Pg 4 Photo: Paul Kitagaki Jr

The NATIONAL NEWSPAPER of the JACL

JAs and Afri- can Americans collaborate in S.F.’s redistricting process.

>> pg 3

pg 3

Female sumo “Comic Book wrestling is Men’s” Ming working hard Chen is the to catch up go-to guy to the boys. on the show. pg 9 pg 5

dane potter/amc

# 3186 / VOL. 154, No. 6 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG APRIL 06 - APRIL 19, 2012 2 APR. 6-19, 2012 SPRING CAMPAIGN/COMMENTARY PACIFIC CITIZEN PACIFIC CITIZEN SPRING CAMPAIGN COMMENTARY how to reach us E-mail: [email protected] Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Tel: (213) 620-1767 MAGNIFYING THE VOICE OF UPDATE ON STAFF REVIEWS Fax: (213) 620-1768 Mail: 250 E. First Street, Suite 301 AND BELLEVUE CONVENTION Los Angeles, CA 90012 JACL MEMBERS Staff Executive Editor By Paul Niwa By Gail Sueki Caroline Y. Aoyagi-Stom Assistant Editor One of the things I remember about my As the national JACL vice president for Lynda Lin general operations I am also the personnel grandfather, Henry Fukuhara, was the mag- Reporter azines on his coffee table. When I became a committee chair. This year the committee Nalea J. Ko had a critical job to perform: providing a college student, I started a habit of digging Business Manager through that stack of papers to pull out the recommendation to the national board for Staci Hisayasu the selection of a national director. The out- latest edition of the Pacific Citizen. During Circulation my grandfather’s frequent naps, I would come of the efforts of the personnel com- Eva Lau-Ting

read the Pacific Citizen, learning about the mittee and the national board has resulted in the hiring of our new National Director The Pacific Citizennewspaper activities of JACL. (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published Just before my grandfather moved into Priscilla Ouchida. semi-monthly (except once in De- a nursing home, I asked him why he sub- Kudos to the personnel committee be- cember and January) by the Japa- cause there were many behind the scenes tasks that allowed us to com- nese American Citizens League, scribed to the Pacific Citizen. He had not been to a JACL event for de- Pacific Citizen, cades. Yet, he continued to pay membership dues. plete our assignment. The committee had the board rank the attributes 250 E. 1st Street, Suite 301, Los My grandfather told me that he joined JACL in the 1920s, and he de- of a national director, then created job descriptions and job announce- Angeles, CA 90012 ments. Recruitment was done using a variety of methods including word Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA scribed how much fun it was to meet other Nisei who could relate to being POSTMASTER: send address an immigrant’s son. He said the early days weren’t about politics. JACL of mouth, newspapers/media and online posts. Through these efforts, we changes to National JACL, 1765 held grand gatherings where young Japanese Americans could meet, received and reviewed applications from many qualified individuals. A Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 dance and sing. When the weekend parties ended, the Pacific Citizen was subset of the personnel committee screened and conducted phone in- JACL President: David Kawamoto the way members kept in touch between social affairs. terviews for the most qualified candidates. Based on these results, the National Director: Floyd Mori My grandfather died two years ago, shortly after I was given the privi- personnel committee made a recommendation to the national board. The P.C. editorial board board conducted a final interview and came to a decision. Judith Aono, chairperson; Paul lege of serving on the Pacific Citizen editorial board. This newspaper still Niwa, EDC; Kevin Miyazaki, MDC; links JACL members, both of my grandfather’s generation and mine. It The expenses for this process included teleconference calls for the Roberta Barton, CCDC; Mark continues to be a place where Japanese Americans explore the possibili- personnel committee, the personnel interview committee, and the online Kobayashi, NCWNPDC; Hugh Bur- posting. As personnel committee chair, I’d like to thank the personnel leson, PNWDC; Gil Asakawa, IDC; ties of their shared identity. Cindi Harbottle, PSWDC; Sonya And it is a forum for members, both active and inactive, to communi- committee whose members include: Pacific Citizen Executive Editor, Kuki, Youth cate informally to the leadership and staff of JACL. Caroline Aoyagi-Stom; staff representative, Bill Yoshino; National Direc- subscribe But, this newspaper can magnify the voice of its members only if its tor Floyd Mori; Governor’s Caucus Chair Chip LaRouche; at-large del- Get a one-year subscription of the egates, Milo Yoshino, Judith Aono and Betsy Sato; and non-voting mem- Pacific Citizen newspaper at: readers continue to treasure it. www.pacificcitizen.org or call The Pacific Citizen is JACL’s most successful program, and it has al- bers President David Kawamoto and Legal Counsel Floyd Shimomura. (800) 966-6157 ways been a faithful financial steward. JACL’s contribution basically cov- Advertise ers the salaries of the two Pacific Citizen editors and business manager. Reviews To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, Reviews were due at the end of 2011. At the end of 2011, I received the call (800) 966-6157 or e-mail: Advertising revenues and funds raised from their annual Spring Cam- [email protected] Pacific Citizen executive editor’s review and confirmation that the P.C. paign pay for the printing and mailing of the Pacific Citizen and the cost LEGAL of gathering the news and putting the newspaper online for a younger staff reviews have been completed. To date, the national director’s review No part of this publication may be generation. The Spring Campaign has also paid for the one reporter posi- and confirmation of the completion of the staff reviews are still pending. reproduced without the express per- As stated in the personnel manual, the president and the v.p. for general mission of the Pacific Citizen. tion at the Pacific Citizen for the past few years. Editorials, news and the opinions ex- We, the readers of the Pacific Citizen have shown in the past how much operations review the P.C. executive editor and the national director an- pressed by columnists other than the we value the Pacific Citizen through our generous Spring Campaign con- nually and confirm that staff reviews are completed. national JACL president or national director do not necessarily reflect JACL tributions. And I hope you will join me in supporting the Pacific Citizen policy. Events and products advertised again this year. n Convention in the Pacific Citizen do not carry the I have just returned from Washington where I had the opportunity to implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to Paul Niwa is a journalism professor at Emerson College. He is the cur- tour the Hyatt Bellevue again as well as attend the PNW district meeting. edit articles. © 2012 rent Eastern District representative on the Pacific Citizen editorial board. Thank you to the Seattle chapter and the PNW district for all their hard Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, work. Plans are moving along and the convention will be here in no time. Calif and mailing office. Convention information may be found at www.jacl.org/2012. It’s an election year convention, so we hope to see a large turnout as ‘This newspaper still links JACL members, both JACL MEMBERS we elect our leaders for the next biennium. As a national board officer, I of my grandfather’s generation and mine.’ Change of feel that the national convention is one of the main avenues by which we Address can have an opportunity to hear the voice of our membership. We need to keep working together to make improvements and continue to build a If you’ve moved, strong and vibrant organization. please send new Your STORIES. Your LEGACY. Find them here at the Pacific Citizen. Your STORIES. Your LEGACY. Find them here at the Pacific CitizenYour. STORIES. Your LEGACY. Find them here at the Pacific Citizen. As we prepare for our trip to the JACL convention in Bellevue, Wash., information to: please think about these items as you may want to discuss them at your National JACL 1765 Sutter St. >>See SUEKI pg. 6 San Francisco, CA 94115 Allow 6 weeks for Donate $150 or more to become a Donate $150 or more to become a Donate $150 or more to become a WALL OF FAMER; $200 or more get address changes. WALL OF FAMER; $200 or more get WALL OF FAMER; $200 or more get a free entry into a drawing for a July 5-8 a free entry into a drawing for a a free entry into a drawing for a Mexican cruise! To avoid interrup- Mexican cruise! Mexican cruise! tions in delivery, 12 please notify your postmaster to include periodicals Mexican cruise prize donated by the weeks in your change of Mexican cruise prize donated by theN ATIONAL JACL CREDIT UNION Mexican cruise prize donated by the Hyatt regency bellevue, wa address (USPS NATIONAL JACL CREDIT UNION NATIONAL JACL CREDIT UNION DONATE ONLINE > www.pacificcitizen.org reservations: 1 (888) 421-1442 www.jacl.org/2012 Form 3575) PACIFIC CITIZEN IN-DEPTH APR. 6-19, 2012 3 SAN FRAN’S JAPANESE AMERICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES COLLABORATE IN REDISTRICTING PROCESS San Francisco’s Japantown stakeholders credit the collaboration with the African American community for their success in getting their concerns heard during the redistricting process.

By Nalea J. Ko, Reporter

above photo: david yu Residents and concerned citizens of San Francisco’s Japantown fought to keep J-town in District 5.

institutions were located and what members of as successful in getting community members’ concerns ad- the community considered to be part of Japan- dressed in the redrawing process of district boundaries. ationwide debates about the redistricting process town,” said Jon Osaki, JCYC’s executive director. “And so In Los Angeles the borders of the city’s 15 districts have have been heating up as communities fight to main- I think once we got engaged in the process and were able to been redrawn and approved much to the dismay of stake- tain their district boundaries, but in San Francisco increase awareness amongst the task force members I think holders in Japantown and Koreatown. The new district map Ntwo neighboring communities collaborated to voice their they were very receptive to making sure that Japantown was approved 13 to 2 on March 16, despite threats by Korean concerns. would stay whole.” American community members to file a lawsuit. The Japanese American and African American communi- The March 22 district map now includes JCYC and other Community members in San Francisco say they were ties in San Francisco spoke out when the San Francisco Re- Japanese organizations, which community members say aware that decisions made during the redistricting process districting Task Force released Jan. 4 the first draft district were previously drawn out. could impact future generations. boundaries for the city, which separated Japantown from the “The two communities coming together was significant “How and where districts are drawn will determine if a Fillmore Western Addition. in the sense that it revealed how much San Francisco’s Af- community can elect representatives of choice to sit on the The redistricting process happens every ten years, follow- rican American and Japanese American communities still board of supervisors,” said Carolyn Hsu, a voting rights fel- ing the completion of the census. Nine members make up the live connected to one another,” said Dr. Justin Morgan, an low at the Asian Law Caucus. “It can also influence whether task force that will redraw San Francisco’s 11 supervisor dis- African American family physician with the San Francisco or not elected officials respond to that community’s needs.” tricts. The elections commission, supervisors and the mayor Department of Public Health. “When I asked African Ameri- Many Japanese American youth were inspired to testify each appoint three members to the task force. can merchants and community leaders who in the Japanese during the redistricting process. San Francisco’s Japantown and the African American Fill- community to call, they knew what numbers to dial from “They testified about the importance of working with the more districts are adjacent. Both communities share neigh- their list of old friends.” African American community,” said Daniel Landry, a board borhood facilities and resources such as the local library and Japanese immigrants first arrived in San Francisco in the member of the Fillmore/Lower Fillmore Neighborhood As- YMCA. late 1800s, and moved to the area now known as Japan- sociation. “It was really something to watch, to watch young In a show of solidarity the Japanese American and African town after the infamous 1906 earthquake. After the bomb- people come out on the weekend, Saturday at 10 o’clock American communities in San Francisco worked together ing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese community was unjustly in the morning to actually stand up for the community and in the redistricting process to convey their concerns to the removed from the neighborhood and incarcerated. Many voice their opinion was very important.” San Francisco Task Force members about the drafted district African Americans moved to the vacated Japantown to seek The task force has until April 15 to finalize the city district boundaries. industrial jobs. map. “At this point we are hoping any future iterations of “The overwhelming input that was received both from the Today, evidence of the two overlapping communities can the proposed maps include the boundaries we have fought Japanese American and African American communities in be seen at the local library where there are Japanese Ameri- for so that prominent Japantown community and religious those two districts — District 5 and District 2 — was com- can and African American book collections, said Morgan. institutions are included in the same district, and also so pelling for a number of reasons,” said Eric McDonnell, the And Miyako Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour in the West- that Japantown remains within the same district as the ad- task force chair. “One, it represents the historical evolution ern Addition, is African American-owned, he added. jacent Fillmore and Western Addition neighborhoods,” said of that community as well as looking back some years on the The historical relationship between the two communities 28-year-old Haruka Roudebush, chairman of Nakayoshi and issues of, frankly, racism and discrimination that both com- was emphasized during public testimony. secretary of the San Francisco JACL chapter. munities experienced and what therefore developed as kind “There were so many things that shaped Japantown and The city’s Redistricting Task Force will meet on April 14 of a bond and a unique community that we felt important to the Fillmore that the African American and Japanese Amer- to approve the current drafted district boundaries. The JA preserve in this particular process.” ican communities in particular shared,” said Karen Kai, a and African American communities say they are confident Community members in San Francisco’s Japantown were community activist. “We have this long history of successful the district boundaries will not be changed dramatically. also concerned that the previously drafted district maps left collaborations on the social level, on the political level that “I would say that I don’t anticipate significant shifts in out several Japanese community organizations from District have really sustained both communities.” changes. Again you’re focused in particular on District 5, but 5. Organizations situated on the northern boundary of Dis- The collaboration of the African American and Japanese there are a number of other issues across the city that we’re trict 5 such as the Japanese Community Youth Council, or American community during the redistricting process was still working to address,” said McDonnell. “So will there be JCYC, were drawn out. a crucial component in getting stakeholders’ concerns heard some modification to the current draft? I would say: yes. Will “The redistricting task force was not aware of where key during the redistricting process. Other cities have not been they be significant? I would say: probably not.” n 4 APR. 6-19, 2012 IN-DEPTH PACIFIC CITIZEN PHOTOGRAPHER PAUL KITAGAKI CHRONICLES WWII INCARCERATION WITH BEFORE/AFTER IMAGES With so many elderly former internees passing on, tracking down photo subjects is becoming increasingly difficult.

