Inside! Jacl Photo section begins on Page 5

The NATIONAL NEWSPAPER of the JACL July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 ozaki

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2015 JACL Special Convention issue

Pictured is aspiring singer James Ozaki’s winning photo that he submitted to the National Convention’s Instagram “American Dream” contest.

Grant Ujifusa JACL 2015 Las Vegas V3con Harnesses Remembers Mike M. Convention the Power of Masaoka. Page 3 Highlights Page 8 Technology. Page 9

#3259 / VOL. 161, No. 2 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 convention issue 2015

nurseryman”) by the FBI at the Berkeley how to reach us letterS to the editor Email: [email protected] Higashi Hongangi Buddhist Temple. The Online: www.pacificcitizen.org arrest warrant was issued by Francis Biddle, Tel: (213) 620-1767 Dear Editor, Dear Editor, attorney general of the United States, on the Fax: (213) 620-1768 grounds that he was an “alien enemy deemed Mail: 250 E. First St., Suite 301 In his Letter to the Editor (Pacific Citizen, Los Angeles, CA 90012 I wanted to thank Patti Hirahara and the dangerous to the public peace and safety of July 3-23, 2015), Stanley Kanzaki of the Pacific Citizen for printing the very helpful the United States.” Staff New York Chapter wrote that JACL should guide to searching the U.S. National Archives • He was sent to Fort Lincoln, Neb., where our Executive Editor recognize Mitsuye Endo. In 2014, JACL did Allison Haramoto and Records Administration (NARA) for family became very worried for his health just that — the National Council adopted records of our family’s incarcerations. (evidenced by letters they sent to the FBI Assistant Editor a resolution in support of a Presidential Tiffany Ujiiye I first learned of these records when Marisa begging for his release). Medal of Freedom for Mitsuye Endo in Louie, an archivist at the San Bruno branch of • After a few months, he was put on “Alien Business Manager recognition of her contributions to the the National Archives, visited the Tule Lake Enemy Parole” and sent to join his wife Susan Yokoyama release of Japanese Americans from their Pilgrimage and shared with us all a guide to and four of his five children at Tanforan Production Artist desolate prison camps. In response to that Asian American and Pacific Islander family Assembly Center, which was coincidentally Marie Samonte resolution, JACL has met with the White research at the National Archives. I made an across the street from the current-day House, Senators, Congressional members Circulation appointment and visited the San Bruno facility, San Bruno National Archives. Eva Ting and coalition partners to advocate for an where I found many primary resources describ- • The multiple government communications award for Endo. The Pacific Citizen newspaper ing what happened to Japanese Americans on discussing his case always referred to him as (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published After meeting with Sen. Brian Schatz, he the West Coast. It was a good introduction to an “alien,” “enemy alien” or “parolee.” semi-monthly (except once in issued a letter of recommendation along December and January) by the the systems of NARA and how to navigate • Banks and flower wholesalers he worked with Sen. Mazie Hirono. Congresswoman Japanese American Citizens them. For my family’s specific records, as with were asked to testify to his character. League, Pacific Citizen, Doris Matsui has also taken a strong lead Hirahara describes, I needed to travel to While they sent letters, they seem hardly 250 E. First St., Suite 301, in pushing for the recognition in response Los Angeles, CA 90012 Washington, D.C. friendly to his cause. In one, the Northern to a meeting, and Sen. Richard Pan has Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA A few years later, I made it to the main California business owner states, “Most POSTMASTER: Send address authored a California state resolution in NARA building on Pennsylvania Avenue. of the Japanese growers were known to changes to National JACL, 1765 support of the campaign that is sponsored Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 I didn’t have a death certificate, but that was me only by their last names. I cannot tell by JACL. The National Council of Asian alright because after a certain period of time, you anything about their Americanization JACL President: David Lin Pacific Americans issued a letter co-signed unclassified records are apparently open to all. through education, etc., as I know most of National Director: Priscilla Ouchida by a coalition of Asian American national I got basic records of my family’s incarceration the Japanese growers only in a business way, P.C. editorial board organizations. Carol Kawamoto, chairperson; from their WRA files on Pennsylvania Avenue. buying and selling flowers.” With friends There is no question that JACL is leading Leona Hiraoka, EDC; Jody Mitori, However, since my great-grandfather was like that, who needs enemies, as they say. MDC; Roberta Barton, CCDC; the effort on behalf of a posthumous medal apprehended by the FBI shortly after the Pearl Jim Duff, NCWNPDC; Gabrielle for Endo. JACL has had long ties with the Harbor bombing, like so many other male Nomura, PNWDC; Gil Asakawa, case. In 1942, Endo was one of over 300 IDC; John Saito Jr., PSWDC; leaders of the Japanese American community, Nicole Gaddie and Kota Mizutani, employees who were fired from their state his main records were stored in a Department youth reps. civil service jobs solely because they were of of Justice file in what are called the “WWII subscribe Japanese ancestry. When those employees Alien Enemy Detention and Internment Case Get a one-year subscription of the decided to appeal their dismissal, Saburo Pacific Citizen newspaper at: Files.” Those are stored separately at a facility www.pacificcitizen.org or call Kido, then-JACL president, approached in suburban Maryland, and a free shuttle goes (213) 620-1767 James Purcell and asked him to take the between the Washington, D.C., facility and Advertise case. Purcell eventually won the case the Maryland facility. The staff was helpful To advertise in the Pacific Citizen, before the U.S. Supreme Court. call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: to explain this all to me. Starting early in the [email protected] I agree with Mr. Kanzaki that the honor morning and leaving plenty of time to go is long overdue, and that the contributions LEGAL between facilities, if needed, is recommended. No part of this publication may be and courage of our Nikkei women needs to You can order copies of these records online, reproduced without the express be recognized. permission of the Pacific Citizen. but nothing compared to holding the original Editorials, news and the opinions records in my hands. Among other things, expressed by columnists other than Sincerely, I discovered: the national JACL president or national director do not necessarily reflect Priscilla Ouchida, • My great-grandfather was arrested at the age JACL policy. Events and products of 70 (“height 5’1”, weight 110 lbs, retired >> See letter on page 12 advertised in the Pacific Citizen do not JACL Executive Director carry the implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2015 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Calif. and mailing office. Pacific Citizen to educate future generations JACL member? Y N JACL MEMBERS

