THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL Oct. 9-22, 2020

celebrating 9 1 y e a r s

A citywide demonstration at Confucius Plaza took place on May 31, 1974. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARY UYEMATSU KAO

» PAGE 6 ‘ROCKIN’ THE BOAT’ A new photojournalism book revisits the 1970s Asian Movement era.

» PAGE 4 » PAGE 9 JACL’s NY/SC Announces Its Digital Decorated Vietnam War Veteran and Superior Storytelling Contest Winners Court Judge Vincent Okamoto Passes Away.

#3374 / VOL. 171, No. 7 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 Oct. 9-22, 2020 COMMUNITY/NATIONAL

HOW TO REACH US HERNANDEZ HEADED TO JAIL FOR 2019 ASSAULT Email: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org 2020 incidents that also Tel: (213) 620-1767 No charges for racist threats in two June 2020 Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 took place in Torrance Los Angeles, CA 90012 incidents at Torrance, Calif., park. where she was record- STAFF ed racially haranguing he woman who was reports, Lena Hernandez of incident was also Asian. Executive Editor and threatening an Asian Allison Haramoto recorded on video Long Beach, Calif., plead- The plea deal will have woman who was exer- Senior Editor verbally attacking ed no contest on Oct. 6 for Hernandez, 54, serve 45 cising at Wilson Park, Digital & Social Media Tand threatening two differ- a battery charge related to days in jail, be on proba- George Johnston followed by a similar in- ent Asian visitors to a pub- an incident that took place tion for three years and Business Manager cident that involved an lic park in 2020 is headed at the Del Amo Fashion take anger management Susan Yokoyama Asian man and his son. to jail for an assault that Center in October 2019 classes. Production Artist (P.C., July 17, 2020; see Marie Samonte occurred in 2019. in Torrance, Calif. The Hernandez was not A screen capture photo of tinyurl.com/y5jt9go2) Circulation According to published assault victim in that charged for the two June Lena Hernandez Eva Ting

The Pacific Citizen newspaper (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi- monthly (except once in December and January) by the Japanese Ameri- HAWAII PUSHES FORWARD WITH TOURISM can Citizens League, Pacific Citizen, 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA DESPITE SAFETY CONCERNS has spearheaded the testing pro- POSTMASTER: Send address chang- es to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St., By Associated Press gram, acknowledged the risks but ‘In a perfect world, we wouldn’t reopen said the plan will give the islands a San Francisco, CA 94115 much-needed chance for economic JACL President: Jeffrey Moy HONOLULU — Despite increas- Executive Director: David Inoue ing coronavirus cases across the until we had a vaccine.’ recovery. “It’s important that people know P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD U.S., Hawaii officials hope to reboot — John De Fries, president and CEO of the Rob Buscher, chairperson; Ron Kura- we welcome them as long as they’ve tourism next week by loosening Hawaii Tourism Authority moto, MDC; Danielle Pierce, EDC; months of economically crippling gotten their test,” Green said, adding Marcia Chung, CCDC; Nancy Ukai, pandemic restrictions, including a that wearing a mask in public is still NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, PNWDC; Hawaii law. Kayla Watanabe, IDC; John Saito Jr., mandatory 14-day quarantine for PSWDC; Juli Yoshinaga, Youth Rep. all arriving travelers. are not mandatory for all. Travelers started. Some have flouted safety Green, an emergency room doc- Subscribe The plan, which was postponed can still choose to not get tested and measures, leading to arrests and fines tor who recently recovered from Get a one-year subscription of the after the virus surged in the summer, instead quarantine for two weeks for the scofflaws. COVID-19, said calls for testing upon arrival, which means those with Before the pandemic, the state Pacific Citizen newspaper at: will allow Hawaii-bound travel- at Hawaii’s airports don’t take into www.pacificcitizen.org or call ers who provide negative virus test a negative test could get infected on received about 30,000 visitors a day. account capacity or cost. Even if the (213) 620-1767 results within 72 hours of arrival to the plane. If the islands face another state could test all visitors, people Advertise sidestep two weeks of quarantine. “They’re going to come here with coronavirus surge because of a hasty wouldn’t get their results right away, To advertise in the Pacific Citi- But the Oct. 15 launch of the pre- this false sense of belief that, ‘Hey, return to tourism, another lockdown he added. zen, call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: [email protected] travel testing program is causing I got tested, Hawaii, I’m clean. Here’s could spell economic disaster, Wakai “If we were to test everybody that LEGAL concern for some who say gaps in my paperwork. Let me enjoy my said. came, we would have to have 8,000 No part of this publication may be the plan could further endanger a Hawaiian vacation,’ not knowing that But others view the pretravel test- tests per day,” Green said, estimating the person in seat B on a five-hour ing plan as the best way to add a layer reproduced without the express per- community still reeling from sum- the number of visitors he thinks will mission of the Pacific Citizen. mer infection rates that spiked to 10 flight gave them the coronavirus,” of protection while kick-starting travel to Hawaii at the program’s Editorials, letters, news and the opin- percent after local restrictions eased. Wakai said. the economy. Hawaii has had one start. The state currently has about ions expressed by columnists other than the national JACL president or State Sen. Glenn Wakai, chair of Hawaii has lived under quarantine the nation’s highest unemployment 4,000 tests available each day for laws for months, but hundreds — at rates since the start of the pandemic, national director do not necessarily re- the Committee on Economic Devel- flect JACL policy. Events and products opment, Tourism and Technology, times thousands — of people have which ground to a halt nearly all » See HAWAII on advertised in the P.C. do not carry the said one problem is that the tests arrived daily since the pandemic vacation-related activity. page 4 implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2020 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif. and mailing office. SPRING CAMPAIGN JACL MEMBERS DONATE $150 OR MORE AND RECEIVE ONE ENTRY TO OUR MONTHLY DRAWINGS! 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Phone Number : E-mail : Allow 6 weeks for It’s a treasure trove for JAs to learn address changes. about our community’s history, and JACL MEMBER? q q q$50 q$100 q$150 q$200 qOTHER ——— for scholars and journalists looking To avoid interruptions The P.C.’s mission is to ‘educate on the past Japanese American experience and preserve, promote to connect the past with the present. in delivery, Thanks for the improvements, P.C.!’ please notify your and help the current and future AAPI communities.’ postmaster to include — Gil Asakawa * Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations.* periodicals in your change of address INFORMATION: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 | Los Angeles, CA 90012 | TEL: (213) 620-1767 | WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY Oct. 9-22, 2020 3 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PUBLIC HEALTH SHOULD BRING PUBLIC WEALTH the spread of the pandemic, or is it and throughout all branches of the respond to the pandemic, but In the meantime, take a moment to better to not know who is infected administration have been scaled even if they could, it is likely this offer your thanks to the public health By David Inoue, because that makes the numbers back and targeted for zeroing out in administration would not allow them workers at the CDC who, in spite of JACL Executive Director look better? Unfortunately, those every presidential budget. Now we to respond in full. an obstructive administration, work who disregard the utility of public see the fruits of those efforts with a The more cases of COVID-19 that to keep us safe. Thank the career rowing up, I always wanted health methodology are the ones in Centers for Disease Control that has we know about, the more poorly it foreign service officers who maintain to be a doctor. I had no idea charge, and it has been ruinous for been unable to respond adequately reflects upon the administration. This, positive relations with our allies, even what public health was. our country. to the pandemic. of course, ignores the fact that with when our country is viewed in such GWhen I finally made it to med school, This has been especially laid to bare When the Trump administration that data, we could likely reduce the negative light by others. Thank you I soon realized that the goals I had by the epidemic sweeping through the came in, they said they were going to number of infections. to the lawyers at the Department of to become a practicing physician White House. Thirty-five staff in the drain the swamp. For them, this meant They want the American people Justice who continue to work for the were much too narrow. Address- West Wing, including the president, driving out career employees who to believe that government is not integrity of our legal system, even as ing the problems I wanted to as a have contracted COVID-19, had served faithfully and honorably necessary and have nearly made that the attorney general directs resources doctor would be more effectively demonstrating how the conscious through multiple Democratic and a self-fulfilling prophecy by creating toward purely political activities. met through population-based health decisions to not wear masks nor Republican administrations. a government that is intentionally Our country can and will recover, policy. After dropping out of med practice social distancing can I, myself, am proud to have unable to perform its necessary and it will be because of the dedicated school, I enrolled in the school facilitate the spread of this disease. served during the George Bush functions to serve its citizens. government employees who of public health to pursue a dual It might have been somewhat administration in the Centers for We must demand a competent continue to serve under the current masters of public health and health reassuring if the impact of the Medicare & Medicaid Services. government. It doesn’t need to be administration and will continue to administration. incompetency were limited to the I might not have agreed with all big, but it does need to work — and serve under future administrations Just as I learned then, our country White House, but instead, we have the policies of the administration at work for the average American. without consideration of party, but this year has learned the true value seen deaths due to COVID-19 rise the time, but that did not affect my The COVID-19 pandemic is a huge only of country. of the field of public health and above 210,000 with no end in sight. dedication to carry out my duties and challenge — it would be regardless Only with a fundamentally strong the potential and need for a strong Yes, America is first, but for all the serve with full effort, and I continue of who is in charge — but their and competent government can we government agency. Unfortunately, wrong reasons. to hold Dr. Mark McClellan, then- intentional efforts to prevent a full be a strong nation. now everyone thinks they are But this is not just a case of CMS administrator, in the highest response and the handicaps placed a biostatistician figuring out if incompetence. It is also the result of a regard. throughout the government in the David Inoue is executive director COVID-19 really is dangerous or deliberate effort by this administration We are now seeing the effects preceding three years are entirely of the JACL. He is based in the not based on mortality and morbidity to decimate the federal government. of the loss of so many dedicated the fault of the current leadership. organization’s Washington, D.C., numbers. Vital programs in the Department government employees. A hollowed- They must be held accountable. We office. Is contact tracing necessary to stem of Health and Human Services out government is unable to fully deserve better from our government.