By Christine McFadden Her mother, Shizuko, was pho- Contributor tographed by Lange in 1942 in San Francisco. Satsuki’s father, Itaru, aul Kitagaki Jr. was sitting in his was photographed in the Tule Lake high school history class in San camp jail before being sent to the De- Mateo, Calif. in the 1970s when partment of Justice camp for enemy Phe first learned about the incarceration aliens. Both parents answered “No” to period, a subject he would research in- “loyalty questions No. 27 and 28” and depth years later through photography. renounced their American citizenship. Kitagaki, who is now a senior pho- “I thought, wow!” said Ina, who tographer at The Sacramento Bee, left was born in Tule Lake. “A picture is his classroom and went home to ask worth a thousand words — to grasp his parents for more information. the trauma of innocent people facing The Japanese American learned that imprisonment and the passage of time part of his family was in fact docu- captured in the then and now photos mented in the incarceration history was so compelling.” itself. In 2006 Kitagaki contacted Satsuki “My uncle told me that Dorothea to replicate the photo in Ina’s father’s Lange photographed my family,” same cell. Kitagaki said about the famous pho- “So as I stood in the cell where my tographer who documented the World father had been held I reflected on all War II internment camps. “They were photo: seatttle post-intelligencer photo: paul kitagaki jr. © copyright 2012 of his possible emotions at the time — in the photograph with their friend, Fumiko Hayashida, at 31 carries her 13-month-old daughter Natalie Kayo to the Bainbridge Ferry that anger, humiliation, despair,” she said. saying goodbye to them.” would send her to the Manzanar Internment Camp during World War II. The mother and daughter Ina, an Emmy award winning pro- His grandparents, father, and aunt today are pictured at right. ducer, was able to make an educated were waiting for a bus in Oakland in guess about which cell was her fa- 1942 when Lange snapped the image. is far from easy. Kitagaki begins by going to different towns ther’s through research. Her award- After Oakland, the next stop for his family was the Tanforan and churches and “asking people if they know the people in winning documentary “From A Silk Cocoon” was based on Assembly Center and eventually the Topaz Camp. the photos,” but often ends up at the National Archives. her parents’ life in camp. In 1984, Kitagaki decided to search for those images of Now living in Houston, Texas, Natalie Ong says she hap- Kitagaki’s efforts to find, photograph, and interview sur- his family. pened to be visiting Seattle in 2006 when Kitagaki was also viving photo subjects is a constant one. But those who’ve “I went back to the National Library of Congress and I there. Kitagaki recreated the famous photograph with Ong participated in the project say Kitagaki’s work is important. found the pictures,” he said. He then decided to photograph and her mother, Fumiko Hayashida. “You don’t want to rush a good project and I think he’s his family at the same location in Oakland, 60 years after the Ong, 71, lived on Bainbridge Island when her family was taking his time,” Ong said. “I think it’s wonderful.” original photo was taken. removed and evacuated to Manzanar. She is the sleeping His original photographs were published in The Sacra- That photo shoot with his family eventually evolved into baby cradled in her mother’s arms in the well-known 1942 mento Bee in February. Kitagaki has since found five more a larger project to track down other JAs in photos taken by photograph. people in the photos he is hoping to replicate. Lange and the War Relocation Authority and capture their “I was happy to do it because that’s a period of time where “I do this all on my own time, at my own expense, when- present-day images. I don’t really remember anything because I was an infant,” ever I can get the time,” he says. Kitagaki is currently co- For eight years Kitagaki has been tracking down and tak- Ong said of recreating the 1942 photo. “I was just saying that ordinating schedules with a woman photographed at Topaz ing photos of former internees in the same place where the that picture I really appreciated because it’s one of the few who now lives in New Jersey. original WWII photos were taken, or areas nearby. pictures of me as an infant.” Kitagaki says one photo he is hoping to eventually recap- Kitagaki’s goal is to show through contrasting photos how In addition to taking photos, Kitagaki takes audio narra- ture is an iconic photo from Manzanar of a grandfather and Executive Order 9066, which authorized the unjust incar- tives of his subjects — when he is able to find them. Making a child on his shoulders that he has spent a long time search- ceration of some 120,000 people of Japanese descent, altered his task even more difficult is that most of the pictures do not ing for, to no avail. the family life. have any names on them. Kitagaki is continuing to search for more people or rela- And his search continues. Kitagaki is looking for more for- Other subjects in the photos have since passed away. tives of people in the photos. In the interim, Kitagaki’s work mer internees, who were photographed during World War II. When that’s the case, Kitagaki turns to taking photos of their is being displayed at the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Photos of the unidentified Japanese Americans he is search- relatives. Transit District on April 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at a recep- ing for are available on The Sacramento Bee’s website. One woman Kitagaki located and photographed, Donna tion at the San Bruno BART Station. “Just think how it changed everybody’s life,” he said. Nakashima, is the daughter of a 442nd Regimental Combat The San Bruno station is next to what once was the Tan- “They’re in the prime of their life and they have that all taken Team veteran Ted Miyata, who had previously volunteered foran Assembly Center, where Kitagaki’s own family once away. Once you get out, what do you do because everything for military service in July 1941 before Pearl Harbor. Mi- stood. you worked for your whole life is gone? How do you start yata’s funeral was in 2001. Kitagaki hopes to collect a big enough body of work to over?” Nakashima is photographed in the same field where her someday create a multimedia display, perhaps telling the Kitagaki started his journalism career after graduating grandmother once farmed strawberries before the bombing photograph’s history in the person’s own voice with the au- from San Francisco State University in 1978, where he of Pearl Harbor. The original photo shows Miyata and his dio histories he has collected. His end goal is to have 30 or studied broadcast journalism. After college, he freelanced mother, Nami, while he was on furlough to help his family 40 photos. and worked for the San Francisco Progress, the San Mateo “I want to have a longer story,” he said. n prepare for the evacuation. Times, the San Jose Mercury News, The Oregonian, among “She has her dad’s flag from when he was buried, and his To view unidentified/unknown incarceration photographs others, and eventually found his current job at The Sacra- Army hat,” Kitagaki said. that Kitagaki is trying to find the identities for, follow: mento Bee. Some of the JAs Kitagaki contacted like Satsuki Ina, a http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/17/4272434/unknown- “I did some stories about the internment,” he says. His cur- psychotherapist and retired professor at Sacramento State, japanese-internment-people.html rent project, however, is done entirely on his free time. have more than one relative that was captured in historical The process of tracking down the photo’s original subjects photos. Both of Ina’s parents were photographed. To provide Kitagaki with photo identities, contact: [email protected] PACIFIC CITIZEN IN-DEPTH APR. 6-19, 2012 5 FEMALE SUMO WRESTLERS STEP UP TO THE RING