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If you’ve moved, Address ...... please send new information to: National JACL City ...... 1765 Sutter St. San Francisco, State ...... Zip ...... CA 94115 (415) 921-5225 or 2015 [email protected] Phone ...... Allow 6 weeks for address changes. Email ...... To avoid interruptions in delivery, please notify your postmaster to include periodicals in your change of address (USPS Form 3575) convention issue 2015 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 3

resolution be brought before the delegation for discussion and voting. A Mother’s Take When I saw the emails, I asked Harold if it would help the resolution if I flew in the following day. He said that he felt there was enough support. And so I went to bed hoping So Proud to Be a JACL that my good thoughts and the support of other JACL chap- ters, who had sponsored LGBTQ events or were planning on doing work on this subject, would bring a positive result Member in the passage of this resolution. For me, ER2 was deeply personal. Having JACL, a By Marsha Aizumi national API organization, bring this resolution to a posi- tive vote would be a declaration to my family and all API trumpet sound signals a text showing up on my tion the day before when a Local Leader intern from the LGBT families that our children are not second-class citi- phone. It was Wednesday morning, July 15, 2015. Selanoco Chapter sent me a photo of ER2. Later that night, zens. It symbolized to me that an organization that I belong Emergency Resolution 2 had passed at the JACL Harold Kameya, president of the San Fernando JACL, to is ready to embrace and be a voice for the transgender ANational Convention. ER2 is the resolution advocating included me on an email with Jacce Mikulanec, president of community on a national and local level. But most of all, it for transgender equality and pledging that JACL will be the Honolulu chapter. The Honolulu chapter was the driving would send a message to my son and so many other trans- a “vibrant ally to the transgender community.” When the force behind ER2 and also the progressive chapter that over gender individuals that who they are matters, and JACL notification came through, my son, Aiden, and I were on 20 years before had introduced the resolution to support will not sit silently while others may push them down, the phone discussing how he could go down to the conven- marriage equality. The San Fernando Valley was also a stripping them of their rights. tion to lend his support. He was in Las Vegas with his wife, progressive chapter that was doing a lot of work to support ER2 on the heels of the Supreme Court ruling that same- Mary, for a few days of vacation. They both felt that this the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community sex marriages are legal in all 50 states would be such a was an important issue and were prepared to be a visible in Southern California. Harold and his wife, Ellen had been wonderful affirmation that our country and the API com- face and voice in any way possible. doing this work for over 25 years, so it was fitting that he munity is moving in the right direction. I actually first heard what was happening at the conven- as SFV president seconded the motion to have Honolulu’s >> See proud on page 12

The Case for Mike I said, “Barney, this guy is a born-again Christian from Georgia. A really tough get.” “I need to have him,” Barney said, “and you have to get him.” Masaoka: Overwhelming I called Mike and asked him what to do. He said, “I need the night to think about it.” In the morning, he told me to call Dave Brodie, the chief congressional lobbyist of the Anti- By Grant Ujifusa Defamation League, and ask to meet with him. Mike said that Brodie had taken many Southern born-again members JACL honored Masaoka’s contributions to the field of civil and human rights during off to Israel on “fact-finding trips” — also called junkets. its Sayonara Banquet at the National Convention. Following is Ujifusa’s speech. Mike knew that this was one way the Jewish Americans allied themselves with the more numerous born-agains. Both a big stake in Israel being taken care of. And so, besides am so happy that the National Council voted unani- Japanese American legacy of no-no. the trips, campaign money was often raised for incumbent mously yesterday for the resolution offered by Mas and What happened instead we owe to Mike, to the 442, and I Republican politicians in places like Georgia. Marcia Hashimoto to honor Mike Masaoka. will say to JACL. I saw Dave in his office at ADL. On his desk, he had a II think this: Because Mike was the father of the 442, he is Together, I think he, they and we wrote an immigrant story small award, maybe 20 years old, from the JACL. Dave said also the father of JACL as we have known the organization more powerful than that of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. he would set up a meeting with Swindall. for more than 70 years. To me, that story — young Nisei men out of the camps dead Dave and I met with Swindall, though I knew that Dave How did this come to be? We need to know because origins in Italy and France — gives depth of meaning and the weight had already talked to him. Swindall was so eager to make matter and mostly determine identity. Let me say that as the of inconsolable tragedy to our being together here tonight, as sure Dave was happy. . . . No. 1 “inu” in the camps, Mike counseled loyalty — shall it has for JACLers for more than 70 years. The Republican Congressman from Georgia then told me we call it Allegiance? — to the only country Japanese Amer- Mike was the principal author of the Japanese American that he was going to support the bill in Barney Frank’s sub- icans really had. He then asked young Nisei men to fight story. Which is one reason why we honor him tonight. committee. He added that an aide who was half-Japanese and die for that self-same country — one that had grievously As a political leader, Mike was both IQ smart and street was also for the bill, and that helped. On the day of the vote betrayed them. smart. And what did we expect of our leader? The answers on the House floor, Swindall made a speech supporting Con- Initially, only 1,256 men volunteered out of the 10 camps, to two questions, the second usually more important than the stitutional rights for Japanese Americans, rights he then said which showed the influence wielded by the vocal anti-inu, first: What should we do and how should do we do it? should be extended to the unborn. pro-Japan faction among the internees. Eight hundred were In the twilight of his life, Mike was an indispensable leader Mike knew, as perhaps no one else on the planet did, that to selected to serve. These early few, especially those who were of how we did redress. get Swindall onboard in Barney’s subcommittee, you needed killed in action, proved what we tragically had to prove, and Understand that Mike was a big-time problem-solver, as first to travel through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. that was Japanese American loyalty to the United States adept at making things happen in Washington, a very strange I think Mike Masaoka is the single most-gifted leader we of America. Try arguing, Mr. Redneck politician, with the place, as any lobbyist in town — after 50 years in the trade, have had in our proud history in America. With nothing young man who has come home in a box. he was connected and trusted nearly everywhere. more than a shoe shine, a smile and the savvy of his indomi- I once asked Mike if he ever lost any sleep about sending A conversation I had more than once with Mike after din- nable wife Etsu, Mike got Congress, in his time dominated young Nisei men to fight and die in Italy and France. He said, ner around 9 in the evening: “Mike, the wheels are coming by Southern segregationist committee chairmen, to agree to “Not a minute. Under circumstances, blood had to be shed.” off this thing, in Washington and inside JACL. Let me tell Issei citizenship, to the War Brides Act and to the Hawaiian One of his brothers was killed in action, and another was you what Mr. X is up to now. What are we going to do?” statehood bill. Then there was Mike’s indispensable role in severely disabled. Mike would say, “Give me the night to think about it.” “But, the success of HR 442. I also asked Mike if he ever regretted counseling coopera- Mike, you don’t understand. The wheels are coming off this That’s what Mike Masaoka did. Now. Tell me. Just exactly tion with government AFTER 9066 came down. He said, thing.” “Give Me the Night to Think About It.” what have you done? “No. They had the guns. We didn’t.” We need to remember An example of a big problem Mike solved: In January For me, Mike’s critics, academics and others supremely that Min, Gordon and Fred were all young bachelors. Mike 1987, Barney Frank told me in his office that he was going confident of their opinions, stand on his shoulders and box was like that. He could think and act with clarity and precision. to push our bill in a big way. This after years of being bottled him about the ears. As a 27-year-old wartime leader in 1942, Mike was already up by subcommittee chairmen before him. But tonight, Mike, JACL honors you for all you did for thinking about what our lives were to be like after the war But Barney wanted bi-partisan Republican cover on his JACL, for Japanese Americans, and for our country. I was was won and the camps were closed. And what Mike want- subcommittee, which meant that he was not going send HR honored to have known you. Rest in peace. ed, we soon enough got: acceptance into the American main- 442 to the full Judiciary Committee and then to the House stream of a small group of people once as intensely hated floor where a vote could be taken unless Pat Swindall, the For reversing President Ronald Reagan’s opposition and feared as perhaps no other in our country’s history. The No. 1 Republican on the subcommittee, would agree to to HR 442, Grant Ujifusa was knighted by the Japanese brutal truth is that the alternative to what Mike wanted was a support the bill. government in 2012. 4 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 convention issue 2015 JACL NYSC celebrates West L.A. JACL Announces hr 40 resolution Scholarship By Nicole Gaddie Winners fter returning for the historic The number of the bill, “40” was chosen he West Los Angeles chapter anniversary of Selma, JACL Youth to represent the 40 acres and a mule that of the Japanese American Council Members Ryan Kuramitsu the United States initially promised to freed Citizens League announced A(MDC) and Kota Mizutani (EDC) shared slaves. The promise was unfulfilled, and Tits scholarship winners recently. their experience with the National Youth the devastation of slavery lived on in the Noah Kojima, a first-year medical Student Council, sparking an interest in African-American community. student, was awarded the $2,500 Pictured (from left) are 2014 Miss Western solidarity to support the African-American John Conyers, a representative of the Chiyo M. Hattori Scholarship, which L.A. Lindsey Sugimoto, Patricia Ihara community and support a bill called HR 40. Detroit area and current longest-serving is designated to an outstanding student (representing her son, Noah Kojima), The bill calls for the formation of a member of Congress, proposed HR 40 in pursing an education in medicine. Lisa Takahashi, Justin Yamaguchi and commission to study reparations proposals 1989 and continued to bring it to the floor Lisa Takahashi and Justin Yamaguchi scholarship chair Steffi Fukunaga. for African-Americans. Rhetoric for this bill every year thereafter. were recipients of the Jack Nomura is similar to HR 442, the Japanese American Unfortunately, the bill wasn’t able to High School Scholarship. resolution that launched a massive garner enough critical mass from the black Kojima completed his first year at the language program at the Japanese Institute campaign to form a commission studying community and allies to move forward. And David Geffen School of Medicine at the of Sawtelle, she will attend Keio University wartime relocation and internment civilians. each year, politicians moved away from the University of California, Los Angeles. The in Tokyo this fall. Parallels between the two, HR 40 and HR aging bill to focus on new problems. son of Patricia Ihara and Hideki Kojima Yamaguchi graduated from Venice High 442, inspired Kuramitsu and Mizutani, The JACL National Council, known of Irvine graduated from the University of School and is an Eagle Scout from Troop along with the NYSC. for its civil rights and social justice work, California, Davis, in 2013 with a degree in 764 based out of the Venice Japanese For Japanese Americans, HR 442 lead to approved a resolution to support HR 40 biochemistry. Kojima, who plans to pursue Community Center. The son of Lina and a bill that acknowledged the grave injustice during July’s National Convention in Las a career in internal medicine, has devoted Doug Yamaguchi of Los Angeles, he will and inhumanity of the Japanese American Vegas, Nev. The NYSC hopes that the his time to helping the underserved in attend the University of Washington as a incarceration and the signing of the Civil support from the JACL will help move Africa, Ecuador and Haiti. He is currently developmental psychology major. Liberties Act in 1988. While the act granted the bill closer to gaining ground on spending his summer in India volunteering Each high school awardee received $750. monetary compensation and a formal Capitol Hill. at a women’s health clinic. The scholarship is named in honor of the apology to the victims of the incarceration, The plan was to present a resolution Takahashi graduated from Santa Monica late Jack Nomura, longtime chapter board HR 40 would not do the same. Rather, for HR 40 at the 46th national JACL High School and was a member of the member. it would investigate slavery and provide convention in Las Vegas. If the resolution girls varsity basketball team for two years. formal reparation to the African-American succeeded, the bill would move one step The daughter of Miwa Takahashi of Los For more information, contact the WLA community. closer to gaining ground on Capitol Hill. n Angeles and a student of the Japanese JACL at [email protected].