A MOTHER’S TAKE MAKING MY VOICE COUNT Spirits, One Heart” into a second But I could see that I was getting By Marsha Aizumi edition. It has been a tearful reunion stronger, more resilient and more that has made me realize how much confident in who I was. or the past two months, I have I have grown and how much I have I think I lived in a rose-colored been in writer’s hibernation changed. As I reviewed the first bubble before Aiden came out to as I updated my book “Two edition of “Two Spirits, One Heart,” me as transgender. I didn’t want to F I cried in parts and smiled at others. use my voice because I was afraid of Marsha Aizumi’s message: people judging me. Today, I believe Vote on Nov. 3! that my voice matters, and so I am PHOTO: CRAIG ISHII more brave to enter spaces where previously I would just sit back and president of the United States. CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK hope that things would materialize in Although I voted and encouraged PHOTO: the direction that I wanted them to. MARSHA COVID-19: U.S. AT A GLANCE* people in my family to vote, I did AIZUMI In the next months, I feel we are nothing else. When I woke up the • Total Cases: 7,475,262 * entering a most critical time for next morning and saw the results of • Total Deaths: 210,232 (as of Oct. 7) our families and our country. I am the election, I felt sick to my stomach. working with Japanese Americans for There is information about voting, • Jurisdictions Reporting Cases: 55 (50 states, I vowed that this would not be the Biden/Harris, and this is the FIRST case in the next election. registering to vote and so much more. District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern time I have ever gotten involved in There are many ways to get You can also find ways to join the Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands) any kind of political campaign. But involved during the days leading up campaign. I hope you will get involved if you • Data includes both confirmed and presumptive positive I believe that our country is going to Nov. 3. You can write letters and in a direction that I am afraid of for are looking for a way to make sure cases of COVID-19 reported to the CDC or tested at the CDC postcards, and you can also donate or my son, our Nikkei, our LGBTQ+ our country returns to the world stage since Jan. 21, with the exception of testing results for persons help with a phone bank, where you and all marginalized communities. can encourage others to register and respected and trusted again. Your vote repatriated to the U.S. from Wuhan, China, and Japan. State I can’t sit back and do nothing. vote. If marginalized communities counts . . . and your voice matters! and local public health departments are now testing and Four years ago during our last come together, I believe we can see publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy presidential election, I did not get different results in 2020. Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in between CDC cases and cases reported by state and local involved. I didn’t believe that the Japanese Americans for Biden/ the LGBT community and author of public health officials, data reported by states should be country could elect a person who Harris now has a website with a the book “Two Spirits, One Heart: considered the most up to date. had no experience in government lot of wonderful information and A Mother, Her Transgender Son and exhibited behavior that was and Their Journey to Love and Source: CDC opportunities to get involved. Please not exemplary of the office of the go to jas4biden.com and check it out. Acceptance.” 4 Oct. 9-22, 2020 NATIONAL NY/SC ANNOUNCES DIGITAL STORYTELLING CONTEST WINNERS Cousins Kristin Sato and Jessica Bukowski and Sam Hamashima are recognized for their award-winning entries.

By Sheera Tamura and Although it was only our first year Mieko Kuramoto, holding the competition, the NY/SC JACL NY/SC was amazed by the entries received. It was difficult to only choose two, as his year has been unusual, each artist responded to the prompt to say the least. Without in a unique way and brought to it the chance for youth across their own identities. The following Tthe country to convene, meet new artists, though, stood out. people and see old friends, as well Entrants submitted pieces that as participate in the usual four-day were high quality not only in their NY/SC Storyteller Contest Winners Sam Hamashima marathon of an event that is the respective mediums, but also infused (left) and Jessica Bukowski and Kristin Sato JACL National Convention, the with passion, warmth and a creativity PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NY/SC National Youth/Student Council was that made them stand out in the field. faced with some serious questions: The NY/SC is thrilled to announce What is an NY/SC summer without the winners: cousin team Kristin diversity and educating people from the University of Michigan. convention? How are we going to Sato and Jessica Bukowski of Mill about our Japanese culture Hamashima stated that the digital meet new youth members? And, of Valley, Calif., with their short film and heritage. We aspire for story competition gave him a purpose course, how can we possibly foster a “Enryo,” and Sam Hamashima of the youth of the JACL to to write, as he wanted to engage in sense of community if we can’t see North Carolina with his series of pay attention to the culture many conversations surrounding one another in person? poems entitled “Family Heirlooms.” and customs passed down race, identity and history. His piece From these questions sprang Sato and Bukowski worked as alive by layering actual recordings from those who experienced these entitled “Family Heirlooms” was a the idea of a Digital Storytelling a team to create their animated of their voices over colorful paper significant events, as we will never way to express his intergenerational Contest. Using one of five mediums stop-motion short film “Enryo,” a cutouts painstakingly created and have that time again.” traumas as he was able to reflect upon — journalistic-style essay, visual art, narrative about their grandfather’s animated by hand. Their incorporation of a number of his family and their history. video presentation, poetry or creative grit in surviving the Great Depression They were inspired to create the materials, beautifully storyboarded For the people that will view his writing — the NY/SC asked youth and World War II incarceration. Sato film as a way for their family to narrative and the use of their grand- piece, Hamashima hopes that his participants to send in their stories, all and Bukowski captured the lesson remain connected during their time father’s actual voice as he tells his writings will start conversations. focusing on the theme of “How Does that was passed down to them by their of separation as a result of the current story combine to create a heartfelt “As a queer individual, I was often the Past Influence Your Present”? ancestors through the word enryo, pandemic. testament to lessons learned through searching for who I was, but I realized literally translated as The stop-motion style was inspired the gaman of their family. that as my grandparents continue “to hold back.” by Bukowski’s school-assigned The contest’s second winner, Sam passing, it is my responsibility to To them, however, documentary, when the shelter-in- Hamashima, blew the NY/SC away complete their work,” he said. “When it means something place orders prohibited recording with his collection of six poems, an older generation passes, a new different. interviews in person. Not only did which delicately weave together his generation is born.” “It means to take the project offer an additional way own experience of being a Japanese Hamashima also wanted to remind others’ needs into to connect with each other and their American with those of his father the youth of the JACL to “explore consideration before grandpa, Ken Sato, it also prompted and grandparents. new ways to get engaged with the your own, to act them to document his stories, which Over the course of his collection, material presented to you. Don’t just selflessly and with otherwise would have been forgotten. Hamashima brings the reader to sit in listen. In order to have a meaningful empathy,” Sato Sato and Bukowski also mentioned a seventh-grade Japanese class, pages conversation, you need to respond.” narrates the short as the importance of rice to their family through an old book of Japanese The NY/SC knows that storytelling the hand-cut stop- in the film. folktales and offers glimpses into has always been important, motion characters “Rice has always been a staple conversations with his father. particularly for Japanese and Asian share sushi from a within our family for many genera- Hamashima was raised in North Americans. Much of our community platter. “I ‘enryo’ tions, and therefore, we decided to Carolina but returned home from history is recorded orally or passed because there is create a piece that elaborates about New York City prior to the onset down through personal archives, and greater joy in seeing its significance within our family,” of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is in the present moment, it is especially someone savor the last they said. a member of the JACL Seabrook important that we take note of our piece of sushi than if I “While growing up during the chapter, as his dad reminded him of experiences, memories, thoughts were to eat it myself.” Great Depression, having enough the importance of joining and getting and feelings. This competition was Throughout the rice to eat was something that was involved within the JACL. Among designed to uplift young JACL voices short film, Bukowski of great importance to our grandpa,” his written works are “American and use our stories, whether they made the characters said Sato. Spies and Other Homegrown Fables,” be present or historical, to build of their grandparents Added Bukowski, “Through our “BANANA” and “Supposed Home.” connections with one another in and themselves come piece, we want to continue spreading He holds a BFA in musical theater times of physical distance. n