experienced wrestlers than herself. Although the popularity of women sumo wrestling is a recent Although the SportAccord competition allowed sumo wrestlers to com- phenomenon, it has taken some tough American competi- pete on an international level, the chances of sumo becoming an Olympic sport anytime soon are very slim, says Andrew Freund, the director of tors to tournaments around the world. USA Sumo. “The next Olympic games, zero percent. The one after that, zero percent By Christine Fukushima , Correspondent … I would say the first viable possibility would be 2020 but even that is a long shot,” he said. To become an Olympic sport, sumo would have to undergo a lengthy and difficult admission process; among other criteria, it must be “widely photo courtesy of u.s. sumo open practiced around the world.” Furthermore, it must follow the Olympic Charter, which states that all sports seeking inclusion to the games must include women’s events. With that criterion in mind, the international sumo community has been encouraging female participation in sumo, starting with the first major women’s-only tournament held in 1997. Sumo, the national sport of Japan, originated as a form of entertainment for the Shinto gods. The rules are simple: during a match, wrestlers, or rikishi, try to push each other out of a ring, called a dohyo, which measures approximately 15 feet in diameter. Rikishi can also win by forc- ing their opponent to touch the dohyo with any body part other than their bare feet. Matches are quick, ranging in time from mere seconds to a few minutes. “It’s really explosive. You come off the line [and] it’s like hit, hit, hit; you don’t even know what happens and you’re on the floor,” said Natasha. After the first international sumo tournament was held in Japan in 1980, interest in the sport spread to other countries and an international amateur sumo circuit was created. However, amateur sumo is nothing like pro sumo in Japan, where those who participate consider it to be a lifestyle, not just a sport, says Freund. From the age of 14 or 15, boys enter sumo schools and are subjected to a “military-like” regimen of training. “It’s not like there’s an on season or an off season. They have training pretty much the entire year, every week [and] every month,” he said. Even with the continuously growing interest in sumo in the United States, Freund says that the sport has caught on much quicker in other countries, especially in places like Russia and Mongolia, with both men and women. Unlike the United States many countries also have govern- Sumo wrestler Natasha Ikejiri (pictured above) prepares to begin a match. ment-funded sports associations which provide support for athletes, including sumo wrestlers. Idaho native Natalie Burns, who also participated in the Sportacore s the only girl in a set of triplets, Natasha Ikejiri grew up fighting with her brothers for everything from Combat Games in Beijing with Natasha, thinks that American women the television remote to the last serving of dessert — literally and physically. might be turned off to sumo by the impression that sumo wrestlers have Now, as a national champion sumo wrestler, Natasha applies the lessons she learned from living to be big. Aroom wrestling matches to sumo rings around the world. “In the U.S. I think women are just more self conscious about them- “Bigger girls, I’ll hit them straight on and honestly, it looks like a head-butt,” said the 21-year-old with a laugh selves,” she said. from her home in Los Angeles. “I’m trying to push my head into their diaphragm so they can’t breathe. They Plus, “it takes a tough woman. And I’m a lady too but I just thought it start freaking out so they stand up and that’s when I have full control.” would be fun, you know,” said Burns. “It can take you anywhere, really.” A natural athlete, Natasha’s main sport growing up was basketball. Though only five foot four, she competed Tiffany Tran, a 27-year-old graduate student, just recently started going in her local Japanese American basketball league and was known to muscle her opponents to the hoop. When to sumo practices at Freund’s gym after watching an exhibition match she started college at California State University, Northridge, she also joined the ROTC, which put her on a featuring Yama, the heaviest Japanese pro sumo wrestler (and, according strict exercise regiment. But the thought of one day being able to utilize her athletic abilities in a sumo ring to his website, the “largest Japanese human ever”). never, ever crossed her mind, she says. “I’m not even joking, but the next day after my first practice, I was sore That changed when a friend saw her wrestling with one of her brothers, George, and invited both of them from head to toe. I couldn’t even move when I woke up,” she said from to a sumo practice. Although Natasha, who is half Japanese and half Portuguese, had taken Japanese language her home in Chatsworth, Calif. courses for over a decade, sumo wrestling was one aspect of her cultural heritage that she knew almost nothing But she plans on continuing to do sumo in the future, as she’s found it about. to be a great way to “expel all [her] stress and aggression.” Curious, Natasha and George attended the practice. After learning the rules in “about five minutes,” both won Natasha is enthusiastic about female newcomers to sumo like Tran. their first matches right off the bat, she recounts. “We have just as much potential to make it [as] big here as Europe did,” “From there they would call us and be like, ‘Hey do you guys want to do this tournament? We’ll feed you and she said. it’ll be cool!” said Natasha. “It just caught on over there and we’re still over here going, ‘you don’t She continued to win more and more tournaments and eventually she went to nationals and won. In 2010 she have to be fat, it’s okay,’” she added. n took part in the SportAccord World Combat Games in Beijing. In China, Natasha and over 1,000 other athletes representing the best in combat sports from all five conti- nents competed in the same stadiums used during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In Natasha’s stadium, she ‘It’s really explosive. You come off remembers being told that there were up to 10,000 people watching in the stands. “When I went out there I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh!’ There were just so many people, like a sea of people. You the line [and] it’s like, hit, hit, hit, couldn’t even make out their faces,” she said. “There were flashes like crazy and I was just standing there thinking, ‘This is insane.’” She was disqualified during her first match for breaking her opponent’s elbow, but Natasha still enjoyed put- you don’t even know what hap- ting on a show for the crowd during the rest of her matches, where she was up against much bigger and more pens and you’re on the floor.’ 6 ApR. 6-19, 2012 CONVENTION 2012 PACIFIC CITIZEN JACL Convention 2012 THE SETTING: BELLEVUE, WASH. — NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL By Hugh Burleson to 25 minute trip from the airport. And, what about Bellevue? Like Seattle, As a JACL conventioneer, you’re in for Bellevue (pop. 125,000) is flanked east a treat this year. Yes, the Seattle chapter is and west by water — Lake Washington the host chapter, but the Puget Sound area on the west and Lake Sammamish on the is blessed with several JACL chapters, and east. Seasonally, both are transit routes for we’re all contributing volunteers, helping to spawning salmon. Nice views, from many run this convention. vantage points — the lakes, the Cascade It happens that over a year ago, Convention range to the east, the Olympics to the west Chair Elaine Akagi and National Director — both snow-capped half the year. So, the Floyd Mori found that the Bellevue Hyatt name is well deserved. was the best hotel available when the site had Most spectacular, of course, is Mount to be selected. So, just where is it? Well, not Rainier (that’s “rain-EER”, not “rainy-er.”). in Seattle but east across Lake Washington It rises over 14,000 feet, an inactive volcano in Bellevue. like Japan’s Mt. Fuji. So, the Issei pioneers Google an area map and you’ll see here dubbed it “Tacoma Fuji.” As the crow walking between buildings. Besides, July the catch from the Bering Sea and broad Seattle on Puget Sound — salt water but flies, it’s about 40 miles southeast of Tacoma marks the onset of our least rainy season. Still, Pacific, you should sample our excellent about 100 miles inland from the Pacific and and 65 miles from Bellevue. A special treat not being a Northwest native, I sometimes seafood restaurants. partly sheltered from Pacific weather by the here is to cross Lake Washington on a clear carry a folded umbrella as a talisman to keep This city was most appropriately named Olympic range rising to 6,000 to 7,000 feet day and see both Rainier 60-plus miles to the rain from falling. And then, if it hasn’t Bellevue — beautiful views. Japanese between Seattle and the Pacific. Seattle is the south and Mt. Baker — another inactive rained I may forget the umbrella. visitors have dubbed this “a city in a park.” squeezed in-between the Sound and fresh- volcano — 75 miles to the north. Some 130 OK, so now you’ve arrived at the Bellevue Speaking of parks, four blocks south of the water Lake Washington on its eastern flank. miles of the Cascade range, all for free! Hyatt, square in the heart of Bellevue. Hyatt is the (creatively named?) Downtown And, on that lake’s east side is Bellevue, Some homes on south Bellevue’s higher Plenty of shopping and eateries accessible Park. On July 4 (the day prior to the accessible to Seattle mainly by two pontoon hills have that view year round — if it’s not from the Hyatt by sky bridges. With nearly convention) we’ll see fireworks right there. bridges. cloudy. a fifth of Bellevue’s population being East So, plan to arrive that day, relax a bit and, Staying at the Bellevue Hyatt means you Oh, you’re wondering about rain? Not Asian (our current mayor immigrated from after a good salmon dinner, amble down to won’t have to cross the lake to get there. to worry. Our local ABC weatherman once China decades ago), you can easily find the park to catch the show. n From Seattle-Tacoma airport you take a pointed out that most locals here don’t use Asian ethnic restaurants. Your convention shuttle or taxi to Bellevue via I-405 and umbrellas since most of our rain is “polite kit of goodies should include a list of the Hugh Burleson is a member of the Lake enjoy a few glimpses of the lake on your 20 rain.” It’s more like drizzle and barely most recommended. Also, this being salmon Washington JACL chapter. dampens you if you’re just shopping or country and Seattle having a port for landing Nominations Open for JACL National Office The National JACL Nominations Com- representative. A description of the officers mittee is seeking members who are inter- and their duties can be found in the JACL ested in running for a seat on the national Constitution and Bylaws. JACL board. The initial filing deadline is The process and procedures for those April 7. After that date, those wishing to who wish to run can be found in the Nomi- submit their names as candidates must run nations and Election Guidelines. A copy of from the floor of the national convention the guidelines and a candidate application and are subject to additional requirements. form can be obtained at www.jacl.org. The term of office for this election shall be In every even-numbered convention for the 2012-2014 biennium. year, the JACL holds its election of nation- Positions include national president, na- al JACL officers. This year, the national tional secretary/treasurer, vice president convention will be held July 5 to 8 in Bel- of general operations, vice president for levue, Wash. planning & development, vice president For more information, contact Nomina- for membership, vice president for pub- tions Chair Kent Kawai at mkawaiusa@ lic affairs, national youth/student council netscape.net. n chair and national youth/student council sider carrying proxies for those chapters SUEKI unable to send a delegate. (Chair: Reiko >>continued from pg. 2 Yoshino) Strategic Planning (Program For Ac- chapter and district meetings. tion): It’s imperative that we hear the voice Nominations: There are many opportu- of our members. We need to identify and nities/positions to support and help the or- rank the programs and areas that are impor- ganization by running for a board position. tant to the membership. Clear ranking allows Please consider these positions and encour- us to allocate resources and finances appro- age people to run. (Chair: Kent Kawai) priately. We will have a workshop on this Constitution and ByLaws: Please think critical topic called, “JACL PRIORITIES” about any constitution and/or by-law chang- so please sign up. (Chair: Gary Mayeda) es to be presented. (Chair: Paul Uyehara) Awards/Recognitions: Please think Resolutions: Please start to work on any about possible award nominees such as JA- resolutions to be presented. (Chair: Tom Ni- CLer of the Biennium and begin to collect shikawa) information. (Chair: Travis Nishi) Credentials: Please make sure you are Feel free to send me your comments and I a chapter in good standing. We hope every can forward them to the appropriate people chapter will attend, but if not, please con- at [email protected]. n PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL apr. 6-19, 2012 7 why i’m a jacler FORMER NATIONAL JACL PRESIDENT HELEN KAWAGOE CONTINUES TO INSPIRE ACROSS ALL GENERATIONS Kawagoe recently suffered a stroke and sub- sequently resigned her long-time position as Carson’s city clerk. Still, her legacy in Carson and JACL continues.

Editor’s Note: Since 1929, JACL has been a membership-based, grassroots organization that has been instrumental in fighting for change and making a difference. ‘Why I’m a JACLer’ is a special sec- tion that highlights members who are making a difference.

photo: p.c. staff By Christine McFadden, Contributor Helen Kawagoe is pictured with Ethan Hirabayashi at the Arizona JACL National Convention.