An All Camps Celebration

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With unbeatable rates, call today to apply and nd the right card for you. Celebrating our collective stories at Heart Mountain Dinner Banquet • All Camps Fair • Original Barrack Dedication Performance by 2014 National Poetry Slam Champion G. Yamazawa Artwork by Hatsuko Mary Higuchi: EO 9066, Series 25. Naïve Newcomers. Heart Mountain Interpretive Center • 1.307.754.8000 www.heartmountain.org convention issue 2015 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 5

photos: 20 tiffany ujiiye and 15 JACL National Convention caitlin halm The organization gathers in Las Vegas at the Monte Carlo Resort to reflect upon JACL’s future and ongoing role in the fight for civil rights for all people in the United States.

The National Board met (From left) Gary before kick-starting the Mayeda, Patty JACL National Convention. Wada, John Tobe and David Unruhe

(From left) Meg Mizutani, Stephanie Nitahara and Sharon Uyeda bo a rd tio nal a Minister Tamaki Tsukada of the Japanese Embassy (center) and N his staff along with the JACL National Board at a private dinner

Kurt Ikeda

Carol Kawase and David Unruhe

Carol Kawamoto national Council and Paul Uyeda Minister Tamaki Tsukada (right) makes an announcement about the Kakehashi Program expansion at the National Council meeting.

(From left) Matthew Walters, Floyd Mori, (From left) Jessica Asai and Tamaki Tsukada and Noriko Sanefuji Rob Buscher Setsy and Chip Larouche 6 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 convention issue 2015

The National AAPI Lgbtq Council during Plenary a survey

(From left) Hyacinth Alvaran, Mia Yamamoto and Bryan Chan on a multigenerational panel, discussing what it means to be Asian American LGBTQs.

(From left) Christine Chen t and Rebecca Apostol n

(From left) Hyacinth Alvaran Hyacinth Alvaran and Priscilla Ouchida g a geme Y SC N Civi c e n

(Center) James Ozaki sings the “National Anthem” after winning the National Convention’s Instagram contest.

NYSC Mixer Civic Engagement, hosted by APIA Vote, engaged the National Council in voter mobilization.

(From left) Jennifer Okutsu, Allison Yamamoto and Joseph Day

(From left) Theo Bickel, Matthew (From left) Sydney Woods Weisbly and and Toshiki Nakashige Nicole Gaddie Convention issue 2015 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 7

JACL hosted a VIP Reception at the Monte Carlo Hotel prior to the start of the Sayonara Banquet. quet yo na r a Ban

S a Priscilla Ouchida and David Lin

(From left) Sarah Baker, (From left) Akira Ryan Kenji Kuramitsu, Kota Sonomura and the Mizutani, Kim Delevett, Hon. Norman Mineta The Hon. Norman Mineta Michelle Huey, Nathan Iwamoto-Fukumitsu, Kurt Ikeda and Stephanie Nitahara.

