul,” he said while describing his He started the festival — which was music business, Paulo said he’s been how to play and then try to go get a playing style. “It’s just being happy originally called the Asian American happy with his career. job and go make records. I got an and being upbeat and positive, ‘cause Jazz Festival — because, as Asian “In retrospect, I wouldn’t change opportunity to do it right there,” you know, growing up in Hawaii, it’s American musicians, “we don’t get anything,” he said. “I learned a lot, n Paulo said. such a beautiful place. Whenever you recognized too much because we’re and I’ve had a great career.” · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 23 24 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH DEATH VALLEY’S DAYS PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE EASTERN CALIFORNIA MUSEUM » T. R. Good- win, super- intendent of Death Valley National Park Of Incarceration during World Uncovering a little-known chapter in the region’s history War II leads to the discovery of an even greater American narrative.

By David Woodruff, Manzanar WRA Center, located 110 Contributor miles away. Brown told Goodwin that there eath Valley National had been a riot at Manzanar, and Park, well known for the military police there had shot offering one of the most some of the internees. Brown scenic desert landscapes stated that Merritt had sent Don the planet, has been a destination him to see if Goodwin would for travelers and visitors the world be able to provide temporary over for nearly a hundred years. housing for a large group of The park’s human history is as rich internees that needed to be « Ned Morioka and his and deep as its natural wonders. Na- evacuated from Manzanar for cousin, Harry, give their tive Americans inhabited the area for their own safety. two friends a ride in front thousands of years before the arrival Prior to WWII, Death Valley of the infirmary at the temporary Death Valley of European settlers. The spellbind- had been home to as many as 600 PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE RALPH MERRITT camp. ing story of the Argonauts, who near- young men who were part of Presi- COLLECTION, EASTERN ly lost their lives while attempting a dent Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian CALIFORNIA MUSEUM shortcut to the California goldfields, Conservation Corp (CCC). The CCC is a subject that has been studied in boys left Death Valley at the out- sonal belongings, hay, furniture running water. This became the California grade schools for more break of the war, and the housing for and food. The group included men, infirmary, managed by Josephine than a hundred years. And what 20th them was now vacant. Goodwin told women, children and single people. Hawes, a registered nurse from the century washperson couldn’t repeat Brown he and his limited staff would The few motorists they encountered Manzanar Hospital. Hawes was not the story of how their favorite laundry get the former CCC camp in shape along their route were stunned by the only the nurse but also the health of- detergent was brought to them from so that Merritt could bring the group surprising sight. ficer and doctor to the group. Her first the brink of hell thanks to the efforts of internees to Death Valley later It was a long and slow trip, with order of business was to care for the of the Twenty Mule Team? that day. the group not arriving in Death Val- men who were badly beaten during But there is a little-known chapter As soon as Brown left, Goodwin ley until 9:30 p.m. Once fed, women the riots at Manzanar. in Death Valley’s history that is part rounded up his staff, and they imme- and children were housed in one area Over the next few days as every- of a greater narrative of an American diately went to work cleaning up the of the 16 buildings at the camp, and one settled in, barracks space was as- tragedy that occurred in the United CCC barracks and mess hall. men were housed in another section. signed to families, bachelor quarters States during World War II. Brown returned to Manzanar Death Valley had one of its coldest were set up and kitchen K.P. and other At 2 a.m. on the morning of Dec. and told Merritt the good news — evenings that night, and blankets for work groups were designated as well. 10, 1942, T. R. Goodwin, superinten- living space for the threatened warmth were in popular demand. Why was it necessary to remove the dent of Death Valley National Monu- evacuees was available in Death The next morning, everyone pitched 65 internees from Manzanar? Some of ment, and his wife, Neva, were woken Valley. That afternoon, a military in to improve living conditions. The the internees there had taken a “pro- from a sound sleep by a sharp knock- convoy of Jeeps, a weapons carrier ticking was filled with hay, walls and American” stance, even petitioning ing on the door of their residence at and automobiles left for Death Valley. floors were washed and a mess hall President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Monument headquarters. At their The group included 10 staff mem- was set up and equipped. One of the allow Japanese American men to entry stood Robert Brown, an assis- bers, 12 soldiers and 65 Japanese better-equipped buildings at the camp enlist in the military. Many other tant to Ralph Merritt, director of the internees. They brought a few per- actually had toilets, showers and internees were strongly opposed.

These CCC barracks in Death Valley were once used to house relocated Nikkei Incarcarees from Manzanar in December 1942.

PHOTO: DAVID WOODRUFF · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 25 IN-DEPTH

PHOTO: COURTESY OF The CCC Camp at Death Valley housed relocated Japanese THE RALPH MERRITT Americans for two-and-a-half months during World War II. COLLECTION, EASTERN CALIFORNIA MUSEUM

Ralph Merritt, director of the Manzanar WRA Center

Quarrels and argu- ing turned into physi- cal violence. On Dec. 6, a group moved toward the police station/jail, de- PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE manding the release of a RALPH MERRITT COLLECTION, suspect charged with a mur- EASTERN CALIFORNIA MUSEUM derous attack on a leader of « Incarcerees from Manzanar at the temporary the pro-American group. A dem- camp at Death Valley National Park. onstrator started an unoccupied truck PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE EASTERN CALIFORNIA MUSEUM rolling downhill toward the soldiers. Several shots were fired, and when and enlighten them on Death Valley’s internees from the group presented staff, soldiers, local Native Ameri- the crowd broke up, two internees natural history. Goodwin’s outreach themselves to Superintendent Good- cans, as well as park personnel. were dead and 11 more injured. apparently worked. win and his staff, and they assisted Immediately following the intern- During the night, gangs armed with Tad Uyeno, a prewar columnist them with any work needed in Death ees’ removal from Manzanar, the gov- knives and weapons roamed the camp for the Los Angeles Japanese Daily Valley. Experiencing a severe lack of ernment commenced efforts to find looking for individuals on a publi- News and now an internee, wrote in manpower created by the war, Good- homes and jobs outside the Western cized death list. All of their intended a postwar press article, “Superinten- win and his staff readily accepted Defense Command area for them. As victims were gathered together by dent Goodwin’s talk to us impressed their offer. Over the next few weeks, openings and opportunities became the camp administrators and military us. He created in our minds a very springs were cleaned out, ditches dug, available, departing internees were police and placed in protective cus- favorable impression. He was, we cement poured, radio antennas erected escorted east to Las Vegas for travel tody. Three days later, the group was believed, a man we could trust and and other odd jobs were accomplished to the East and Midwest. moved to Death Valley. depend on for help.” by the hard-working internees. The American Friends Service Superintendent Goodwin and his Away from the stress and difficul- When the soldiers would make trips Committee (the Quakers) also played staff worked hard to make conditions ties of confining 10,000 people at to Beatty, Nev., or Death Valley Junc- a major role in helping the internees as livable and comfortable as possible Manzanar, relationships between tion to pick up mail or get supplies, find jobs and homes in other parts for the relocated internees. Goodwin the soldiers and the internees were they often took a group of internees of the country. Within two and a had dinner with the group on their greatly improved. Friendships lasting with them. One day, soldiers with two half months of their arrival in Death second night in Death Valley. He over the years were formed between U.S. Army trucks took the women to Valley, the last of the 65 internees even shared with them that park natu- the guards and the guarded at Death Dante’s View for a sightseeing trip. A had moved on to a life outside of the ralists would like to show them slides Valley. Christmas Eve party was also held, military camp. Shortly after their arrival, many which included all of the internees, At least some of the Japanese

PHOTO: BURTON FRASHER COURTESY OF THE EASTERN CALIFORNIA MUSEUM Americans who lived at Death Valley remember it in a positive note. Togo Tanaka wrote in 1986, “What Ralph Merritt did, with speed and dis- patch, in getting his friend, Superin- tendent Goodwin, to respond after the violence and bloodshed at Manzanar showed us the light at the end of the tunnel. Merritt saved lives and sent us on our way to rebuild our faith in our native land. What greater legacy could any American leave? I think those of us who tried to lead exemplary lives as good citizens have felt, in our own way, an obligation to repay the trust freely bestowed by Ralph Merritt.”

David Woodruff has lived in Eastern California for 24 years, working as a local journalist and community service volunteer. He has

also written several books on the history of Death Valley. This article appears courtesy of Woodruff and Another picture of the Cow Creek Camp in Death Valley where Manzanar internees were taken. the Inyo Valley Register (Sept. 30). 26 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 27 IN-DEPTH

Building a Better World for Everyone PHOTO: COURTESY OF MIEKO KURAMOTO National Youth/Student Council members reflect on their hopes and Mieko Kuramoto dreams for their country and community. during her travels to By Kenji Kuramitsu, JA presence in my life,” he said. “I of caring for others in diffi- Japan as a NY/SC Representative believe that others share similar sym- cult times. She consciously Kakehashi pathies, and I want to create a space goes about “grounding my- Project s the holiday season ap- for this community to flourish.” self in my own Japanese participant. proaches, members of the Tokita believes that while ideas Americanness and the his- JACL’s National Youth/ like harmony are important compo- tory that comes with it” Student Council have nents of defeating “the growing hate as a clarifying action that Ashared meditations on this year’s actions across the globe . . . today’s increases her solidarity to Pacific Citizen Holiday Issue theme: hyperconnected world has desensi- those experiencing vio- “Hope. Harmony. Healing.” I spoke tized most people to such words, and lence and exclusion. This with seven members of the NY/SC more drastic actions must be taken.” commitment emerges when about their work within the JACL, For Tokita, these actions must go hearing rhetoric about un- their frustrations and joys, and how beyond words in order to help us documented immigration these relate to their hopes and dreams center our present activism in the from Latin America and the for our country and community. testimony and tapestry of our supposed economic and so- Intermountain District Council community history. cial dangers they carry. Youth Representative Eric Tokita In talking about what might be “It strikes me that some sees his work as having to do with done in order to reconnect disaffected decades earlier, that kind of primarily thoughtful advocacy for his youth with today’s Nikkei commu- conversation was about my district’s young people. Tokita has nity, Tokita said, “Remembering the family and people who look been active in the JACL since grade past is crucial to legitimizing many like me,” Kuramoto said. school, and he initially became in- claims and worries about the direc- “Who am I, then, to say that of useless.” volved through local fundraisers and tion our society might be heading.” it’s not my problem because I’m not At the same time, Kuramoto cultural events. Midwest District Council Youth LatinX?” recognizes how hope came to play Tokita sees his identity as an Asian Representative Mieko Kuramoto Kuramoto has been meditating a crucial part in the community’s American as helping him to foment first became involved in the NY/SC on the place of hope in light of the reconstitution. awareness around injustice and iden- to deepen a sense of community with pressing political context that faces “It was hope that drove the tify meaningfully with other groups other Asian American youth. Meet- us today. Kuramoto recalls the events healing,” she says, as through who are experiencing oppression. ing other multiracial Nikkei who of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting remembrance and resilience the com- Tokita’s current work is focused were politically active also helped to in Orlando, Fla., and the overwhelm- munity slowly remembered itself on bringing district youth together foment Kuramoto’s sense of partici- ing despair that many LGBTQ+ “to facilitate recovery, love and across geographical distance in order pation in this community as one that community members experienced support, as well as to promote to create shared experiences and a celebrates Nikkei who are mixed, after this attack. activism and strength.” greater sense of common belonging. queer, as well as those from diverse “I remember being devastated However, she warned, “Only hop- “I am a member of the NY/SC and family backgrounds. and scared after that happened,” ing is not a strategy . . . but at the JACL because I identify areas in my Kuramoto shares that her Nikkei Kuramoto shared. “I felt pretty hope- same time, I believe that hope is an life that could benefit from a greater identity reminds her of the importance less, and in the moment, ‘hoping’ that essential part of any activism.” This things would get better seemed kind is central to building what Kuramoto calls “love relationships” — friends, NY/SC Youth members, includ- family, significant others and- ac ing Kota Mizutani, Mieko Kura- quaintances who help make the world moto and Eric Langowski (back feel a warmer and more kind place. row, center right), at a recent EDC PHOTO: KELLY AOKI youth summit and conversation.

The mission of the NY/SC is to “raise awareness of AAPI issues and engage and develop young leaders who create positive change in our community.” 28 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH PHOTO: STEPHANIE NITAHARA Pacific Northwest Council Youth tionships between diasporic peoples Representative Tammy Le joined and the countries of their heritage.” JACL in March 2017. Le is a In that middle space, Mizutani Vietnamese American member of feels called to enhance authentic the NY/SC, and outside of her role “relationship between Japan and on the council, she is involved with Japanese America that highlights voting rights, union organizing and engages identity.” and other social justice work in the Mizutani recognizes that his in- Pacific Northwest. volvement in the JACL, like his call Le highlights the importance of to engage internationally between coalition-building and working Japan and the United States, is alongside and within diverse com- bound with his own meaningful past munities to push for social change. experiences. PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEPHANIE NITAHARA “Some challenges I face is taking “The JACL was the first Members of the JACL’s NY/SC at care of myself and being transparent organization to invest in the 2017 National Convention. with my own struggles,” she said. my interest in civil rights Pictured (from left) are Kenji “Doing meaningful work keeps me and political advocacy,” Kuramitsu Kota Mizutani, Michelle motivated and brings me a lot of joy.” he said. “I would not have Huey, Mieko Kuramoto, Tammy Le, Juli Yoshinaga, Erik Tokita and Like Tokita, Le believes that suf- the opportunities I have Eric Langowski. Also pictured are fering must drive us to house the sto- today without the JACL’s former members Emi Kamemoto ries of our ancestors in the present: undying support.” (back row, fourth from right) and “We need to remember the past but While Mizutani ex- Sarah Baker (second from right). also relate it to the present.” To Le, presses frustration with the legacies of history may remind us the sometimes petty poli- of what we are fighting for today and tics and intergenerational of the NY/SC’s October visit to “that acts of discrimination, hate and challenges faced by the Chicago’s “Then They Came for bigotry [are] not new.” Ideals such as JACL, he emphasizes his Me” exhibit, which documented the harmony and hope are what lead Le ongoing inspiration and incarceration. toward working in a world filled with sharpening by the work of “Numerous times, I saw visitors more altruism and kindness. many NY/SC and JACL baffled, asking things like, ‘How Kota Mizutani is the National leaders who challenge (From left) Michelle Huey, Juli Yoshinaga could this happen?’ or, ‘How did I and Stephanie Nitahara at the 2017 Youth/Student Council chair, a role him toward more holistic Manzanar Pilgrimage not know about this?’ and it shocked that sees him overseeing relevant and transformative appli- me. People still don’t know about programming, youth membership re- cations of social justice. the Japanese American experience, cruitment and representing the voice To Mizutani, the time JACLers, introduced her to the and until they do, we’re in danger of of young Nikkei and AAPIs at the Japanese American story has wider organization at a young age through history repeating itself. national level. Mizutani joined the resonances not only for ourselves picnics and holiday parties, and she “Being part of the NY/SC has JACL in 2009 at the age of 13, and “but also Nikkei around the world, officially became a member in high opened my eyes to issues on a broad- he began to learn about the organiza- AAPIs and the greater public.” When school. er, national scale,” Aoki continued. tion’s structure through participation it comes to the crucial task of deploy- After participating in the Kake- “Our group is very diverse with a in the NY/SC Chicago convention ing these legacies within a contem- hashi Project and the recent National range of youth across the country. It mentorship program. porary context, Mizutani argues that Convention in Washington, D.C., is very easy to become accustomed As a Shin-Nikkei, Mizutani is aware “Nikkei youth have always been on Aoki joined the NY/SC this past fall. to one way of thinking, so being that individuals with his identity are the forefront of expanding how we It was her Kakehashi experience that exposed to different viewpoints is not always explicitly included as apply and interpret the incarcera- sparked an interest in an exploration beneficial to individual growth.” members of the Japanese American tion experience to the present time.” of her ancestors and identity, as well Amidst the divisive and violent community. A dual citizen, Mizutani He sees one of the strengths of his as cemented Aoki’s involvement in context that we find ourselves in occupies a liminal space that drives work in the NY/SC lies in the coun- the organization. today, Aoki believes that we should him toward his own long-term ambi- cil’s ability to bring together a diverse “I’ve always known that I was move from exclusion to embracing tions for change. “Beyond [ending] array of intersections and experiences. Japanese American, but I didn’t and celebrating America as a cultur- oppression,” he said, “I hope to see a Kelly Aoki, a fifth-generation Japa- always know what that meant to me,” al mosaic, which in turn celebrates day in which borders and geopolitics nese American, serves as the Central she said. “Honestly, until recently, human diversity. don’t prevent active and healthy rela- California District Council Youth I never gave it much thought. Juli Yoshinaga is the Pacific South- Representative, where she works I figured, ‘We’re all Americans, west District Youth Representative PHOTO: STEPHANIE NITAHARA with district youth; she is cur- right?’ Maybe that’s how our and a representative on the Pacific rently planning a summit along- grandparents felt before they were Citizen Editorial Board. She addition- side NCWNP and PSW partners. incarcerated during WWII.” ally leads the NY/SC’s communica- Aoki’s grandparents, long- Aoki spoke of the importance tions campaign, which is responsible for the triannual NY/SC newsletter Nikkei-Mashou. Yoshinaga joined the JACL after meeting her prede- cessor in the PSW at a Japan Ameri- can Society event, attending district events and national conventions. Yoshinaga is a Shin-Nikkei and a fourth-generation Japanese Ameri- can who says she struggled to find her sense of identity as an adolescent. “I struggled with my identity growing up because I didn’t know where I fit in,” she said. “I spoke fluent Japanese, so I was either too Japanese for the fourth generations in L.A., or I was too ‘whitewashed’ for Shin-Nikkeis.” Chair Kota Mizutani gives an NY/SC Pictured (from left) are Colber Prosper, Kenji Kuramitsu and Kota update to the JACL National Board at Mizutani attend the VIP reception at the 2016 JACL National Convention in » See EVERYONE on page 39 the October National Board meeting. Las Vegas, Nev. · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 29 30 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 31 IN-DEPTH

PHOTO: MATTHEW MURPHY `ALLEGIANCE´ Co-produced by EWP and JACCC by special arrangement with Sing Out, Louise! Greg Watanabe will once again star Prods. and ATA, with performances at JACCC’s Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles from as Mike Masaoka Feb. 21-April 1, 2018. Previews will run from Feb. 21-25, with the opening-night in the musical performance and reception on Feb. 28. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ycdgbxqp. “Allegiance,” which begins in Los Angeles in February.