you do, there are going to be in- enters,” he said. number of guests they can serve. HAWAII » continued from page 2 fected people who slip through the The blow to tourism has taken The October measure could bring cracks. It’s inevitable,” Fauci said. a toll on Hawaii residents who back paychecks for many workers. residents and visitors. track incoming passengers. Fauci said that adding some kind depend on the sector to survive. “In a perfect world, we wouldn’t As part of the plan, Hawaii is Dr. Anthony Fauci, who spoke of secondary screening would help. Many businesses have closed. Ho- reopen until we had a vaccine,” said partnering with several U.S. main- with Green in a livestream video “You’re not going to get every- tels have shuttered or operate un- John De Fries, president and CEO land pharmacies and airlines for call Oct. 7, said no matter what, body, but statistically, you’re go- der limited capacity. Bars remain of the Hawaii Tourism Authority. testing. Travelers will load their in- some COVID positive vacationers ing to dramatically diminish the closed and restaurants struggle However, waiting that long, he said, formation onto a state website and will get into the state. likelihood that an infected person with take-out only or a cap on the “would take us out.” n mobile app that officials will use to “The reality is, no matter what IN-DEPTH Oct. 9-22, 2020 5 MURAKAWA EYES SEAT ON EL CAMINO COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The former JACL National board member makes her first run for elected office.

By P.C. Staff

rmed with a slew of high-profile endorsements and Amore free time now that her daughter and son are off to college, small-business owner and higher education advocate Trisha Murakawa has set her sights on a new challenge: winning a seat on the El Camino Community College District’s board of trustees. This year, there are three board positions If elected, Murakawa wants to up for grabs, and incumbents for two of bolster opportunities for students those seats are not running. Should she get at El Camino Community College the necessary votes come Nov. 3, Murakawa (pictured). would serve a four-year term, taking over the PHOTO: FACEBOOK seat being vacated by William J. “Bill” Bev- erly, who holds the chair for Trustee Area 3, which includes El Segundo, Manhattan “Because of my experience there,” she decide who will replace El Camino College El Camino, “. . . so that when they apply to Beach, Hermosa Beach and North Redondo said, “I learned a lot about public policy in a President Dena Maloney, who in July an- college, they can go in with college credits.” Beach, and is one of the incumbents who has municipal setting.” nounced her imminent retirement at the end If she wins, Murakawa said she also wants opted out. Over the years, Murakawa served on of the current 2020–21 academic year. to bolster the relationships among high A 29-year resident of Redondo Beach, several nonprofit boards, including - men In addition, Murakawa wants to improve schools, the public and private sectors and this is Murakawa’s first time running for tal health agency Pacific Asian Counseling on the four things she says make commu- El Camino. public office, and it’s an opportunity to add Services, the Japanese American Citizens nity colleges such a valuable educational “There are lots of public agencies that are to her notable record of civic and public League, American Civil Liberties Union resource: transferring to four-year universi- near and around El Camino, as well as the sector engagement. (regionally and nationally), Little Tokyo ties, career certifications for those who do private sector, like aerospace, which is locat- Right out of UCLA, she worked for Service Center, American Lung Associa- not attend a four-year university, job retrain- ed all throughout El Segundo and Manhat- California state Sen. Diane Watson and tion of California, UCLA Alumni Assn., ing and lifelong learning for those seeking tan Beach and Hermosa Beach, and Space California Assemblyman Tom Hayden. Women’s Transportation Seminar and State educational enrichment. X, which is located in Hawthorne,” she said. “I got exposure to a lot of issues, a lot Bar Examiners Committee. “Community college is the only higher “I want to create a formalized relationship of people, public policy and the political “It shows I have a proven record of leader- educational institution that is not elitist and and programs between the high schools, El process when I worked for both of them,” ship and the kind of experience necessary for not exclusive,” Murakawa emphasized. Camino, public and private sectors and the Murakawa told the Pacific Citizen. this board of trustees,” said Murakawa of her “Anybody can go to community college.” unions, so that we could create a preappren- Later, Murakawa did public affairs for background. Specific to El Camino College, she ticeship program for the high schools. You L.A. Metro, after which she launched her If elected, Murakawa has some specific wants to help high school students inter- could take a certain curriculum and get to El own firm, Murakawa Communications, and objectives and priorities, and one is helping ested in dual enrollment or taking classes at Camino and you take a certain curriculum soon thereafter served on four commissions and you get connected with the labor unions in Redondo Beach: the Traffic and Transpor- in the construction trades so you can go tation Commission, the Public Works Com- through their apprenticeship programs and mission, the Harbor Commission and the get certified for a construction career.” Budget and Finance Commission. In addition, Murakawa wants to create a program to help formerly incarcerated peo- ple get the career, academic and counseling services necessary to re-enter society. Vying against Murakawa on the ballot for the seat are Siannah Collado Boutte and Peter Elhamey Aziz, the latter of whom Murakawa said missed the withdrawal dead- line by three minutes and has since endorsed Murakawa. As noted, she boasts a bevy of high-profile endorsements, which can be viewed on her website (trishamurakawa. com/endorsements-1). Her biggest endorsements, however, were closer to home. “The most important endorsement that Trisha Murakawa, a former JACL National I received is from my husband (Warren Murakawa with her family, pictured board member, is running for a seat on the Wong) and my children (Bailey Wong and (from left) husband Warren Wong, son El Camino College Board of Trustees. Hunter Wong), and they are going to vote for Hunter and daughter Bailey. n PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TRISHA MURAKAWA me,” Murakawa said. 6 Oct. 9-22, 2020 IN-DEPTH ‘ROCKIN’ THE BOAT’ FOCUSES ON ASIAN MOVEMENT ERA The new photojournalism book revisits the roots of 1970s activism. By George Toshio Johnston, Senior Editor, Digital & Social Media