Chicago (From left) Kaz Uyehara, Blackhawks Mia Yamamoto and Traci Ishigo announcer Gene Honda

(From left) David Lin with ABC7 News Anchor President’s Awards recipients and “Legacy of Heart Jane Kurahara and Betsy Young Mountain” Producer David Ono

(Clockwise from top left) JACL past J. D. Hokoyama presidents Ken Inouye, Larry Oda, received the JACL David Kawamoto, current president President’s Award for David Lin, Floyd Mori, Raymond Uno his work in education (From left) David Lin and Floyd Shimomura and leadership. and J. D. Hokoyama 8 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 convention issue 2015 National convention Highlights

he National Council proved iko Sanefuji; and a presentation by nity during redress and post-war successful in passing the the Social Security Administration activism. Grant Ujifusa and former following resolutions: by Marianne Brackney. Cabinet Sec. Norman Y. Mineta TResolution 1: Honoring Mike National Council members also gave special reflections on Ma- Masaru Masaoka for his leadership listened in on a LGBTQ Plenary saoka, remembering his powerful and service to the welfare of the with Hyacinth Alvaran, Mia Ya- legacy and work. Japanese American community. mamoto and Bryan Chan, who dis- JACL President’s Awards were Resolution 3: Recognizing and cussed what it means to be Asian given to Betsy Young and Jane preserving Japanese American Art American LGBTQs and educated Kurahara for their work on pre- by incarcerated Japanese Ameri- members on understanding current serving the Honouliuli incarcera- cans during World War II. issues. tion campaign in Hawaii. J. D. Ho- Resolution 4: Supporting House Minister Tamaki Tsukada of the koyama was also honored for his (From left) David Kawamoto, Matthew Farrells, Brandon Mita, Representation 40, establishing a Embassy of Japan was joined by leadership and service as president Carol Kawamoto, Toshi Abe, Jeanette Misaka, David Unruhe, commission to study the institution Consul General Jun Yamada after and CEO for Leadership Education Michelle Amano, David Lin, Jeffrey Moy, Miko Sawamura, of slavery in the United States. announcing this year’s Kakehashi for Asian Pacifics. A special honor Sheldon Arakaki, Chip Larouche, Colleen Morimoto and Emergency Resolution 2: Call- Project would make the program was given to Gene Honda, stadium Roberta Barton at the closing of the Sayonara Banquet. ing upon the JACL to be an ally to a permanent annual commitment announcer for the Chicago White the transgender community. and would double the number of Sox and the Chicago Blackhawks. In its weeklong session, the Na- partipants to over 180 individuals. Master of ceremonies David Ono la Ouchida and National President tional Council’s agenda included Reports from across the organi- hosted the evening. Ono is an an- David Lin have confirmed that the For full 2015 JACL an AARP Workshop by Jennifer zation included the Program for chor at ABC7 and Emmy Award- 2016 National Convention will re- Convention coverage, visit Wallace-Brodeur; a Civic Engage- Action, and the Nomination’s Co- winning producer of the “Legacy turn to Las Vegas, but future plans the Pacific Citizen’s website ment Presentation on voter regis- mittee presented its future inita- of Heart Mountain” documentary. for 2017 may return to Washing- at www.pacificcitizen.org. tration programs, campaign devel- tives and provided in-depth sum- JACL Executive Director Priscil- ton, D.C. n opment and voter mobilization by maries to its past achievements. Rebecca Apostol; an in-depth re- In concluding the convention, port from the National Council of the Sayonara Banquet honored and

Asian Pacific Americans by Kelly recognized Mike M. Masaoka for AMERICAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL Honda; a special report on the his effort, dedication and service 2015 TOUR SCHEDULE 2017 Smithsonian Exhibit by Nor- to the Japanese American commu- Europe Holiday Tour (Carol Hida) ...... Sep 21- Oct 2 London, Paris, Brugges, Amsterdam. Classical Japan Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Oct 1-11 Tokyo, Hakone, Atami, Gifu-Cormorant Fishing, Hiroshima, Kyoto. Special Danube River Holiday Cruise (Carol Hida) ...... Oct 11-21 Prague, Danube River Cruising, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Durnstein, Melk. MS Amadeus Royal River Cruise Ship. Korea Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) (Postponed to early Oct 2016) ...... Oct 19-Nov 1 Seoul, Nami Island, Sokcho, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Cheju Island, Gwangju, Daejon, Suwon, KBS Drama Center, DMZ Tour. Kenya Safari Holiday Tour (Carol Hida) ...... Oct 29-Nov 10 Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Jane Goodall Chimpanze Sanctuary, Samburu Game Reserve, Game Drives. Okinawa Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Nov 12-21 Naha, Onnason, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island. 2016 TOUR SCHEDULE Hokkaido-China Snow-Ice Festivals (Ernest Hida) ...... Feb 7-17 Sapporo Snow Festival, Harbin Ice Festival, Beijing. Alaska Northern Lights Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Mar 17-23 Anchorage, Fairbanks, Chena Onsen-Hot Springs, Aurora Borealis. Members from the Kakehashi Program pose for a photo during Japan Spring Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Mar 26-Apr 8 Tokyo, Scenic Train to Shimoda, Lake Yamanaka, Matsumoto, the Sayonara Banquet in celebration of the announcement that Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto. the program will expand to allow more students to participate. French Riviera Holiday Tour (Elaine Ishida) ...... Apr 14-21 Nice, Monaco, Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, Grasse. Canyon Country (Ernest Hida) ...... Apr 28-May 6 Scottsdale, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas. China-Yangtze River Cruise Holiday Tour (Carol Hida) ...... May 11-24 Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai, Hong Kong. Grandparents-Grandchildren Japan Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Jun 26-Jul 5 Tokyo, Hakone-Atami, Hiroshima, Kyoto. Canadian Rockies-Calgary Stampede Tour (Elaine Ishida) ...... July Calgary, Waterton Lakes-Glacier National Park, Banff, Columbia Icefields. Nova Scotia Holiday Tour (Carol Hida) ...... Aug 10-18 Halifax, Baddeck, Cabot Trail, CharlotteTown, Prince Edward Island, Western Shore, Grand Pre, Lunenburg. China Silk Road Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... September British Landscapes Holiday Tour (Elaine Ishida) ...... Sep 10-19 England, Scotland, Wales. Korea Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... Oct 4-17 Seoul, Nami Island, Sokcho, Daegu, Gyeongju, Busan, Cheju Island, Gwangju, Daejon, Suwon, KBS Drama Center, DMZ Tour. Kyushu-Shikoku Holiday Tour (Ernest Hida) ...... October/November Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Beppu, Matsuyama, Kochi, Takamatsu, Shodo Island, Tokushima, Osaka. New Orleans Get-Away Tour (Carol Hida) ...... December We can assist you with: Low-cost airfares to Japan, Japan individual or group travel arrangements, Japan Railpass, Tokyo Air/Hotel Special Packages, Cruises, Hotels, Cars, Hawaii arrangements, Individual Tour Packages, Organization/Clubs/Family group tours and cruises arrangements. For more information and reservations, please contact: AMERICAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL 312 E. 1st Street, Suite 330 * Los Angeles, CA 90012 TEL: (213)625-2232 * E-MAIL: [email protected] Ernest or Carol Hida Elaine Ishida (Tel: 714-269-4534) (CST #200326-10) convention issue 2015 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 9 day

laylita

Harnessing Technology For Good At V3 :

No topic was off photos boundaries during the digital media conference.