Pledging `Allegiance´ individuals, have fictional names, the Greg Watanabe is back as Mike Masaoka as the Broadway musical JACL is disturbed by the play’s use of ‘Allegiance’ prepares its run in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. the names of the Japanese American Citizens League and of Mike Masa- By George Toshio Johnston, hysteria and failed political leader- of Frank Suzuki may be based upon oka. The JACL is concerned that by Senior Editor, Digital & ship resulted in U.S. citizen Nisei and the real-life Frank Emi, a leader of the using actual names, audience Social Media legal permanent resident alien Issei Heart Mountain Fair Play Commit- members may forget that they are (who were barred from becoming tee, “Allegiance’s” Masaoka is based watching a historical fiction.” lmost two years after naturalized U.S. citizens) getting up- on a real person and uses that person’s Seattle-based documentarian ending its Broadway rooted from their West Coast homes, name and actual words. (“Conscience and the Constitution”) run at the Longacre farms and businesses and incarcer- “There are a couple of speeches that Frank Abe had this to say about the Theatre in New York, the ated in U.S. government-run concen- he gives,” said Watanabe of his por- artistic choice of singling out one ac- musical drama “Allegiance” returns tration camps during WWII. trayal of Masaoka, and “one of them tual person among a cast of fictional A characters when he penned a tough to its Southern California roots in For Broadway, such subject matter was directly taken out of War Relo- February when it comes to Little was a revelation. But Los Angeles is cation Authority propaganda films. 2015 critique (tinyurl.com/y9ctprs5) Tokyo’s Aratani Theatre as a joint home to the continental United States’ Other stuff was taken from a speech of the Broadway production of “Alle- production of East West Players and largest population of Japanese Ameri- he gave to the JACL that he gave at giance”: “By using Mike’s real name, the Japanese American Cultural and cans. If Watanabe, who just turned 50, some point later on in his life, mainly ‘Allegiance’ establishes the terms Community Center. is worried about how those who were talking about, sort of his own legacy, by which it invites itself to be mea- While there will be new cast mem- directly — or indirectly affected — in some ways defending his own sort sured. So why use his name, despite bers in the Los Angeles production by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s of position that he had taken and deci- community complaints and formal that tells the story of a fictional Japa- infamous Executive Order 9066 sions he had made during wartime.” objections? One reason may be that nese American family’s incarcera- will respond to “Allegiance” and Watanabe feels that Masaoka was in a city with the living memory of tion at the hands of the U.S. govern- the musical’s take on Masaoka, he not alone among Japanese Americans the Twin Towers attack of 9/11 and ment during World War II, returning doesn’t show it. in espousing particular views. threats to round up and remove all will be George Takei, who plays two “I love that it’s going to be in L.A., “One of the things that I think was persons of Iranian descent, making a roles in the production and was in- and I love that it’s going to be co- important about what I was trying to Japanese American the villain of the strumental to the musical’s genesis produced by East West Players and do with that part was also imagine piece avoids grim realities and helps more than a decade ago. (Jay Kuo the JACCC,” said Watanabe, who that there were a lot of people that felt secure the feel-good nature of the is “Allegiance’s” composer-lyricist expressed relief that by the time that way,” Watanabe said. “In a time evening. and co-librettist, and Marc Acito and he “came on board the whole of uncertainty and given a lot of bad “Make no mistake, the real Mike Lorenzo Thione are the co-librettists.) ‘Allegiance’ train,” gone were parts choices, it wasn’t just Mike Masaoka. Masaoka bears plenty of responsibil- Also returning will be actor Greg of the musical in an earlier iteration There were a number of people who ity for waiving Japanese American Watanabe, and of all the roles he that included a singing and dancing felt like, ‘Yeah, we grin and bear this, rights at the height of war and racial has played — YouTube videos as a Masaoka. you (referring to resisters and liti- member of comedy troupe 18 Mighty For Watanabe, that worked out just gants) shouldn’t be making noise.’” Mountain Warriors, various TV bit fine. Casting a Long Shadow parts, a GI in the celebrated 100th “That’s the only reason I could So significant a shadow does Battalion/442nd Regimental Com- have done it because I neither sing Masaoka cast that to this day, the bat Team in “Only the Brave” and nor dance,” he chuckled, noting that effects upon Japanese Americans of coram nobis case litigant Gordon his was the only principal role to not the actions and words credited to him Hirabayashi in the stage play “Hold require those skills. “It happened to during his stint as the executive secre- These Truths” — none has been more be that it worked out so great for me tary of JACL during and after WWII potentially incendiary than that of that they had changed the Masaoka are still debated by his supporters and JACL legend, lightning rod and hu- part so much to the point that if they detractors. man Rorschach test Mike Masaoka in were going to have a character who For instance, in 2015, the National the 2015-16 Broadway production of was named after a historical figure, it JACL issued the following statement: “Allegiance.” should be more grounded in reality.” “It is important to keep in mind that The versatile Watanabe will again Also unique among all the roles in this musical is an artistic interpreta- walk through a minefield of history “Allegiance”: only the part of Mike tion of events that provide a backdrop Mike Masaoka was the first nation- as he reprises the role of the face and Masaoka uses the real name of an ac- for a love story. Although most of the al secretary and later Washington, D.C., representative of the JACL. voice of the JACL when racism, war tual person. While the fictional role characters, which are loosely based on 32 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH hysteria, and for acting as a confiden- was the wartime leader of the JACL were written to carry the character.” that it’s like I don’t really care.” tial informant for the FBI,” Abe con- and that he was a big proponent of the Breakthrough Role? Working with Takei tinued. “But setting him up as the vil- formation of the 442,” he said, adding Hollywood (the actual place and the In the months leading up to the lain has the emotional effect, intended that his understanding was that when business) and Little Tokyo (where the Aratani Theater’s staging of “Alle- or not, of letting the government off Executive Order 9066 was issued, musical will be staged) are just miles giance,” one of the big, continuing the hook. It’s as if to say, ‘Look at Masaoka “was key to having Nation- apart in the city of Los Angeles — but stories was how acts — as well as al- Mike, he was the culprit,’ not the gen- al JACL come out strongly in favor they might as well be in different gal- legations — of sexual misconduct by eral who lied about military necessity, of having JACL members cooperate axies based on how little Little Tokyo men in politics, the news media and the major who was the architect of with the government.” figures in Hollywood as a real setting the entertainment industry caused mass eviction and incarceration, the Unlike a well-known historical fig- with real people and actual stories. direct and collateral damage to ca- president who signed the order or the ure such as Winston Churchill, who But with “Allegiance” bringing reers and reputations. The name of machinery of government that carried is being portrayed by Gary Oldman attention to itself and Little Tokyo, Watanabe’s fellow “Allegiance” out the order.” in the new movie “Darkest Hour,” could it possibly also help Hollywood thespian, George Takei, came up Watanabe, who as an actor has to there is a dearth of archival material “discover” Watanabe? It’s definitely among those so accused. Takei walk the fine line between the hu- of a young Mike Masaoka that an ac- crossed Watanabe’s mind. denied those accusations. bris and humanity of a real person, tor can use to emulate and capture. “I moved to L.A. from Northern “When he says, ‘I don’t remember seemed to concur with Abe’s take Asked how he prepared to portray California, where I cut my teeth do- ever meeting this guy, I don’t remem- that Masaoka should not be construed things like Masaoka’s mannerisms ing Asian American theater, to make ber this ever happening, I don’t even as the villain, noting how the role has and speech patterns, Watanabe said it it in TV or film, or at least avail my- remember this fellow,’ I believe him,” evolved from “Allegiance’s” early was tough. self to that possibility,” Watanabe Watanabe said. “I stand with him. days to now. “The thing was, I couldn’t find a said. “I’ve never been able to find I don’t know anything about this guy, “He was definitely viewed as a fig- whole lot of first source, primary that traction. I tried to move when I who this guy was, what his motiva- ure who was a conduit of the govern- stuff,” Watanabe said. “There is was still young enough — the whole tions might be, but I trust George to ment and so was viewed pretty nega- some. If you do a YouTube search of industry is centered around youth — I the point where I take him at his word, tively,” Watanabe said. “I think from him, you can see some video,” not- was slow, I think, to adapt to what the unless something comes around a number of people who I spoke to, ing that finding actual filmed footage realities are, of how you have to claw otherwise. their opinion was, ‘Well, he’s such an or recorded audio from the years of your way in.” “I may not be a close personal antagonist, he’s so nonsympathetic,’ WWII was something that probably Since “Allegiance,” however, friend, but I feel like I know him that a viewer might mistake him as didn’t exist. Watanabe has been able to get roles to the point where he’s a person of being the cause of the internment and “It had to be an imagined thing,” in regional theater in places such as integrity, to the point where if concentration camps instead of the said Watanabe. “He was 26 years old New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsyl- something like this had occurred, that government.” when the war broke out, so he’s a vania and Portland, Ore. One of those he would admit to it. Masaoka, who died in 1991, was young man. But everything that I had roles was another well-known Japa- “I think it’s unfortunate regardless nevertheless a polarizing figure to heard was that he was very charismat- nese American, Gordon Hirabayashi, of what the truth is, that is to say, if some within the Japanese American ic, and that yes, he was an excellent in Jeanne Sakata’s play “Hold These this guy is telling the truth, then this community. speaker, really smart. I tried to keep Truths.” person I look up to and admire has “He felt very passionately that he that in mind and try to approach the “It’s such a brutal industry . . . I done this thing, regardless of it being was right,” Watanabe said. “There role with the kind of energy and vigor couldn’t do the Gordon Hirabayashi 40 years ago,” Watanabe continued. were probably other people who felt that I thought a young, caring, driven story on film because I’m too old, if “It’s unfortunate if George is telling like he was vindicated, especially man would have.” you wanted to tell it when he was in the truth and this fellow, whatever when you talk about the 442.” (Note: Abe had praise for Watanabe’s his 20s,” Watanabe said. “Maybe now his motivations . . . that kind of Masaoka was a strong proponent of portrayal of the young Masaoka. that I’m in town with ‘Allegiance,’ accusation holds a lot of weight and allowing draft-age Nisei to be able “Greg Watanabe captures Masa- maybe something will happen.” has consequences.” to serve in the armed forces as com- oka’s earnest surrender of civil rights But with the high-profile “Alle- Watanabe notes that unlike other batants after the U.S. had reclassified with a seriousness of purpose and giance” arriving in the same town men who have been accused, no other Japanese Americans as 4-C or enemy flashes of stubborn defiance.- Wata where Little Tokyo and Hollywood accusers have since emerged. aliens ineligible to serve in the mili- nabe did his homework, reading coexist, could a major movie studio Regarding “Allegiance,” Watanabe tary. Masaoka was famously the first Masaoka’s memoir and studying his finally tell in a big-budget way the says that the story is as relevant as it to volunteer to serve in the 442nd interview and video on our two-disc story of how the U.S. government, in ever was. Regimental Combat Team.) DVD (‘Conscience and the Constitu- a time of crisis, abrogated its constitu- “This is such a timely story, to talk Playing the Part tion’). It shows in Watanabe’s perfor- tional protections, vis-à-vis Japanese about the incarceration experience of Before landing the role in mance; a nonsinger, his portrayal has Americans? Or, in the case of Wata- Japanese Americans because of what “Allegiance,” Watanabe said what gravity.” nabe, give him a lead role? is happening in Muslim communities he knew of the actual Mike Masaoka “I derived most of it from what I “I’d love to see that happen,” Wata- because of the kind of Muslim ban was limited. would have done in that situation,” nabe said. “Sure, I could be the lead that the present administration is talk- “I knew some of the basics, that he Watanabe said, “to allow the words that in a detective procedural or some- ing about imposing,” he said. thing like that, or just a regular guy.” He also wanted to emphasize what While Watanabe could indeed play “Allegiance” is not. the part of a “regular guy,” he is in ac- “A mistaken notion about tuality a bit of a social media activist ‘Allegiance’ is that it is going to who regularly posts links to stories of be a trip down Misery Lane. It’s injustice and racism, without regard simply going to be a tragic, difficult to whether doing so might make him to endure thing,” Watanabe said. appear to be to be a do-gooder or “But,in fact, while it has its elements troublemaker and possibly scare off a of community suffering and tragedy, producer looking to hire an actor for it’s about triumph of spirit, an Asian role. it’s about enduring and continuing “If there are examples of egregious on and building family and acts of racism against Asian Ameri- community. cans, I think it’s important for every- “So, I think the final notes of one to note that,” Watanabe said, “as the play are about reconciliation well as positive things.” and recognizing years-long rifts that He added that since Hollywood exist between, say resisters of hasn’t paid him much notice anyway: conscience and vets and coming “Honestly, it hadn’t even occurred to a grudging understanding of re- to me, probably because I’ve had so spect and appreciation of what each “Allegiance” will begin its run in Los Angeles with returning cast n members Greg Watanabe (far left) and George Takei. little traction in movies and television side did.” · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 33 34 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN­-DEPTH PHOTO: KELLY AOKI CALIFORNIA YONSEI LEAD ‘ Memory Work' The Yonsei Memory Project strives for intergenerational healing through arts, storytelling, digital mapping and cross-cultural collaboration.

In this feature, co-writers Brynn Saito and Nikiko Masumoto report on their work called the ‘Yonsei Memory Project.’ The following is based upon their own work in drawing upon their personal experiences with and commentary from the project’s participants.