f you love black-and-white photo- journalism, then Mary Uyematsu Kao’s new “Rockin’ the Boat: Flashbacks of HOW TO PURCHASE ‘ROCKIN’ THE BOAT’ Ithe 1970s Asian Movement” just might be ‘ROCKIN’ THE BOAT: the book for you. As described on its cover, “Rockin’ the FLASHBACKS OF THE 1970S ASIAN MOVEMENT’ Boat,” which officially launched this month, camera, rolls of Kodak Pan-X black-and-white ISBN 978-0-934052-55-9 is a 276-page collection of “photographs film and the darkroom atGidra, the L.A.-based and narrative” covering 1969-74, when the unofficial official newspaper of the Asian SRP: $30 consciousness-raising “Asian movement,” as American empowerment movement. UCLA Asian American Studies Center it was then called, sprang to life following the Inspired by a photography class at the Uni- Civil Rights, Anti-War, Environmental and versity of California, Los Angeles, Kao trained 3230 Campbell Hall, Box 951546 Feminist movements of the 1960s. her eye on her friends, who were caught Los Angeles, CA 90095-1546 According to Kao (pronounced “Gao,” with up in, according to the book’s introduction, EMAIL: [email protected] or write to Mary a hard “g”), who retired in 2018 after 30 years “ . . . the most exciting, uplifting and dramatic at the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, experience of our young Cold War lives. We Uyematsu Kao at [email protected]. there was no master plan circa 1969 to someday were part of the changes that were sweeping compile her photos into a book. the country and the world. It was truly a great “I was working on a film at the time. All the time to be alive!” full of negatives that I had been dragging Asian American Studies Center to be the co- photographs that I took were supposed to be Despite the beautifully rendered book that re- around,” she said. publisher — for Kao to get going on turning for this film, which didn’t get very far,” Kao sulted, Kao, 70, downplayed her own abilities. With a grant in the early aughts from the those digitized images into a book. Even with laughed. “I never got real good technically,” she said. Institute of American Cultures, she was able to those favorable circumstances, however, it Fortunately, this desire to document the times “A lot of it was just trial and error and just the have more than 300 of those negatives, saved wasn’t easy for her. and Kao’s peers via photography is a gift to love of doing those things. I messed up so in manila envelopes with dates and places “It was really hard getting started. It was like younger generations for whom taking a photo many pictures doing my own darkroom work.” written on them, professionally scanned at a this massive block. It was a writer’s block is as easy as whipping out a smartphone and But the modern digital technology that al- high resolution and converted into digital files. because I was approaching it as, ‘I need to sharing it via social media. lows anyone with a smartphone to take a photo It would take until after her retirement — and write first,’” said Kao. “With no progress on Back then, though, desire wasn’t enough. also proved beneficial to Kao. “I had this box yet another grant, plus the cooperation of the that, I realized, ‘This is a photo book. The One needed a decent camera, film and ac- main reason I’m doing this is because I want cess to a darkroom. Fortunately for posterity, to show the photos that I took from that time.’ a young and yet-unmarried Mary Uyematsu So then things started moving along. had all three: a Mamiya-Sekor 500 TL 35 mm “I organized everything by chapters with the photographs and then I filled in the writ- ing — that really helped my process quite a Mary Uyematsu lot because then I realized, ‘I don’t have to Kao displays write that much,’” she continued. a copy of her “You want the writing to complement the newly released photographs, too, so it was important to get book “Rockin’ those photographs down first because that the Boat: was really the inspiration for me,” Kao said. Flashbacks of “That pretty much solved the problem, and the 1970s Asian I moved forward from there.” Movement.” With her book nearly done, there arose PHOTO: GEORGE TOSHIO JOHNSTON another obstacle: a disagreement between UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center and Kao. “I was asked to change the epilogue, and I refused,” she said. “They wanted the stuff about (President Donald) Trump taken out.” She explained that the center’s viewpoint was any references to the current resident of (Above) “Rockin’ the Boat” cover, featuring a 1972 the White House stamped today’s political demonstration in L.A.’s Little Tokyo protesting the zeitgeist on an otherwise timeless book. U.S.-Japan Security Treaty Kao, however, stood her ground and got PHOTO: MARY UYEMATSU KAO her way. But, oddly enough, she laughed, IN-DEPTH Oct. 9-22, 2020 7

Mary Uyematsu Kao poses for a self-portrait. tinued, “I think about Mary because she lived PHOTOS: MARY UYEMATSU KAO it, so when you talk about the ’70s or the ’80s, she has a wealth of information. I remember back in the day, seeing Mary walking around the streets or a demonstration or a wedding or at a pancake breakfast, whatever it might be, with a camera and just like, taking pictures and communicating with people and just being a part of it, but also capturing the moment.” “We’re still fighting the same fight,” Maeshiro said. “We’re still fighting the racism, the pov- erty, the oppressive nature of the government, we’re still fighting these wars against people that are just for profit, we’re still fighting a system that’s driven by profit over people. So, a lot of those slogans of those days are just as relevant today.” Kao’s feelings were similar, but she added “I rarely get my way! Actually, it’s taken me that she did not see her book “as a call to a long time to learn to stand my ground. Be- action.” Rather, she said, “I want people to ing an Asian woman, especially from the era, think about why they are doing what they are the Cold War, you’re not taught to stand up doing, like for present-day activists. for yourself. That’s the last thing they want “What do they really want? Yeah, you want to you to do.” end police brutality but what does that entail? As for the book’s title, Sandy Maeshiro, a It entails a lot more than just fighting police fellow traveler and peer of Kao’s, could relate. brutality,” she said. “We’re talking about a “My mother used to say that. ‘Don’t rock whole system here, and police brutality is the boat.’ It was kind of a Nisei thing,” said protecting that whole system.” Maeshiro. “Whenever I would protest about Although she says she has enough photos something, she would say, ‘Don’t rock the to fill two more books, that is not what Kao boat.’” Picketers at Confucius Plaza in New York’s Chinatown from 1974, protesting has in mind to work on next. In other words, don’t disrupt the status quo, the construction contractor’s lack of compliance in hiring construction “I would really like to clean out my garage don’t bring attention to yourself, keep a low workers of Chinese ancestry. and make it a studio space. I really want to profile — all variations of the Japanese saying paint. That’s kind of where I started out at deru kugi wa utareru, or “the nail that sticks UCLA as an undergrad — painting,” Kao said. up gets hammered down.” For Vietnam War vet Nick Nagatani, one and so.’ There’s a lot of that.” “It’s just that with painting, I can’t com- Coming from Maeshiro’s parent’s generation, of his reactions to seeing the book was a bit Waxing more seriously, Nagatani, who municate things I can with photography, and that mindset made sense, after the collective more lighthearted. “Damn, we were young!” earned a law degree after his service, be- photography really fit in at the moment with experience of being rounded up and incarcer- he exclaimed. That was bolstered by Maeshiro. came a stalwart member of L.A.’s Yellow the movement and as an artist, what could ated in American concentration camps during “Right, right! That was probably the first thing,” Brotherhood movement and authored the I do to promote what was going on in the World War II, guilty of the “crime” of having she added. novel “Buddhahead Trilogy,” said of Kao’s movement,” she said. “So, that’s why I ended ethnic and cultural ties to a country with which According to Kao, the reaction to the book book: “It’s historical and it’s academic, and if up doing photography. But inside, there’s this the U.S. was at war, American citizenship by those who received early copies were they say a picture is worth a thousand words, painter. The painter hasn’t emerged.” notwithstanding. similar, ranging from “nostalgia to people then you’ve got millions of words in here, If Kao’s accomplishment with this book is For the Sansei involved in “the movement,” getting energized by seeing and reading — it’s even without the narratives, which add so any indication, though, should that painter however, being American as well as Asian like Facebook, when you go through peoples’ much life to the pictures. within Kao ever emerge, whatever is produced n meant calling out injustice, racism, unfairness Facebook pages and it’s like, ‘Oh, there’s so “When I think about this book,” Nagatani con- will likely rock the boat in its own way. and hypocrisy. Kao’s book, then, is a paean to those idealistic times. The Sansei were part of America’s Baby Boom generation, which clashed Members of the Yellow with their parents on anything and every- Brotherhood in Los thing: politics, music, hairstyles, gender Angeles give a Yellow roles, patriotism, drugs — and Japanese Power salute, circa 1973. American boomers and their second- generation parents were not immune to the “generation gap.” Kao, however, bristles at the memory of how Asian Americans were mistreated by the white members of the Anti-War movement, despite the common goals of ending the Vietnam War. “They had no sensitivity toward Asians or Asian Americans or even the Vietnamese,” she said. “They couldn’t have cared less. “The attitude was, ‘Bring our boys home,’ whereas the Asian contingent was telling them, ‘Look what you’re doing to the (Vietnamese) people over there. Do you even consider them people?’” Kao also remembers hearing from Asian American veterans returning from Vietnam. “The guys that came back, they were tell- ing us that they were stood up in [basic] training as ‘this is what a gook looks like,’ and out in the field, not sure if they were going to get shot by either side,” she said. 8 Oct. 9-22, 2020 NATIONAL/COMMUNITY WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN AMERICAN? A new curriculum with lesson plans from the Mineta Legacy Project and SPICE features powerful imagery, engaging videos and diverse voices.

