THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF THE JACL July 31-Aug. 13, 2020

celebrating 9 1 y e a r s

» PAGE 5 An Ocean Away: Tales of a JACL President Overseas

» PAGE 9 JAVA Holds Its Inaugural ‘Day of Affirmation’ Ceremony.

» PAGE 6 ‘TRANSFORMATIVE SOLIDARITY’ Social Justice Remains at the Forefront for Tsuru for Solidarity. Eric Joselyn with a symbolic Daruma sign on July 17 PHOTO: HIRO NISHIKAWA

#3369 / VOL. 171, No. 2 ISSN: 0030-8579 WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG 2 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 NATIONAL/LETTER

CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS, A CIVIL RIGHTS ICON HOW TO REACH US Email: [email protected] By Floyd Mori lack of enforcement of a Supreme in the march’s 50-year anniversary Online: www.pacificcitizen.org Court ruling that deemed segregated commemoration. Amy Watanabe Tel: (213) 620-1767 Mail: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 ne of the privileges of work- public bus rides unconstitutional. worked with me on organizing a Los Angeles, CA 90012 ing on the staff of the JACL These young activists often were group of Asian Americans and Pacific STAFF was meeting inspiring and beaten or arrested. In one of his last Islanders who went from Washington, Executive Editor Oimportant people. One such person tweets before his passing, Lewis re- D.C., to join in the march to show our Allison Haramoto was Congressman John Lewis, a civil ported on the 59th anniversary of his support for the fight for civil rights. Senior Editor Digital & Social Media rights icon. It was with sadness that release from jail after being arrested These mostly young AAPI leaders George Johnston we heard that Lewis passed away of in Jackson, Miss., for using a white are now diligently continuing the Business Manager pancreatic cancer. He did not want to restroom during a Freedom Ride. work for civil rights and equality. Susan Yokoyama give up, but he lost the battle on July In 1963, Lewis was elected chair- Also present at that commemora- Production Artist 17 at the age of 80. He had served man of the Student Nonviolent Coor- tion were members of Congress, Marie Samonte as a U.S. Congressman for his home dinating Committee, an organization including Congressman Mark Takai Circulation John state of Georgia since 1987. he helped found. He was invited to of Hawaii. Congressman Takai had Eva Ting Lewis and Lewis was a college student study- speak at the March on Washington leis sent over from Hawaii to present The Pacific Citizen newspaper Floyd Mori ing to be a pastor in the early 1960s. in 1963 when Dr. King gave his to major participants of that event. He (ISSN: 0030-8579) is published semi- monthly (except once in December Having been born in Georgia, he famous “I Have a Dream” speech. was an up-and-coming leader within and January) by the Japanese Ameri- had gone to segregated schools and Lewis was the youngest speaker that gomery, Ala., on March 7, 1965. They the Japanese American community, can Citizens League, Pacific Citizen, experienced racism. At 18, he was day and the last remaining. were marching for voting rights and but he sadly lost his life also to pan- 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 Los Angeles, CA 90012 inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a student at Fisk University, equality. After Alabama State police creatic cancer at the young age of 49 Periodical postage paid at L.A., CA and the work he was doing for civil Lewis wasted no time organizing and troopers in riot gear met the group in 2016. Takai is greatly missed, as POSTMASTER: Send address chang- rights. He wrote to Dr. King. They quickly found himself on the front at the other side, many of the dem- will be Congressman Lewis. It was es to National JACL, 1765 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 met, and Lewis became engaged in lines of the civil rights movement. onstrators were beaten. Lewis had a distinct honor to know these two the Civil Rights Movement. He led numerous demonstrations in his skull fractured as a police officer fine gentlemen and call them friends. JACL President: Jeffrey Moy Executive Director: David Inoue The Freedom Riders were a group Nashville against racial segregation, beat him brutally. The event became Lewis passed away seven months of which Lewis was a member at including sit-ins at segregated lunch known as “Bloody Sunday.” It is after a routine medical visit revealed