By Brynn Saito and Nikiko ties currently targeted by Masumoto, Co-Founders, racist and dehumanizing Yonsei Memory Project policies? As Yonseis of A YMP fundraiser the millennial genera- performance called “Hold This Stone” in Fresno, ikiko Masumoto and tion carrying multicul- Calif. Brynn Saito — Yonsei tural histories, how do we artists from Fresno, Ca- honor our unique role? Brynn Saito in the Central Valley with lif. — reunited in Febru- What does this moment PHOTO: WHITNEY FRANK the support of many com- Nary at the Fresno JACL’s annual Day ask of us? munity members and or- of Remembrance event, which took Born from such inqui- donations, ganizations. Several panels place in collaboration with California ries, Masumoto and Saito founded YMP is mak- Nikiko Masumoto PHOTO: BRAD SHIRAKAWA with dense text and historic State University, Fresno, to mark the the Yonsei Memory Project, a unique ing spaces to photos tell a familiar story 75th anniversary of Executive Order interdisciplinary initiative exploring surface and discuss Japanese Ameri- of Japanese American forced removal, 9066. Masumoto and Saito observed Japanese American experiences — in can history while drawing connec- detention at “assembly centers” such that the gathering stood apart from particular, the incarceration experi- tions to the struggles of today, all in as the Pinedale location, incarceration other programs. A stark reality was ence during World War II — through an effort to create avenues of healing. in concentration camps, resettlement present: There were few Nisei left in familial and community connections, The project’s focus is both intimate and redress. But, this morning’s visit the program’s audience. in addition to using the modalities of and public: YMP facilitates small was unlike a typical tour. In conversations following the event, storytelling, visual arts, poetry and groups to explore deep questions, Participants were given notebooks Saito and Masumoto realized that they creative facilitation. while simultaneously building a col- and invited to engage with the site shared an urgency to do “memory In August, YMP launched its inno- lective digital memory map of impor- through heightened awareness of their work.” They asked questions of them- vative programming and community tant memorial sites for the Japanese senses, recording — like citizen jour- selves: How could we, as Yonseis, work, supported by grant funds from American community in the Central nalists, documentary poets — what utilize our particular backgrounds as the California Civil Liberties Public Valley and preparing for a public Day they saw, heard, felt and touched. artists, poets, writers and organizers Education Program via the California of Remembrance program. The point of the activity was not to awaken the archives of memory? State Library and through fiscal spon- YMP’s inaugural gathering took only to re-educate and refamiliar- How could we draw connections be- sorship by the Fresno Arts Council. place in August in California’s ize the group with a shared commu- tween the experience of the Japanese Combined with independent fund- Central Valley. This first occasion nity history, but also to ask: What are American community and communi- raising and many in-kind community exemplified the kind of transforma- the mechanisms through which PHOTO: NIKIKO MASUMOTO tive experiences at the project’s core. histories are remembered? What are Fifteen people gathered in the early the specific choices made in how we morning and boarded a small bus to memorialize the past, and whose past experience a memory journey in and is remembered? Once back on the around Fresno County, led by Saito bus, participants reflected on what and Masumoto. stood out in their observations and Named “Intergenerations,” the what questions remained. gathering was intentionally curated At the next stop, the group visited to bring together diverse people with a private business, Simonian Farms. Participants and different generational connections to Several years earlier, the owner, members of the Islamic the Japanese American community: Cultural Center of Fresno an Armenian American farmer, engage in art-making at a passengers included Nisei, Sansei, Dennis Simonian, constructed a YMP gathering. Yonsei and to-be-parents of a Gosei. memorial “soul consoling tower” out The group included people from many of reclaimed wood from barracks at races and family structures, some the Poston incarceration camp. adopted, some hapa, some queer. Par- Here, each participant paired up ticipants engaged in lively conversa- with another to take a moment of tion, while the shuttle rumbled by silence while standing inside the Fresno streets named for soil and trees narrow room at the base of the tower. — Cedar, Chestnut, Willow, Maple — Each pair held hands for about a min- signatures of a thriving Central Valley. ute. This simple movement exercise The bus stopped at two particular invited people of different generations memory sites in Fresno. Participants to literally connect through touch and deboarded at the first, the Pinedale PHOTO: REZA NEKUMANESH be present, while surrounded by a Assembly Center Memorial. The me- YMP participants met to build cross-cultural understanding and awareness structure built from the camps. through dialogue, creative writing and visual arts exercises centered morial was developed by the Central around the theme of “Myths, Heroes and Folktales of the Future.” California District Council of JACL » See MEMORY WORK on page 38 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 35 IN­-DEPTH DRS. SANKEY AND SANKEY POINT THE WAY TO Physical, Spiritual HealthPHOTOS: GEORGE TOSHIO JOHNSTON Ancient medicine techniques can help one reach a more peaceful, desirable state — healing both the mind and body. « Jikun Kathy Sankey at the One Drop Zendō of Los By George Toshio Johnston, Angeles, where seated meditation Senior Editor, Digital & sessions take place Social Media

t was just another, routine Los Angeles day. A young woman was driving to her administra- tive desk job when a thought Icame into her mind that would forever alter the course of her life. “I was going to work at UCLA. I came to a stop sign, and it popped into my head that I would be an acu- puncturist. I had never had treatment before, I didn’t really know what that « The cover was. It was such a solid, clear know- for the ing that that was what I was going to novel “My do with my life. I went home, and I Name Is Mahataa,” was just elated because I knew, sud- written denly, that I was going to be an acu- by Jikun puncturist,” recalled Dr. Jikun Kathy it could not be denied. Kathy Sankey, née Kathleen Oshiro. “I had goosebumps from head to Sankey Acupuncture, known as hari toe,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘It’s in Japanese, originated in China genetic, it’s in the DNA, it’s really centuries ago and spread throughout real,’ because I had not planned on Asia, but it became widely known to being a healer in my life. It’s just this Westerners after President Richard thing that bonked me on the head.” Nixon famously opened the doors Looking back, however, to diplomatic recognition for the Sankey doesn’t recall from her child- People’s Republic of China in 1972. hood having any foreshadowing that The ancient approach to healing healing would be part of her life’s uses special needles to pierce spe- path, although she does remem- cific points on the body to stimulate ber growing up in Okinawa, where and unblock the flow of energy (chi her maternal grandmother “used in Chinese, ki in Japanese) to help the moxibustion on the back of my grand- body heal itself. father.” She also watched her grand- Although she didn’t know how mother, whose name was Mahataa, to go about becoming an acupunctur- prepare a bitter herbal soup that used ist, Sankey’s feeling was so strong, an octopus ink sac.

Natural light enters the One Drop Zendō of Los Angeles, which opened its doors in 1997. ALL PHOTOS BY GEORGE TOSHIO JOHNSTON 36 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN­-DEPTH

Dr. Mikio Sankey and Rōshi, Sankey — who goes by her dharma name Dr. Jikun Kathy Sankey have treated thousands Jikun in her Zen circles — also has operated since of patients over the past 1997 the Los Angeles One Drop Zendō. four decades. “I think meditation is critical,” she says. “You could sit in a chair, you could be lying in bed, because it’s about clarifying the mind. Mind precedes everything.” Mikio Sankey, in the meantime, has devel- oped an advanced energy healing system he calls esoteric acupuncture. According to the website esotericacupuncture.net, esoteric acupunc- ture uses “various means other than acupunc- ture needles including — but not limited to — crystal, tuning forks, magnets, Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils (especially the oils by Energy Tools), selenite tools by Tom Ledder of Colorado, gemstones, sound, toning voice and other means.” He has also authored a series books on the topic of esoteric acupuncture — but warns that “these are not for the general public” but, rather, aimed at “people who are in the more spiritual endeavors.” Having had a lifelong interest in music, Mikio Sankey has returned recently to focus on making music in a genre that he calls American journey — “a little Asian, a little Latin, a little jazz, a little R&B, a little rock “— and it’s part of healing, as he defines it. “Both are related, in a bigger sense,” he said. “Healing in my definition is moving from a state of consciousness to a more desirable state of consciousness. It’s not just concerned with ‘I want to feel better,’ ‘I want to get rid of my pain,’ ‘I want to get rid of my depression.’ “So, I had some exposure to ancient medicine That’s within the scope, but healing, from the medicine women of Okinawa,” she said. in my definition, is wanting to move “But those are the only two things I can pluck to a more desirable state — not a bet- from my conscious mind.” ter state, a more desirable state,” Mikio Drs. Sankey and Sankey treat patients in this clinic using Sankey continued. “And that’s a spirit A Calling to Heal techniques from traditional Chinese medicine. One thing Sankey did know — she had to journey, not just a soul journey. It’s a heed this epiphany. In her ancestral homeland of little different than a soul journey.” Okinawa, she was told that “when a woman, County. “We’ve never advertised. It’s all word of The addition of the music he calls American usually late in life, had some kind of bizarre mouth,” she said. journey, then, appears to be a meaningful fit. occurrence where they would know their calling Drs. Sankey and Sankey have treated their Not that it’s a competition, but with her hus- and if they didn’t follow that calling, something patients using methods derived from tradition- band having authored seven books on esoteric terrible would happen to them.” al Chinese medicine, but also by incorporating acupuncture, Kathy Sankey has also authored a As luck — or destiny, perhaps — would have other alternative approaches, including nutritional novel, titled “My Name Is Mahataa,” inspired by it, a fellow tai chi chuan student she asked for regimens like utilizing a diet of fresh, raw, organic her maternal grandmother, and she is working on leads on a local acupuncture teacher with whom foods. a prequel — when she’s not treating patients and conducting meditation sessions in the One Drop to study or a school to attend suggested she talk Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Zazen and Music with a mutual acquaintance who, coincidental- Acupuncture is just one of Kathy Sankey’s Zendō. ly, was about to begin studying acupuncture in pillars for a healthful life. As mentioned, she has But having been on the path of healing for so Los Angeles. They chatted, and Sankey had a practiced tai chi chuan since 1978. long, is retirement something that is in the cards path, enrolling immediately at L.A.’s California “The other part of my path has been the Rinzai for Drs. Sankey and Sankey? Acupuncture College. Zen training. Again, all of this has been kind of an Says Mikio: “Retirement. I don’t like that word.” That was in 1981. Fast-forwarding from when intuitive thing for me. It pops into my head, and she had her “stop sign epiphany,” Kathy and hus- I just do it. I don’t question it because it’s so Drs. Sankey and Sankey can be reached via band Dr. Mikio Sankey, also a practicing, licensed strong and it’s so powerful, this pull I have in email at [email protected] or acupuncturist, have over the subsequent decades these directions.” by calling (310) 673-8225. For more informa- treated in her estimation “thousands” of patients Having studied zazen, or seated meditation, for tion, visit onedropzen.org/community/usa/odz_ from their base of operations in Los Angeles more than 20 years with Japan’s Shodo Harada los_angeles and esotericacupuncture.com/.

· HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 37 IN­-DEPTH PHOTO: BRYNN SAITO MEMORY WORK » PHOTO: JANELLE SAITO continued from page 35 YMP co- founder PHOTO: BRYNN SAITO Nikiko Masu- moto (right) facilitates an activity at Simonian Farms’ “Soul Consoling Tower” memorial.

Fusako (Faye) Ishimaru (left) and Yonsei Memory Project’s “Intergenerations” gathering in Fresno, Calif. Melanie Hirahara take a moment to reflect in Simonian Farms’ “Soul Japanese American community and In October, a group of Japa- Consoling Tower” memorial, built from barrack wood from the Poston in the larger American public to nese, Pakistani, Egyptian and incarceration camp. document, archive and understand Iranian Americans met at the Islamic what happened preceding, during and Cultural Center of Fresno. The group Valley, as well as activate Yonsei who A few participants began to weep at after World War II, YMP builds upon built cross-cultural understanding live there now, for a “Yonsei Home- the immensity of the experience. this work through a slightly different and awareness through dialogue, coming” on Day of Remembrance “I appreciated the impact the day’s approach. creative writing and visual arts weekend, set for Feb. 17-20, 2018. experiences were making on [my Rather than viewing history as exercises centered around the theme A variety of activities will partner] and on me as I held her hands something that is completed, YMP of “Myths, Heroes and Folktales of span the three-day program, and looked into her eyes. It made uses the lens of “living memo- the Future.” including memory journeys on the experience personal to me,” said ry”: Memory is alive and requires The gathering closed with the Feb. 17, led by Yonsei Ambassadors, Saburo Masada, a Nisei leader and constant nourishment or else it creation of superhero characters, and a service project on Feb. 18. educator. falls prey to misunderstanding and prompted by questions such as: “What On Feb. 19, Saito and Masumoto are Marion Masada, another Nisei erasure. does courage in your community look planning a public community heal- participant and community leader, YMP takes to heart the reality that like?” and “What kind of superhero/ ing ritual at the Fresno Assembly reflected, “I have been to the two for many families and for the Japanese heroine does your community need Center Memorial, located at the Fresno memorial sites many times, but there American community as a whole, the now?” Fairgrounds. were still things I had missed to my Yonsei, in many cases, are the last From a feminist samurai heroine While the program on Feb. 19 will surprise! Having focal points to be generation to know survivors of the to the “Magnificent Muslimah,” honor experiences of the Japanese aware of — seeing and being more camps firsthand. participants allowed themselves to be American community in the Central observant of the memorial sites was “It occurred to me as I was sharing playful and brave, calling forth the Valley, the event also strives to make wonderful!” the [August] experience with friends imaginative energy that fuels hope, important connections with other The day concluded with more and family that I was probably the healing and a deeper awareness of the communities’ current struggles for sharing of family stories, memories youngest person there,” noted Yonsei struggles affecting fellow citizens. rights and justice. and feelings, as well as the creation of participant and local journalist Laura “We all want the same things,” The Yonsei generation is uniquely a first draft of a “Collective Memory Tsutsui. “I was struck by the fact that noted participant Jameela Khan, in multiracial and multicultural; working Map,” which noted sites of commu- I can still talk to people who lived reflecting on the experience of the day. between and with solidarity amongst nity significance. through such an integral part of my “Peace and justice and equality.” multiple identities is, for many Yonsei, “I love history. I knew our stories ancestors’ cultural history.” “When will we begin to understand part of daily life. because we have told them to schools, Tsutsui’s reflection translated into a that our liberation must be bound to “At this point, our community is universities and clubs. Instead of somber and urgent responsibility for the liberation of all communities?” tied together as much by our shared feeling sad about our JA history the co-founders of the YMP. added organizer Sukaina Hussain. Japanese American experience as being forgotten or not being carried Additionally, the current politi- This question speaks to the essential by our multicultural experience,” on by our own future generations, cal climate in the history of race and work of breaking down boundaries noted Mia Ayumi Malhotra, a poet I was so filled with hope and racism in the United States adds between communities and resonates and one of YMP’s Bay Area Yonsei appreciation for what [the Yonsei urgency. The August memory journey with the core beliefs of YMP. collaborators. Memory Project is] doing to preserve took place just two weeks after the Although the YMP is primar- In this regard, the Yonsei generation our stories!” said Marion Masada white supremacist rally in Charlottes- ily focused on memory work in is uniquely positioned to lead the next following the program. ville, Va., when supremacists rallied Fresno County, the project has also phase of memory work. Marion Masada’s reflection high- with claims of defending the Confed- collaborated with Japanese Ameri- The YMP’s founders are building lights a crucial notion: There is a erate statues in that city. There is no can writers, artists and organizers a vision of Day of Remembrance to need for the Yonsei generation to question: Memory work is political, in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. include many community voices. make its mark in carrying community memory is alive and the country has These gatherings continue to bring “If Japanese Americans are the only histories. The question that drives not reconciled its racist legacies with together multiple generations and one showing up to YMP’s Day of the Yonsei Memory Project is: How the need for healing. use arts practice as a springboard for Remembrance events, then we do we (want to) remember Japanese Such urgency led YMP to explore observing and imagining a future of haven’t fulfilled the aims of our American experiences? contemporary struggles for justice memory in the Japanese American project,” said Masumoto. “We know While there have been many and civil liberties by coordinating community. that separate was never equal, so then successful efforts both within the events in partnership with the Muslim Looking ahead, YMP hopes to separate is also never healing.” community in Fresno. call many Yonsei back to the Central

Nikiko Masumoto is a hapa-Yonsei, organic Brynn Saito is a Korean and Japanese farmer, community leader and artist. She American poet and educator. Born in works with the same soil in the Central Valley Fresno, Calif., she is currently based in of California that her Issei grandparents nur- the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the tured. Her creative work includes performance author of two books of poetry, “Power and writing: a one-woman show about redress, Made Us Swoon” (2016) and “The ‘What We Could Carry,’ and two books co- Palace of Contemplating Departure” authored with family members, “The Perfect (2013), published by Red Hen Press. Peach” and “Changing Season.”