LOS ANGELES — It is a question for our time: What Does It Mean to Be an American? That is the name of a new interactive and free curriculum for high school and college students, designed to engage future leaders by sparking conversations about American identity and history. Launched in September, the curriculum was The newly released curriculum developed by the Mineta Legacy Project and examines the life of Sec. Norman the Stanford Program on International and Y. Mineta and delves into important Cross-Cultural Education. topics that deal with the American Packed with strong imagery and thought- experience. provoking videos, including interviews with ing what they want people to know about their around issues of race, equity and former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and community. civil liberties, we can look at the engagement are important. Bill Clinton, “What Does It Mean to Be an “These lessons reflect America’s diversity experience of Sec. Mineta both as a former • Justice and Reconciliation — Examine the American?” presents engaging lessons on six and challenge students and teachers to start a incarceree and as a leader who broke barriers meaning of justice, the roles that justice and key issues: immigration, civil liberties and dialogue around identity and history,” Seki- to rise to power.” reconciliation play in society and the vari- equity, civic engagement, justice and recon- guchi said. “We go beyond the four walls of With separate modules for students and teach- ous historical and current-day movements ciliation, leadership and U.S.-Japan relations, the classroom to teach meaningful ideas that ers, “What Does It Mean to Be an American?” for social justice. according to Rylan Sekiguchi, curriculum are relevant to our lives today.” is broken out into six lessons to encourage class • Leadership — Through self-reflection and designer for SPICE at Stanford University. Inspired by the life and career of Sec. Nor- discussion and critical thought. Lesson plans discussion, explore and refine ideas about “Our six, standards-aligned lessons provide man Y. Mineta, the curriculum examines key emphasize deeper thinking with interactive effective leadership and how to foster these for powerful 21st-century learning that connects themes including his imprisonment during activities that reinforce learning. Areas for qualities. to students’ lives and showcases a diverse range World War II with other Japanese Americans study and discussion include: • U.S.-Japan Relations — Investigate the of American voices — from young adults to at Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyo- history between the U.S. and Japan and our former presidents,” Sekiguchi said. • Immigration — Explore the history of ming, Fukami said. Following his incarceration, probe key issues in contemporary U.S.- “The powerful learning tool we provide will immigration to the U.S., challenges and op- Mineta would become the first Asian American portunities immigrants encounter and how Japan relations. help students and teachers tackle challeng- mayor of a major city (San Jose, Calif.). the immigration has contributed to the evolution “This curriculum launches at a critical mo- ing questions and thoughtfully examine the first Japanese American from the mainland of our nation. ment as young people are reflecting on the American experience through historical and to be elected to Congress and the first Asian • Civil Liberties and Equity — What is the power structure in our country, as well as on modern-day lenses,” said Dianne Fukami of American to serve in a presidential cabi- the Mineta Legacy Project. meaning and value of civil liberties? What our nation’s diversity and future,” said Mineta. net. A bipartisan visionary who championed is the meaning of civil rights? Examine the The curriculum features compelling video political civility, Mineta served in the Clinton incarceration of Japanese Americans during The curriculum is available online at www. dialogues from young Americans discussing and Bush cabinets. WWII and parallels to contemporary issues. whatdoesitmeantobeanamerican.com. It their experiences growing up in America, “In many ways, Sec. Mineta’s life is a liv- • Civic Engagement — Examine the rights is designed for mobile, tablet and desktop including African American men discussing ing lesson in American history and American and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy applications and can be easily shared and what it means to be a young black male in identity,” Fukami said. “Even as we look at and why community empowerment and civic downloaded. America and young Muslim Americans shar- the issues facing our nation today, especially

Innovation and Modernization, Transparency and Accountability and the Life in Congress REP. TAKANO WINS DEMOCRACY AWARD Award for Workplace Environment. CMF developed categories and criteria for the Democracy Awards over the past five FOR EXEMPLARY PUBLIC SERVICE years with input from members of Congress, and modernized traditional approaches to gov- current and former congressional staff and The Congressional Management Foundation erning,” said Takano. “It’s a joy to support so the Maxwell School for Public Policy and many projects and practices — both internally Citizenship at Syracuse University. recognizes the lawmaker for outstanding achievement and externally — that allow me to serve my The Founding Partner for the Democracy in innovation and modernization. constituents much more effectively and help Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided to change the institution of Congress for the a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge WASHINGTON — Rep. Mark Takano (D- better. I’m thankful for this award and hope Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than Calif.) received a Democracy Award, the to continue to push the envelope to move our 100 organizations committed to revitalizing Congressional Management Foundation’s country forward and create a better democracy democratic practice in America. distinctive honors program recognizing non- for all.” The CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan non- legislative achievement in operations and “As a Democracy Award winner, Rep. profit whose mission is to build trust and constituent service by congressional offices Takano’s office is clearly one of the best in effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977, CMF and members of Congress on Oct. 7. Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, president has worked internally with member, commit- Rep. Takano has been selected for his out- and CEO of the Congressional Management tee, leadership and institutional offices in the standing accomplishments in Innovation and Foundation. “This designation demonstrates House and Senate to identify and disseminate Modernization, a category that recognizes of- that Rep. Takano has made a significant com- best practices for management, workplace fices employing unique or innovative methods mitment to being the best public servant for environment, communications, and constituent in their constituent interactions, communica- his constituents in California. Rep. Takano and services. CMF also is the leading researcher tions or office operations. his staff are to be congratulated for not only and trainer on citizen engagement, educating “Since being elected to Congress in 2012, being a model for his colleagues in Congress, thousands of individuals and facilitating better it’s been an adventure to have implemented but for helping to restore trust and faith that relationships with Congress. policies and practices in my office that have our democratic institutions can work.” Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) encouraged creativity, pushed for innovation Award categories include Constituent Service, For more information, please visit www. congressfoundation.org. COMMUNITY Oct. 9-22, 2020 9 JUDGE VINCENT OKAMOTO DIES AT AGE 76 The highly decorated Vietnam veteran was also an Army Ranger.