By Connie K. Ho, Contributor

rom smart phones to Oculus Rift, no topic was untouched or off boundaries for technies and geeks alike to discuss Fat the V3 Digital Media Conference (V3con) — all for the purpose of determining resolu- tions in issues such as breaking the bamboo ceiling as well as working through language and culture barriers. Presented by the Asian American Journalists Assn., Los Angeles, and held at the Japanese American National Hundreds of attendees gather for the V3con opening night reception at the Museum from June 26-27, the Japanese American National Museum. fourth annual conference high- lighted conversations of ethnic- viduals. ity and race as well as the power like Periscope, blogging, smartphone “We’ve [got to] try to build this conversa- of storytelling and technology in photography and comics. Professionals tion as a central conversation for all racial bringing communities together. from journalism, social media, commu- groups, not just black groups because anti- The weekend kicked off on nity organizations and other industries black racism impacts everyone on this plan- Friday with an opening-night gathered to share their experience and et,” Cullors said. “Until we deal with this reception, with catering by visions with like-minded individuals. issue of anti-black racism, there will still be Panda Restaurant Group, Coca- One of the panels, “Checking Multiple (From left) Tanzila Ahmed, Andrew Ti and Ann issues of race and poverty and mass incar- Cola, Kirin and Pop’d Up, as Boxes: Discussing Being Two ‘Others,’” Friedman participate in a podcasting panel at V3con. ceration, war on drugs, and all these things well as a musical performance focused on individuals of multiracial are literally all shaped by anti-black racism. by Priska, who sang a few of her backgrounds, highlighting the intersec- I think our work in a lot of ways is how do original songs. bigger impact that we can have — one of the tions of identity, gender and ethnicity. Sonia we shape the conversation” Those in attendance included honorees reasons I think people love coming to the site Smith-Kang of Mixed Up Clothing, Clayton Asakawa also chimed in on the importance Dao Nguyen of BuzzFeed, Randall Park of is that they can learn about other experiences Yeung of Nielsen and riKu Matsuda of the of building a network that supports these the hit ABC TV show “Fresh Off the Boat” that they may not have had, and it’s part of L.A. County Commission on Human Rela- types of issues. and Joe Zee of Yahoo Style. They were rec- the reason of our big success.” tions served as panelists, while KTLA 5’s “You’re keeping the conversation alive, ognized for making a mark in their respec- Local celebrities could be seen throughout Frank Buckley acted as moderator. Many of whereas in the Asian community, there has tive fields, and all three made remarks about the audience, including Forrest Wheeler of the speakers noted the importance of joining been hashtag activism, some of it has even their personal journeys in the various areas “Fresh Off the Boat,” David Ono of ABC7 nonprofits and looking at ways to get a di- gotten some traction like Not Your Asian of entertainment, fashion and online media. and Richard Lui of MSNBC. After the verse group of voices heard. Sidekick hashtag and Cancel Colbert, which “One thing I feel really lucky about is that presentation of awards, attendees had the “I try to support Japanese American was almost like a jokey one. And they have I’m able to work at a company like BuzzFeed opportunity to mingle and take photos with organizations whenever I can,” said Buck- gotten attention, but they tend to be about that truly, truly embraces diversity,” said the honorees. Guests also were given gift ley, whose father is Caucasian and mother is the person who started that and it wasn’t Nguyen, who discussed the collaborative filled with boxes of Green Tea Pocky and Japanese. “In terms of story coverage, every something that grew into an organization, culture at the company and her experience coupons from companies such as Equinox day it’s my job as the gatekeeper, the last a network, a movement, so it’s interesting,” penning posts such as “27 Signs You Were and General Assembly. guy, to try to make sure we get everything Asakawa said. “I’d love to see something in Raised by Asian Immigrant Parents,” which On Saturday, hundreds of attendees arrived right and not just with regards to diversity.” the Asian community that takes issues of our have garnered millions of views and attract- to take part in the daylong digital media con- Another session featured Patrisse Cullors identity and makes it into something that can ed a global readership. “The more diverse of ference. The schedule consisted of a mix of #BlackLivesMatter and writer/editor and be replicated.” a workforce that we have at BuzzFeed, the of workshops and panels focused on areas Pacific Citizen Columnist Gil Asakawa. The Apart from attending some of the pro- bigger audience that we can attract and the like podcasting, live streaming with apps two led a dialogue about creating a social movement, providing recommendations for grams, attendees had the opportunity to en- grassroot groups on mobilizing with social ter social media bingo, a challenge to tweet media. They also spoke about the impor- images from around the conference. Photos tance of building bridges between communi- on the V3con social media feed ranged from ties of colors. goofy shots inside the Nielsen photo booth to “One of the first groups of people to write selfies with V3con steering committee mem- an open letter about the Black Lives Matter bers. With the social media game sponsored movement was folks in the Asian American by McDonald’s, participants had the oppor- community, who wrote a really beautiful tunity to win an Apple Watch Sport. Charles letter that essentially said we apologize for Lam, a staff writer from the O.C. Weekly, not having your backs all those years, and was the lucky winner. He had a positive we’re going to do better — it was this beau- experience during the weekend conference. Priscilla Liang (stage name tiful, beautiful statement of solidarity,” said “V3 was great. You put so many faces to Priska) performs at the Cullors, who described the work of Asian names and meet so many new people. The (From left) Randall Park, Dao Nguyen and V3con opening-night for Black Lives and other allied groups in level to talent hosting panels and just min- Joe Zee accept their awards at the the V3con reception at the Japanese Los Angeles. gling is ridiculous,” Lam said via email. opening-night reception. American National Museum. To Cullors, the Black Lives Matter move- “Anyone who wants to be part of the APA ment should appeal to a spectrum of indi- press community should attend.” n 10 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 convention issue 2015