38 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH

MEMORY WORK » continued from page 38 EVERYONE » continued from page 29 This urge to reveal the quotidian sufferings that surround us is related to Langowski’s hope for Yoshinaga has “learned to appreciate both Japanese Americans to “move beyond the incar- Nikkei identities as I grew older,” and she sees ceration experience in a way that acknowledg- finding the NY/SC as a part of fomenting her iden- es our community’s trauma and diaspora in the tity. On joining the JACL, social justice and civil context of our privilege today.” Langowski also rights were not initial concerns for Yoshinaga, who argues that while “we have our history and story, simply wanted to become a part of a community and we’ve told it a million different ways across that accepted, respected and understood the fabric the country, we must be compassionate and of her ethnic identity. Yet, from challenging peers sympathetic of those who do not have the luxury to and their hopes and passions, she has learned about take a moment to heal.” a plethora of issues “along the way.” Langowski does not see this call to “move be- Experiences of bullying and oppression have yond” history as a way to sever himself from his helped to enflesh this critical awareness in ancestors and their past resistance but rather as An August Intergenerations activity at the Yoshinaga, and it has produced within her an a way of deepening and broadening those lega- Pinedale Assembly Center empathy for others who are suffering. cies. Langowski says he is a JACL member in or- “My identity has shaped me to want to be an ally, der to continue his grandmother’s “fight against Ultimately, YMP’s memory work has the to provide a voice and stand up for people that are injustice,” while acknowledging that his advo- potential to be healing work, fueled by a renewed misrepresented,” she said. Yoshinaga disagrees cacy differs from her own in focusing on issues sense of hope — a clear-seeing, creative hope that with those who believe that Japanese Americans “like mass incarceration, black lives matters or dares to gather and act in the face of confusing and focus “too much” on the story of the incarcera- socioeconomic issues/capitalism that perpetuate distressing times. tion, arguing that Nikkei youth must be steeped in injustice today.” Above all, he treasures the sup- “There’s so much healing, a lifelong process, that these stories to become truly cognizant of what is port of his grandmother and is working for the is fueled by such gatherings,” said Bay Area Nisei happening today. JACL’s survival to the next generation by uplifting participant and writer Toru Saito. “We all benefit According to Yoshinaga, “Knowing why Japa- the voices of youth membership. by just being there and sharing our collective sto- nese Americans were so keen on assimilating to He also believes that the wider organization ries and experiences . . . [the Yonsei Memory Proj- white America and why we lost our language” is an “is extremely critical of the youth voice,” a point ect] created a place to process those emotions and important lesson to herald. She suspects the divides Langowski finds evidenced by actions taken at the guarded feelings and wounds still under wraps after between Shin-Nikkei and third-, fourth- and fifth- recent July National Convention. Langowski points all these years. I say, good work to you who have generation Nikkei stem from incarceration histo- to how a proposed resolution regarding divestment given of their talents to facilitate this work.” ries, which encouraged many diasporic families to from the Dakota Access Pipeline, which caused erase their Japanese identity in shame. There is still consternation, had to have its teeth filed down in To follow more of the Yonsei Memory Project, internal healing needed here. Yoshinaga is laboring order to pass. follow its Facebook page or email yonseimemory for hope, harmony and healing because these are “I was so moved by the youth and members [email protected]. life-and-death affairs. who wrote that resolution,” Langowski recalled. “I hope for white nationalism to one day un- “Yet, their vision — which was fresh and new, and derstand it’s not all about them — there are other the young people spoke so eloquently — was not people in this country, too, that are just as human effectively heard by JACL the institution.” as them. . . . I hope we can all coexist in harmony Where are these liberative textures like harmony, without feeling fear or embarrassment with the hope and healing to be created but in the sticki- skin or soul we’ve been given,” she said. ness of daily institutional life? It is on the floors of Eric Langowski serves as the Midwest District convention halls and in board rooms, in Council Youth Representative. Initially, he entered chapter gatherings and district council meetings, at the JACL through Hoosier chapter events, which “family-style picnics” and cultural events to the he viewed as “family picnic”-type gatherings. Lan- political and social arena that we make our political gowski is passionate about sharing the community commitments real and expend our lives. he has found within the NY/SC with wider circles The various professional spheres represented of Japanese American youth, traveling frequently by NY/SC members include artists, activists, and running young adult programming throughout data researchers, clergy, political, community the Midwest. organizers, business students and leaders, as With a mathematics background, Langowski well as far more. Members express how the works with civic engagement and studies hate diverse and sometimes conflicting views of crimes. fellow council members have only strengthened “My career goal is to become a data-expert their commitments to civil and human rights. and work to quantify injustice in a way that Forums such as the Pacific Citizen are furthers the struggle for equality and equity,” also important venues for our community to foster he said. “I always say that ‘never again’ happens sharp and necessary conversations around social everyday.” justice. n

PHOTO: COURTESY OF KELLY AOKI

Kubota M o r t u a r y

Family owned and serving the community since 1960

Photographed in Chicago at their fall retreat in October are (from left) Kelly Aoki, Mieko Kuramoto, Kenji Kuramitsu, Michelle Huey, Eric Langowski, Juli Yoshinaga, Kota Mizutani, Tammy Le and Erik Tokita. · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 39 40 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 41 YEAR IN REVIEW

Year in Review: 2017 Smithsonian Honors the Legacy of Japanese Americans in New Exhibit The National Museum of American History in Washington, California Governor Signs Bill to Give D.C., opened “Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and $3 Million in Education Grants on World War II” on Feb. 17. The yearlong exhibition about Ex- WWII Incarceration ecutive Order 9066 combines original artifacts, photographs and historical information from one of the darkest periods in Gov. Edmond G. Brown Jr. signed Assemblymember Al American history. It will remain open until Feb. 19, 2018. Muratsuchi’s (D-Torrance) Assembly Bill (AB) 491 on Sept. Feb. 19 marked the 75th anniversary of E.O. 9066, which 28, which will provide $3 million in education grants over President Roosevelt signed just two months after Japan’s the next three years on the incarceration of more than attack on Pearl Harbor. A special viewing of the exhibit was 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. held during the JACL National Convention in July — the JACL “I am excited to deliver $3 million in education grants and several of its chapters were among the exhibit’s donors. on the World War II Japanese American incarceration,” “As the National Museum of American History, we hope stated Muratsuchi. “. . . This year, President Donald that visitors to the museum, including the younger gen- Trump has issued executive orders calling for a Mus- erations, learn about the past and make connections to the lim travel ban. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure stories of people who were often the same age as they are, that Americans have learned the lessons of the and to engage in the dialogue about what it would be like if Japanese American Incarceration so that no other group or this happened to them,” said Project Director Jennifer Locke Jones. “Connecting with youth through objects and stories community is similarly targeted.” of individuals who were youth when they were incarcerated gives them something to relate to and helps them understand the history of the Japanese American community during World War II.”

Northern California Wildfires Cause Millions in Damage and Claim Sonoma State University President’s Home

The home belonging to Sonoma State University President Judy K. Sakaki and her husband, Patrick McCallum, President Trump Signs Proclamation for was just one of 158 homes destroyed Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the Northern California wildfires that ravaged parts of Napa and Sonoma President Donald Trump signed a proclamation at the Counties in October. White House on Dec. 7, officially declaring the infamous Sakaki, who became the first female date National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Japanese American to lead a four-year “Today, our entire nation pauses to remember Pearl institution when she was officially Harbor and the brave warriors who on that day stood tall sworn in on April 20, narrowly escaped and fought for America,” Trump said. the fires on Oct. 9. Trump last month paid a visit to Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor In a Facebook post to the SSU community on Oct. 10, Sakaki wrote, “It is still too early to assess all the and its memorial to the USS Arizona before he departed for damage our community has endured, but we know it is extensive and that it has taken a huge toll on many.” his first trip to Asia. The surprise attack by Japan on Dec. The fires that burned throughout Northern California claimed the lives of 42 people. 7, 1941, killed more than 2,400 Americans and plunged the U.S. into World War II.

JACL Expresses Dismay over MLB’s Handling of Gurriel Incident JACL National President Gary Mayeda joined a coalition of community groups in a press conference on Nov. 1 to express their dismay in Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred’s decision to delay the punishment of Houston Astros’ player Yuli Gurriel following his racist mockery of Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish in Game 3 of the World Series on Oct. 27. On Oct. 28, Manfred announced that Gurriel would have to undergo sensitivity training and be suspended without pay for five games beginning in the 2018 season. The incident caused a social media uproar among Asian American community organizations and fans. Also speaking at the press conference were JANM’s Rick Noguchi, MANAA’s Guy Aoki, Rev. Tim Yee and GFBNEC’s Mitch Maki. Since the incident, JACL National has been actively engaged in conversations with the corporate offices of MLB.

JACL Featured on ‘Asian Pacific America With Robert Handa’ “Asian Pacific America With Robert Handa,” the only Asian cultural affairs show on network television in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, featured various aspects of the JACL during its Aug. 6 program. In featuring the JACL, host Handa hoped “people will not only understand the historical role that the JACL plays in helping the community, but also see its relevance to our world today. These lessons seem particularly valuable as other ethnic communities face similar issues and threats now.” Featured on the program were JACL National President Gary Mayeda, members of the Sonoma County JACL, Berkeley JACL Chapter Board Member Nancy Ukai and Patti Hirahara, contributor to the Pacific Citizen and member of the Greater Los Angeles JACL.

42 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · NATIONAL KELLY MARIE TRAN STEPS INTO JAPANESE PITCHER-HITTER ‘STAR WARS’ STARDOM IN ‘THE SHOHEI OHTANI CHOOSES LAST JEDI’ THE LOS ANGELES ANGELS

The actress never By Associated Press job with the New York Yankees. “We are honored Shohei Ohtani gave up hope in ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Shohei has decided to join the Angels Ohtani has decided he’s on the side of breaking through in organization,” the franchise said in the Angels. a brief statement. “We felt a unique Hollywood. The Japanese two-way star connectivity with him throughout the announced Dec. 9 that he will sign By Associated Press process and are excited he will be- with the Los Angeles Angels, end- come an Angel. This is a special time ing the sweepstakes surrounding his LOS ANGELES — Kelly for Angels fans.” move to Major League Baseball in a Marie Tran still can’t Ohtani has ample opportunity to surprising destination. quite believe she’s in a fulfill his biggest ambitions with the Ohtani, who intends to be both a “Star Wars” movie. Angels, who are in need of a top start- starting pitcher and an everyday pow- The 28-year-old was ing pitcher. They should be able to fit er hitter, turned down interest from about to give up on her him into their lineup when he isn’t every other big-league club to join dreams of becoming and it was so pitching: Pujols has largely been a two-time MVP Mike Trout and slug- an actress when blatant from designated hitter for the past two sea- ger Albert Pujols with the Angels, she landed a the beginning sons, but the three-time NL MVP is who are coming off their second- breakthrough role that she was the expected to be healthy enough to play consecutive losing season and haven’t in “The Last Jedi,” right girl for the first base more frequently in 2018. won a playoff game since 2009. which opened in theaters Dec. 15. part,” he said. Ohtani represents an extraordinary The Angels’ combination of a So, after years of toiling and hoping Both Boyega and Daisy Ridley bargain due to baseball’s rules around promising core and a beautiful West and working disposable jobs, Tran is (Rey) were also relative unknowns international players. Coast location clearly appealed to now a movie star, the kind of person when they joined the “Star Wars” uni- The Angels will have to pay the $20 the 23-year-old Ohtani, who has who holds hands with Laura Dern verse for 2015’s “The Force Awak- million posting fee to Ohtani’s previ- confounded baseball experts at at media events and considers ens,” and Tran said they’ve been like ous club, the Nippon Ham Fighters, almost every step of his move to Gwendoline Christie a good friend. spirit guides as she navigates a new but Ohtani will not be paid a huge sal- North America as one of the most- “I know, right? Let me pinch world of international appearances ary for the next three seasons. Ohtani, coveted free agents in years. myself real quick,” Tran said, her and near-religious fandom. who will be under the Angels’ con- Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, effervescent excitement bright and “It is such a strange experience,” tractual control for six years, will issued a statement Dec. 9 announc- obvious. “I am just trying to stay she said. “You know, it’s not like sign a minor league contract and can ing the decision after meeting with present and really trying to experi- taking your driver’s test or break- receive up to $2,315,000 in interna- several finalists for his services ence every moment of this. It still ing up with your boyfriend, where tional bonus money from the Angels. earlier in the week. feels very impossible and very much you can call whoever you want to He likely could of received a deal Balelo said the 2016 Japanese MVP like it’s all a big dream or something.” be like, ‘Hey, remember when that worth more than $100 million if he “felt a true bond with the Angels. He Tran was plucked from obscurity happened?’ This is truly like you had waited two years to move state- sees this as the best environment to to play Rose Tico, a Resistance me- have two other people you could talk side, but Ohtani wasn’t interested in develop and reach the next level and chanic in “The Last Jedi.” Rose idol- to about it.” delaying his progress for money. attain his career goals.” izes Resistance fighters like pilot Poe Tran’s family is also keeping her Ohtani was 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA After his unusual courtship, Ohtani Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and former grounded. She said her Vietnamese this year while slowed by thigh and will attempt to chart a unique career Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega), immigrant parents were raised far ankle injuries. He also hit .332 in path as the majors’ first regular two- but does her work behind the scenes. from “Star Wars” and Hollywood. 65 games with eight homers and 31 way player in several decades. Ohtani “She’s never been someone who “I think that my family not being RBIs last season. In 2016, Ohtani hit already has drawn numerous compar- has been in the limelight,” Tran said from this industry at all has really .322 with 22 home runs and 67 RBIs isons to Babe Ruth, who excelled as a of her character. “And then we get to helped,” she said. “Just because I go in 104 games. He also was 10-4 with hitter and a pitcher early in his Hall of see her get pulled into the forefront of home and my mom is like, ‘Wash the a 1.86 ERA. n Fame career. the action, and you see how she deals dishes,’ you know, and it’s just great.” Ohtani is expected to be both a with it.” Tran, however, is a Southern right-handed starting pitcher and a Sounds like art imitating life for a Californian who grew up on pop left-handed designated hitter for the certain actress. culture, even though she didn’t see Angels, who are expecting to give “Totally, 100 percent,” Tran said many reflections of herself in it. him ample playing time in both roles. with a beaming grin. Tran said she relishes the chance to Angels General Manager Billy Director Rian Johnson found her portray a “Star Wars” hero as an Asian Eppler is very serious about winning, after “a huge, exhaustive casting American woman. and he has spent several years scout- search” that included well-known “I remember when I was really ing Ohtani, ever since his previous actresses and newcomers. young, and I felt like I needed to “And Kelly just, I don’t know, she see someone that looked like me do really jumped out at me as someone something impossible,” she said. “I who I was looking for in the charac- wanted to look like everyone else ter,” he said. “I wanted someone who in movies and books and TV shows, — thinking back to me as a kid be- and because no one looked like me, I ing a genuine nerd you could relate to wanted to change. And I think about — someone who didn’t feel like they that a lot. I think about the idea of all belong; someone you wouldn’t nec- these young kids and what would the essarily imagine as a big ‘Star Wars’ world be if we all were so confident hero. Let’s throw them in the mix and that we never spent any time wanting see the world through their eyes.” to be anyone else. So, it means a lot to me.” The film’s John Boyega said he Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani officially Take that from a newly minted could tell during the audition process announced his intent to sign with the Los Angeles Angels that Tran had something special. movie star. n during a press conference on Dec. 9. “We would do chemistry reads, “The Last Jedi” is in theaters now. · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 43 44 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH

PHOTO: CHERYL HIRATA-DULAS PHOTO: RANDY KIRIHARA Pictured (from left) are photogra- Dr. Gordon pher Paul Kitagaki Nakagawa Jr. with Yuichiro moderates Onishi, Sophia the Day of Kim and Romare Remembrance Onishi (front) at program on the opening Feb. 19 at the reception of Minnesota “Gambatte! Lega- History Center. cy of an Enduring Spirit: Japanese American WWII Incarceration, Then & Now” at Historic Fort Snelling Visitors Center on May 23. A New Beginning for Japanese American Activism in The Twin Cities chapter of the JACL hopes to bringMinnesota equal treatment for all not just in the Land of 10,000 Lakes but throughout the U.S. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHERYL HIRATA-DULAS