By P.C. Staff

incent H. Okamoto, a Viet- nam War veteran who was awarded the Distinguished VService Cross and became a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, died on Sept. 27. He was 76. Among Okamoto’s associations and accomplishments were serving as a co-founder of the Japanese American Bar Assn., helping establish the Japanese American National War Memorial Court located adjacent to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo, authoring two books and Okamoto was instrumental in establish- appearing in Ken Burns’ acclaimed ing the Japanese American National War 2017 documentary “The Vietnam Memorial Court, located adjacent to the War” and the Japanese American Japanese American Cultural and Commu- Vincent Okamoto National Museum’s documentary nity Center in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. in 1979 film “Looking Like the Enemy.” PHOTO: COURTESY OF JACCC Okamoto was also inducted into the Army’s Ranger Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2002, California Gov. Gray the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Davis appointed Okamoto, a former Washington, D.C., Vince decided that prosecutor, to the Los Angeles we should have a similar memorial Superior Court. to the Japanese Americans who gave Norman Mineta, a former U.S. their lives in Vietnam. He gathered a congressman and Transportation group of Vietnam veterans together Department secretary who currently to seek their support in honoring serves as chairman the Japanese our fallen brothers. The Japanese American National Museum’s Board American Vietnam Veteran Memorial of Trustees, in a statement said, “It is Committee was formed to raise funds with sadness and much respect that I and build the memorial. note the passing of Judge Vincent H. “With the help of Edwin Hiroto Okamoto. . . . His heroism, leadership and the board of Keiro, a success- Judge Vincent Okamoto (far right) died at age 76. This photo was taken at his home in and public service ensures his place ful fundraising dinner was held in 2017. Pictured with Okamoto are (from left) Joe Annello, Ken Hayashi, Hershey Miyamura in our country’s history.” 1988, and the search for a home and Steve Mick. Noting the military service of began. Vince approached politicians, Vincent Okamoto and that of his six PHOTO: GEORGE TOSHIO JOHNSTON businessmen and community leaders, brothers, Japanese American Veterans all of whom did not offer a home. Assn. President Gerald Yamada in The still-remaining controversy of a statement lauded Okamoto for County Superior Court judge, he child and seventh son of Issei im- the Silver Star and the Distinguished the long and unpopular war was “ . . . having the vision, planning and set the example of blending honor, migrants, Henry and Yone Okamoto, Service Cross, the second-highest an obstacle none wanted to be fundraising to build the Japanese service and compassion. We will and was born in 1943 during World military decoration. He left the Army associated with. American Vietnam War Veterans miss him.” War II while his family was incar- with the rank of captain. “Through almost five years of Memorial, which was dedicated in Japanese American Bar Assn. cerated at Arizona’s Poston War After his military service, Okamoto rejection, Vince continued to 1995 in Los Angeles. He was a JAVA President Catherine Endo Chuck in Relocation Authority Center. Two returned to USC, earned a law persevere. Finally, Min Tonai, then- member and will be missed.” a statement told the Pacific Citizen: of his older brothers served in the degree, became an L.A. County president of the JACCC, said ‘Yes,’ Ken Hayashi, a longtime friend of “The Japanese American Bar Assn. 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental deputy district attorney and later a and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Okamoto’s, told the Pacific Citizen, mourns the loss of founding member Combat Team during WWII and councilman for the city of Gardena. had a home. The Japanese American “The JA community and the country Judge Vincent Okamoto of the Los all the Okamoto sons served in the In 2008, Okamoto published Vietnam Veterans Memorial was have lost an inspirational leader and Angeles Superior Court. In the 1970s, U.S. military. “Wolfhound Samurai,” a novel based dedicated on Nov. 11, 1995. It fulfills role model.” Hayashi also lauded as more Japanese Americans were After the Okamoto family left upon his experiences going through his vision of honoring those Japanese Okamoto’s dedicated efforts toward becoming attorneys, Judge Okamoto Poston, they spent a few years in Army Ranger training and as an Americans who made the supreme establishing the Japanese American saw the need for role models and Chicago and later moved to Southern infantryman in Vietnam. He also sacrifice and assures their families National War Memorial Court. mentors, so he became one of the California, where the Okamoto wrote a book titled “Forged in Fire: that their sons are not forgotten. He “I believe that he considered it founders of the Japanese American parents would operate a Japanese The Story of Hershey and Joe,” about asked others to chair the committee, to be his most important project,” Bar Assn. restaurant in Gardena. the Korean War experiences of Medal but it was his vision — he was the said Hayashi. “The war affected “From that point on, and throughout Vince Okamoto attended the of Honor recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” inspiration and leader of the project.” him deeply, and he cared very much his career, Judge Vincent Okamoto University of Southern California, Miyamura and his friendship with a Go for Broke National Education for those who gave their lives, remained committed to JABA and where he earned a degree in fellow soldier, Joe Annello. Center President and CEO Mitch their families and all who served its ideals of equality and inclusion. international relations. He then In remembering his now-deceased Maki said in a statement, “With Vince in that war. In more recent years, he has served entered the University of California friend, Hayashi told the Pacific Okamoto’s passing, we lose not only “Vince was the driving force behind as a member of JABA’s Advisory Los Angeles’ ROTC program. Citizen, “I am still processing and a true hero, but, more important, a the dedication of the JA Vietnam Council. Judge Okamoto lived a Later, he completed the grueling reflecting on a friendship of over friend. Many of us have our personal Veterans Wall, which was the life of honor and service, integrity Army Ranger School and was sent 55 years. I will say that he was the stories of how this man motivated, beginning of the Japanese American and compassion. He serves as an to Vietnam in 1968 as a second most loyal and supportive friend a inspired and assisted his fellow National War Memorial Court as we inspiration to all of us,” Chuck lieutenant. man could have.” human beings. From his military know it today,” Hayashi continued. concluded. For his service, he was awarded Okamoto is survived by his wife, service to his service as a Los Angeles “After several emotional visits to A Nisei, Okamoto was the 10th three Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Mitzi, and son, Darby. n 10 Oct. 9-22, 2020 CALENDAR A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS tails. Meeting ID and password will confidently prepare for our future. Info: www.digitalwingluke.org. be issued upon registration. The discussion will feature four experts from different fields with an interactive Q & A session, including Johnese Spisso and William Dunne MDC PSW from UCLA Health, financial adviser CALENDARracially marginalized community. ‘Quilts Uncovering: Women’s Stories’ DUE TO HEALTH AND Ric Edelman and KTLA-TV’s tech You’ll learn about life for Japanese 36th Annual Los Angeles Asian Indianapolis, IN SAFETY CONCERNS IN reporter Rich DeMuro. Canadians in Canada before World Pacific Film Festival Info: Registration closes on Oct. 22. Thru Jan. 31, 2021 War II, the administration of their THE U.S. BECAUSE OF Los Angeles, CA To preregister, visit https://keiro. Eiteljorg Museum lives during and after the war ended Thru Oct. 31 org/symposium. For questions, 500 W. Washington St. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, and how the legacies of disposses- Online film festival Price: See Museum’s Website sion continues to this day. email [email protected] or call Price: Ticket packages are available This exhibit features 30 fascinat- PLEASE CHECK REGARDING Info: For more information about (213) 873-5792. for purchase ing quilts by women artists from THE STATUS OF EVENTS the exhibit, visit https://centre. Established in 1983 by Visual Com- the early 1800s to the present day nikkeiplace.org/exhibits/broken- GFBNEC’s ‘An Evening of Aloha’ LISTED IN THIS ISSUE’S munications, LAAPFF is the largest in the Western states and reveals promises/. Los Angeles, CA captivating experiences and sto- film festival in Southern California Nov. 14, 4-5 p.m. PST CALENDAR SECTION. dedicated to showcasing films by ries of women in the West and Na- Asians and Pacific Islanders around Virtual event tive America. The quilts document NCWNP the world. The festival presents Join the Go For Broke National people, places and events, and NATIONAL approximately 200 films, as well Education Center as it streams serve as visual records that help Picnic at the Plaza as the C3:Conference, LT@Home live for the first time ‘An Evening us study and understand Western of Aloha’ celebration gala honoring JACSC 2020 Education Conference San Francisco, CA series and much more! art, history and cultures. One quilt our brave Nisei veterans. on display contains blocks made National Event Saturday and Sundays Thru Nov. 1; Info: Visit festival.vcmedia.org for Info: Visit goforbroke.org. by students who were incarcerated Oct. 17-18 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. more information. Virtual Conference at Poston War Relocation Center Japantown’s Peace Plaza JANM Online Museum Collection during WWII. Price: Free ‘United in Action’ Gala by Asian Price: Free Los Angeles, CA Info: Visit www.eiteljorg.org. Join the Japanese American Con- Americans Advancing Justice Bring your take-out food and enjoy Japanese American National finement Sites Consortium for its it at the Peace Plaza’s free out- Los Angeles, CA ‘Vibrant Line’: Works on Paper by first education conference, held Museum door dining space, complete with Oct. 22, 5-6 p.m. PDT Tanaka, Shinoda and Tawara virtually for all. Founded on the idea Online canopies, lighting, heaters, hand- Virtual event Idaville, IN that we are stronger together than washing stations, restrooms and Price: Free, but donations are JANM’s Museum Collections Online features selected highlights from Thru Nov 29 on our own, JACSC aims to bring socially distanced sanitized tables accepted. together practitioners in preser- the museum’s permanent collection Indianapolis Museum of Art and chairs. Enjoy a meal while sup- Join Asian Americans Advancing vation, education and advocacy of more than 60,000 unique arti- 4000 N. Michigan Road porting Japantown businesses. This Justice at its 37th gala, held virtually related to the Japanese American facts, documents and photographs. Price: See Museum’s Website program is brought to you by the this year to celebrate the community experience. This free opportunity Among the collections that can Center in cooperation with the S.F. as it enters its next chapter of ad- Three very different modern Japa- includes educational sessions and be viewed online are the “Stanley Recreation and Parks Department vancing justice. The event will also nese artists stay inside the lines inspiring conversations with a na- Hayami Diary,” “Hisako Hibi Col- and the Japantown Merchants Assn. welcome new CEO Connie Chung to express what’s possible with tional community of thought leaders lection,” “George Hoshida Collec- Funded by the Henri and Tomoye Joe, as well as a tribute to Stew- ink on paper — from photorealis- and experts. The event is hosted tion” and “Hideo Date Collection,” Takahashi Charitable Foundation. art Kwoh, president emeritus, and tic etchings of old rural Japan to by JANM and brought to you by “ Estelle Ishigo Collection,” among Info: Visit jcccnc.org. the presentation of the first annual calligraphy influenced by abstract the JACSC. others. Although the museum is expressionism, see the artworks Info: To register, visit https://bit. Joseph Ileto Courage Award. The temporarily closed, viewers can Community Kitchen Virtual event will be emceed by ABC7’s of master etcher Ryohei Tanaka, ly/3hlTpWK. still experience its inside treasures. painter Tawara Yusaku and calligra- Potluck: Sweets, Treats and David Ono. Info: www.janm.org. Japanese Desserts Info: For more information and pher Toko Shinoda in this exhibit that ‘Broken Promises’ Virtual Exhibit incorporates abstract interpretations San Franciso, CA to register, visit https://www. Burnaby, Canada of natural phenomena. Virtual Event advancingjustice-la.org. Ongoing Info: Visit https://www.mutualart. Oct. 22; 6-8 p.m. PNW Nikkei National Museum & Culture com/Organization/Indianapolis- Price: Free; Advance Registration Keiro Symposium: ‘Designing Your Centre Wing Luke Museum Online Digital Museum-of-Art--Newfields/ Required Future’ Virtual event Content 3CB126D19FEF393C. Join the Japanese Cultural and Los Angeles, CA Price: Free Seattle, WA Community Center Northern Cali- Oct. 24; 10 a.m.-Noon Wing Luke Museum The new traveling exhibit “Broken fornia at its virtual potluck featuring Virtual event Although the museum’s doors are Promises,” co-curated by the Nikkei the best dessert recipes for this Price: Free temporarily closed, there is still a EDC National Museum with the Royal month’s Community Kitchen virtual Held online for the first time, this plethora of curated stories, digital British Columbia Museum and the potluck! Connect via Zoom and Japan Society of Boston Free Online event connects baby boomers and content and neighborhood resourc- Landscapes of Injustice research show your best desserts and treats. Resources older adults with leading experts es available to access and view. collective, explores the disposses- No potluck is complete without the Boston, MA in the field of health care, finance/ Viewers can check out Education, sion of Japanese Canadians in the best desserts! Virtual classes and information 1940s. It illuminates the loss of home retirement planning and technology YouthCAN, Collections and Com- Info: Visit jcccnc.org for Zoom de- Price: Free and the struggle for justice of one to share their insights and tools to munity Art all online! The Japan Society of Boston is of- fering free online resources featuring Japanese language learning tools, cooking, origami, arts and lectures and much more. Info: Visit https://japansociety boston.wildapricot.org. n