P.C. EDITORIAL BOARD Rob Buscher, chairperson; Ron Kura- the age of 21. These 12 people, five counters. portrayed in the 2014 film “Selma.” that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. moto, MDC; Danielle Pierce, EDC; of whom were Black, would ride Lewis was one of the leaders of Lewis attended a pilgrimage every He made a statement at that time: Marcia Chung, CCDC; Nancy Ukai, buses together through the segregated the march in Selma, Miss., across year to honor those who marched NCWNPDC; Sheldon Arakaki, PNWDC; South. They challenged the region’s the Edmund Pettus Bridge to Mont- that day in 1965. He was a key figure Kayla Watanabe, IDC; John Saito Jr., » See ICON on page 10 PSWDC; Juli Yoshinaga, Youth Rep. Subscribe LETTER TO THE EDITOR Get a one-year subscription of the Bob Matsui on the Book Behind tie redress to the personal memory Pacific Citizen newspaper at: Redress the president had of fallen 442 hero www.pacificcitizen.org or call (213) 620-1767 Dear Editor, fected our national security, though “Without Grant Ujifusa’s ‘Alma- Kaz Masuda. it did affect our nation’s understand- nac of American Politics’ — and “Ten minutes in the library Advertise To advertise in the Pacific Citi- This is a belated response to Mr. ing of its constitutional history. its immense prestige and clout of with the new 1998 edition of the zen, call (213) 620-1767 or e-mail: Sreescanda Subramonian’s letter For a second thing, Mr. Washington — Japanese American ‘Almanac of American Politics’ [email protected] (Pacific Citizen, April 24-May 7, Subramonian’s documentary was redress would not have happened. will give you a sense of how Con- LEGAL 2020) in which he says “declassified disavowed and disowned by its “All 535 members of Congress gress really works and how re- No part of this publication may be White House documents” about financial backer, Nitto Tire, for worry about what the book says dress navigated the tricky waters reproduced without the express per- redress justifies his calling me asserting that there was no 442 role about them every two years, which of establishment Washington.” mission of the Pacific Citizen. Editorials, letters, news and the opin- “a legend in my own mind.” in the success of HR 442. enabled Grant to swing key Repub- — Congressman Robert Matsui ions expressed by columnists other For one thing, there are no For a third thing, I hope your lican House members behind the than the national JACL president or “classified documents” about re- readers might consider the bill. The ‘Almanac’ also created Sincerely, national director do not necessarily re- dress, which was a political effort sentiments of Congressman Bob access to a small chunk of Ronald flect JACL policy. Events and products advertised in the P.C. do not carry the open to all, one that in no way af- Matsui: Reagan’s time, but time enough to Grant Ujifusa implicit endorsement of the JACL or this publication. We reserve the right to edit articles. © 2020 Periodicals paid at Los Angeles, Calif. and mailing office. SPRING CAMPAIGN JACL MEMBERS DONATE $150 OR MORE AND RECEIVE ONE ENTRY TO OUR MONTHLY DRAWINGS! Change of Address WINNERS CAN CHOOSE FROM: Mikami Vineyard Zinfindel 750ml | Hello Kitty JANM If you’ve moved, Tote Bag | 1 year Pacific Citizen Newspaper Subscription please send new information to: National JACL Name : 1765 Sutter St. ‘I’m glad to see the Pacific Citizen San Francisco, CA 94115 Address 1 : growing and evolving with its web- (415) 921-5225 site, and especially LOVE the much ext. 26 easier-to-navigate digital archives. Phone Number : E-mail : Allow 6 weeks for It’s a treasure trove for JAs to learn address changes. about our community’s history, and JACL MEMBER? q q q$50 q$100 q$150 q$200 qOTHER ——— for scholars and journalists looking To avoid interruptions The P.C.’s mission is to ‘educate on the past Japanese American experience and preserve, promote to connect the past with the present. in delivery, Thanks for the improvements, P.C.!’ please notify your and help the current and future AAPI communities.’ postmaster to include — Gil Asakawa * Your donations will help build and preserve a cohesive library of the Pacific Citizen to educate future generations.* periodicals in your change of address INFORMATION: 123 Ellison S. Onizuka St., Suite 313 | Los Angeles, CA 90012 | TEL: (213) 620-1767 | WWW.PACIFICCITIZEN.ORG (USPS Form 3575) COMMENTARY July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 3