or Helen Kawagoe, name recognition help people in need,” said Mayor Dear. So I said both Helen and I were there and of life, and always expressed enthusiasm comes with the territory. As only the “She’s a wonderful role model.” we’re still waiting for the next one to come and a positive attitude.” second of two former female national Kawagoe’s grandniece Christine Sato- along.” Kawagoe is currently undergoing therapy FJACL presidents, Kawagoe is a household Yamazaki, chairperson for the National For Kimura, Kawagoe has always been a at her home in Carson. Many hope that in name in the JACL family. Her 37 years as Veterans Network, grew up seeing firsthand leader both in her career and personal life. addition to all of her community and career Carson City’s clerk has made her career ac- her great-aunt’s energy and commitment not When she thinks of Kawagoe, she always accomplishments, her legacy will soon be complishments renowned throughout this only to her job but in her community volun- sees her with a grin on her face and of her honored with the renaming of the Carson South Bay city. And in both instances, she’s teerism. endless generosity. City Hall council chambers. always been known as “Mom.” It is something she has tried to model in “She is more fun-loving than I was,” said “She inspired the whole community: boys “In the City of Carson, we call her the her own life. Kimura. and girls, men and women, in particular ‘Mother of City Hall,’” said Carson Mayor “I always admired her energy, focus and In addition to her longtime involvement women —young women who are looking Jim Dear. commitment to all of the causes she was with JACL, Kawagoe has served on the to be professional, young women who are “She cares about those who surround her. involved in,” she said. “I learned the impor- board of the National Japanese American looking to be leaders in their community,” She loves them and treats them as her own tance of community service and giving back Memorial Foundation, the League of Cali- said Mayor Dear. children,” said JACL National Director to those who paved the way for subsequent fornia Cities board of directors, and was a “I think she is an inspiration to all the peo- Floyd Mori. generations to have a better life.” past president of the International Institute ple, especially all the young people in South- Sadly, last fall Kawagoe suffered a stroke Sato-Yamazaki, a Yonsei, is the former of Municipal Clerks from 1986-87. ern California,” said Kimura. n and shortly thereafter resigned from her president and chief executive officer of the In 1994, Kawagoe was awarded the pres- long-time position as Carson City’s clerk. Go For Broke National Education Center, tigious Order of the Precious Crown by the She is currently recovering at home and un- and was also active as a youth member of Japanese government for her years of ser- NOMINATE A JACLER dergoing therapy and was unable to talk to the South Bay JACL chapter. vice as city clerk and for her work toward the Pacific Citizen. “As a long time female leader, she is an cultural exchange. It is one of the highest To nominate a JACLer to highlight, send In January the Carson City Council voted outstanding role model for any young per- honors given to individuals in the JA com- the nominee’s contact information, chapter to name the City Hall council chambers son who is aspiring to be a leader for our munity. affiliation and a brief explanation of why posthumously after Kawagoe, 84, but the community and country,” she said about her “She’s very energetic,” said Mori, who re- he/she is a noteworthy JACLer to: decision was met with loud community great-aunt. “She has been that for me.” cently paid a visit to Kawagoe. She is “full [email protected]. protests since many felt the longtime clerk Like many Nisei of her generation, Kawa- should be honored during her lifetime. goe was incarcerated with her parents and Currently, there is some movement to try 13 siblings at Gila River during World War er to change the city council’s recent decision. II. The family returned home to Pasadena af- Join the movement. become a Jacl According to Mayor Dear, they are just one ter the war and in 1947 she married Takeshi I want to renew my JACL membership vote short of being able to rename the cham- Kawagoe. They ran their family business, qJoin JACL q I want to give a JACL gift membership q jacl membership # bers as soon as possible in honor of Kawa- the Carson Nursery, from 1962 to 1971. goe. Takeshi passed away in 1992. Name: “It could very well be overturned,” he said. Kawagoe’s involvement in JACL goes Born and raised in Pasadena, Calif., Kawa- back several decades. She has been a long- address: goe is the first Japanese American woman to time member of the Gardena Valley chapter hold municipal office on the mainland after and in 1996 she was elected as only the sec- being elected as Carson’s city clerk in 1974. ond female national JACL president, even- city: State: zip: Since that time she has been re-elected to tually serving two consecutive terms. eight more terms. Kawagoe has shared a special bond and phone: e-mail: Her career accomplishments have influ- friendship with Lillian Kimura, the first enced not only other Asian Americans but elected female national JACL president Mail to: email Info. to: also the youth generation. (1992-1994). 250 E. 1st St. #301 [email protected] “[She is] a woman with a big, big heart, “Oh yeah, we kid teach other,” said Kimu- Los Angeles, CA. 90012 and great compassion and willingness to ra. “I was at a meeting where I was getting (The P.C. will forward this request to National JACL. spend her time, her money, her energy, to an award and Helen had come to the event. Membership fees will be asssessed by National JACL) 8 APR. 6-19, 2012 VOICES PACIFIC CITIZEN nikkei voice

Asians Are Finally Making It Into Mainstream Pop Culture

By Gil Asakawa

I happened to catch a terrific documentary last night, “I (the “Fast and Furious” movies) cast as big budget leads American actors have become commonplace in Hollywood Am Bruce Lee,” which combines a well-researched biogra- someday. – long after Hollywood mainstreamed African Americans, phy of the late great martial arts star with interviews with ev- But I can’t monku too much about the lack of Asian men first with shows like “Sanford and Son” starring Redd Foxx eryone from his wife Linda Lee Caldwell, to L.A. Lakers star in star positions. The fact is, we’re doing so much better than and “The Jeffersons” (a black spinoff of the white “All in the (and martial artist) Kobe Bryant who discuss Lee’s legacy just a few years ago in Hollywood, that we should be cel- Family”) in the ‘70s and “The Cosby Show” in the ‘80s. The and enormous influence on American pop culture. ebrating. studios tried an early experiment, casting comedian Margaret Much of the documentary focuses on Lee’s efforts to over- Less than a decade ago, I was giving speeches on the lack Cho in “All American Girl” about an Asian American fam- come racial stereotypes of Asians that were prevalent in the of Asian faces on TV and in movies. I grew up in a genera- ily, but the show was a disaster, because it was about Hol- 1960s and ‘70s (many are still with us), and his struggles tion where Asians played roles that were subservient (Hop lywood’s image of an Asian American family. The producers against a system that was stacked against featuring a male Sing, the cook in the TV western “Bonanza”) and silly (Fuji, told Cho she wasn’t Asian enough, and got her a coach. Asian in a leading role. or “Fooj” in the ‘60s sit-com “McHale’s Navy”). We were But a few years ago, Asians started showing up in com- One segment got me thinking, where the film asserts that always the sidekicks, the supporting players instead of the mercials, a sign that corporate America was noticing how the system is still stacked against Asians — even today, there star, like Robert Ito, the actor who played the assistant to many Asian and Asian American consumers are out there, has been no major Asian male star who has the draw of, say, Jack Klugman’s “Quincy, M.E.” in the ‘70s. and what a valuable demographic (college educated, high- a Brad Pitt. Ironically, Bruce Lee played the sidekick role but elevated income) we are. Ikea and Target noticeably began including Sure, Jet Li for a time took up the martial arts mantle, and it to star status, as Kato, the martial arts-fighting driver for Asians in ads, and in non-ethnic roles too — no “ancient so did Jackie Chan. But Li’s talent never transcended his ac- the Green Hornet in the superhero series that only aired for Chinese secret” laundry owners). Verizon is another com- tion roles, and Chan’s brand in Hollywood is as a comedic one season in the late ‘60s. He was so dynamic, so company today that seems to be including lots of Asians playing lightweight even though he can act in dramatic parts. Plus, manding a presence, that he helped spark the martial arts non-ethnic parts. once niched into martial arts, you’re always a martial artist. craze that exploded a few years later when he began making That’s the tipping point that we’ve finally reached. Yes, we Even Bruce Lee might not have overcome that hurdle, had kung fu movies in Hong Kong. But Lee’s tragedy was that may not have a leading Asian male actor to look up to yet, but he lived. his ambition included an idea for a TV series about a martial there are many more Asians on both the big screen and small, There are some potential future contenders, though: John arts star that was stolen from him, and turned into “Kung Fu” and we’re not just playing martial arts masters, and we don’t Cho can hopefully rise above the youth market appeal of the starring a Caucasian, David Carradine (who was allegedly speak with accents. Veteran actors like Tamlyn Tomita get “Harold and Kumar” films and build on his butt-kicking role half-Chinese in the show). And he died before his biggest hit, as Sulu in the new “Star Trek” movies, and it’s possible to the Hollywood-financed “Enter the Dragon” was released. imagine Tim Kang (TV’s “The Mentalist”) and Sung Kang It’s just been in the past few years that Asian and Asian >>See ASAKAWA pg. 16 Very truly yours Redistricted Koreatown Raises A Hornet’s Nest

By Harry K. Honda

LET’S LOOK AT a redistricting problem from an Asian the only place you’re leaving us. And you think our grounds tricting process. However, deputy city attorney Havit Trev- American level as never before in my memory. are weak. Talk to your attorney. Consider it because we are edi argued the commission map and process are defensible. The Los Angeles City Council approved the new boundar- strong and this lawsuit is coming.” Every week the Los Angeles Downtown News (March 19) ies for their 15 council districts March 16 by a vote of 13-2. At the same session, the Civic Center, the Plaza and Little gets online to publish comments to their stories and editori- Koreatown originally sat wholly in the mid-Wilshire 13th Tokyo in central Los Angeles were removed from the 9th als, particularly in this edition, “Redistricting Solution: For District sector, south of the Hollywood Freeway to Wash- District to the 14th District, northeasterly into El Sereno, a Unified City, Divide Downtown.” One comment agreed: ington Blvd. and westward from the Harbor Freeway. On the Boyle Heights to the eastern city limits (Evergreen Cem- “Skid Road should remain split between the 9th and 14th. new map, Koreatown was split. Approximately the northern etery). Leaders from Little Tokyo realized their own busi- Why risk the momentum which would only drag down the one-third that includes the new Col. Young Oak Kim Acad- ness and historic community had been “sacrificed” (removed momentum being generated in all of Downtown L.A.?” emy High School appears in the 10th District. from the basically central downtown 9th to the 14th) A more instructive second comment held, “It makes no The Koreatown leaders raised “holy hell” after the city Mikawaya’s Frances Hashimoto, owner of a family busi- sense to be using the same number of districts as (Los An- council finally approved the new city council boundaries. ness that’s been in Little Tokyo for over 100 years, recalled: geles) had in the 1920s. Why isn’t there a discussion of ex- Hundreds of Korean Americans had attended earlier public “In all that time, we (in the 9th District) have all worked panding the number of council districts to better represent meetings addressing redistricting, pleading City Hall to keep together to make and improve (the 9th). Nisei Week Foun- individual neighborhoods? New York City has 51 council their district wholly in the 13th council district. dation chair, the Rev. Mark Nakagawa of Centenary UMC, districts, Chicago 50, but L.A. only 15. Even if you unify Hanna Yoon, president of the Korean American Demo- added: “This is my fourth hearing and it is clear to me that Downtown, other neighborhoods will still be cut in half: Ko- cratic Coalition, said she met the previous day with Mayor all across the city that the consensus is the people of L.A. are reatown, Hollywood, Echo Park, Silver Lake, etc. … It’s no Antonio Villaraigosa, urging he veto the map, but “he was against the recommendations of the (redistricting) commit- wonder accountability to constituents often feels non-exis- extremely reluctant.” Koreatown has been in the 13th Dis- tee. Our council districts may not be perfect, but they work.” tent in less affluent communities.” trict since Mayor Bradley approved the council map in the According to Helen Kim, one of the city’s redistricting The 51 council members come from the five New York wake of the 1970 census. commissioners, “The process was fatally flawed.” One of boroughs. Proportional representation was abolished (1947) Grace Yoo, executive director of the Korean American four who drafted a minority report, she reported the initial and the U.S. supreme court ruled the ten at-large seats vio- Coalition (KAC), cried their last words. “Creating a new draft was composed behind closed doors “in violation of the map is not pretty but a lawsuit will be far worse. And that’s Brown Act” that requires public input throughout the redis- >>See HONDA pg. 16 PACIFIC CITIZEN ENTERTAINMENT APR. 6-19, 2012 9 HOW MING CHEN BECAME ONE OF THE ‘COMIC BOOK MEN’ A cast member of AMC’s “Comic Book Men,” Ming Chen de-stresses from the pressure of the comic book store by doing Vinyasa yoga nearly every day.