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Angeles, CA, April 13; she was predeceased by her husband, Takeo; she is survived by her children, Takeshi (Betty) Teramoto and Machiko Urquidi; gc: 4.

Amano, Herbert Terufumi, 22; she is survived by her daughter, and Wendy (John “Beau” Schneider) Uyeda, Herbert Arata, 90, Culver Hacienda Heights, CA Feb. 21; he is Shirley (Calvin) Nakashima; sister, Murakami; gc: 4; ggc: 5. City, CA, Jan. 14; an Army veteran survived by his wife, Hatsue Amano; Harue Alexander; gc: 2; ggc: 4; (Korean War), he is survived by his daughters, Margaret, Amy, Kathy gggc: 4. Nakagiri, Tomiye, 90, Culver City, wife, Ellen; son, Kevin; he is also and Nancy; gc: 9; ggc: 1. CA, April 18; she is survived by her Sakai, Cheri Mieko, 85, Culver City, survived by many nieces, nephews Ikuta, M.D., Clyde Masayuki, daughters, Lynn (Tim Mochizuki) CA, April 1; she was predeceased by and other relatives. Awakuni, Teruko, 90, Los Angeles, 82, Anaheim, CA, Feb. 3; he is Nakagiri and Laurie (Mike) Amano; her husband, Richard Kiyoshi Sakai; CA, April 14; active with the Gardena survived by his children, Pamela, siblings, Frank (Hideko), Hiroshi she is survived by her children, Uyeda, Masayo, 94, Whittier, Valley Japanese Cultural Institute Tristan and Courtney; gc: 3. (Sumako), Tadashi and Isamu Richard Sakai Jr., Daniel (Lily) Sakai CA, April 13; during WWII, her and supporter of the Okinawa Tsushima and May (Keigo) Obata; and Sheril Sakai; siblings, Ken Iwata, family and she were incarcerated Association of America, she was Imamura, Akira, 88, Huntington siblings-in-law, Shigemi Nakagiri Jiroh (Lorna) Iwata and Emmy Iwata; at the Minidoka WRA Center in predeceased by her husband, Beach, CA, Jan. 13; he is survived and June Akioka; gc: 3. gc: 2. ID; she was predeceased by her Masao, and daughter, Sharon; she by his wife, Betty; daughters, Akane husband, Mamoru “Mark” Uyeda; is survived by her children, Steven Imamura and Sally Baral; gc: 2. Sakamoto, Waka, 68, Lancaster, she is survived by her son, Gary (Sharon) Awakuni, Ken Awakuni and CA, April 17; she is survived by her (Nancy Petersen) Uyeda; she is also Donna Awakuni; several siblings; husband, Glenn; daughter, Shirley survived by more than 70 nieces, gc: 2. (Tim Chung) Sakamoto; Shintaro nephews, grand and great-grand Odaira, Yoko Kaneshiro, Teruko nieces and nephews; gc: 2. Kawana, Ikko Nageshima, Hachiro Odaira and Mutsuko Sato. Wakamatsu, Helen Keiko, 87, Montebello, CA, March 27. Sato, Takemi, 69, Los Angeles, CA, May 3. Watanabe, Elsie K., 86, Captain Cook, HI, Feb. 25; she is survived by her husband, Albert Watanabe. Nakamichi, Kusu, 92, Seattle, WA, May 8. Yamakawa, Satoshi, 87, San Kawaguchi, Miyoko, 83, Seattle, Francisco, CA, April 20. WA, Jan. 14; she was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Toshiyuki Paul Davis, Linda Lee (Yamada), Kawaguchi, and brother, Teruo; she 72, Lodi, CA, Sept. 17; a career is survived by her sons, Michael, educator, she is survived by her Mark and Keith (Michelle); sisters, husband, Scott; daughter, Lindsay Taeko (Sugii), Jyuko Namiki and Mora (Luis); brothers, Gerald Mitsuko (Kanbe); gc: 2. Shiroma, Gerald, 59, Los Angeles, Yamada (Nancy) and Kenny Yamada April 8; COVID-19 related. (Millie); sisters-in-law, Sally Skelton Kawahira, Isamu Sam, 90, Los (Larry), Jenny Vasquez and Jill Mann Angeles, CA, Feb. 18; he is survived (Steve); brother-in-law, Mark Davis; by his wife, Hisako Kawahira; mother-in-law, Merna Davis; she brothers-in-law, Aurelio and Mike Nakanishi, Hiroshi Ray, 96, Se- is also survived by many nieces, Ikeda; he is also survived by many attle, WA, March 27; an Army vet- Yamamoto, Grace, 97, Cleveland, nephews and friends; gc: 3. nieces, nephews and other relatives. eran (WWII), he is survived by his OH, April 1; she was predeceased wife, Chiyo; children, Roger, David by her husband, Joe, and sisters, Higashi, Blake Shiro, 63, Kahului, Kawano, Fumi, 88, Hilo, HI, May and Ellen Nakanishi; brother, Ted Lillian and Patricia; she is survived HI, Jan. 22; he is survived by his 3; she is survived by her children, Nakanishi; gc: 4; ggc: 2. by her children, Carl Yamamoto mother, Joan Higashi; brother, Gavin (Jean) Kawano, Kyle (Kathy and Esther Cohen; brother, David Harvey (Winona) Higashi; children, Kosaka) Kawano, Joni (Anthony) Okamoto, Jean, 88, Los Angeles, Swanson; gc: 1. Brandon (Lauren) Higashi and Amy Garcia and Cara Gebhard; gc: 5. CA, Feb. 15. (Lenn) Nakama; partner, Debbi Tanada, Edna Noriko, 99, Oakland, Yamamura, Fumiye Helen Awaya, Amado; gc: 3. Mayahara, Kazunobu ‘Kazu,’ Ono, Dorothy Yayoi, 98, Torrance, CA, March 17; she was predeceased 89, Los Angeles, CA, April 7; she 94, Kapaau, HI, April 13; an Army CA, March 4; during WWII, she was by her husband, Yoshinori “Joe” is survived by her sister, Kazuko Honda, Tomie, 96, Captain Cook, veteran (WWII), he is survived incarcerated at the Gila River WRA Tanada; she is survived by her (Hiromi) Ueda; sister-in-law, Yoko HI, Feb. 29; she is survived by her by his sister-in-law, Thelma Center in AZ; she was predeceased daughters, Karen (David) and Ruth Awaya; she is also survived by many children, Carol Honda, Ruth Honda, Uyama; 3 nieces, 1 grandniece, 2 by her husband, Tokumi Ono; she (Leo); sister, Betty Togikawa; sister- nieces, nephews and other relatives Harry Honda Jr.; siblings, Satsue grandnephews and many cousins. is survived by her children, Patricia in-law, Alice Esperas; gc: 1. Tanaka, Toyoko Urada and Akikazu Nakasone Brown, Russell (Diana) Yamashita, Alice, 95, Los Angeles, (Suemi) Matsumoto; she is also Ono and Miles Ono; sister, Marie Tanaka, Mitsuko, 86, Camarillo, CA, Feb. 23; she was predeceased survived by many numerous nieces, Maeda, sister-in-law, Toshiko Ono; CA, April 27; she is survived by by her husband, Hiroji, son, Jim nephews and cousins. gc: 4; ggc: 1. her husband, Yoneo; children, (April) and daughter, Kathy Yamashi- John (Sue) Tanaka, Nancy (David) ta; she is survived by her children, Ota, Itsuko, 94, Pasadena, CA, April Nishimori and Andrew (Karen) Gloria Yamashita, Peggy (Ivan) Pang 14; she is survived by her children, Tanaka; gc: 9; ggc: 2. and Judy (Scott) McClinton; siblings, Nancy Toyota and Robert (Deena) Ruby Nishio and Fred Hifumi; gc: 5. Ota; son-in-law, Wade Utsunomiya; Teramoto, Masami, 94, Los n gc: 4; ggc: 1.