By Yuichiro Onishi, happen again to other vulnerable and Contributor marginalized people. Sally Sudo, a steadfast local Nisei he Twin Cities chapter of activist-leader, has been the corner- the JACL marked the 75th stone in the committee, doing much anniversary of Executive of the speaking engagements to all Order 9066 in its activities ages and constituents. Sudo shares Tthroughout 2017. This year gave us with her audience her first-hand ac- an opportunity to reflect on our stance counts of being imprisoned for three as an organization for justice and civil and half years, first in the Puyallup rights. The collective sentiment is that detention facility, and later in Mini- the chapter is on the cusp of ushering doka as a little girl with her family. in a new beginning. She and her Issei parents and Ni- The TC-JACL Education Committee with CAIR-MN in St. Cloud. Pictured On Nov. 18, a half dozen mem- sei brothers and sisters were forcibly (from left) are Gordon Nakagawa, Ben Hartman, Karen Tanaka Lucas, bers drove northwest, an hour from uprooted and removed from Seattle Yuichiro Onishi, John Matsunaga, Jaylani Hussein, Sally Sudo, Teresa Minneapolis/St. Paul, to take part in when President Franklin D. Roos- Hartman and Cheryl Hirata-Dulas. educational outreach in St. Cloud, an- evelt issued Executive Order 9066. other Mississippi River city located Her story is archived in the Densho ucators, tackled head on the Minne- Day of Remembrance, which was in central Minnesota. The chapter Digital Repository and a myriad of sota K-12 History and Social Studies held on Feb. 19 at the Minnesota His- members set out to engage the people other projects, including the St. Olaf Standards, which in its initial version tory Center. A sense of urgency surely of St. Cloud on why the wartime ex- College’s digital humanities project did not include a single standard re- abounded in the aftermath of the 2016 perience of the Japanese American called “Beyond the Barbed Wire: lated to the Japanese American World presidential campaign. Against the incarceration matters more than ever Japanese Americans in Minnesota.” War II incarceration experience. backdrop of Trump’s triptych to build today. The Education Committee has also The committee successfully lob- a wall, deport immigrants and bar The Education Committee of TC taken some key initiatives in the past bied to update the draft. Because the refugees and Muslims from entering JACL has been doing this type of out- to lead TC JACL to become an advo- Military Intelligence Service Lan- the United States, Gordon Nakagawa, reach activity for several years. The cacy group. Particularly noteworthy guage School that was located first in a local Sansei activist and educator, committee’s work typically involves was its work with the Minnesota De- Camp Savage and later Fort Snelling stepped up. issuing a reminder to the public that partment of Education. In 2003, Sudo in Minnesota from 1942-46 was in- Nakagawa is of the generation of the Japanese American incarceration and her colleagues, Cheryl Hirata- cluded under Minnesota History, the Japanese American activists that was a tragedy of democracy that was Dulas and Lucy Kirihara, as well as committee created a curriculum guide honed political consciousness in the far-reaching, and that it ought to not other Asian American leaders and ed- for teachers to highlight the Japanese milieu created out of Japanese Ameri- PHOTO: CHERYL HIRATA-DULAS American military service as one of can struggles for redress in the 1980s, the key contributions that Minnesota specifically the work of the National and its people made during WWII. Coalition for Redress/Reparations. Most recently, the TC JACL Edu- He drafted a statement of solidarity in cation Committee, co-chaired by Ja- collaboration with Executive Direc- net Carlson and Carolyn Nayematsu, tor Jaylani Hussein of the Council on spearheaded planning for a yearlong American-Islamic Relations of Min- commemoration of the 75th anniver- nesota (CAIR-MN) to articulate a sary of Executive Order 9066. shared commitment to push back the The committee showcased rising temper of racial nationalism. Roger Shimomura’s iconic prints at While the chapter did break new Macalester College in St. Paul, as well ground politically at the Day of Re- as brought Paul Kitagaki Jr.’s photo membrance ceremony, there is much exhibit “Gambatte! Legacy of of an work to be done to begin carving out Sally Sudo shares her World War II experiences with 150 Advanced Enduring Spirit” to Historic Fort the shape of cross-racial solidarity to Placement U.S. History students at Lakeville North High School in Snelling. resist current heightened xenophobia March 2003. Members also worked toward the and vulgar racism. · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 45 IN-DEPTH PHOTOS: CHERYL HIRATA-DULAS see first-hand the fears and concerns of people who have Muslims living in their community. It is so reminiscent of my experiences facing racial hatred and misunderstanding growing up as a Japanese American. In my experi- ence, so much of the hatred toward me and my community was based on rumors, misinformation and outright lies. It took many years of people get- ting to know us on a personal basis for us to gain the acceptance we have today. “The vast majori- ty of the population Panelists at the TC-JACL/CAIR-MN Forum “Japanese American Incarcera- agrees that what tion: Could It Happen Again?” which was held at the St. Cloud Public happened to us in Library on Nov. 18. Pictured (from left) are Yuichiro Onishi, Sally Sudo, World War II was a John Matsunaga and Executive Director of CAIR-MN Jaylani Hussein. tragic mistake made by our govern- The chapter has inserted itself in gee resettlement in St. Cloud. It was ment,” Sudo con- the nerve center of white resistance decidedly anti-Muslim and racist. Al- tinued. “And yet, regarding the integration of Somali though it was rejected on a 1-6 vote, many of the same American and Muslim American it revealed the coordinated exercise people cannot see people. St. Cloud, a small white ma- of power buoying the campaign of the parallels to what jority city with a population of 67,000 Islamophobia at the grassroots level. is happening to the residents, is such a place. Somali Cognizant of this political climate, Muslim American Americans are often targeted, and the chapter chose the path of moral Sally Sudo engages the audience at the TC-JACL/ community today. their small yet growing community suasion, all the while amplifying the CAIR-MN Forum “Japanese American Incarceration: When will people is perceived as a threat to the existing power of Sudo’s storytelling. Mem- Could It Happen Again?” learn that looking racial status quo. bers also drew a parallel between like the enemy does Racist and bias incidents have been Asian exclusion enacted through this country by emphasizing his con- not make you the enemy? Looking persistent in the last several years, racist fears and violences commonly tribution to the local economy as a like a terrorist does not make you a while statewide and nationally, the known as “Yellow Peril” in the past, businessman and successful assimila- terrorist.” number of such cases has gone up which were buttressed by laws and tion through educational attainment. Yet, strikingly, these same people noticeably. To further heighten the policies, as well as the current demon- But an elderly white woman snapped, that exhibited enormous contempt to- alarm, when a stabbing incident that ization of Muslim people in America. shouting, “Show me your tax forms!” ward local Somali Americans would wounded 10 people occurred at a Both John Matsunaga, a Sansei vi- In another exchange, a white woman turn to Japanese Americans on the local mall in St. Cloud in September sual artist/photographer, educator and lamented, “I don’t want them (Mus- panel and offer an apology for harms 2016 and the assailant was identified activist whose parents, grandparents, lims) to take away from Christianity.” done. They would not speak ill of as a young Somali American man, it aunts and uncles were all incarcer- The most recalcitrant and abrasive re- Japanese Americans. In fact, in their fueled the already potent xenophobia ated during World War II, and CAIR- action came from two white women eyes, Japanese Americans are the re- and racism. MN’s Hussein sharply presented just sitting in the front row. Presenting a habilitated, the embodiment of the Even as a group of local residents, how the tragedy of the past is playing trumped-charge against CAIR and model minority, and the antithesis of #UniteCloud, stood together with itself out today. Together, TC JACL speaking directly to Hussein, they Somali and Muslim Americans. Somali neighbors to prevent this inci- has made known the cultural, legal demanded, “Are you tied to Hamas Sudo also said searchingly, “I dent carried out by a single individual and political forces, then and now, and the Muslim Brotherhood? I am hope the day will soon come when from being wrongfully cast as a col- that make racial and religious minor- asking a yes or no question!” The ma- [everyone] among us can gain the same lective one, white backlash ensued. ity groups to be treated as perpetual jority of the audience was thoroughly acceptance that we as Japanese Unfounded claims and misleading foreigners, if not criminals, terrorists cognizant of the irony of it all. Americans enjoy today.” assertions proliferated. and enemies. After the event, Sudo reflected, “I This hope, at its core, is a matter Just a month prior to the chapter’s A handful of people at the forum re- have spoken about my experiences of human liberation — what it is to co-sponsored event, for instance, a fused to link the past to the present. during WWII countless times to be human. While its fulfillment is a local councilman introduced a resolu- In one exchange, a Muslim American schools and community groups, but challenge, all Americans play an tion calling for a moratorium on refu- man stood up to convey his loyalty to rarely have I had an opportunity to important role. n

SACRAMENTO SPAGHETTI AND CRAB FEED SET FOR JANUARY PHOTO: JANICE LUSZCZAK he Sacramento JACL, by Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan from the in conjunction with the University of California, Davis, Sacramento Senator Lions a raffle, dessert silent auction and Club, is set to hold its 2018 the popular paper airplane contest. TAll-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti and Crab Participants — which in the past Feed on Jan. 27 at the Sacramento have ranged in age from 2 to 100 — Buddhist Church in Sacramento, are invited to fold a paper plane to Calif. see whose plane travels the farthest From its beginnings in 1981, the in the church gym. Trophies will be chapter has held this event to raise awarded by age bracket. money for scholarships, support for Dinner tickets are $50 for adults the Japanese American Community and $10 for children ages 6-10. and civil rights education. This event, drawing between 200-250 For more information or to people yearly, serves as the chapter’s purchase tickets, please contact primary fundraiser. Janice Luszczak at (916) 903-6645 The dinner, which begins at or email Janice.luszczak@gmail. 5 p.m., will also feature a performance The 2017 Spaghetti and Crab Feed com. 46 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 47 C OMMENTARY PHOTOS: GIL ASAKAWA NIKKEI VOICE Hoping for the Best for Our World in 2018

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum “conveys to the world the horrors and the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons and spreads the message of ‘No More Hiroshimas.’”

By Gil Asakawa missiles that can strike the U.S. — rea’s “Dear Leader” waging a war of I’ve visited the park and its powerful not just U.S. territories like Guam, words, tensions are high that fighting museum with my mom and my wife e live in tumultuous but the mainland states. We’ll see if could become a reality. A United Na- and in-laws. — and, possibly, per- his claims are true, but the fact is that tions envoy who visited North Korea It’s a solemn, yet hopeful place. ilous — times. Our Americans are living under the threat said that “time is of the essence” to The arch of the cenotaph monument government and soci- of mushroom-cloud destruction for calm down the rhetoric and potential that covers the name of every victim Wety at large is more divided than I can the first time in a generation, since the for war. Even China, Kim’s staunch- of the bomb that exploded over Hi- remember, even during my childhood Cold War ended in the 1980s. est ally and economic lifeline, is roshima is set so that when a visitor in the 1960s. Race and gender issues President Donald Trump has used now preparing refugee camps within pays respect to the dead, the view fill the headlines every day, and that’s inflammatory language that pushed its border for North Koreans who through the arch centers on the dra- just looking at domestic headlines. Kim into conducting a series of mis- may be fleeing the possible coming matic skeletal dome of the one build- It’s not “fake news” to say that our sile tests and underground nuclear conflagration. ing that remains from that day, which country is struggling today, on a va- tests. Some of the test missiles fell The possibility of nuclear war is a was left as a memorial at ground zero. riety of levels on a variety of topics. into the sea between Korea and clear and present danger in the world, The museum shows in stark The United States’ international Japan, and a couple of ballistic in a way that is much more vivid than displays various photos, artifacts and standing is diminished, too, because missiles flew over Japan into the in decades. Like Americans were re-creations of the fiery destruction our government has made some Pacific. One flew over southern Hok- taught to “duck and cover” and fami- that Japan’s civilian citizens (and moves that have been very unpopular kaido, Japan’s northernmost island, lies built nuclear fallout shelters dur- many Americans, including POWs, worldwide, such as officially nam- and I thought about my mom’s home- ing the Cold War era, Japanese citi- by the way) suffered. Odd pieces of ing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel town, Nemuro, which is located at the zens today are living through drills on humanity survived — a bento box, a and planning to move our embassy southeastern-most tip of Hokkaido. what to do if a nuclear attack is immi- tricycle, scraps of clothing with the there, and blocking travel (and immi- Even if a nuclear war doesn’t break nent. What? This is like a nightmare bodies they covered long gone. gration) from a handful of Muslim- out with North Korea, a conventional scene from a “Terminator” movie. There’s also a statue of Sadako majority countries. war of ground troops and short-range The Japanese are very aware — the Sasaki, a girl who lived a little over The U.S. has also turned its back missiles would be devastating to the most aware of anyone in the world a mile from ground zero when the on a handful of treaties and positions entire region. Japan is within easy — of the horrors of nuclear war. It A-bomb exploded; at the time, she we’ve led for decades, including reach, and Seoul, South Korea’s capi- remains the only country ever to was 2 years old. Even though she pulling out of the Climate Accords, tal, is a mere 35 miles from the border suffer the effects of nuclear bombs. survived the bombing, Sadako died renegotiating NAFTA, the Iranian with the North, and only 120 miles The Atomic Bomb helped end World when she was 12, due to radiation- nuclear agreement and dropping from Pyongyang, the North’s capi- War II, but it came at a terrible cost, linked Leukemia. As she fell ill, she out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, tal. Many thousands of Americans vaporizing much of two cities, Hiro- made origami cranes, trying to fold which would have made us a part — both military and their families, as shima and Nagasaki, in August 1945. 1,000 of the birds, which in Japanese of a multicountry Asian trade pact. well as civilians — live and work in And though the Japanese may be folklore means “long life.” Her story Now, those Asian countries are cre- Seoul and throughout South Korea. living in fear now, I’m hopeful that was memorialized in the book “Sada- ating their own open trading deals, Ditto the presence of many Ameri- the worst will not happen. ko and the Thousand Paper Cranes.” and China has established itself as the cans, from military and businesspeo- There are reports that North Korea Children throughout the world now most powerful force in the region. ple to students and tourists, in Japan. may be negotiating via Russian back make strings of 1,000 cranes and send Most alarmingly, there’s a new Japan is now buying missiles that channels to avoid this disaster, which them to the Peace Park, where they’re nuclear threat in the world: North can strike North Korea if it’s attacked. certainly gives me hope. stored in display cases surrounding a Korea. The U.S. and its allies have stepped I visited Hiroshima’s Peace bell and statue of Sadako. North Korea’s unpredictable, im- up military drills in the region. Memorial Park as a child, when my mature ruler, Kim Jong-un, claims to With our president and North Ko- family lived in Japan. As an adult, » See WORLD on page 58 have the ability to fire nuclear armed

Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima honors the brief life of Sadako Sasaki and her dream of making 1,000 cranes before her death from Leukemia. 48 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 49 50 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 51 COMMENTARY PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MARSHA AIZUMI

2017 Aizumi A MOTHER’S TAKE Disneyland Day A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes

By Marsha Aizumi later, the peace and harmony that all who have helped us to get here. and who you are is not a choice, that I wanted for him would not be the HEALING is a place of great conflict. Do you very year for the past life we were living. It has been a difficult year for heal- choose to be your true self and leave few years, our family has Seventeen years later, as we ing when there is so much chaos and the church, or do you stay in the entered the holiday season strolled around Disneyland, among uncertainty going on in the world. church and hide who you truly are? looking forward to a day the hustle and bustle of the park and But I can’t let what I have no control We left the church so Aiden could be Etogether at Disneyland. It all started its visitors, all I could feel was peace, over, overwhelm me with despair. his true self. because Aiden and Mary love the harmony and joy for another year to- That would be giving up on the life Today, speaking at churches and “Magic Kingdom” so much, and it’s gether. But these things did not come I dream for my children. Instead, I temples and seeing clergy, faith a place Stefen didn’t mind taking a to us easily. We had to choose to risk have become more determined to leaders, congregations and sanghas friend to. I wanted to share some- talking about and doing things that bring greater healing and hope to openly embrace us with warmth thing that everyone could enjoy, made us uncomfortable. We had to the work that I do. Two of the areas and genuine acceptance has healed and I loved having both of my sons love with our whole hearts, even I have chosen to put my attention on some of the wounds that being re- present with their wife, girlfriend though there was no guarantee that are faith and the Nikkei community. jected caused. Thank you to all the or roommates. It was a time to tell we wouldn’t be hurt. And we had to I dream that churches and temples churches and temples that are creat- stories, laugh and be together in a risk for the positive, when often risk can become a place of greater con- ing spaces where our hearts can be place of childhood wonder. is seen as negative. nection and healing for families, just comforted, and we can walk away This year, since I knew the theme Harmony has come to us by in- as Disneyland can be a place of mag- feeling cleansed, whole and loved. for this issue is all about hope, heal- tention. It took my husband, Aiden, ical experiences. Aiden and my work Being Nikkei was also difficult be- ing and harmony, I thought I would Stefen, Mary and me time and pa- in the faith community have shown cause I felt that I was bringing shame use the backdrop of our Disneyland tience to come to an understanding me that they can be a healing place. and dishonor to our family. Howev- trip to find inspiration in my writing. of who we are as a family. In times of When Aiden was asked to leave the er, being a part of Okaeri 2014 and Here are the thoughts that flowed discord, we had to listen to each oth- Lutheran Church until he found him- 2016 events where we welcomed through me as we wandered through er and decide how we would move self (in other words not be lesbian, home those Nikkei in the LGBTQ our “Annual Disney Family Day.” forward. It was often very awkward gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community and welcomed their HARMONY and humbling, but I wouldn’t change and one of our friends tried to tell family, friends and allies to join us When Aiden was assigned female a thing, realizing that greater harmo- Aiden that what he was choosing to in this homecoming has also brought at birth, the name I gave him meant ny, deeper connection and honest re- be was not right in God’s eyes, those deep healing to our family. I look peace and harmony. This was the lationships were the result. This holi- were two very painful events. When forward to Okaeri 2018, which is be- life that I hoped that he would have. day season, I will be grateful for the you think that you are not worthy of ing planned for the fall of next year. gift of harmony we have created and Little did I realize that 12 years God’s love because of who you are, » See DREAM on page 58

Aizumi at Okaeri 2016 with Seattle JACL President Marsha and Aiden in 2017 at the The Okaeri 2016 planning team Sarah Baker and former president Bill Tashima Pasadena Buddhist Temple 52 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 53 54 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · IN-DEPTH PERFECT PRESENTS PHOTO: LOVE WITH FOOD Frazzled because Christmas is nearly here and you still don’t have that ideal gift to give to that someone on your list? Bring harmony back into your life by trying these new unique gift subscriptions, which give back to others in return.