her to Little Tokyo. It was there A MOTHER’S TAKE where she first met George. When I asked her, “Was it love at first sight?” Sakaye laughed and immediately SAKAYE ARATANI — A SHINING LIGHT OF LOVE said, “Yes, I thought he was cute.” Listening to Sakaye talk about we need to support.” her past made me feel that it was For those of you not familiar with natural that she and George should By Marsha Aizumi Okaeri, we have mainly organized fall in love. George’s father was a a large conference every two years beloved and respected businessman any of us that are doing but are now pivoting to more virtual who taught his son well. And then work to bring greater vis- programming due to COVID-19. there was Sakaye, who learned about ibility and voice to issues In September, we are starting an business at an early age. Mhave people who quietly give in ways Intergenerational Support Group for Linda shared that her father’s dream that empower and encourage us to LGBTQ individuals, their parents and when he started Mikasa was “to keep moving forward, even when allies. And we hope to have another make a lot of money so he could faced with adversity. They are the conference in 2021 PHOTO: MARSHA AIZUMI give it away to the JA community. “wind beneath our wings.” We all know that Sakaye’s hus- He knew that our community would They just give from their heart and band, George Aratani, was a hard- Sakaye (left) and Linda Aratani in 2019 need help to do the work that needed because it is the right thing to do. working businessman and philan- to be done.” The Aratani Foundation My husband is one of these thropist who wanted to provide for learn all about raising chickens and were moving to Reedley. But I found currently gives away grants to sup- people in my life, and I would like to his family and the Japanese American selling eggs. every chicken a new home.” port around 50 Japanese American highlight another special lady to me: community — he loved both so “Later on my father started his own Sakaye was 19 or 20 years of age, organizations. Sakaye Aratani. deeply. But most people might not farm, and we sold eggs, too. We had yet even at that young age, she had I have always been so curious about Both personally and through her know a lot about Sakaye Aratani. about 1,500 chickens,” Sakaye ex- the determination and laser focus where Sakaye’s attitude came from foundation, Sakaye and her wonder- Sakaye grew up in Hollywood, plained. “When [World War II] broke to accomplish this goal. Although regarding the LGBTQ community. ful daughter, Linda, have provided fi- Gardena and Los Angeles. She was out, my uncle wanted us to move Sakaye’s family moved to Reedley, She explained that her grandfather nancial and name support to “Okaeri: a pitcher on a baseball team but to Reedley, which was near Fresno they could not escape the evacuation was a very positive, loving and open- A Nikkei LGBTQ Community.” said she didn’t have a lot of hob- because he thought it would be safer order. They were interned at Poston minded man, and so he passed this Linda Aratani said that when she first bies outside of her interest in sports than to live in the Los Angeles area. Camp in Arizona. on to his granddaughter. approached her mom about helping and poultry. She was so interested I had to sell 1,500 chickens to other Sakaye met her future husband Okaeri, without hesitation, Sakaye in poultry, she went to live with farms, and eventually, I gave away when the flower shop owner she said, “This is an important issue that a Japanese family for one year to about 50 percent of them, since we worked for asked Sakaye to drive » See LOVE on page 10 LEGAL-EASE: AN ATTORNEY’S PERSPECTIVE