A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR ggg NCWNP Info: Visit www.jflalc.org or programs/lecture/daughters-of- 435 W. Menomonee St. American Historical Plaza. call (323) 761-7510. the-samurai. Price: Benefit donation $7 Actor and activist George Contra Costa JACL Oakland Ginza Holiday has been Takei will be the keynote Athletics Game Night ‘Compassion and Charity and Lowell Southeast Asian Water sharing Japanese food and speaker, with musical per- Oakland, CA Chocolates: The Nisei Soldier Festival culture for the past 60 years formances by the Minidoka Aug. 8; 1 p.m. Contribution to Rebuilding Lowell, MA and has become a major Swing Band. Oakland Coliseum Japan’ Aug. 15; 5-9 p.m. neighborhood festival. Info: Visit www.oregonnikkei. 7000 Coliseum Way Los Angeles, CA Lowell Heritage State Park, Info: Visit www.ginzachicago. org or call (503) 224-1458. Price: Adults, $18; Children Aug. 8; 2 p.m. Esplanada and Sampas Pavilion com or call (312) 943-7801. under 12, $12 Japanese American National 500 Pawtucket Blvd. 70 Years After Hiroshima and Come and join the Contra Museum Price: Free Art Event and Musical Evening Nagasaki Costra JACL to root on the 100 N. Central Ave. Celebrate the cultural Presented by New Mexico JACL Portland, OR Oakland Athletics. Collect a Price: RSVP in advance heritages of Southeast Asian Albuquerque, NM Aug. 6; 6 p.m. free T-shirt and come early The panel discussion will communities in Lowell at the Sept. 19; 5:30-9 p.m. Japanese American Historical to have a chance to receive center on the role of mostly annual festival. This 1701 Fourth St. Plaza player autographs and Nisei Military Intelligence waterfront celebration will Price: Free 2 N.W. Naito Pkwy. photos. Service soldiers and their part include special blessings, The evening will showcase Price: Free Info: Call Judy Nakaso at in rebuilding Japan after the food, crafts, performances internationally renowned Sponsored by the Oregon (510) 528-6564 or war. MIS veterans will discuss and competitive boat races. artist and photographer SPR, Portland JACL, Oregon (510) 333-7425. the duties of the Nisei soldiers Info: Visit www.lowellwater Patrick Nagatani and other Hiroshima Club, Oregon and how their acts of festival.com. artisans such as Betty Hahn, Buddhist Society, the event ‘White Light/ Black Rain’ kindness and charity toward Wendy Kawabata, Takashi welcomes a day of San Jose, CA the Japanese people helped ‘Allegiance’ Murakami, Yoshiko Shimano, remembrance and reflection Aug. 23; 3 p.m. to heal the country. New York, NY Shira L’Heureux and many on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. San Jose Japantown Info: Visit www.janm.org or Nov. 8 others. New Mexico Taiko will Info: Visit www.oregonpsr.org. Jackson Street call (213) 625-0414. Longacre Theatre also make an appearance at Price: Free but reservations 220 W. 48th St. this special evening of art and Nikkei Community Picnic recommended ‘Never Forget’ Gala George Takei’s “Allegiance” is music. Portland, OR The San Jose JACL and the San Diego, CA a dramatic musical that tells Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org or Aug. 16; Noon-5 p.m. South Bay Area Hiroshima Sept. 19; 3 p.m. the story of siblings Sammy call (505) 883-5320. Oaks Park Kikkei Jin Kai are presenting Mission Valley Marriott and Kei Kimura, a brother and Oaks Park Way and S.E. Tacoma Street a screen of Steven Okasaki’s 8757 Rio San Diego Dr. sister. Together, they face the Aki Matsuri 2015 Price: Free award-winning documentary Price: Single ticket $125 challenges and struggles of Albuquerque, NM Celebrate the summer “White Light/Black Rain: The San Diego JACL chapter the incarceration of Japanese Sept. 20 season at the Nikkei The Destruction of Hiroshima invites all to commemorate Americans during World National Hispanic Cultural Community Picnic, and Nagasaki.” the 70th anniversary of the War II. Center celebrating Japanese Info: Contact Komo at end of World War II, Info: Visit www.allegiance 1701 Fourth St. heritage. Please bring a side [email protected] or honoring veterans of the musical.com. Price: $5 donation dish to share with others. call (408) 418-6266. 100th and 442nd Regimental Join the New Mexico JACL Combat Team, the Military MDC chapter in its annual Aki Info: Contact Connie Masuoka at 35th Japantown Kimono Day Intelligence Service and all Matsuri celebration supported (503) 243-3291. San Francisco, CA Nisei WWII veterans and Chicago Nikkei Picnic in part by an award from Sept. 14 their families. Chicago, IL New Mexico Arts. This year’s Olympia Obon Odori Kinokuniya Building Info: Call Robert Ito at Aug. 1; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. theme is “Mukashi Banashi: Olympia, WA 1581 Webster St. (619) 954-7017 or email Bunker Hill Forest Preserve; Japanese Folk Tales,” which Aug. 8; 5-9 p.m. Put on a kimono and join the [email protected]. Grove 3 features dancing, storytelling 5th and Legion annual kimono celebration in W. Harts Road and other activities related Price: Free Olympia celebrates its annual Japantown. EDC Price: Free to popular ancient folk tales Bon Odori Festival with street Info: Register at sfkimonoday@ The Nikkei community passed down for generations. dancing and delicious foods. gmail.com. Book Talk ‘Daughters of the welcomes all to share in a Info: Visit www.nmjacl.org or Japanese folk dances, taiko Samurai’ day of games, food, sports, call (505) 883-5320. drumming exhibitions, food Boston, MA sunshine and fun PSW vendors and family activities Aug. 8; 2-3 p.m. memories. Please bring a dish PNW will be available. ‘Curating the State of Art: Boston Museum of Fine Arts big enough for your family 465 Huntington Ave. and a little more to share with Info: Contact Bob Nakamura at Diversity Inspires Creativity n Price: $10 everyone at the community 25th Anniversary Celebration of (360) 556-7562. Inspires Tech’ the Japanese American Los Angeles, CA Janice Nimura discusses her food table buffet. The picnic book, a true story about five organizers will provide a roast Historical Plaza July 28; 7 p.m. Portland, OR ADVERTISE HERE Japan Foundation young girls sent by the pig, hotdogs, hamburgers Aug. 2; 4-5 p.m. Events in the calendar 5700 Wilshire Blvd Japanese government to the and beverages. Grills and Japanese American Historical section are listed based on Suite 100 U.S. in 1871 to learn Western charcoal will be available Plaza space availability. Place a Price: RSVP in advance ways and return to help but are limited. 2 N.W. Naito Pkwy. ‘Spotlight’ ad with Miyuki Tanaka invites all to nurture a new generation Info: Visit www.jaclchicago.org. to lead Japan. Please order Price: Ticket prices may vary. photos of your event for learn about the National Support the Oregon Nikkei Museum of Emerging tickets in advance. The book 60th Annual Ginza Holiday maximum exposure. talk will be held in the Mabel Festival Endowment as it honors all Science and Innovation in those who were instrumental FOR MORE info: Japan and the ways it is Louise Riley Seminar Room Chicago, IL [email protected] 156. Aug. 7-9 in creating and connecting individuals to the maintaining the Japanese (213) 620-1767 world and the future. Info: Visit www.mfa.org/ Midwest Buddhist Temple convention issue 2015 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 11 In Memoriam Higashi, Fumiko, 93, Long (Steven) Okuhata; she is also Ninomiya, Jack Katashi, 98, (David) Chang; son, Jay (Rhon- predeceased by her husband, Beach, CA; June 14; she was survived by many nieces, Long Beach, CA; June 10; he da) Tanaka; brothers, Frank and Arthur; she was survived by her predeceased by her husband, nephews and other relatives; is survived by his daughters, Tad (Eva) Tanaka; sisters, Meri- children, Baron (Maria)Ujiiye, Akitoshi; she is survived by gc: 4; ggc: 2. Sharon (Raymond) Sugiyama, jane (Ronald) Chalmers and Sally Diane (Stan) Sawa; Gail (Randy) her son, Akio Steven (Cheryl) Marsha (John Wills) Shebley and (Al) Takata; he is also survived by Honda and Susie Bubbert; Higashi; sister-in-law, Ayako Matsuda, Miyuki, 87, Culver Kathlyn Ninomiya; sister, June many nieces, nephews