By Connie K. Ho, A Love With Food Giftbox Contributor designed exclusively for Meowbox Port Washington, N.Y. customers, some locally handmade, “Shelters across the country are in and wear them for years.” t’s hard to believe that the holi- while all edible goodies are always need, and we want to help as many made in Canada or the U.S. It’s tough Gift subscription plans include a days are just around the corner as possible,” Canlas said. “The goal six- or 12-month subscription, socks and 2018 is just a few weeks choosing what goes in each box is to donate to shelters in every state because we have so many fun ideas, for all shoe sizes and a variety of sock away. It’s that time of year again and province.” styles such as patterns or graphics. for gift giving galore! Which means but the main goal is to make sure Meowbox is based out of Vancou- I our kitty customers get toys that are “Say It With a Sock’s socksolo- . . . Are you tired of heading out to ver, British Columbia, and Portland, stimulating and unique.” gists take into account each user’s the mall only to find the same items Ore.; the first Meowbox shipped in preferences (classic patterns vs. bold on shelves that you saw the last time The company also supports February 2014. other kitties — with every Meowbox patterns) and feedback, to ensure that you were there? Is searching for that “Why should dogs have all the no member ever receives the same perfect gift only making your stress bought, the fun? That’s one of the PHOTO: SAY IT WITH A SOCK pair of socks twice,” Daniel said. levels rise? If you’re finding that organi- questions we asked zation Happy Socks, Sock It to Me and harmony in your life is being inter- when, in Bokkie are just a few of the brands rupted because of the craziness that is gives a 2013, can of that Say It With a Sock works with. the holiday gift-buying season, then “A lot of the brands are small and look no further. If you want to treat food (or not very well known, so we love get- family and friends to something new ting to share new brands and new in 2018 — as well as do some good brand stories with their subscrib- for society as well — consider order- ers,” Daniel said. “We seek out ing a gift subscription box. We’ve got the brands that care about material, a few recommended ideas here that quality and unique designs as much are sure to cross everyone — from as we do.” family, friends to even beloved pets Say It With a Sock also has a — off your list. Happy shopping! social good component. According Meowbox to the company, socks are the most- requested items for those experienc- A Meowbox is full of trinkets and Say It With a Sock Holiday surprises for beloved pets. The box, 2017 Bonus Pair ing homelessness. The organiza- addressed to feline friends, has a tion has partnered with Lava Mae, a variety of goodies. A recent deliv- nonprofit in San Francisco, to offer ery featured the theme of a Barpurr mobile showers and socks to those Shop and included a handmade or- in need. Thousands of socks are monetary equivalent) to there was no such thing as a subscrip- ganic catnip toy from Furry and donated each month with the help of a shelter cat on the customer’s be- tion box for cats,” Canlas said. Fancy, a whimsical Meowbox Exclu- Say It With a Sock subscribers. half. Customers can also track which To learn more about purchasing sive Whiskers Catnip Shave Cream Visit sayitwithasock.com to shelter benefits from the donation a Meowbox gift subscription, visit adorned with a shaving cream blob learn more about purchasing a gift with a unique can code that is relayed meowbox.com/gift. play toy and various treats for kit- subscription. when the Meowbox is shipped. Say It With a Sock ties including the Pinot Meow, the A few of the organizations in the Love With Food Original Cat Wine and freeze-dried U.S. and Canada that have received Want to keep friends and families Vanilla bean organic coconut cook- chicken with no additives, no by- charitable contributions from Meow- warm during the winter? Say It With ies and sweet potato chips are just a products and no preservatives. box include the Kentucky Humane a Sock is a one-of-a-kind gift that few of the goodies from Love With “Every box has an adorable theme,” Society in Louisville, Ky.; the Alas- does just that — it curates a colorful Food. The curation team aims to said Meowbox CEO and Founder ka Cat Adoption Team in Chugiak, package of socks for customers. highlight unique items that are Olivia Canlas. “Most of our toys are Alaska; and the North Shore Animal Say It With a Sock was launched organic or all natural. The snacks are League America in in 2015 by Daniel and Lauren Seeff, delivered on a monthly basis to help co-founders/husband-and-wife customers discover their favorite team. Daniel was at Google, devot- PHOTO: MEOWBOX junk-free snacks. ing part of his time to Google For “We want each box to have an in- Entrepreneurs, which helped start-ups spiring theme, and we create these leverage Google tools to get their themes a year ahead,” said Love With businesses off the ground. Lauren Food Founder and CEO Aihui Ong. worked in marketing at Airbnb. Both Some of the boxes are curated by have always loved fun socks. special guests. This past December, “We learned that it is easier to start celebrity chef Christine Ha, a past a sock subscription company than competitor on FOX’s “MasterChef,” it is to create a new product line of worked on selecting items for the high-quality socks,” Daniel said. “It boxes. RXBAR Kids, with flavors is very important that every sock that such as apple cinnamon raisin and Each Meowbox is filled we send out is of the highest-quality berry blast, and Bakery on Main with themed items. sock that our subscribers will love granola with a taste of cranberry and · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 55 IN-DEPTH

PHOTO: SCENTBIRD Scentbird ment and learning. The com- more at kiwico.com. combinations like rose and fragrances pany has also worked with prosecco, earl grey and black- for men and an advisory board of devel- Scentbird berry, among others. women come opmental experts to outline “Since we’re a small start- in hundreds Discover a new fragrance of options the areas of development up, we have a small team, tailored to that the projects address for without buying the whole which makes the process in your personal children between the ages bottle with a monthly sub- developing new products preference. of 4 and 8. Projects focus on scription of a fragrance of a lot simpler. Furthermore, developmental areas such your choice from Scentbird. because we’re not as well as creating, discovering, This subscription service al- known as the other brands out moving, exploring, commu- lows you to try perfumes there, we know that quality nicating and caring. and colognes that fit your reigns supreme,” said Hoeu. “We hold several testing taste. Select from a collection “We are also lucky to have an sessions each week, and the of more than 450 designer existing growing base of sub- kids are our toughest critics and niche fragrances such scribers (we have now over and our biggest sources of as Anna Sui, Burberry and 200K!) thanks to our initial inspiration,” said Oh Lin. Calvin Klein. fragrance subscription model “We have a diverse and Customers can rate scents — which enables the brand to talented product de- and Scentbird also helps them have insights from our cus- sign team that takes personalize scent recommen- tomers and conduct market these ideas and dations. The TruScent Rec- research with them.” runs with them.” ommender utilizes a database Hoeu has a wide array of Oh Lin noted of thousands of scent profiles experience to pull from. that her family and perfume reviews. Gift She’s worked with niche helped inspire subscriptions come in three- brands, think Rodial and the company. month, six-month or nine- Fornasetti Profumi, to maple were a few “When my month packages. larger international brands, of the items that she oldest two chil- Kim-Davy Hoeu, direc- including the likes of Eliza- specifically chose. dren were 2-1/2 tor of product innovation, beth Arden and Crabtree & “We love all the cu- and 4-1/2 years has seen the growth of the Evelyn. She cites the com- rators we work with be- old, I was looking for company rise. pany culture as one of the cause they all believe in fun, enriching hands-on “Working directly with elements that helps Scentbird our mission,” said Ong. activities. I thought it’d be the CEO on developing the stand out. Gift subscriptions come as a good way for them to exer- namesake brand’s tone of “With the need to offer three-month, six-month or and founder Sandra Oh Lin. cise their creativity and build voice, strategy and product frequent new launches for annual plans; be sure to take There are different boxes their problem-solving skills,” positioning — and leading our subscribers and à-la-carte a bite of the treats earlier than depending on the child’s age. Oh Lin said. “As I started to the product development customers also gives me the later to retain freshness. The Cricket Box, for those come up with ideas for activi- from concept to launch — opportunity to really get Ong created Love with between 24 and 36 months, ties and pull the various ma- has been such an exciting creative with all the possible Food to connect food pro- focuses on developing skills terials together, I decided to journey,” Hoeu said. products we can launch,” ducers with consumers while of exploration and discov- share them with my friends Scentbird also recently Hoeu said. “I also love the also helping underprivileged ery and includes items like and then a much broader launched its own namesake entrepreneurial spirit of children. For every snack box a cricket board book to pro- community! As it turns out, line of products, including the company, the fact that we sold, the company donates mote early language and lit- there are a lot of busy, well- a hand cream and shower make decisions quickly — one to two meals to a food eracy skills. intentioned parents who are cream collection. The hand this enables the brand to be bank to help fight childhood The Koala Box, highlight- looking for these types of cream collection features ahead of the game in terms of hunger. Some of the proceeds ing play and learning, is experiences and activities for six cruelty-free hand creams trends.” from the December boxes for ages 3-14, and the Kiwi their kids.” made with fruit extracts, More details on gift will go to the Houston Food Box, featuring science and Gift subscriptions come in vitamins and essential oils. subscriptions and the Bank to help with Hurricane art projects, is geared to kids a variety of packages — you The shower collection is company’s new product line Harvey recovery. ages 5-8. For ages 9-16, the can choose from one-month, formulated with natural can be found at scentbird. “We’ve donated more than Doodle (art and design) or the three-month, six-month or exfoliants and vitamins. com. n 1 million meals, and we hope Tinker (science and engineer- 12-month options. Find out Customers can choose from that made an impact,” Ong ing) are good fits. PHOTO: KIWI CO. said. The crates offer many Check out lovewithfood. different projects. A recent com to learn more about this Doodle crate featured a delicious gifting option. complete art set for an ink KiwiCo wash painting including red KiwiCo crates are perfect mounting paper, a bamboo for kids who love to do arts brush, rice paper, sumi-e ink, and crafts. The crates work to bamboo dowels, an ink well inspire kids to see themselves and a red stamp pad. as scientists, artists, creators A recent Tinker crate in- and makers. They also make cluded the tools and mate- science, engineering, tech- rials for kids to make their nology and math accessible, own wooden crane and build engaging and fun. a pulley system. The Tinker The company focuses on crate included a blueprint fostering creative confidence of colorful illustrations and and the belief in possibilities video instructions along rather than limitations. with a pamphlet, the Tinker “We’ve defined our vision Zine, which detailed the his- as generations of innovators tory of cranes. armed with the creative confi- All of the projects have dence and tools to change the been designed to encourage children’s healthy develop- KiwiCo crates are perfect for kids who love to do arts and crafts. Each crate encourages world,” said KiwiCo CEO kids to see themselves as scientists, artiss, creators and makers. 56 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 57 1684-21_AARP Pacific Citizen Holiday_print_EN_final.indd 1 · 8/22/17 12:17· PM COMMENTARY

WORLD» continued from page 48 developed. the film and its subjects. a treaty-based prohibition of such I also have hope because of a And finally, I’m hopeful because weapons.” Sadako’s spirit of hope helps me be touching documentary film I saw last most of the world is united against I hope people are listening, both in hopeful for the future today. year, “Paper Lanterns,” which is still the use of nuclear weapons. The No- Washington, D.C., and Pyongyang. This year, Denver’s new Consul making the rounds at festivals and bel Peace Prize this year was award- So, in spite of the worrisome news, General of Japan, Hiroto Hirakoba, private screenings. The movie’s di- ed to the International Campaign to I’m hopeful that our country — and attended a ceremony at the former rector, Barry Frechette, films a Japa- Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the world — will survive and be Wendover Air Force Base in Utah, nese man, Shigeaki Mori, who was a an organization working to get the safer than in the past. once home to the Enola Gay bomber kid when Hiroshima was bombed, on international community to ban nu- HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY that dropped the A-bomb over Hi- his journey to find the fate of a group clear weapons entirely. NEW YEAR! roshima. There he gave a crane that of American POWs who were killed The Nobel Peace Prize announced was folded by Sadako, and donated in Hiroshima that day. When Presi- its award to ICAN was “for its work Gil Asakawa is chair of the Edito- by her nephew, to be displayed in dent Barack Obama made his land- to draw attention to the catastrophic rial Board of the Pacific Citizen and the Wendover museum. The Consul- mark visit to Hiroshima in 2016, he humanitarian consequences of any author of “Being Japanese Ameri- ate also planned to donate a crane to hugged Mori during the ceremony, a use of nuclear weapons and for its can” (second edition Stone Bridge the Los Alamos Laboratory in New powerful scene that brings closure to groundbreaking efforts to achieve Press, 2015). He blogs at www. Mexico, where the A-bomb was nikkeiview.com.

DREAM » continued from page 52 nal boat took us to see the different Marsha, Tad and Aiden at Centenary lands from Disney stories: Aladdin, Methodist Church with (from left) Judy Thank you to both the Nikkei and Frozen, Cinderella and more. It was Asazawa, Pastor Karen-Faye, Rev. Mark faith communities that are lifting up actually hard to hear the tour guide Nakagawa, Pastor Ken Fong and Carole Sasaki. their voices and visibly speaking up narrate our ride because of the sound for the Nikkei LGBTQ community system and her fast speech. As we and families like ours. You never left Storybook Land, Tad said to know who in our community is me, “I really couldn’t understand a watching and seeing signs of accep- word the tour guide was saying, ex- tance, which is giving them permis- cept when she said . . . the power of sion to be accepting of their children love.” A light went off when I heard or family members. This holiday, I those words. celebrate and give thanks for those And so it reaffirmed to me that the magic, creativity and dreams come who are bringing so much healing to answer on how to change the world true . . . . Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in so many. is love . . . not a passive love, but a “It’s a world of laughter, a world the LGBT community and the au- HOPE fearless love combined with a com- of tears, it’s a world of hopes and a thor of the book “Two Spirits, One I have said it many times before, mitment to see things change. world of fears. There’s so much that Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender but hope is everything to me. When Today, I know that anything I have we share that it’s time we’re aware, Son and Their Journey to Love and we were going through some of our overcome has been the result of the it’s a small world after all . . . “ Acceptance.” most challenging times, I thought we power of love to make me coura- might lose Aiden. It was hope that geous and committed in order to got me through those darkest days. fight for a safer more just world I think about the present time and for my children. Hope is always how much fear and hurt is in the within my reach when fueled by Oshogatsu Omedetou! world. I think about the leadership my love and my committed heart. あけまして おめでとう ございます of our country and how leaders are Walt Disney dreamed of a place so afraid to speak up for what is right where families could be together a holiday gift from us to you... in order to retain power. And I think and have fun. And as he dreamed, about all the tragedies that have been so did he create. I, too, dream of a happening, and I wonder how can world where people are valued and we stop these things from continu- respected for their differences and ing to be. those differences are seen as bring- I looked for an answer to my ing greater richness to society. And Get a Head Start on Your New Year’s Resolution and Enjoy a questions as I walked around Dis- as I dream, hopefully we can all neyland. To my surprise, I finally create. heard the answer when I was riding From my family to yours, I wish the Storybook Land canal boat, and you greater harmony, healing and $500 off discount Snowflakes...it came from my husband. The ca- hope. May 2018 be filled with on a New Living Trust Package or Trust Update Snowflakes... *$2,000 minimum retainer Snowflakes... Offer expires January 31st, 2018 Call & schedule your appointment by Snowflakes... Snowflakes... the end of January to redeem your discount Snowflakes...In memory of • Living Trusts & Wills Happy Mike & Etsu • Medi-Cal Planning Holidays! Masaoka • Powers of Attorney Michelle & Richard In m-eMmichoerlley & oRifchard Amano Happy • Trust Administration Amano Mike & Etsu Judd Matsunaga Staci Yamashita-Iida Holidays! Masaoka Attorney at Law Attorney at Law Rafu Shimpo Columnist • Probate Pacific Citizen JACL Columnist Michelle & Richard -Michelle & Richard Amano Amano Office Locations: Torrance • LAX • Pasadena • Encino • Fountain Valley Westlake Village • Valencia •Palm Springs • San Diego • San Jose 800-403-6078 www.elderlawcalifornia.com 58 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · C OMMENTARY

speak to a social worker. If they are not able to assist you, they should be DISRUPT EVERYTHING able to connect you with someone who can help.