By Nalea J. Ko, Reporter

hen Ming Chen created in 1996 a website out of With his new celebrity, Chen says he gets recognized at “Probably won’t be Snooki money until maybe season boredom while working at a computer lab at the the Starbucks across the street and is possibly getting extra four or five. I don’t know if I’ll be required to get drunk University of Michigan to honor one of his fa- shots of vanilla in his lattes because of his newfound fame. or punched in the face,” Chen said when asked about a Wvorite movies, he didn’t think the movie’s director would On Twitter, Chen also gets fan attention. possible pay increase for a second sea- ever see it. “I’ve seen a couple of tweets which were son. “You know we’ve got a lot Director Kevin Smith, aka Silent Bob, not only saw the kind of flattering until I looked a little of ideas of where we can website dedicated to his movie “Clerks,” but phoned Chen closer,” Chen said laughingly. “A lot of go next, a lot of crazy and left a voice message to recruit him for work. 14-year-old girls, so not really appropriate. ideas.” n Chen returned the call at Smith’s office and it was like But if I can reach Bieber status, then so stepping into one of his movies to interact with Smith’s on- be it.” screen sidekick “Jay.” Other fans have come to Chen’s defense “I called back and he wasn’t in, but Jason Mewes answers on Twitter to speak out against the the phone,” said Chen, speaking of the actor. “Now I’m not taunting he receives from his so starstruck by Jason Mewes, but back then I was. I was co-workers. a kid in the middle of Michigan talking to Jason Mewes.” “I see a lot of people Chen was officially added to Smith’s payroll in 2002 after tweeting Brian like, doing a two-year stint with Live Planet, an interactive pro- ‘Hey, lay off the immi- duction company started by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, grant!’ Somebody ac- among others. tually told him that in Working for Smith, the Chinese American has been en- a Dunkin’ Donuts the listed to do film appearances like being an extra in “Dogma” other day,” Chen said and sitting next to actress Selma Hayek while she undressed. with a laugh. “I know Now Chen does everything from web design, graphics, they make fun of me promotion, event planning and driving eight hours to Maine a lot, but I know I’m to hand deliver and watch Smith’s “Red State” with a jour- better than them, so nalist in her home — well, the latter was a one-time stint. I can take it pretty He’s been called the Secret Stash whipping boy. well.” The latest assignment for Chen landed him on AMC’s The show follows “Comic Book Men.” He joined his real life co-workers — the self-proclaimed Smith, Walt Flanagan, Michael Zapcic and Bryan Johnson comic book geeks as — for the reality show that follows their geeky antics at the they buy and sell comic New Jersey comic shop, Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash. curios and discuss on their Season one of the six-part series premiered Feb. 12. podcast topics like their “I’ve had no aspirations of being on TV,” he said. “For me must-have superhero powers it’s just fun. I kind of fell backward into it. But funny things and the comic book character happen when you hang out with Kevin. That’s for sure.” they’d most like to drink with. The comic book reality show follows the popular zombie Secret Stash employees Mi- series “Walking Dead.” The cast of the comic store reality chael and Walt display on the show dressed up in special effects makeup on the episode show their encyclopedic knowl- “Zombies” to pay homage to the show. edge of comic books. Chen calls “Draper. Meth. Zombies. This show couldn’t be on a bet- them the “comic book rain men.” ter network. AMC is to television what Miramax was to cin- “They can describe the tiniest de- ema back when I first got in the game: they’re the premier tails of something that happened in destination for any storyteller looking to spin an offbeat a comic 40 years ago,” he said. “They yarn that no other outlet has the stones to touch,” said Smith can tell you what issue it came from, photo: ben leuner/amc in a press release. “And as if I didn’t love them enough, now who wrote it, who drew it and what the they’re putting my friends on TV!” cover looked like. It’s crazy!” A Chinese American originally from Ohio, Chen moved Chen on the other hand says he “fell in around a lot because of his father’s occupation as an upstart and out” of comics. In middle school and engineer. His parents were born in China and grew up in high school he returned to comics, reading X- Taiwan. Men. And in college he devoured Image Comics. Growing up as a Chinese American in Ohio, Chen says These days Chen has about 100 issues of comics he was made fun of more for his height than his ethnicity. in his collection. After Chen settled in to his life “I’m kind of short. I’m about 5-foot-4. I got called shrimp as a husband and father, he gave back a lot of a lot,” Chen said. “[I] wasn’t really bullied and I didn’t see his comics to the store. too much rampant racism that I was aware of in the Mid- And with the new publicity of the show, Se- west where I grew up. You get the usual Kung Fu jokes. cret Stash is now “mobbed” on weekends with People still ask me if I can do karate. I just tell them I can customers. fake it really well.” “The ratings have been going up so New Jersey is where Chen now lives with his wife, Deb- hopefully that’s a good indicator that bie, and two children. They live just minutes from the Se- people are digging the show,” he said. cret Stash comic shop, where Chen is known as the em- The last episode of “Comic Book ployee who will take on tasks no one else will. Chen splits Men” aired March 18 and Chen says photo: david russell/amc his time between the comic shop and his office, which is with the increased ratings he is hoping for behind the store. a second season. The cast of AMC’s “Comic Book Men” features Ming Chen. 10 APR. 6-19, 2012 NATIONAL/COMMUNITY PACIFIC CITIZEN INTERIOR AWARDS GRANTS TO PRESERVE WWII JAPANESE AMERICAN CONFINEMENT SITES JACL is awarded a $150,000 grant for its project, “Passing the Legacy Down: photo: kevin j. miyazaki Youth Interpretations of Confinement Sites in the Western United States.”

By Pacific Citizen Staff

In an announcement that was happily received by the Japanese American community, the Department of the Interior says the National Park Service will award $2.9 million in grants to preserve and interpret the various World War II confinement sites. In total, 17 grants were awarded to help tell the story of the 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry who were detained in various WWII camps. National JACL was awarded $150,130 for its project “Passing the Legacy Down: Youth Interpretations of Confinement Sites in the Western United States.” Through its Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco offices, the project will focus on the Manzanar, Minidoka and Tule Lake confinement sites. “This grant will allow the JACL to continue the important work of having young people learn this part of history which should not be forgotten,” said David Kawamoto, national The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation received a $30,976 confinement sites grant for a website project. JACL president. The Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program confinement sites and to “inspire a commitment to equal issues that resonate today. The award amounts range from is now in its fourth year and has funded projects in 11 states. justice under the law.” $24,132 for the University of Idaho to further excavate the This year’s grants program total comes to $2,890,368. “If we are to tell the full story of America, we must ensure Kooskia Internment Camp site in northern Idaho, to $714,314 Congress established the program in 2006 and since then they that we include difficult chapters such as the grave injustice to a group in Delta, Utah, to build a museum and education have awarded $9.7 million in funds. Congress authorized of internment of Japanese Americans during World War center for the Topaz Relocation Center outside of town. up to $38 million in grants for the life of the program. This II,” Secretary Ken Salazar said. “The internment sites serve “We are grateful for this NPS grant which helps us tell the year’s winners were chosen through a competitive process as poignant reminders for us — and for the generations to Japanese American story, and expands the story to include the that requires applicants to match the grant award with $1 in come — that we must always be vigilant in upholding civil similarities of 1941 and 9/11,” said JACL National Director non-federal funds or “in-kind” contributions for every $2 liberties for all.” Floyd Mori. “Through the forced evacuation experience of they receive in federal money. This year’s grant awardees include a documentary film Japanese Americans, Constitutional and due process rights about an isolation center on the Navajo Reservation in become a present day reality to other cultures such as the The program requires that the grants go to the 10 War n Relocation Authority camps established in 1942 or to more Arizona; the return of a former barracks building to its Muslim community.” than 40 other sites, including assembly, relocation and original internment camp site at Granada in southeastern isolation centers. The goal of the program is to teach present Colorado; and a program to engage high school students in For more details: and future generations about the injustices of the WWII Hawaii in the study of the WWII confinement and equality http://www.nps.gov/hps/hpg/JACS/index.html. USC Joins Long List of California Universities Awarding Degrees to Former Nisei Students Students who attended USC during told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s the kind of thing, like ‘Well, group of students to push for the honorary Nisei degrees and finally, that’s it.’” this past summer they were able to submit their nominations WWII were forced to abandon their The announcement by USC comes after a recent slew of package, which lead to the awarding of the degrees. studies because of their forced universities and colleges held ceremonies to award honorary “It was a long time coming for the honorees, and it was degrees to their former Nisei students. The awards are a very satisfying for us as a group to finally get it done despite evacuation to incarceration camps. result of a 2009 law creating the California Nisei College the obstacles,” said Le. “We put in so much hard work in the Diploma Project for the former students at the state’s public face of different competing voices in the community about By Pacific Citizen Staff universities. our chances and willingness to put in the effort to make it So far about 2,500 former Nisei students have been found happen.” It may have taken close to 70 years, but many Nisei will as a result of the law, but many more Nisei may have attended USC plans to award honorary degrees and master’s degrees finally be graduating, at least officially, from the University private universities in California. Private universities, like to the former Nisei students as part of their commencement of Southern California. USC, are not bound by the 2009 law. ceremony on May 11. The school is currently looking for In a long anticipated announcement, the Southern Sally Kikuchi, a USC graduate student of public policy, these former students. Scott Mory of the USC Alumni California university said they will be awarding honorary was part of a pan-Asian group of students who worked to Association estimates there are only about 100 of the Nisei degrees and master’s degrees to their former Japanese raise awareness about the former Nisei students. They put who are still living. American students who were forced to abandon their together a petition and got the City of Los Angeles to issue a “We are privileged to honor the accomplishments and the education due to Executive Order 9066. resolution in support of their efforts. dreams of the Nisei students who are highly deserving of Setsuko Matsunaga, 90, was one of those students, who “I’m very happy to hear that USC has decided to conduct receiving a college degree for the work they have done at along with close to 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry the ceremony this year and go beyond its former decision USC,” said USC President C. L. Max Nikias. “Through the were forced to relocate to various incarceration camps during to issue honorary alumni status,” said Kikuchi. “I’m even years these students have been among the most passionate World War II. She still remembers packing her belongings happier to see how this effort was able to come out of a and dedicated members of the Trojan family. We are honored in a duffel bag and reporting to the Santa Anita Race Track campus-wide push that really brought different people of the that our Nisei students have an enduring devotion to USC in April of 1942. Many of the students, like Matsunaga, USC community together.” and we want them to know that the university is also devoted never completed their education at USC. Most finished their In 2008 USC awarded the Nisei alumni status. That to them.” n degrees in states on the East Coast or in the Midwest. same year the university created an Honorary Nisei Student Matsunaga received permission to leave the incarceration Scholarship and the Nisei were honored at a ceremony at a To register for a USC honorary Nisei degree, go camp and complete her degree in St. Louis. A retired Trojan football home game. to www.usc.edu/commencement or contact Grace sociology professor living in New York, she is glad that she But USC dentistry student Albert Le said that many of Shiba, senior director of alumni relations at USC, at will be receiving her USC degree – finally. the Asian American students on campus felt that the efforts 213/740-4937 or [email protected]. “For some, this brings about some kind of closure,’’ she by the school were not enough. That’s why Le joined the PACIFIC CITIZEN NATIONAL/COMMUNITY APR. 6-19, 2012 11