PLACE A TRIBUTE Murakami, Grace Hiroko, 85, Wai- ‘In Memoriam’ is a free luku, HI, March 16; she is survived listing that appears on a by her husband, Ralph M. Murakami; limited, space-available basis. sister, Betsy (Arthur) Ishida; daugh- Tributes honor your loved ones Hoshino, Kazuko, Los Angeles, ters, Pamela Murakami and Patti with text and photos and appear CA, April; she is survived by her (Randy) Endo; son, Kevin (Mike) in a timely manner at the rate of husband, William Hefner; son, Koji; Murakami; gc: 2. $20/column inch. mother, Michiko; sisters, Yoshimi Umezawa and Sachiko Kobayashi. Murakami, Janet Kinue, 91, Ho- CONTACT: nokaa, HI, April 11; she is survived [email protected] Ikeda, Hisako, 97, Keaau, HI, Feb. by her husband, Kiyoshi Murakami; or call (213) 620-1767 ext. 104 children, Wesley (Debbie) Murakami 12 Oct. 9-22, 2020 COMMENTARY In past articles, I wrote about our “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehen- REIMAGINE EVERYTHING sive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Americans 50-plus as they vote in the 2020 AARP COLLABORATES TO ADDRESS POLL elections. The campaign will help Americans over 50 vote safely, WORKER SHORTAGES FOR 2020 ELECTIONS whether at home or in person. The “Protect Voters 50+” campaign By Ron Mori serve as a poll worker in your com- to keep polling sites open, staffed, AARP and Power the Polls allows us will also provide people with the munity, visit www.powerthepolls.org/ efficient and functioning. We must to recruit young poll workers whose information they need about this ARP has announced a AARP. According to a Pew Research do everything we can to ensure this identities reflect the community in year’s elections, including video new initiative to enlist poll Center analysis of government data, upcoming election is safe, fair and which they serve.” voters’ guides, issue briefings, direct workers of all ages this nearly 6-in-10 (58 percent) of poll accessible.” AARP will work to engage with mail, text messaging, social media ANovember, working in collaboration workers were ages 61 and up in 2018 Said Ben Brown, founder of the younger audiences to work alongside and paid media. with the Association of Young and 56 percent in 2016. Association of Young Americans: 50-plus Americans to help ensure Americans, Power the Polls and Many communities faced poll “Poll workers play a critical but the availability of safe voting Ron Mori is a member of the New Leaders Council. The groups worker shortages prior to the pan- often overlooked role in ensuring options. By partnering with Power Washington, D.C., JACL chapter aim to enlist more poll workers to demic. The 2016 U.S. Election As- safe elections. The pandemic has the Polls, AYA and NLC, AARP will and manager of community, states ensure that in-person voting is still sistance Commission found that hampered recruiting efforts for raise awareness about the need for and national affairs — multicul- an accessible and safe option this two-thirds of jurisdictions already poll workers, who tend to be repeat additional poll workers of all ages tural leadership for AARP. fall. And, I do stress volunteer poll had a difficult time recruiting enough workers, and fewer poll workers to ensure the continued workers of all ages. poll workers on Election Day. means longer lines, delays and more accessibility and safety “There is an urgent need for more “The poll worker shortage is an confusion on Election Day. We’re of in-person voting. poll workers this election, including urgent issue, and we’re on the clock,” excited to work with AARP and The Power the Polls people 50-plus and younger voters. said Scott Duncombe, co-director of Power to the Polls to encourage initiative is also work- We need to ensure that in-person Power the Polls. “This unprecedented Americans of all ages to be poll ing with local organi- voting is still an accessible and safe shortage threatens our democracy, workers and protect the election and zations and partners to option,” said Nancy LeaMond, ex- puts our older population at risk and their communities.” help election officials ecutive vp and chief advocacy and disproportionately affects low-income “Poll workers are the essential provide the necessary engagement officer at AARP. “We communities and communities of workers of our democratic process. personal protection will encourage all AARP members color. This is a historic moment for All voters should feel safe and equipment to keep to communicate with their younger first-time poll workers to sign up welcome when they participate in poll workers and voters family and friends around the impor- to protect their communities, their the upcoming election,” said Clare safe. For more informa- AARP is working to ensure that in- tance of voting and how to participate neighbors and their democracy. We Bresnahan English, president and tion, reach out to your person voting is still accessible and as a poll worker.” will keep working until there are CEO of New Leaders Council. “This local officials through safe come Election Day in November. For more information on how to enough poll workers and volunteers intergenerational collaboration with workelections.com. PHOTO: AARP

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