What Can You Do? Home for the Holidays Find a local senior center or community center to volunteer at. By Scott Tanaka, They are always looking for volun- AARP Project Coordinator and Guest Columnist teers! Prior to starting grad school, I am very fortunate to work with so many talented AARP employees with amazing I visited older adults, who were of- work and professional histories. I first met Scott over the summer, just weeks after he ten isolated, once a week just to pro- graduated from the University of Southern California with a master of social work de- vide a listening ear. Sometimes that gree, focusing on gerontology and mental health. During his time at USC, Scott interned at is all they need — visit or call your Providence TrinityCare Hospice and the USC Memory and Aging Center at the USC Keck School of Medicine. older relative or friend if you haven’t Over the past six months, Scott has helped me understand the role of a social worker as we age and the important talked to him or her for a while. role he or she plays as a part of the health care team. Since I’m on the East Coast, I use — Ron Mori FaceTime with my grandma, and am grateful to be able to share lost a loved one recently. Chronic church. that’s been a lot of fun. with you all a little bit about my isolation and loneliness especially Respite is a service that brings in The holiday season is a great time background and passion for sup- applies to older adults. a nurse or another caregiver to pro- to do it, but consider connecting porting our older adults. As Ron vide a break to the primary caregiver, throughout the year as well. I bet shared, I recently started working at Isolation Is More Than which is so important for those who you will find that you benefit from it, I too! AARP as a project coordinator in our Being Alone are often providing care for a loved multicultural leadership department. • It’s the result of being disconnect- one 24/7. A social worker can help Prior to AARP and grad school, I ed from support groups of family, assess if you are eligible for respite Because the issue of social isolation worked in the accounting field. This friends and community. services and help you access them. is so complex, the AARP Foundation would seem like a typical path for a • A number of factors may contribute There are other ways to increase has spearheaded Connect2Affect, fourth-generation Japanese Ameri- to isolation: reduced mobility, hear- social activity for older adults, such a platform to help end isolation and can, but it wasn’t for me. So, you can ing or vision loss, lack of access to as checking out the local senior cen- build the social connections older imagine that it was a bit of a shock affordable transportation, death of a ter or community center. Back home, adults need in order to thrive. It for my parents when I told them that spouse and more. we have the Gardena Valley Japanese is a collaborative effort, featuring I was leaving accounting to pursue • When setbacks hit, individually or Cultural Institute, which provides ac- tools and resources to help evaluate social work. My parents, like many in combination, vulnerable older tivities for seniors such as bingo, arts isolation risk and reach out to oth- others, were not very familiar with adults can easily become home- and crafts, dancing, exercise classes ers who might be feeling lonely and what social workers actually do. bound, detached, depressed . . . and computer classes. Seniors can disengaged. The National Association of Social isolated. even buy bento lunches. Identifying Workers states, “The primary mis- • Isolation has been shown to have these types of centers is something a Visit www.connect2affect.org for sion of the social work profession a detrimental effect on health, social worker can help do for you. more details. is to enhance human well-being and especially for adults ages 50 and Social workers can be found at help meet the basic human needs of older. The health risks of prolonged senior centers, local social service Happy holidays from all people, with particular attention isolation are equivalent to smoking agencies, hospitals and health clinics. to the needs and empowerment of 15 cigarettes a day. You can give them a call and ask to everyone at AARP! people who are vulnerable, oppressed • Many of the normal processes and and living in poverty.” transitions that happen as we grow Social workers work with children, older — hearing loss, the deaths families, older adults, those with of spouses, partners and peers, mental illness and those with chronic impaired mobility — put us at illnesses in a variety of settings in- increased risk for loneliness and cluding hospitals, schools, social ser- isolation. vice agencies, community centers, • Although there are no visible nursing homes, nonprofit organiza- “symptoms” of isolation, signals tions, government agencies and more. may include pronounced boredom, Some of the most vulnerable in disinterest and withdrawal, declin- our society are our older adult pop- ing personal hygiene, indications ulation. People have often asked of poor eating and nutrition and me why I chose to work with older notable home disrepair, clutter or adults because they think it’s unusual hoarding. for a young person to want to do so. But I have always been very close During my internships, I saw the with my grandparents, so it was only effects of loneliness and social iso- natural for me to do this work. lation as described above. As a so- Getting back to the title of this ar- cial worker, I would help my clients ticle, with the holiday season well identify ways to increase their social underway, many have plans to spend activities by learning about their in- time with friends and family. For me, terests. I will be heading back to Los Angeles For example, one of my clients for Christmas and New Year’s. I live often wore a necklace that had a in the Washington, D.C., area now, cross on it. I asked her about it, and so it will be nice to be home for the she shared that church was an impor- holidays. I’m also looking forward to tant part of her life, but she had not all the good Japanese/Hawaiian food attended for a while because she, in Torrance and Gardena! herself, was caring for a loved one. Though the holidays are often when We discussed a few options, like families get together, we have to re- working with our nursing agency to member those who do not have loved provide respite services on Sunday ones to spend time with or who have mornings so that she could attend · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 59 60 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 61 62 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · C OMMENTARY LEGAL-EASE: AN ATTORNEY’S PERSPECTIVE The Important Health Care Documents You May Need

By Staci Yamashita-Iida wishes regarding medical treatment specific medical treatment that you you’d like to be, taking into account in the event that you are unable to do want (or don’t want) during a medical pain management, quality of life, n early December, doctors at so yourself. emergency. The purpose of a POLST etc.; 4) How you’d like to be treat- a Florida hospital faced an A Healthcare Power of Attorney is is “to prevent unwanted or ineffec- ed by others during your last days; interesting ethical dilemma a type of AHCD that allows you to tive treatments, reduce patient and and 5) What you want your loved when an unconscious man was appoint an individual, called an family suffering and ensure that the ones to know. Iwheeled into the emergency room agent or health care proxy, to make individual’s wishes are honored.” Before creating an AHCD, DNR, with the words “Do Not Resusci- decisions about your medical care in (www.capolst.org.) POLST, Five Wishes or other type tate” tattooed on his chest. the event of your incapacity (for ex- It’s important to note that a POLST of advance care planning document, The 70-year-old patient arrived at ample, if you are in a coma). does not replace an AHCD — rath- it would be helpful to speak with a the hospital without family, friends A living will is another type of er, they work in tandem. While it is doctor, attorney, health care profes- or any type of identification. The AHCD that lays out instructions for recommended that all individuals sional and even your family mem- only clue the doctors had regarding your medical care so that your agent create an AHCD, only those with a bers so that you can make a decision his end-of-life wishes were the three has a clear understanding of what serious illness (i.e., someone who about how you’d like to be treated words permanently inked below his your wishes are. For example, you may pass away within the next year) in an emergency medical situa- collarbone. can state that, upon your passing, need to complete a POLST. tion. End-of-life planning can be a Despite the seemingly clear mes- you wish to be cremated and have difficult process, but in the long run, sage, doctors were still conflicted your ashes spread at sea. it ensures that your dignity, comfort Five Wishes about how to proceed. Should they Five Wishes is a specific type and well-being are respected and really make such a critical decision Do Not Resuscitate of living will and AHCD hybrid preserved. based off of a tattoo? What if the A DNR (“Do Not Resuscitate”) created by the nonprofit organiza- patient had gotten it 10 years ago and order instructs medical personnel tion Aging With Dignity. Propo- Staci Yamashita-Iida, Esq., is an had since changed his mind? Without to withhold resuscitative measures nents of Five Wishes appreciate this Estate Planning attorney at Elder any type of DNR, Advance Health- in the event that you stop breathing type of document because of its Law Services of California. She care Directive, living will or other or your heart stops beating. Such incorporation of personal, emotional can be contacted at (310) 348-2995 indicative document, the doctors measures include cardiopulmonary and spiritual elements. or [email protected]. were unsure of the patient’s true and resuscitation (CPR), assisted and/ The Five Wishes refer to: 1) The opinions expressed in this arti- current wishes. or artificial breathing procedures, en- Who you want to appoint to make cle are the author’s own and do not This unusual situation has led doc- dotracheal intubation, defibrillation medical decisions on your behalf necessarily reflect the view of the tors around the country to encourage and other invasive actions. With- if you are unable to do so yourself; Pacific Citizen or JACL. The infor- their patients to create advance care out a DNR, emergency and health 2) The type of medical and life- mation presented does not consti- planning documents with clear-cut care care providers will attempt to support treatment you wish (or don’t tute legal or tax advice and should directions on how to approach end- resuscitate a patient. wish) to receive; 3) How comfortable not be treated as such. of-life decisions. DNR clauses can be incorporated Most people are familiar with the into a living will or AHCD, but standard Advance Healthcare Direc- can be stand-alone forms as well. tive, but there are other documents Both types allow you to express that can be utilized as well. This ar- your resuscitative preferences if ticle will briefly touch upon some of you are not able to communicate the most commonly used medical your wishes if and when the time forms and documents used in emer- comes. gency and end-of-life scenarios. POLST Advance Healthcare A Physician Orders for Life- Directive Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is An Advance Healthcare Directive a medical form, usually printed on (AHCD) is a legal document that bright pink paper, which details the specifies who will carry out your

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T ributes Notables * In Memoriamter in Calif., and the Heart of Japan.* He was prede- taurants. During his tenure, Mountain WRA Center in ceased by his wife, Frances; the popularity of Japanese SAM S. ISHIDA Wyo. He married Joyce Nao he is survived by his son, food skyrocketed, with MTC Takahashi in 1958, and they Jonathan (Lisa); daughter, launching the Sake School of Sam S. Ishida, 98, died had two children, Kathryn Miki Hamill (Brad); and son, America and the Miyako Su- peacefully at home in Ga- (James Gold) and Douglas Dr. Troy (Marguerita); gc: 8. shi & Washoku School (with hanna, Ohio, on Nov. 27, (Amelia Rosales) Doi. After restaurateur Katsuya Uechi), 2017. He was born in Fres- no, Calif., on Oct. 27, 1919. their divorce in 1991, Roy Ed Lee both in Los Angeles. The Sam was drafted into the married Joan Ritchie, whom government of Japan in 1994 Army in 1941 and served he had first met at Heart Dec. 12 awarded him the Order of the with the 442nd Regimen- Mountain. In 2004, the Asian Rising Sun Kunsho, Gold tal Combat Team in World American Studies Program and Silver Rays, and in 2009 War II. He earned a Purple at UC Davis recognized him again recognized him with Heart in Italy and earned numerous campaign med- for outstanding commitment, the Order of the Rising Sun als before being honorably generosity and service to the Kunsho, Gold Rays with Ro- discharged at the end of Asian American Studies Pro- sette, for his efforts in popu- the European campaign. Saburo Akiyama gram and Community. In larizing Japanese cuisine Sam and Marie Nishi- 2006, he was elected into the worldwide. In 2011, he re- moto were married in 1946 Sept. 7 and enjoyed 66 years of marriage before her passing in Saburo ‘Sab’ Akiyama, National Academy of Sci- ceived the Lifetime Achieve- 2012. Sam founded Gahanna Trailer, which he owned and 93, Hood River, OR. At 16, ences, considered one of the ment Award from the Japa- operated for 50 years. his family and he were forced highest honors a scientist can nese American National Sam is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Bennett (Howard), receive. He was also inducted Museum. He is survived by son Rod Ishida (Sue), grandchildren Jordonna Fulop (Steve), to leave the family home as a result of Executive Order into the Placer High School his wife, Fusako Kanai; and Evan Ishida, and Eric Ishida (Briana). He was a special uncle Hall of Fame in 2009. He is his children, Scott (Taeko) to Mace, Dean, Larry and Rick Ishida, Sharon Logan, and 9066. He graduated from the Milly Stockdale. high school at the Tule Lake survived by his wife, Joan; and Atsuko Kanai; gc: 3. Sam loved family and friends, fishing, gardening, traveling, WRA Center in Calif.; later, brother, Steven (Charlotte) and the Buckeyes. Sam will be inurned at Arlington National his family and he were relo- Doi; sister, Keren Doi; and Cemetery at a date to be determined. Terry Yamada cated to the Minidoka WRA many grandchildren, step- In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Edwin Mah Lee, 65, San Center in Idaho. He enlisted children, step-grandchildren, Sept. 11 Mt. Carmel Hospice or charity of your choice. nieces and nephews. Francisco, CA. The first Terence James Yamada, in the U.S. Army at 20 and Asian American mayor of 67, Portland, OR. He was taught Japanese language San Francisco, he collapsed to the Counter Intelligence from a heart attack and lat- JOHN AND ROZ ENOMOTO Services. He was honorably Bruce Kaji er died at Zuckerberg San discharged in 1946, having Francisco General Hospital John Takeo Enomoto received a Good Conduct while serving his second passed away Aug.10, 2017, Medal, American Theater and Roz Barako Uyeda Eno- term. He became mayor in Ribbon and a World War II January 2011 after the board moto passed away Oct. 15, Victory Ribbon. He married 2017, in Rockville, Md., both of supervisors chose him to at the age of 88, after 67 Betty Dyksterhuis in 1956, fill out the term of Gavin years of marriage. John and and he continued working as Newsom, who resigned to Roz were longtime residents an optometrist. He was active become lieutenant governor of Woodside, Calif. in the Japanese American of California; he was elected Roz was born in Watson- Citizens League, the Lions ville, Calif., in 1929. Dur- to office in November 2011 Club, the Hood River bowl- ing World War II, the Uyeda and re-elected in 2015. Dur- family was relocated from ing league and the Chamber ing his terms, San Francisco San Francisco to Topaz, the of Commerce. He was pre- exploded as a technology U.S. wartime concentration deceased by his wife, Betty, camp in the Utah desert. center, leading to a hous- and siblings Henry, George ing shortage. He also was a Her personal experience of and Kiyo. He is survived by xenophobia shaped Roz as major advocate to have San born in Ontario, Ore., and much as her formal educa- his daughters, Kathy, Diana Francisco remain a sanctuary grew up on his family’s farm tion at UC Berkeley and later (Michael Jackson), Patricia Oct. 26 city. He is survived by his in Parma, Idaho. There, he at the College of Notre Dame, where she earned her bach- (David Larsen) and Jenni- Bruce Teruo Kaji, 91, wife, Anita; and daughters, pursued judo, wrestling, elor’s degree at age 50. Known for her sharp wit and elegant fer (Patrick Tahara); brother, Torrance, CA. A Los An- style, Roz was an engaging conversationalist who loved to Tania and Brianna. football and drumming. He Noboru (Florence); sister-in- geles native, his family and graduated from the Univer- make people laugh. One of 13 children, she was proud to law, Ruth Akiyama; gc: 3. be an “Uyeda Sister,” and often told stories of their youthful he were incarcerated at the sity of Oregon in 1972 and adventures together. Committed to positive social change, Manzanar WRA Center in from Lewis & Clark Law she served on San Mateo’s Commission on Aging and Civil Calif. After graduating from Noritoshi Kanai School in 1975. He was a Grand Jury, and volunteered for candidates she supported Manzanar High School, he respected member of the Or- for public office. For 25 years, she was director of the San was drafted into the U.S. Mateo Japanese American Community Center, where she egon, Idaho and Washington developed outreach programs and community activities with Army and served in the MIS, State Bars, practicing for special attention to the needs of senior citizens. where he would be an inter- more than 40 years, primar- John was born in San Francisco in 1928. In 1942, his fa- preter at the War Crimes Tri- ily at Anderson and Yamada. ther was imprisoned by the FBI (no charges were ever filed) bunal. In 1954, he married He served with the Japanese and John’s mother and brother moved the family to Denver, Frances Tashiro. In 1962, American Citizens League Colo. When the war ended, Roz and John became high Kaji and a group of Nisei school sweethearts at Lowell High School in San Francisco and was instrumental in the and married in 1949. After attending UC Berkeley, John investors organized Merit redress for families who joined the family business, Enomoto & Co., to develop the Savings & Loan, one of the were interned during WWII. horticultural supplies division. John had a passion for Asian few Japanese American- He also served as legal coun- art, culture, and history, relishing his time at the de Young owned and -managed banks. sel to the Japanese Ancestral Museum in San Francisco, where, for many years, he served He also served as the found- as a docent. John was active in the Japanese American Citi- Society, assisting with the zens League and enjoyed skiing, jazz, wine, action movies, ing president of the Japanese Nikkei Community Project sports cars and, in his later years, weekly bridge games. With American National Mu- and Rose City Cemetery. a passion for travel and world cultures, his favorite job was Roy Doi seum. Following the sale of In addition, he founded the working for the U.S. Information Agency where he accom- Merit Savings, he joined his holiday assistance program panied journalists, scientists, and teachers from all over the Nov. 3 son, Jonathan, at Kaji & As- April 22 at Epworth United Method- world, to experience life and culture in the U.S. Noritoshi Kanai, 94, Roy H. Doi, 84, Los Ange- sociates, a real estate broker- Los ist Church and assisted with John appreciated Roz’s honesty, humor, and intellect. Roz Angeles, CA. The Tokyo- appreciated John’s sophistication, kindness, and handsome les, CA. A distinguished pro- age and development firm, its Worship Council and an- born chairman of Los An- looks (she said this frequently). It was a blessing to witness fessor emeritus of molecular founded in 1984. In 2011, he nual bazaar. He is survived the true adoration and dedication they shared until the very biology at the University of was awarded the Congres- geles-based Mutual Trading by his adult children, mother end of their lives. They were loved and are survived by six California, Davis, where he sional Gold Medal along Co., which in 2017 marked and siblings. children, 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. was a faculty member for with his fellow Nisei World its 90th anniversary since it John is survived by his sister, Edie Watanabe. Roz is sur- more than 40 years, Doi was War II veterans who served was founded, was with MTC vived by her sisters Doris Tono, Daisy Satoda, Nancee Ik- for 65 years, during which etani, Elsie Chung and Juneko Sugihara. Donations in their born in Sacramento, Calif., in the MIS and the 100th honor may be made to the Japanese Benevolent Society of and grew up in Loomis, Ca- Battalion/442nd Regimen- time the company grew to California Jikeikai, 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115, lif. From 1942-45, his family tal Combat Team. In 1997, become one of the lead- (415) 771-3440. and he were incarcerated at he received the Order of the ing distributors of Japanese the Tule Lake WRA Cen- Rising Sun, Gold and Silver foods, alcoholic beverages Rays, from the government and goods for Japanese res- 68 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · OBITUARIES