AA GROUPS, INCLUDING JACL, CALL FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN TRAYVON MARTIN KILLING

By P.C. Staff and Associated Press fend themselves with deadly force and does not require a retreat in the face of danger. Asian American groups are joining a An online petition urging local authori- loud chorus of civil rights groups in calling ties to prosecute Zimmerman has drawn for further investigation into the case of an more than 2,000,000 signatures at website unarmed black teenager shot to death by a Change.org as of March 30. neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Sanford city commissioners recently ad- Florida. opted a “no confidence’’ motion over their The case has become a nationwide sensa- police chief’s handling of the shooting. The tion and ignited a furor against the police de- commission voted 3-2 against Chief Bill partment of the Orlando suburb of Sanford, Lee Jr. Prosecutor Norm Wolfinger has said where 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot a grand jury will meet April 10 to consider last month. It has prompted rallies around evidence in the case. the country calling for an arrest of the His- “This case is a chilling reminder of the panic shooter. ongoing specter of racial prejudice and At a recent town hall meeting in Sanford, discrimination — and that justice is often officials from the American Civil Liberties elusive for those who are considered ‘sus- Union, the National Association for the Ad- picious’ or ‘other’,” the Asian American vancement of Colored People and the Nation Center for Advancing Justice said in a state- of Islam urged residents to remain calm but George Zimmerman (left) fatally shot Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26. ment. “In 1982, against the milieu of fierce demanded a thorough investigation into the economic competition with Japan, Vincent shooter, 28-year-old George Zimmerman. said Zimmerman, who was found bleeding ciety that causes young black men to feel the Chin, a Chinese American man celebrating “I stand here as a son, father, uncle who from his nose and the back of his head, told oppression of fear rather than the safety of his upcoming wedding was beaten to death is tired of being scared for our boys,’’ said authorities he yelled for help before shooting knowing that they are free to be who they with a baseball bat by two white autowork- Benjamin Jealous, national president of the Martin. are.” ers who presumed Chin was Japanese. The NAACP. “I’m tired of telling our young men “The JACL is deeply troubled by the The JACL also stated that they were perpetrators never spent a day in jail. how they can’t dress, where they can’t go Sanford Police Department’s indifferent encouraged by the investigations being “We call upon federal, state, and local and how they can’t behave.” response. The case has exposed the burden launched by the Florida Department of Law law enforcement agencies to devote the full Zimmerman has not been charged in the shouldered by young black men in our so- Enforcement, the FBI, the Department of extent of their resources to investigate and Feb. 26 shooting and has said he shot Martin ciety, who are tainted by assumptions of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and Florida prosecute the killing of Trayvon Martin so — who was returning to a gated community being suspicious, criminal and dangerous,” Governor Rick Scott’s appointment of a that history does not repeat itself. While where his father’s financée lives, after buy- said the JACL in a statement. “Justice must Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protec- there was no justice for Vincent Chin, 30 ing candy at a convenience store — in self- be served in this case because our country tion that will study the state’s ‘Stand Your years later, we demand justice for Trayvon n defense after Martin attacked him. Police cannot abide the continuing specter of a so- Ground’ law. This law allows people to de- Martin.” JACL/OCA HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SUMMIT LOCAL SAN JOSE CEREMONY The popular summit was rights organizations dedicated to the well- being of Asian Pacific Islander Americans,” HONORS GOLD MEDAL WINNERS once again sponsored by said Leslie Moe-Kaiser of State Farm Public State Farm. Affairs. This year’s Leadership Summit was In total, 159 veterans again sponsored by State Farm. This year’s participants included: Amy or their family members The JACL, in partnership with OCA na- Watanabe (JACL-PSW), Cecilia Pham tional, hosted 30 participants in another suc- received the honor. (OCA-Greater Houston), Christopher Loo cessful JACL/OCA D.C. Leadership Sum- (OCA-Hawaii), Curtis Suyematsu (JACL- mit in the nation’s capital. PNW), Donna Hansen (JACL-IDC), Dora By Leon Kimura The three-day intensive training from Quach (OCA-Greater Los Angeles), Elaine “My P.C.” Contributor March 10-13 allowed participants to en- Akagi (JACL-PNW), Esther Choi (OCA- hance their leadership and coalition building New York), Gary Chiu (OCA-Dallas-Fort For those World War II Nisei veterans skills by becoming familiar with the politi- Worth), Hanako Wakatsuki (JACL-IDC), who were unable to receive their Congres- cal process while learning critical issues that Harvey Dam (OCA-Utah), Jacce Mikulanec sional Gold Medals last November in the affect the Asian American Pacific Islander (JACL-NCWNP), Jeffrey Wu (OCA-Great- nation’s capital, a local San Jose ceremony (AAPI) community. Participants met with made sure the heroes were still honored. er Washington, DC), Jessica Moy (JACL- photo: jamsj AAPI leaders in Congress, the Adminis- With more than 750 people watching, 65 IDC), Kelly Honda (JACL-NCWNP), Ken- tration and partners from the social justice Nisei veterans, 44 widows, and 50 family jiro Lecroix (JACL-MDW), Kevin Mori MIS vet Moffett Ishikawa was an honoree. community. representatives were able to receive their (OCA-Orange County), Laura Ng (JACL- “This year’s Leadership Summit was one replica Gold Medals in a ceremony that EDC), Lily Li (OCA-Eastern Virginia), Lisa of the most inspirational ever,” said Floyd spoke of their courage and valor. Hanamura, vice president and general man- Drake (OCA-Las Vegas), Lynn Longfellow Mori, JACL national director. “Our speakers The Congressional Gold Medal is the ager of Link TV, and Mike Inouye, traffic (JACL-PNW), Marissa Kitazawa (JACL- were right on message with the issues of the highest civilian award bestowed on civil- anchor, NBC Bay Area News. There was a PSW), Matthew Asada (JACL-EDC), Re- day and instilled a sense of urgency for each ians. The Nisei veterans of the 100th Infan- congratulatory video from President Barack nuka Mishra (OCA-Tucson), Shan Cong participant to become a serious advocate for try Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Obama and local Members of Congress Zoe (OCA-Saint Louis), Stacy Matsuura (JACL- the community.” Team and the Military Intelligence Service Loftren, CD-16, Anna Eshoo, CD-14, and CCDC), Susie Wong (OCA-Sacramento), A number of distinguished guests spoke received the award for their heroics during Michael Honda, CD-15, spoke at the event at the summit, including U.S. Senator Dan- Teresa Chao (OCA-Georgia), Yoon Yim WWII. and also personally handed out the Gold iel Inouye, Tina Tchen, chief of staff, Office (OCA-Central Illinois) and Yuka Ogino In all, some 159 individuals were honored Medals to the vets and their families. of the First Lady, Mark Keam, 39 District (JACL-PSW). at the local ceremony in San Jose, Calif. re- The Gold Medal replicas and costs for delegate, Virginia House of Delegates, and “I am so overjoyed that I had the chance cently. The chapters of the NCWNP district the ceremony were generously donated by Bruce Yamashita, former Marine Officer. to listen to phenomenal AAPI advocates and helped to ensure they located the veterans sponsors and individual donors. Each hon- “State Farm is proud to be associated with experts from the community, participate in a and their families for the ceremony held at oree also received a Congressional certifi- the JACL/OCA Leadership Summit. Ensur- wonderful well-organized summit, and net- the San Jose Buddhist Church Annex in the cate signed by the three Congress Members ing the continuity of leadership talent is es- work with amazing participants around the heart of Japantown. and a special handmade wooden stand cre- n sential for sustaining two outstanding civil nation,” said participant Matsuura. Co-Masters of Ceremony were Wendy ated by Jimi Yamaichi. n 12 APR. 6-19, 2012 COMMUNITY PACIFIC CITIZEN JACL’S COLLEGIATE APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE MASAOKA CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP By Pacific Citizen Staff Team and for the abolition of vari- WILL TAKE PLACE JUNE 7-10 ous discriminatory laws against This year’s JACL Collegiate Washington, D.C. Leadership Con- One of the most popular JACL Asian Americans. He passed away ference, an intensive three-day leadership development program programs, the Mike M. Masaoka in 1991. that introduces Asian Pacific American student leaders to the na- Congressional Fellowship, is now The fund was set up by the good tional policy-making arena, will take place in the nation’s capital accepting applications for the pe- friends of Masaoka. Dr. H. Tom June 7 to 10. riod 2012-2013. Tamaki of Philadelphia adminis- Participants will be briefed on legislative issues affecting the The successful applicant will tered the program for the JACL Asian Pacific American community and examine the role Asian be placed in the Washington, D.C. for 20 years since its inception in Pacific American civil rights organizations play in affecting public Congressional offices of members 1988. The JACL D.C. office now policy in the nation’s capital. They will also have the chance to meet of the U.S. House of Representa- administers the fellowship. and work with student leaders representing colleges and universities tives or the U.S. Senate for a period “We encourage young members from throughout the country and learn ways to effectively address of six to eight months. The major of the JACL who are college grad- issues and create positive social change on their own campuses and purpose of the Masaoka fellowship uates to apply for this fellowship beyond. is to develop leaders for public ser- which offers a unique experience Applicant must be an Asian Pacific American undergraduate vice. for service in the nation’s capital,” freshman, sophomore or junior class student attending an accredited The current Masaoka fellow is Mike Masaoka in 1973. said National JACL President Da- college or university on a full-time basis. The program will select Mackenzie Walker, who is work- vid Kawamoto. “We anticipate that 12 participants to attend the conference. JACL will cover airfare, ing in the office of Congresswom- ship Fund was established in 1988 these young people will be our fu- lodging, meals and transportation during the conference for all par- an Judy Chu of California. to honor Masaoka for a lifetime of ture leaders in the JACL.” ticipants. “The Mike M. Masaoka Fellow- public service to the JACL and the For more information and an ap- Applications are due by May 4 (postmarked or emailed) and ship is a wonderful program which nation. He was the JACL’s national plication, go to the leadership sec- should be sent to: JACL Midwest Office, Attn: Collegiate Leader- gives young people the opportunity secretary, field executive, national tion of the JACL website (www. ship Conference, 5415 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 606040 or mid- to work in the office of a member legislative director of the JACL’s jacl.org). Applicants must be cur- [email protected]. of Congress and to learn the work- Anti-Discrimination Committee, rent members of the JACL. Appli- Applications are available through the JACL website at www. ings of government firsthand,” said and the JACL Washington, D.C. cations should be submitted to the jacl.org, or by request at [email protected]. Floyd Mori, JACL national direc- representative. JACL D.C. office as per instruc- For more information, email [email protected] or call 773/728- tor. “The friends of Mike Masaoka Masaoka worked tirelessly to tions on the website. 7170. had great foresight in establishing advance the cause of Japanese The deadline for applications is The JACL Collegiate Leadership Conference is sponsored by the fund for the fellowship to de- Americans during his lifetime. He May 20. The announcement of the n velop leadership.” was instrumental in the formation selected fellow is expected to be UPS and Southwest Airlines. n The Mike M. Masaoka Fellow- of the 442nd Regimental Combat made by July 1. PACIFIC CITIZEN COMMENTARY APR. 6-19, 2012 13 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DIRECTOR’S REPORT IT TAKES A LOT OF HARD WORK A WELL DESERVED HONOR By David Kawamoto cause, as overwhelmingly significant the accomplish- By Floyd Mori ments of the Nisei veterans were, our community had The Congressional so many other family members who were contributing The JACL was very happy to learn Gold Medal is the high- in their own way back home. So many stayed home to of the awarding of the National Parks est national honor be- care for parents, children and the infirm. So, I’m glad Service (NPS) grant to the JACL for stowed by the legisla- to see the families share in the recognition. our program: “Passing the Legacy tive branch of our U.S. Because of my national JACL responsibilities, I had Down: Youth Interpretations of Con- government. Though the originally believed that I wouldn’t be able to attend the finement Sites in the Western United award has been made ceremony in San Diego. I was so glad that I was able States.” The sites to be used in the since 1776, relatively to juggle my schedule and attend. Mainly because it is project are Manzanar, Minidoka and few have received this my hometown and my father, Harry Kawamoto, was Tule Lake with our Los Angeles, Se- honor. Among the re- among those being honored. I’m so proud of him and attle and San Francisco regional of- cipients are Thomas I regret never having told him that. fices. This grant will enable us to con- Edison, the Wright Brothers, Jackie Robinson, Moth- Holding events such as the Congressional Gold tinue to teach youth about the internment experience of Japanese er Theresa, the Dalai Lama, Rosa Parks and Nelson Medal ceremonies calls important attention to the Americans during World War II. Mandela. World War II experience of our community. It is a “The Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program” was Our community’s Nisei veterans have now taken story of civil liberties denied, race prejudice and il- established for the preservation and interpretation of U.S. confine- their proper place alongside these past recipients. legal detention of U.S. citizens. But, it is also a story ment sites where Japanese Americans were detained during WWII. I am proud of the role national JACL played in our of perseverance in the face of adversity, courageous The law authorized up to $38 million for the entire life of the grant Nisei veterans obtaining this honor. And, I am proud loyalty to the United States, and, eventually, a presi- program to identify, research, evaluate, interpret, protect, restore, that my San Diego chapter sponsored the Congres- dential apology and Constitutional Redress. repair and acquire historic confinement sites in order that present sional Gold Medal commemorative ceremony in their This is a story that must be shared with future gen- and future generations may learn of this important time in history area. erations. We can look back proudly at the efforts and when the constitution did not protect innocent American citizens. As your national JACL president, I’ve had the plea- accomplishments of our community during those try- We appreciate Congress for approving this program and extend sure of attending several of these Congressional Gold ing times. And, all communities can learn the lessons our special thanks to former Congressman Bill Thomas, R-CA, who Medal celebrations across the country. I’m always of liberty lost, and how fragile our freedoms truly are. was instrumental, along with many others, in bringing this to pass. thrilled to see so many of our Nisei veterans in atten- On behalf of the JACL and all of our community, I dance. extend a hearty congratulation to our Nisei veterans It was signed by President George W. Bush. We are also grateful to n the National Parks Service, which administers the grant program. 55826It’s also 55416_JACL great to see LTC those ad 3/7/12veterans 1:31 who PM are Page no 1lon- for their receipt of this well deserved honor. Congress must appropriate the funds for these grants each year. ger with us being represented by their families. Be- As I mentioned in a report to the JACL membership last year when we were not awarded a grant, these grants do not simply mate- With so many places to shop for long-term care coverage, how do you decide what’s best for you? rialize but are the result of a lot of hard work. When we received an NPS grant in 2009 for the Bridging Communities program, which Start shopping from the brought together Japanese American youth with American Muslim youth to learn of the camps and our history, Craig Ishii, former PSW Shopping for source you can trust. regional director, worked hard on writing the grant. For this year’s grant, the application work was done largely by Jean Shiraki, former Long-Term Care Call toll-free JACL Inouye fellow in the D.C. office. We thank them for their hard 1-800-358-3795 today. work. Insurance? Or visit Recently I heard a complaint from a person whose family was www.jaclinsurance.com. held captive by the Japanese military in the Philippines during WWII. He was complaining that Japanese Americans who were in- As a JACL member, you don’t have to worry. terned during WWII in America’s concentration camps were later Don’t know That’s because you can trust JACL and JACL’s Long-Term Care Call Center. It’s available to compensated by the government, and his family received nothing you, your spouse, your parents and your from the Japanese. Again, these things do not just happen, but they whom to trust? parents-in-law. are the result of a lot of hard work. It took over 10 years of concentrated effort by many people to When you call the JACL Long-Term Care obtain the final result of Redress. The government did not just ar- Call Center at 1-800-358-3795, you’ll get the first-rate service you deserve from salaried, bitrarily decide that Japanese Americans deserved an apology and licensed agents. reparations for being forcibly removed from their West Coast homes and incarcerated in desolate camps. They were imprisoned, sur- Your Long-Term Care Agent will ... rounded by barbed wire and armed guards, and the majority of them Provide personalized one-on-one service were American citizens. Offer needs-based analysis based on your The JACL has done and continues to do important things for personal situation and budget Americans of Japanese ancestry and others. It is vital that we keep working hard. Worthwhile results require a lot of work. n Help guide you through the long-term care buying process Custom-tailor a plan for you ‘As I mentioned in a report to the What’s more, you’ll never be pressured to JACL membership last year when we buy and you’re never under any obligation.