• How many people will you THE EPICENTER OF THE CORONAVIRUS interact with? • Can you keep 6 feet of space 85 or older. • Take precautions to prevent getting public activities, continue to between you and others? According to the Centers for Dis- COVID-19 when you do interact protect yourself by practicing By Judd Matsunaga, Esq. • Will you be outdoors or indoors? ease Control and Prevention website, with others. everyday preventive actions. • What’s the length of time that you there are things you should do to 1. Venturing out into a public setting? • Keep these items on hand and use will be interacting with people? n early 2020, COVID-19 hit the stay healthy during the COVID-19 Earth like a comet. For seniors in What to consider before you go: them when venturing out: a cloth Encourage social distancing during pandemic. It is particularly important face covering, tissues and a hand nursing homes, the ground that for those at increased risk of severe As communities and businesses your visit. Iit seared was already pockmarked across the United States are opening, sanitizer with at least 60 percent illness, including older adults, to alcohol, if possible. • Visit with your friends and family by frailty due to advanced age and receive recommended vaccinations you may be thinking about resum- outdoors, when possible. If this is cognitive impairments such as against influenza and pneumococcal ing some activities, running errands • Try to avoid others who are not not feasible, make sure the room dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. disease. Remember the importance of and attending events and gatherings. wearing cloth face coverings or or space is well ventilated (for Now comes a new “tsunami of staying physically active and practice There is no way to ensure you have ask others around you to wear example, open windows or doors) suffering” — social isolation and healthy habits to cope with stress. zero risk of infection, so it is im- cloth face coverings. and large enough to accommodate death. There are also other factors that can portant to understand the risks and 2. Are you considering in-person social distancing. Nursing homes have been the epi- increase your risk for severe illness, know how to be as safe as possible. visits with family and friends? • Arrange tables and chairs to al- center of the coronavirus since the such as having underlying medical People at increased risk of se- Here are some things to consider low for social distancing. People beginning of the pandemic. In many conditions. By understanding the vere illness from COVID-19, and to help make your visit as safe as from the same household can be states, more than half of coronavirus factors that put you at an increased those who live with them, should possible: in groups together and don’t need deaths are connected to long-term risk, you can make decisions about consider their level of risk before When to delay or cancel a visit: to be 6 feet apart from each other. care facilities. what kind of precautions to take in deciding to go out and ensure they More than 43,000 long-term care your daily life. are taking steps to protect themselves. • Delay or cancel a visit if you or • Consider activities where social residents and staff have died from Talk to your health-care provider Consider avoiding activities where your visitors have symptoms of distancing can be maintained, like COVID-19, representing over a third about whether your vaccinations taking protective measures might COVID-19 or have been exposed sidewalk chalk art or yard games. of the nation’s known coronavi- be difficult, such as activities where and other preventive services are to someone with COVID-19 in the • Try to avoid close contact with rus deaths, according to a Kaiser social distancing can’t be maintained. up to date to help prevent you from last 14 days. your visitors. For example, don’t Family Foundation tally (Source: Everyone should take steps to prevent becoming ill with other diseases. • Anyone who has had close contact shake hands, elbow bump or hug. AARP, June 11, 2020). getting and spreading COVID-19 to It is especially important for people with a person with COVID-19 Instead, wave and verbally greet As you get older, your risk for protect themselves, their communi- at increased risk of severe illness should stay home and monitor them. severe illness from COVID-19 in- from COVID-19, and those who live ties and people who are at increased for symptoms. • If possible, avoid others who are creases. For example, people in their with them, to protect themselves from risk of severe illness. not wearing cloth face coverings 50s are at higher risk for severe illness getting COVID-19. The best way In general, the more people you In general, the more people you or ask others around you to wear than people in their 40s. Similarly, to protect yourself and help reduce interact with, the more closely you interact with, the more closely you cloth face coverings. people in their 60s or 70s are, in the spread of the virus that causes interact with them, and the longer interact with them, and the longer general, at higher risk for severe COVID-19 is to: that interaction, the higher your risk that interaction, the higher the risk illness than people in their 50s. of getting and spreading COVID-19. of COVID-19 spread. The greatest risk for severe illness • Limit your interactions with other » See CORONAVIRUS • If you decide to engage in So, think about: from COVID-19 is among those people as much as possible. on page 10 4 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 COMMENTARY/NATIONAL