children; a brother; two she is survived by her tives; gc: 9. survived by her children, sisters; he is also survived children, Keith (Chris), Patricia and Kenneth by many other relatives; Karen T. Masigla, Ellen Mizufuka, Terry Teruo, (Charlene); sister, Frances T ributes gc: 6; ggc: 2. T. Komaki and Kaye Ko- 91, Los Angeles, CA, Nov. Kuramoto; gc: 6. mae; daughter-in-law, 19; she is survived by her YONEKAZU SATODA Hamataka, Robert H., Margie Yzquierdo; brother, husband, Joe; sons, Ron Sakurai, Lily Ukishima, 90, West Covina, CA, Kiyo (Youko) Araki; she is (Linda), Curtis (Janice) and 92, Honolulu, HI, Oct. Yone Satoda, 96, passed Nov. 24; he is survived by also survived by many Clayton (Joey) Mizufuka; 24; she is survived by away peacefully at his home in many cousins and other nieces, nephews and other siblings, Shinobu Wada, her daughters, Kathleen San Francisco on Dec. 6. He is survived by his wife, Daisy Uye- relatives. relatives; gc: 7; ggc: 6. Hajime (Judy) Hamaguchi, “Kathy” Sakurai and Lau- da Satoda; children Caroline (Al Reiko (Richard) Truman, reen “Laurie” (Dennis) Suen), Nancy and David (Allie); Hayashi, Kazuo, 94, Bur- Koyanagi, Yutaka Ray, Yuriko (Mike) Ishikawa and Hara; gc: 2. grandsons Christopher, Nicho- bank, CA, Oct. 27; he is 73, Garden Grove, CA, Doug (Margie) Hamagu- las and Timothy Suen and Da- survived by his daughter, Oct. 16; he is survived by chi; she is also survived by Sasaki, Kay, 93, Foster vid Jr. and Tyler Satoda; sister Kathryn Hayashi; sister, his wife, Griselda; daugh- nieces, nephews and other City, CA, Nov. 10; dur- Fumiye Yebisu and many other Miyoko Yamadera; he is ters, Laura Howard (Phil) relatives; gc: 6; ggc: 5. ing WWII, his family and relatives. also survived by many and Tina Rosener (Chris); he were incarcerated at Yone was born in Hanford, Calif., and graduated from UC nieces, nephews and other sisters, Diane Shigekawa Mochizuki, Bruce, 86, the Amache WRA Cen- Berkeley with a B.S. in Business Administration and from Golden Gate University with a B.A. in Accounting. During relatives. and Joyce Nakazono; he Irvine, CA, Nov. 5; during ter (Camp Granada) in World War II, he and his family were relocated to a wartime is also survived by many WWII, he was incarcerated CO, after which he en- concentration camp in Jerome, Ark. Yone served in the U.S. Ishii, Poston Nobuo, Los nieces, nephews, cous- at the Jerome WRA Center listed in the U.S. Army; he Army and was stationed with the Military Intelligence Service Angeles, CA, Nov. 28; he ins, in-laws and extended in AR and the Heart Moun- was predeceased by his in Japan following WWII. He retired with the rank of major. is survived by his children, family; gc: 5. tain WRA Center in WY; wife, Taye Grace (Ebina); Yone was active in the community and was a strong sup- Janell Ishii Hata (Andy), he is survived by his wife, siblings, James Ito, Sue porter of Japanese American causes, serving as the national Lynn Ishii and Kristen Kubosumi, Sachi, 90, Chieko; daughters, Leslie Tokuno, Ann Sasaki treasurer of the Japanese American Citizens League and as Ishii; he is also survived by Moses Lake, WA, Dec. Otsuka, Christine (Robert) and Tom Sasaki; he is president of the board of directors of both Asian Inc. and the other relatives and friends; 7; she was predeceased Chang and Karen (Ches- survived by his daughter, Buddhist Church of San Francisco. Yone loved vacationing in Hawaii, watching local sports gc: 4. by her husband, Jim; ter) Kano; sisters-in-law, Yuri (Lambert) Woo; gc: 1. teams and tracking the stock market. He was grateful to have son, Gordon; sister, Mary Kathy (Tom) Mochizuki lived long enough to see his grandsons go to college. He told Iwamoto, Edward Toshio, Kawaguchi; she is sur- and Fumi (Tsutomu) Mo- Tamanaha, Masamitsu anyone who would listen that he was “the luckiest man alive” 85, Bellevue, WA, Nov. vived by her sons, Ken- chizuki; he is also survived ‘Frank,’ 86, Fullerton, CA, and that he had “no regrets.” 27; he is survived by his neth and Marcus (Debbie); by nephews, nieces and Nov. 11; he was prede- We will miss his kind heart and generous spirit. A private wife, Betty; children, Ra- brothers, Kenji Fujikawa, their children; gc: 6. ceased by his wife, Nancy; service will be held. chel (Gary) Hall, Jonathan Youzo Fujikawa, Nobe Fu- he is survived by his chil- Iwamoto, Nathan (Yorika) jikawa, Kane (Sachi) Fu- Mochizuki, June Suzuki, dren, Tommie, Tammy Iwamoto and Mieko Beth jikawa and Shig (Frieda) 92, Denver, CO, Oct. 29; (Russell) Kido and Lisa Iwamoto; brothers, Henry Fujikawa; gc: 3. during WWII, she was in- (Ryan) Uchida; sister, Ro- KIMIKO EVELYN FUKUHARA (Joy) Iwamoto and Milton carcerated at the Granada berta Takara; he is also Iwamoto; sisters, June To- Matsuoka, George Yoji, WRA Center (Camp Am- survived by many nieces, Kimiyo Evelyn Fukuhara, 93, of Monterey, Calif., passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, in Belmont, mita and Judy Okita; he 74, Campbell, CA, Nov. ache) in CO; she is sur- nephews and other rela- Calif. Born in Pu’unene, Maui, she was predeceased by is also survived by nieces 13; he is survived by his vived by her husband, Mi- tives; gc: 2.Tanaka, Paula her husband, James C. Fukuhara, who was an attorney and nephews and many wife, Judy; son, Jason Yoji noru Mochizuki; children, Sakaye, 77, Daly City, CA, in Monterey, after retiring as Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. other relatives; gc: 3. Matsuoka; brother, Gary Judy (Buck), Nancy (Lou), Dec. 3. She received her B.A. degree from San Jose State Matsuoka; gc: 1. Janet, Carol (Preston) and University. Kanemoto, Fusako, 102, Ron (Shelley); gc: 10; ggc: Tani, Joji, 94, San Diego, She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Carole Westminster, CA, Dec. Matsumoto, Glenn 2. CA, Nov. 24; during WWII, and Mark Louie of Menlo Park, Dr. Rene Dahl and Roger 1; she is survived by her ‘Mats,’ 62, Elverta, CA, his family and he were Dahl of Montara and Elaine and Spencer Schilling of children, Mitsuaki (Keiko), Nov. 26; he is survived by Nakagawa, Hisako, 84, incarcerated at a WRA Moraga; her grandchildren, James, Nicholas and Amanda; sister, Masayo Matsui of Wailuku, Maui; and many nieces Akira, Thomas, Edward his wife, Laura; mother, Culver City, CA, Nov. 6; Center; he was prede- and nephews. (Gemarie), Glen (Mar- Mae Tsutsumi; fathers, she is survived by her ceased by his wife, Mar- At Evelyn’s request, no service will be held. Interment ian) Kanemoto, Tomiko Ken Matsumoto and John husband, Jim; sons, Stan ian Kimiyo; daughter, Merri will be next to her husband, James, at Golden Gate (James) Montgomery and Tsutsumi; siblings, Deb- (Jane Aiko Yamano) and Jo; he is survived by his National Cemetery, San Bruno, Calif. Suziko Kimball; sister-in- bie (Daryl) and Kirk (Jan); Doug (Aimee); gc: 3.Oune, wife, Hideko; daughters, law, Masae Yoshida; she three step-brothers and Anita Josephine, 77, Ful- Miki (Jim) Aeling, Patti Tani is also survived by many a step-sister and half- lerton, CA, Nov. 28; she is (Ron Bowditch), Nancy nieces, nephews and other brother; he is also survived survived by her husband, (Tom) Cochran and Joyce relatives; gc: 15. by many nieces and ne­ Allan; sons, Michael and (Neal) Waner; gc: 9. phews. Chris; daughter-in-law, In Memoriam Kawata, Joe Shiro, 95, Noreen Oune; mother, Rita Tsuda, Kiyoko ‘Ki,’ 96, Whittier, CA, Nov. 17; he Matsushita, Yoshiko, 94, Arias Holmes; siblings, Los Angeles, CA, Oct. 17; Akaba, Chico, 72, Fol- San Diego, CA, Nov. 24; was predeceased by his Gardena, CA, Nov. 20; she Joseph Saldivar Jr. and she was predeceased by som, CA, Nov. 26; during during WWII, her family wife, May Sachiko Kawa- is survived by her sons, Frances (Chulie) Navarro; her husband, Mas Tsuda; WWII, her family was in- and she were incarcerated ta; brothers, Jim Hajime Victor and James (Patsy); gc: 7. daughter, Karen Tsuda; carcerated at the Tule Lake at the Poston WRA Center (Takane) Kawata, Jiro Leo siblings, Yuzuru Hamasaki she is survived by her son, WRA Center in Tule Lake, in AZ; she is survived by (Dolores) Kawata and Sam and Sumiko Nakamura; Oshita, Robyn Anne, 66, Wayne (Ann) Tsuda; sister, CA, where she was born; her sister-in-law, Chio Fu- Saburo (Edna) Kawata; he sister-in-law, Ryuko Hama- Chicago, IL, Oct. 23.Ozaki, Tomiko Yano; sisters-in- she was predeceased by jimoto; she is also survived is survived by his children, saki; she is also survived Roy Akira, 87, Sunnyvale, law, Mary and Sumi Yo- her husband, Neil; she is by a niece, nephews and Steven K.(Dulcie), Donald by many nieces, nephews CA, Oct. 25; during WWII, nemoto; gc: 1. survived by her children, other relatives. Y.(Janyce), Pam (Jerry) and other relatives; gc: 5. his family and he were in- Jason, Ricky and Nicole; Amimoto and Jan (Scott) carcerated by the Heart Uchizono, Estella Hoshi- siblings, Ken, Jimmy, Mary Fujita, Frank Shoji, 90, Kajiya; sister-in-laws, Shi- Mikawa, Francis Tat- Mountain WRA Center in yama, 95, Los Angeles, and Keiko; gc: 3. San Jose, CA, Oct. 25; he zue Tsuno and Asako sumi, 69, Los Angeles, WY; after WWII, he served CA, Oct. 21; during WWII, was predeceased by two Nishimura; brother-in-law, CA, Nov. 23; he was pre- in the U.S. Army and was her siblings and she were Chibana, Eileen, 83, Gar- sisters; he is survived by Yoneo Maruyama; he is deceased by his sister, stationed in Japan as a separated from their par- dena, CA, Nov. 8; she was his wife, Satsuki; siblings, also survived by many Gladys Miki Tanimitsu; translator/interpreter for ents and taken to the San- predeceased by her son, Miyeko Yuki, Shizuko nieces, nephews and their siblings, Florence, Daniel the Civil Affairs Team and ta Anita Assembly Center, Curtis Nakagawa; she is Kawamoto and Yutaka families; gc: 11; ggc: 2. (Chang) and Douglas Mi- the Military Intelligence then to the Amache WRA survived by her husband, (Tomie) Fujita; he is also kawa; brother-in-law, Wil- Service; he is survived by Center (Camp Granada) Norman; sons, Gary (Mar- survived by numerous Kiguchi, Mark, 95, Los fred Tanimitsu; he is also his daughters, Lisa (Bob) in CO; she was prede- tha) Nakagawa and Joey nieces and nephews and Angeles, CA, Nov. 12; he is survived by nephews, a Konigsberg, Julie (Rick) ceased by her husband, (Phyllis) Nakagawa; gc: 8; other relatives. survived by his wife, Mar- niece and other relatives. Holly and Vicki Ozaki Taro; siblings, Dave Hoshi- ggc: 2. garet; daughter, Lisa (Jody) (Duncan McNeill), gc: 6; miya and Ruth H Deguchi; Hamasaki, Noburu, 96, Shin; step-sons, Alan and Mitsuoka, Hiroshi, 81, ggc: 2. she is survived her three Fujimoto, Denise Rei- Sacramento, CA, Oct. 20; Curtis (Junko) Oba; sib- Rowland Heights, CA, step-sons, Stanley (Sha- ko, 49, Aiea, HI, Sept. during WWII, he and his lings, Masako Miyake and Nov. 10; he is survived Ozawa, Shigeko Eliza- ron), Rodger and Craig 14; she is survived by family were interned at Fumiko Nakamura; he is by his children, Kaori (Mi- beth, 103, Pasadena, CA, (Karen). n her son, Tyler Fujimoto; the Tule Lake WRA Cen- also survived by many chael) Morrisseau, Takeshi Nov. 20; she was prede- parents, Dennis and ter; he was a graduate of nieces, nephews and other (Yumiko), Noriaki and Da- ceased by her husband, Linda Makinodan; sister, Placer High School; he relatives; gc: 2. izo (Junri); sister, Ryoko Harris; son, Michael; son- Shari Makinodan; and a was preceded in death by (Masami) Otani; he is also in-law LeRoy Lindsey; nephew. his wife, Tetsuko (Sue); Komaki, Mitsuye, 95, survived by many nieces, and sisters, Mary Doi and Fujimoto, Marion M., 88, he is survived by three Anaheim, CA, Oct. 28; nephews and other rela- Yoshiko Niisato; she is · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 69 70 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 · 71 72 · HOLIDAY ISSUE 2017 ·

17UBK002_Community_ From: TEN Advertising 213.629.1010 By: TK Printed At: 100% Ads_13_Pacifi cCitizen Job info Approvals Fonts & Images Job New Year’s Ad Art Director TK Fonts Images Client Union Bank Copywriter N/A Gaphik Family UB_logo_gray-endorsement- Branch National Account Mgr Yuko Typographic Info PROCESS.ai Media Type Print Ad 4 Color Prod Design Yuko Headline 34pt 497323103_RETOUCHED_ Publication Pacifi c Citizen Proofreader Body 12pt CMYK.tif Live N/A Proj. Mngr. Call to Action 10.25pt FB_CMYK.ai, Twitter_CMYK.ai, Ad Size 10.25" x 16" Location SubHead 9pt YouTube_CMYK.ai Bleed N/A Notes Locations 8pt Inks Legal 8pt CMYK