Marsh U.S. Consumer, were not awarded a grant, these grants a service of Seabury & Smith, Inc. do not simply materialize but are the CA Ins. Lic. #0633005 AR Ins. Lic. #245544 result of a lot of hard work.’ d/b/a in CA Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management 55826/55416 ©Seabury & Smith, Inc. 2012

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M A R S H Misc: N/A 14 APR. 6-19, 2012 CALENDAR PACIFIC CITIZEN A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS* The Manzanar Pilgrimage photo: library of congress OWENS VALLEY, CA April 28, noon to 8 p.m. Manzanar National Historic Site U.S. Highway 395 Cost: $40/Bus transportation The 43rd Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage commemorates the 70th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066. The keynote speaker is Mitchell T. Maki.Bus reservations are being accepted on a first- come, first-served basis. Info: Email 43rdpilgrimage@ manzanarcommittee.org or call CALENDAR 323/662-5102 >>EAST Studies will host the 18th An- com or call 617/338-8813 The J-Sei’s 22nd Annual Golf nual National Gala for Asian Invitational event includes Film Screening of ‘Mr. Cao Goes Isamu Noguchi Museum Tour Pacific American Heritage >>NCWNP a tee prize, lunch, snacks, to Washington’ LONG ISLAND CITY, NY Month. awards and dinner. The event EUGENE, OR June 2, 11:30 a.m. RSVP: [email protected] or Japanese Cultural Center of is a fundraiser for J-Sei and April 28-29 (TBD) Isamu Noguchi Museum 219/627-2427 Hawaii Art Exhibit will help to expand its home- Bijou Cinema 9-01 33rd Road HONOLULU, HI delivered meal program to 492 E. 13th Avenue The 5th Asian Boston Network- Thru May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The New England JACL chap- Oakland residents. Sponsors Director and producer S. Leo ing Event Japanese Cultural Center of ter is planning a trip to New are also needed for the event. Chiang’s film “Mr. Cao Goes BOSTON, MA Hawaii Info: Contact Diane Wong at York and a tour of the Isamu to Washington” follows former April 26, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 2454 S. Beretania St. 510/848-3560 ext. 102 or email Noguchi Museum. Noguchi U.S. Rep. Anh Joseph Cao, Hei La Moon [email protected] was one of the 20th Century’s The Japanese Cultural Center who was the first Vietnamese 88 Beach Street most important and critically of Hawaii’s new exhibit “Es- American to serve in Con- Cost: $20/At the door JA Women Alumnae of U.C. acclaimed sculptors. capade: New Work by Keiko gress. Info: Visit www.nejacl.org The Asian Boston Media Hatano & Yoko Haar” high- Berkeley Luncheon Info: Call 541/686-2458 Group will award the first an- lights the new work of Hawaii OAKLAND, CA Asian Pacific American Institute nual ABMG Awards at its 5th artists. April 21, 11:30 a.m. >>PSW for Congressional Studies Gala Asian Boston Networking Info: Visit www.jcch.com, call Yoshi’s Restaurant WASHINGTON, D.C. Event. The program recog- 808/945-7633 or email info@ 510 Embarcadero West Los Angeles Film Screening of May 8, 6:30 p.m. nizes Asian Americans who jcch.com Cost: $40/Each guest; $25/Stu- ‘MIS: Human Secret Weapon’ The Ritz-Carlton Washington, reside and contribute to the dents LOS ANGELES, CA D.C. New England and New York Diane C. Fujino Book Launch The Japanese American May 19 1150 22nd Street, N.W. communities. Contact Ted at BERKELEY, CA Women Alumnae of U.C. Nishi Hongwanji Los Angeles April 21, 7 p.m. The Asian Pacific American [email protected] for stu- Berkeley (JAWAUCB) will Director Junichi Suzuki’s film Eastwind Books of Berkeley Institute for Congressional dent discounts. hold its 22nd Annual Lun- “MIS: Human Secret Weapon” Info: Email info@asianboston. 200 MLK Jr. Student Union Bldg. cheon with speaker Karen chronicles the heroics of the Author Diane C. Fujino will Yamashita, literature profes- Military Intelligence Service present her book “Samurai sor and co-director of UCSC’s during World War II, which Among Panthers: Richard Creative Writing Program. The was mostly comprised of Jap- Polaris Tours Aoki on Race, Resistance, business meeting begins at anese Americans. Presents: and a Paradoxical Life.” Aoki 11:00 a.m. Info: Call 213/680-9130 was a prominent Japanese Info: Call Vera Kawamura at American member of the 925/253-1703 The 2012 Los Angeles Black Panther Party. Hanamatsuri 2012 Tour Schedule Info: Call 510/548-2350 The 2012 Tule Lake Pilgrimage LOS ANGELES, CA TULELAKE, CA April 8, 1 to 3 p.m. Wakamatsu Colony Festival June 30 thru July 3 Japanese American Cultural Apr. 12 - Apr. 18 100th Anniversary Cherry Blossoms in Washington PLACERVILLE, CA The 2012 Tule Lake Pilgrim- & Community Center’s Garden DC & Williamsburg May 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. age Committee has an- Room May 05 - May 20 Treasures of Turkey: Where Europe meets Asia Wakamatsu Tea & Silk Colony nounced that registration for 244 S. San Pedro Street May 24 - May 26 Summertime Las Vegas: Show: Rod Stewart or Farm this year is now closed. This The Los Angeles Buddhist Garth Brooks 941 Cold Springs Road year’s pilgrimage theme is Church Federation will host Jun. 11 - Jun. 24 Discover Croatia: Dalmatian Coast & Slovania Cost: $15/Advanced adult tick- “Understanding No-No and the 2012 Hanamatsuri. The Jul. 03 - Jul. 12 Summer Japan: “Vacation with the Whole ets; $7/Youth; $20/At the door Renunciation.” The next Tule event includes a special per- Family” The Wakamatsu Colony Fes- Lake pilgrimage is 2014. formance called “Project Mo- Aug. 04 - Aug. 12 Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park tival is a fundraising event to Info: Visit www.tulelake.org motaro” by the theater group Sep. 06 - Sep. 17 Let’s Go Hokkaido support and honor the site of Grateful Crane Ensemble. Sep. 29 - Oct.10 The Legendary Danube River Cruise: Hungary, the first Japanese colony in San Jose’s 35th Annual Nikkei Info: Visit www.jaccc.org or call Austria, Germany America. The event includes Matsuri 213/628-2725 Oct. 03 - Oct. 17 New England Colors & Eastern Canada: Fall sword demonstrations, taiko SAN JOSE, CA Foliage drummers, Japanese folk mu- April 29, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Retirement Celebration for Bill Oct. 05 - Oct. 09 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: New Mexico’s Most sic and dancing, among other San Jose Japantown Watanabe Dazzling Spectacle things. Jackson Street (Between Fourth LOS ANGELES, CA Oct. 16 - Oct. 25 Autumn Japan: Magnificent Fall Colors Info: Visit www.arconservancy. and Sixth Streets) May 19, 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22 - Nov. 03 Spectacular South Africa & Victoria Falls org/wakamatsufestival or call The 35th Annual Nikkei Mat- The Westin Bonaventure Hotel Nov. 01 - Nov. 12 The Best of Kyushu 530/621-1224 suri celebrates Japanese 404 S. Figueroa Street Nov. 29 - Dec. 01 Holiday in Las Vegas: Show: TBA American culture and heri- Cost: $55/General admission J-Sei’s 22nd Annual Golf tage. There will be Japanese This event honors Bill Wata- We will be happy to send you a brochure! Invitational food, performing arts on two nabe, who served as the Little EL CERRITO, CA stages, cultural exhibits and Tokyo Service Center’s execu- May 14, 12 noon arts and crafts. tive director for 33 years. He 24 Union Square, Suite. 506 Union City, CA 94587 Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Info: Visit www.nikkeimatsuri. will retire in June. Toll Free: (800) 858-2882 7901 Cutting Blvd. org Info: Contact Gayle Yamada at www.tourpolaris.com Email: [email protected] Cost: $200/Entry fee; $50/ 213/473-1608 Awards dinner >>PNW PACIFIC CITIZEN OBITUARIES APR. 6-19, 2012 15 TRIBUTE Shigeki Hiratsuka In January 14, 2012 Memoriam Shigeki Hiratsuka, 95, a retired mechani- Abe, Amy Kiyoko, 79, Los Ange- Kimura, Michiko, 77, North Hills, cal engineer, spent most of his career with the les, CA; March 25; wife of Charles CA; March 7; survived by her hus- Department of the Army Corps of Engineers in K. Abe; predeceased by siblings band, Akira Kimura; children, Irene Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Aiko Tashiro Doris Kamihara, Robert and (Dan) Hale and Henry (Barbara) Hiratsuka, raised their family in Arlington, Vir- George Kawamura; survived chil- Kimura; siblings, Chieko Uetani, ginia, and were active members of the Wash- dren, Dr. John T. (Betty) Abe and Yasuko (Miyoshi) Kakoi, and Teruo ington, D.C. Chapter of the JACL. Catherine (Bernard) Zimring; sib- (Kimiko) Kimura; sister-in-law, Mi- After retirement and the loss of his wife, Mr. lings, Ernest (Sumire) and Edwin yoko Kimura; many brothers-in-law Hiratsuka moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1986, Kawamura, Mavis (Shiro) Tanigu- and sisters-in-law; also survived by and he had 25 years of healthy, active retire- chi, Beverly (Ray) Yoshida, and many nieces, nephews and other ment. He made many new friends and kept Jane Oshiro, and surviving sisters- relatives; 4 gc; 2 ggc. in touch with old friends through letters and in-law Tokie and Maria Kawamura; through several cross-country car trips in his also survived by many other rela- Koike, Hideo Roy, 88, Playa Del 70s and 80s. tives; 4 gc. Rey, CA; March 16; a veteran of Mr. Hiratsuka was born in 1916 in Irvington, WWII; survived by his wife, Hiroko California. He graduated from the University Hayashi, Melvin, 71, Thousand Koike; children, Clifford Hideo (Mui) of California-Berkeley. During World War II, Koike, Cynthia Koike, and Sharon he was interned in the Amache concentration (Wendell) Pitpit; also survived by camp in Granada, Colorado. After release from many nieces, nephews and other Amache, he attended the University of Wyo- relatives; 5 gc. ming and received a second bachelor’s de- on January 14, 2012. A memorial service was Kubo, Edmund Hatsuichi, 101, gree, in mechanical engineering. He lived and held in Tucson, Arizona, and a funeral service worked in New York, Tokyo, and Okinawa be- was held in Washington, D.C. Survivors include fore moving to Washington, D.C. his son, Jon Hiratsuka; his daughter-in-law, Luz Mr. Hiratsuka died peacefully in his retire- Hiratsuka; two brothers, George and Roy Hi- ment community home in Sierra Vista, Arizona, ratsuka; and his long-time friend, Deanie Allen.