and other sisters, Helen Saito and Nancy Higashi; she is also survived by City, CA; June 27; she is survived Inagi; gc: 2; ggc: 1. relatives; gc: 4. Perkins; sisters-in-law, Tsuruko many nieces and nephews; by her sons, Dale Minoru and Jeff Takeuchi, Frances Yanase and gc: 2; ggc: 2. Tsuyoshi (Karin Wang) Matsuda; Nishimura, Dennis M., 69, Tofukuji, Frank Takashi, 93, Masako Ujiiye; she is survived by brother, Mitsuo (Keiko) Koyama; Montebello, CA; July 13; he was Gardena, CA; June 21; he was many nieces, nephews and other Imamura, Yaeko, 80, Gardena, sister, Miyeko Yamamoto; sister- predeceased by his son, Brian a WWII veteran; he is survived relatives; gc: 5; ggc: 7. CA; June 27; she was in-law, Kiyoko Koyama; she is Nishimura; he is survived by his by his wife, Sumiko Tofukuji; predeceased by her siblings, also survived by many nieces wife, Nancy J. Nishimura; children, Dean (Laura), Warren Uyematsu, Jim, 92, Watsonville, Georgia (Spencer) Matsui, and nephews; gc: 2. daughter, Aileen Nishimura; he is (Carol), Wayne (Marchia) CA; June 11; he was prede- Yoshiye (Benny) Kato and also survived by nieces, nephews Tofukuji; gc: 8; ggc: 6. ceased by his wife, Mary; he is Toshikazu Yamauchi; she is McNeely, Jane Hideko, 91, and other relatives. survived by his son, Alan (Gayle) survived by her sister, Mie Thousand Oaks, CA; July 7; she Ujiiye, Loretta Shigeko, 87, Los Uyematsu; daughter, Kathy Yamauchi; brothers, Jimmie, was incarcerated at Heart Nishimura, Roy Kazuo, 95, Angeles, CA; July 16; she was Leslie; gc: 4; ggc: 1. n Jack and Mas Imamura. Mountain; she was predeceased Pasadena, CA; June 28; she is by her daughter, Cheryl Anne survived by her husband, Yutaka TRIBUTE Inashima, Osamu James, 92, McNeely; she is survived by her Ohigashi; son, Steven; brother-in- Woburn, MA; June 6; he was a children, Billy Gene McNeely Jr., law, Itsuto (Shizuko) and Mamoru dr. hitoshi thomas tamaki MIS veteran in WWII; he was Elizabeth Jane Murphy and (Tetsuko); sister-in-law, Suemi predeceased by his wife, Mary; Roberta Lea McNeely; gc 7; Miyamoto; she is also survived by Dr. Hitoshi Thomas Tamaki of he is survived by his children, ggc: 7. other relatives; gc: 1. Plymouth Meeting, Pa., passed John Harvey Inashima, Jamie away on July 3, 2015, at his E. Inashima and Cindy (Joseph) Miyamoto, Ichiro, 91, Cudahay, Okuma, Jun, 89, San Juan residence. He was 97 years old. Custer. CA; May 27; he is survived by his Capistrano, CA; June 26; he is Born in Eatonville, Wa., on Oct. 7, wife, Kagako Miyamoto; children, survived by his sisters-in-law, 1917, to the late Seiichi and Tora Itow, Henry Chiyoharu, 90, George Miyamoto; Megumi Tomiko and Miyoko Okuma; (Sasaki) Tamaki. Los Angeles, CA; June 2; he is Kihara; Douglas, June and nephew, Gary Okuma; he is He served as the president of survived by his wife, Setsuko William Miyamoto; brothers, survived by nieces, nephews and the Philadelphia Chapter of the Itow; sons, Seiji (Debie) and Tom and Ron Miyamoto; sister, other relatives. JACL, receiving the distinguished Michael Kenji (Sheila) Itow; Shirley Ige; gc: 8; ggc: 5. Ruby Pin, which is awarded by the daughter, Sayuri (Hiroshi) Sadamori, Gary, 62, San National Board to JACL members Mikami; sister, Elsie Itow Miyamoto, Roy Chokichi, 94, Francisco, CA; July 12; he was who have made unique and ex- Madison; gc: 9. Sun Valley, CA; July 7; he is predeceased by his parents, ceptional contributions entailing survived by his wife, Mollie; George and Mitzi Sadamori; he is great personal sacrifice. Joko, Tadashi, 80, Los daughters, Patti (Eric) Yamamoto survived by his wife, Marceline; Dr. Tamaki is survived by his Angeles, CA; July 13; he was and Susan Miyamoto; gc: 2. sisters, Sharmon Fujimoto (Rev. wife of over 64 years, Marion A. (Miyazaki) Tamaki; his four children, predeceased by his son, Jack Dennis) and Michelle Sadamori; Dwight T. (Patricia) Tamaki, Gregory H. (Julia) Tamaki, Karen T. (Philip) Joko; he is survived by his wife, Morimoto, Yoriko, 82, Brea, CA; he is also survived by other Buescher and Drew S. Tamaki; his brother, Tetsuo “Ted” Tamaki; his Doris; children, Michael June 27; she was predeceased aunts, uncles and cousins. sister, Shizue “Sue” Sasagawa, and nine grandchildren. Along with his (Yessenia), Susan (Gregg) Ma- by her husband, Kazuo Morimoto; parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Shigedo Yoshiwara, sada and Alex (Nicole); brother, she is survived by her children, Shiraki, Attado Spud, 92, Los Chiyoko Koiwai and Yoshiko Nagahashi. Bob; siblings-in-law, May (Dabo) Michael (Frances), Kathi (David Angeles, CA; June 29; he was Memorial donations may be made to the Tamaki’s Scholarship Fund Nagafuchi and Kazuki (Hiroko) Lee), Randall (Sherry), Glenn a 442nd WWII veteran; he is at the University Puget Sound, Tacoma, Wash. Nakano; gc: 6. (Kim) and Stacy (Patrick Eng); survived by his wife, Hinako Trea; sisters Ikiko Toyofuku, Mariko sons, Jedsen (Nancy), Jamie Kawai, Kiwako, 82, Fullerton, Ishimaru and Rikiko (Ronald) (Mika) and JC (Liz) Shiraki; CA; July 15; she was Matsubara; sister-in-law, Bonnie daughters, June (Mike) Miyamoto Alice Wake Sakai predeceased by her husband, Nii; she is also survived by many and Jocelyn (Don) Tahara; gc: 9; Kiyoshi Pete Kawai; she is nieces and nephews; gc: 12; ggc: 6. Alice Sakai was born Alice Haruko Wake in Reedley, Calif., on Dec. survived by her children, Irene ggc: 2. 27, 1918. She, along with five sisters and two brothers, grew up on (Bruce Ide) Kawai, Bobby Sugita, Toyoji, 91, Monterey a farm, where they learned the virtues of hard work and dedication. (Sharon) Kawai, Stan (Leslie) Nakagawa, Minoru, 96, Tacoma, Park, CA; June 27; he is survived In 1942, the Wake family was sent to a wartime relocation camp in Kawai, Jane (Wayne) Uyeta and WA; March 12; he was a by his wife, Lilian Fusaye Sugita; Poston, Ariz. After the internment, she met and married Tom Y. Sakai Joanne (Marshall Liu) Kawai; MIS veteran awarded the he is also survived by other rela- in September 1945, and they settled in Indio, Calif. In Indio, Alice dedi- gc: 6. Congressional Medal of Honor; tives. cated herself to maintaining a household and caring for four growing he is survived by his wife, boys while supporting the family produce business. She and her hus- Kiriyama, Rinko, 87, Los Toyoko; daughters, Elsie (David) Tanaka, Gerald ‘Jerry’ Minoru, band, Tom, were active members of the Indio Methodist Church. Fol- Angeles, CA; June 2; she is Murakami, Jill (Robert) Nakamura 76, Montebello, CA; July 8; he lowing her husband Tom’s passing in 1971, she managed the produce survived by her husband, Taketo and Lynne (Ken) Tanino; gc: 4; is survived by his wife, Nancy business until her retirement in 1988. During that time, she continued Kiriyama; daughters, Carol (Herb) ggc: 4. Tanaka; daughter, Stephanie to actively support the church and numerous service organizations in Morita and Lorraine Hisayo the Coachella Valley. Her dedication to serving the local community and making a positive difference in people’s lives is an inspiration to all Place A Tribute who knew her. In 2001, she moved to the Regent’s Point community ‘In Memoriam’ is a free in Irvine, where she resided until her passing. She is survived by her listing that appears on a four sons, Tom, Leland, Les and Stan, eight grandchildren, two great- limited, space-available basis. grandchildren and four of her siblings. Tributes honor your loved Memorial services to celebrate and honor her life were held in Irvine, ones with text and photos and Calif., and Indio, Calif. The Indio service was held at Coachella Valley appear in a timely manner at Cemetary on July 21. The Irvine service was held on July 23 at Regents Point, Fellowship Hall. the rate of $20/column inch. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Contact: Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church (Indio), University [email protected] United Methodist Church (Irvine), Habitat for Humanity or the Alzheim- or call (213) 620-1767 er’s Foundation. 12 July 24-Aug. 6, 2015 convention issue 2015 letter >> continued from page 2 proud >> continued from page 3