expose these systemic injustices, FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR we can chip away at the larger problems in our society. There is attention at the national level with THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY our partners such as the ACLU and ADL leading lawsuits against the to decry the obvious lawlessness The juxtaposition of law enforce- comply. government to block or require ac- tivity in accordance with the law, By David Inoue, of the current administration. Even ment and our government acting And yet, in reality, the actual or the courts. JACL Executive Director more troubling are the occasions contrary and even in opposition to crimes were the violations of law when the government’s actions are the law was prominently on display that were happening behind their We don’t always have the same attention at the local level to en- n the wake of the initial Black quietly, but even more egregiously, at a Tsuru for Solidarity protest at backs. In addition to the violation force the same vigilance over both Lives Matter protests, President flaunting the law. the Berks Family Detention Center of the federal Flores Settlement, the local and the federal govern- Donald Trump declared that he The Supreme Court recently near Reading, Penn., recently. the Berks facility operates without ments’ action or inaction. And as Iis our “law and order president” as ruled that the Deferred Action for Five Haitian families with a child a license, which was revoked years in the case of Berks, this conflu- federal law enforcement officers Childhood Arrivals (DACA) pro- less than a year old are being held ago. Pennsylvania law prohibits ence of corrupted power structures used tear gas and brutal violence gram could not be ended by the ad- there in defiance of the Flores Set- the incarceration of children with- often intertwine and reinforce one to clear protesters from Lafayette ministration in the manner it had, tlement because the government out trial, and children are not to another, regardless of political Park and what has now been re- and must reactivate the program. refuses to release the parents along be incarcerated alongside adults in party as Pennsylvania is led by a christened Black Lives Matter Pla- The Department of Homeland Se- with their children. the state. Democratic governor. za just steps away from the White curity has instead announced that it The court had ordered the chil- I share these examples to We rely upon our chapters to House — steps that the president will seek to end the program again dren released but rescinded that demonstrate the uneven appli- carry on the work of JACL at the would soon be walking to cross the and as a result will not resume the order when another judge declined cability of our laws, and more local level and keep all of our elect- street for a now-infamous photo op. program. to order the release of the parents specifically, protections. We so of- ed and appointed officials in line Since then, we have seen the In another high-profile Supreme in response to COVID spread ten deplore, and rightfully so, the with their oaths to uphold the law. deployment of federal officers to Court case, the administration through the detention centers. actions of the current administra- I remember one of the bumper Portland, Ore., and other cities in was barred from including a ques- As a group of 100 or so of us tion. Yet, at the same time, we see stickers my parents put on our the U.S. Many have been justifi- tion about citizenship on the U.S. gathered outside the detention cen- in our own backyards, our small car — it was the slogan, “Think ably troubled by this escalation of Census. It has now revealed the ter, singing and chanting in support towns, the use of power structures Globally, Act Locally.” These violence against protesters, espe- true intent of including that ques- of the incarcerees who had come such as the local police and institu- times were made for that slogan. cially in light of the fact that the tion — not to enforce the Voting outside for their scheduled time in tional programs such as a detention protests themselves are against po- Rights Act as stated in court, but the yard, a line of local police and center to continue to oppress and David Inoue is executive director lice brutality against Black people. to seek to exclude undocumented sheriffs approached us to push us discriminate against communities, of the JACL. He is based in the Think globally, act locally. immigrants from apportionment of back across the street, threaten- especially those of people of color. organization’s Washington, D.C., Just like racism, though, it’s easy congressional districts. ing arrest to anyone who didn’t As we fully understand and office.

staying diligent, we can help pro- tect ourselves and our loved ones, REIMAGINE EVERYTHING as well as stay healthy and safe. While we all look forward to a time when we can return to a more CONTINUE TO BE DILIGENT normal life, let’s keep in mind that Redfield, director of the Centers • If you must go out in public, • Clean and disinfect frequently it is going to be a slow and steady By Ron Mori for Disease Control and Preven- wear a mask. touched surfaces daily, including process to recovery. Continue to be diligent — remember we are all in tion, noting that the cold weather, • Avoid crowds, particularly in tables, doorknobs, light switch- this together. ow more than ever, it’s people gathering indoors and flu confined and indoor spaces. es, countertops, handles, desks, important for all of us to season present additional risks in phones, keyboards, toilets, For the latest coronavirus • Wash your hands often, for at continue to take precau- the months ahead. faucets and sinks. news and advice, visit AARP.org/ least 20 seconds — or use an Ntions and remain diligent. Older The CDC reminds us that the • Monitor your health. Be alert for coronavirus. adults and those with underly- best way to prevent illness is to alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alco- symptoms such as fever, cough, ing health conditions are still at avoid being exposed to this virus. Ron Mori is a member of hol, especially after being in a shortness of breath and other high risk. Unfortunately, I’m con- There is currently no vaccine to the Washington, D.C., JACL public place or sneezing, cough- signs the CDC has identified. cerned that some older adults and prevent COVID-19. It is thought to chapter and manager of commu- ing or blowing your nose. If symptoms develop, take your individuals with underlying health spread mainly by person-to-person temperature and follow CDC nity, states and national affairs conditions are potentially letting contact between those who are in • Avoid touching your eyes, nose guidance. — multicultural leadership for their guards down. close contact. and mouth with unwashed hands. AARP. While many businesses, restau- The coronavirus spreads when an By taking these precautions and rants, schools, churches and public infected person coughs, sneezes or facilities begin the process of re- talks, producing respiratory drop- opening and the number of people lets that can land in the mouths or allowed to gather in one place in- noses of people who are nearby, creases, the reported cases of CO- and they can possibly be inhaled COVID-19: U.S. AT A GLANCE VID-19 are increasing at alarming into the lungs. rates in many states. The message for all of us is clear: • Total Cases: 4,601,526 In testimony before members of We must stay diligent in protect- • Total Deaths: 154,002 (as of July 31) ing ourselves and our loved ones. Congress, White House health ad- • Jurisdictions Reporting Cases: 55 (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, viser Dr. Anthony Fauci, director That means: Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands) of the National Institute of Allergy • Continue to practice social dis- and Infectious Diseases, called this tancing. Staying at least 6 feet • Data includes both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported to the CDC a “disturbing surge” and said that away from others is especially or tested at the CDC since Jan. 21, with the exception of testing results for persons repatriated to the coming weeks will be critical important for people who are at the U.S. from Wuhan, China, and Japan. State and local public health departments are now testing to slowing the outbreaks. higher risk of getting very sick, and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between CDC cases and cases He also warned that it’s impos- such as older adults. reported by state and local public health officials, data reported by states should be considered sible to anticipate the dynamics of • Avoid close contact with people the most up to date. a possible second wave of infec- who are sick, even inside your tion in the fall, with Dr. Robert Source: CDC home. 5 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 IN-DEPTH