Oaks, CA; March 11; Mel was born in Hawaii, to Richard and Harriet Hayashi; he became an orthopedic TRIBUTE surgeon; he served in the U.S. Air Force leaving in 1972; a year later he began his practice; survived by Dave Teruo Kawagoye his wife Vikki; sons Michael and Torrance, CA; March 18; prede- October 29, 1919 - March 11, 2012 Grant; daughters Brooke (Marc) ceased by his beloved wife, Flor- Fages, Shelley; sisters Dianne ence Shizue Kubo; survived by his Los Angeles-born 442nd RCT Anti-Tank nisei veteran re- O’hara and Avis Martin; brother beloved children, Edward Yasuhiko sided in Gardena, CA. Survived by wife Mary Toshiko; sister, Wade Hayashi; many nephews and Kubo (Itsuko), Nancy Takako Kubo Amy Reitz; daughters: Dale Sato, Phyllis Matsuoka, Marsha nieces; 2 gc. Dawson (Stuart) and Alice Masayo Furutani. Grandchildren: Christine Sato-Yamazaki, Naomi Kubo Leung (Alfred brother- in-law, Sato-Cofer, Alex and Ron Matsuoka. Great-grandchildren: Ishii, Frank, 92, Los Alamitos, CA; Isamu Nagata, as well as many Kyle Yamazaki, Flora Cofer. March 1; a veteran of WWII; he is nieces, nephews and other rela- survived by his wife, Samie Ishii; tives; 5 gc; 1 ggc. children, Debbie (Vincent) Chiya; siblings, George Ishii and Lily Shin; Kuwaki, Alyce Kikuye, 96, Ca- also survived by many nieces, marillo, CA; March 14; survived nephews and other relatives; 1 gc. by her loving children, Carl, Sachi, Harry, Shirley Kadomoto and Mary Kato, Howard, 81, California; Shimomaye; sister, Mary Kotaka; sister-in-law, May Ohta; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives; 4 gc; 5 ggc. Honor Your Okawa, Hiroshi “George,” 97, Loved Ones Ontario, OR; March 22; Hiroshi ‘In Memoriam’ is a free was the son of Itaro and Sueo listing that appears on a Okawa; he had a barbershop in limited, space-available basis. Portland until being drafted into Tributes, which honor the memory the Army in 1942; he opened and operated his own shop, the East- of your loved ones with original Reverse Mortgage March 16; husband of Kazi Kato; side Barbershop, until he retired in copy and photos, appear in a Call for a free information package father of Douglas (Catherine), 2000; survived by his wife, Yukiko timely manner at the rate of Chris (Ella), Kelly (Ellen), and Ricky of 52 years; his daughters, Grace $20/column inch. If you are 62 or older and own your house, (Lenora) Kato; he is also survived Thompson and her husband, Gary, For more info: by other relatives; 5 gc. of Klamath Falls, Ore.; and Esther Email [email protected] a Reverse Mortgage may benefit you! Okawa, of Seattle, Wash.; as well • Turn Home Equity into Tax Free Cash Kato, Mutsuko, 82, Santa Monica, as many nieces and nephews in • You keep title to your home CA; March 13; survived by her sis- both the U.S. and Japan. • No Monthly Mortgage Payments ters, Kazuko (Norio) Hashiguchi Advertise in the • FHA Program Designed for Seniors and Ikuko Kano; brother-in-law, Takata, Helen Michiko, 92, Los “I pledge to provide excellent customer service Akira (Chiyeko) Kato; nephews, Angeles, CA; March 20; prede- Pacific Citizen! with the highest standard of ethics” Ron (Virginia), Alex (Julie) and ceased by her husband, Roy Akira; 25+ Years Experience as a Financial Professional Gary Kato; niece, Lisa (Larry) Drex- survived by her daughter, Ryoko ler; also survived by many grand- (Lawrence Potter); niece, Vivian Call David C. Miyagawa Chee Certified Public Accountant 1-800-967-3575 nieces, grandnephews and other Matsushige and many other rela- CA Dept. of Real Estate – Real Estate Broker #01391106 n relatives. tives; 2 gc. 800/966-6157 NMLS ID 263222 16 APR. 6-19, 2012 COMMENTARY/VOICES PACIFIC CITIZEN

HONDA victed of corruption. COMMENTARY >>continued from pg. 8 Koreatown is home to about 120,000, one of the most dense of all neighborhoods. But it was the lated the constitution’s one-person, Japanese who since the 1900s set- one-vote mandate (1989), and a PVT. DANNY CHEN UPDATE tled in the Uptown area — where two-term limit was imposed by ref- Koreatown is today. In the 1910s, erendum (1993). The council has By Stanley N. Kanzaki October 3, 2011, he took his own The press conference was at- St. Mary’s Japanese Mission was a voted 29-22 to extend the limit for life. This is what happens when tended by a large number of peo- modest house situated in a very An- mayor (Bloomberg) to three terms. I recently attended a press con- military leadership fails and men ple, the press and conducted most glo neighborhood at 961 Mariposa. The 50 aldermen in Chicago are ference in New York’s Chinatown take matters into their own hands. efficiently by OuYang. Standing The new church building came up elected from 50 wards and serve for an update concerning the death The charges are to go to two more with her at the rostrum was Dan- and was dedicated in 1931. The four-year terms. The presiding of- of U.S. Army soldier Pvt. Danny levels of command for reviews be- ny’s parents and relatives. mission was founded for the Issei ficer and secretary (city clerk) are Chen while on duty in Afghanistan. fore it can be finalized. He was a “local boy” born in refugees from the 1906 San Fran- elected citywide. Wikipedia no- The press conference was chaired There is a demand for a transpar- New York’s Chinatown to im- cisco Earthquake. n by Elizabeth R. OuYang, president ent investigation and the trial to be migrant parents from China and ticed that the first public corruption of the OCA New York Chapter. held in the U.S. not in Afghanistan. the only child. He graduated from occurred in 1869; between 1873 Harry K. Honda is the Pacific OuYang gave an update on the This is possible since the Army Pace High School before enlist- and 2012, 31 aldermen were con- Citizen editor emeritus. pursuit to seek justice for Pvt. unit is to redeploy back to the ing in the Army. It was sad to see Chen. The Article 32 hearing of U.S. in April 2012, to their base at his parents Yan Tao and Su Zhen the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The next Chen, who do not speak Eng- ASAKAWA I bet the men won’t be far Justice has been completed by the problem is the distance involved lish, standing there stoically. One >>continued from pg. 8 behind, and Bruce Lee will be Army on all the eight soldiers in- and to get as many people there for can only imagine what is going smiling down on us. Even better, volved: a 1st lieutenant, five ser- the entire trial, especially the Chen through their minds each time they maybe in a decade we won’t be geants and two enlisted men, who family and relatives. attend an event for him. lots of work on a variety of shows, complaining at all about the lack were charged. OCA has taken action holding It is most important for all of us and the next generation of stars of Asians — men or women — in Some were charged with neg- press conferences and getting over to support this movement and bring are getting exposure (think Harry Hollywood. n ligent homicide with maximum 5,000 signed petitions demanding justice for Pvt. Chen. In the past Shum, Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz of sentences of three years instead a transparent investigation. The we Asian Americans in this coun- “Glee”). Gil Asakawa is a former P.C. Ed- of involuntary homicide, which signed petitions came from Bei- try have had violence perpetrated And we finally have a star in a itorial Board chair and blogs at called for a maximum of 10 years. jing, Australia and from all over against us. We must remember to leading role, Maggie Q (Maggie www.nikkeiview.com. Additional charges were derelic- the U.S. And a YouTube video, stick together for “an attack on one Denise Quigley), who is Hapa tion of duty and assault. In my “What Happened to Danny” has of us is an attack on all of us.” Polish-Irish and Vietnamese, as the ‘I bet the men won’t opinion, the charge should have been viewed by over 40,000. A Petitions can be download- eponymous government assassin- be far behind, and been the maximum in view of how mass rally and a march were held ed at: http://goo.gl/xWKNq. n gone-good in “Nikita.” She’s a Pvt. Chen was subjected to con- with over 500 participants from 36 fine actor with a broad emotional Bruce Lee will be tinuous physical abuse, repeated organizations followed by a can- Stanley Kanzaki is a member of range, and the action skills to shine smiling down on us.’ racial taunting and humiliation. On dlelight vigil. the New York JACL chapter. in the dynamic fight scenes.

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