These were all fascinating details that helped me, 70 years later, I got a call from the Local Leader intern, Staci form a mental image of what my family members went through in those Lu-Nguyen, who originally texted me a copy of chaotic years. ER2. She said, “There is someone you might want After digging through government memos and letters describing my to talk to standing by me.” It was Jacce Mikulanec. great-grandfather in rude, dismissive and simply incorrect terms, As I started to thank Jacce for his determination, I stumbled on the kicker: a letter written by the man himself. My heart his perseverance and his leadership on ER2, a sud- thumped loudly in the hushed research room as I learned that my great- den wave of emotion rushed over me. Here was a grandfather had written directly to Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the person I had only met briefly a year ago, who stood Interior, in March 1945. I had never read anything he had written, and up and spoke out for my son and all transgender now I was reading them as preserved by the U.S. government he was individuals and their families. Here was a person protesting. when initially turned down by the resolution com- “My son offered his life to the U.S. as a U.S. soldier, yet his family mittee due to a procedural concern, found another members, by the virtue of our Japanese ancestry, were driven off by the way for his voice and his chapter’s voice to be Armed Forces from our legal residence. After our business was destroyed, heard with the support of other JACL chapters and we have been in a barb-wired fence enclosure for three long years . . . Chip Larouche, who suggested that the resolu- (my son) offered his life to the country, whose chief executives nullified Honolulu JACL’s Jacce Mikulanec and his tion be brought to the floor for consideration. As I civil rights of his brother and sisters and threatened their lives.” chapter were a driving force behind ER2. thanked Jacce, I was choking on my words because This was amazing to discover. I returned to California with a USB I felt so much gratitude for his heart that didn’t drive full of electronic copies of these precious records, and a renewed During the early years when I was in the closet, give up and his voice that didn’t stop speaking. appreciation for a man I never met but who launched our family’s I was so afraid for my child. I feared that Aiden To all the chapters and individuals that rallied American journey and faced such challenges in his struggle to build a would be a target for something that was neither a together for this resolution, I hope you know the simple business and raise a family. choice or what others call a lifestyle. I also feared message you sent to families like ours and children I asked a friend who has a Ph.D. in American civil rights history what that Aiden would lose hope that he could ever live like my son. I hope you will continue your work on he thought I should do with what I found. He said, “Frame that letter and truthfully and authentically. For years, I saw the LGBT issues and call upon me if I can help in any put it on your wall so you never forget your great-grandfather’s bravery.” light in his eyes growing dimmer each day. When way. I am now filled with more passion and deter- Great idea — I did that and also emailed the documents to my relatives. our children lose hope, the pain of that hopeless- mination to show up and be a voice for all of our Finding our family’s NARA records was a life-changing experience. ness drives them to take their own lives. Our fam- families and children. What you have done through I recommend it highly to all of our Japanese American family and ily was lucky. . . . Through all his struggles, Aiden ER2 will inspire my work for years to come. I am thank the Pacific Citizen for sharing this important information. chose to live. I believe ER2 will help not only API so grateful for each of you. . . . transgender families and their children but also Sincerely, lesbian, gay and bisexual families, as well, Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in the LGBT knowing that JACL will be an organization that community and the author of the book “Two Nina F. Ichikawa, will fight for them. Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Berkeley, Calif. After I received the news that ER2 had passed, Son and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance.” Having Trouble

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