PHOTOS: KRISTY ISHII Kristy and her partner with her relative Hoshie, 66, from Kagoshima, Kyushu, in November 2017

Kristy Ishii

Kristy with “Take Tegone Ramen” restaurant owner Tencho. The ramen shop, her fa- vorite, was located one minute from her apartment. It is decorated with old Coca-Cola machines, pinball machines, trinkets and license plates from American thrift stores.

Kristy makes peace signs with REFLECTIONS OF A NIKKEI her teammate, Keisuke, on their men’s baseball team Club Tate- bayashi (Gunma) in March 2017. EXPAT IN JAPAN Kristy with her students after a speech contest

Kristy is president of the JACL Japan chapter, and this is a photo of partici- (Left) Kristy and her co-wokers in Koenji, Tokyo, for the Awa pants during the monthly English Cul- Odori Festival in 2019 and (right) with ladies from the Nikkei tural Exchange session in Tokyo. Ladies Organization at the New Sanno Hotel in Hiro, Tokyo. Kristy in March 2017 with her parents and younger brother, all dressed in yukatas, in Kyoto Outside of work, as the current president of of dreams and a much stronger sense of who the JACL Japan chapter, I felt so connected I am as an individual. My journey in Japan and grateful for the greater Tokyo commu- has been incredibly life-changing. By Kristy Ishii, in front of the security line entrance, I be- nity, and the board and I were gearing up for Looking back on all the memories and times JACL Japan Chapter President came overwhelmed with gratitude and love a really exciting 2020. However, given the spent with loved ones in Japan, I feel like as I thought about all the families, friends, COVID-19 restrictions, community events I have a new home, family and support system s I looked out from the fourth-floor host families and mentors who helped me also came to a halt. overseas. If I go back to Japan, I am determined entrance of Narita International Air- throughout my time in Tokyo. Tokyo became a place of festered anxiety to believe that moving back a second time port’s departure curbside area on June My first two years in Gunma were through and germs, especially in the city’s crowded will be very different than the first. Knowing A1, memories of Japan flooded into my mind. the JET Programme English Teacher position. trains during the commute to work. Although that I can potentially return at some point in I arrived at NIA with a couple hundred fellow In 2018, I jumped into a new career in Tokyo as I was at low risk of getting sick, my mind kept the future, if the opportunity arises, gave me JET English teachers from Los Angeles four a career consultant while continuing to build a thinking about my father, who is a dentist, and enough courage to repatriate as hastily as years ago in the summer of 2016 with wild community in Tokyo, particularly within our my uncle, who works at the grocery store, as I did during the pandemic. eyes, huge ambitions and naive expectations. international Nikkei community. well as my two remaining grandparents, plus I have learned over time that it is really tough Thinking back on all the cultural mishaps, With only a couple straggling travelers all my other friends and family back in the U.S. to swallow when an expat friend leaves Japan. language blunders and obstacles that I encoun- making their way through the sliding doors I look back now and feel that being let go Anyone who lives or has lived in Tokyo will tered over the years — and overcoming those to the check-in lobby, I stood on the empty by my company was a blessing in disguise. It understand what I mean. You don’t really just hardships — I know I was able to experience sidewalk, holding my partner’s hand, and my allowed me to let go of a place that I felt so bounce back and forth between the U.S. and more than I ever could have imagined. mask began to fill with tears. I braced myself dearly attached. After various stages of shock Japan easily. Memories of the local ramen shop where for the nonexistent security line, as the final and disappointment, I started to turn toward a VISAs are not handed out left and right, as I could eat a bowl of hand-pressed noodles minutes of my time in Japan became my reality. bittersweet acceptance of the situation. there are language expectations paired with and practice speaking Japanese with ojiisans The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed I left family and friends at age 22 and re- certain work opportunities. Typically, people at the bar area. My first league tournament with many lives across the world. It has heightened turned at age 26. I left the U.S. when Barack host a soubetsukai, or a “see-you-later” party. the men’s baseball city team in Tatebayashi sensitivities of some and forced others to sort Obama was president and returned with Don- And no matter how much you try to keep in (Gunma), with cherry blossom petals falling out priorities in life with a finer comb. ald Trump in leadership. I left when cities touch, you lose contact until a big event hap- on the field during my first at bat. My trip to For me, the decision to repatriate to the U.S. were bustling, and NPO conferences and pens, or they come back to visit Japan. Kyuushu to meet my Bachan’s cousin for the was not easy or desirable under the circum- galas were in season, and returned to yellow I wanted so badly to say that final “see you first time and seeing the family koseki with stances. But, the catalyst that gave me the green tape and signs that instruct people on how to later” in person and thank each and every one my Bachan’s name on it. My family’s first trip light to go home as soon as possible was being continue their lives cautiously and virus free. of my friends face to face for all the lessons abroad in Japan and dressing up in yukatas for laid-off by my company. I left college with a naive heart, filled with and memories shared. But the circumstances our walk along Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizudera I loved my co-workers, boss and work as dreams and aspirations, and returned with a just did not allow it to happen. So, I sit here, Temple. The list goes on and on . . . . a career consultant and recruiter. However, jumbled up bilingual vocabulary (Japenglish) numb with gratitude. Four years later, I walked through that same with everything moving to digital platforms and emotional scars from leaving so abruptly. airport with matured eyes and a much-deeper and events being canceled left and right, my Overall, I am returning with a more realistic set understanding of society in Japan. As I stood job became very impersonal. » See REFLECTIONS on page 12 6 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 IN-DEPTH ‘TRANSFORMATIVE SOLIDARITY’ PHOTOS: HIRO NISHIKAWA Tsuru for Solidarity continues its social justice mission as it reunites with JACL to shut down the Berks Family Residential Center in Pennsylvania.

By Michael Ishii, out against white supremacy that had Protesters chanted and Tsuru for Solidarity Co-Chair historically targeted our community shouted messages of hope and gave us a sense of internal freedom resistance to the incarcerated ‘If you have come here to help me, and empowerment. families, who were allowed you are wasting your time. But if you We planned a “Pilgrimage to outside in the detention yard. have come because your liberation Close the Camps” for June 2020 is bound up with mine, then let us in Washington, D.C., which was Philadelphia JACL’s Rob Buscher and Tsuru work together.” later replaced, due to the COVID-19 for Solidarity’s Mike Ishii — Lilla Watson pandemic, by a virtual national pro- test, “Healing Circles for Change” ixteen months ago, Tsuru for and “Kimochi Night of Culture and Solidarity, a Japanese Ameri- Celebration,” as well as coordinated can social justice movement, direct actions at seven sites across Sheld its first direct action at the South the country. Nearly 30,000 people Texas Family Residential Center in participated over the course of two Dilley, Texas. days. During that trip, a small group also Coinciding with all of these de- traveled to a community center in velopments was the ever-increasing Laredo, Texas, a town on the southern growth of COVID-19, followed soon U.S. border. We sat in a circle with after by the uprisings and protests young organizers from Laredo Im- led by the Movement for Black Lives migrant Alliance and LatinX families against anti-Black racism, requiring recently released from detention. a country-wide reckoning of our his- There, we shared survival stories, tory of violence and inequity toward (Above) A and a profound connection emerged Black people. “Close/Shut among this group of strangers. Thus As a result, conversations began to Down” Berks was born Tsuru for Solidarity’s first occur about our own community’s sign in Hai- Healing Circle for Change. assimilation into white culture and tian Creole What we learned on that initial privilege, as a survival strategy, and trip to Texas inspired us to continue. our own history of anti-Blackness. The peaceful The events of the world also required We discussed how those dynamics protest was that we engage and step onto the have often placed us as a wedge held outside battleground of white supremacy against Black, Brown and Indigenous the Berks that is targeting all communities of communities, affording many Japa- Family Deten- color, including Asians. nese Americans middle-class status tion Center in In the months following, a passion- and creating a false narrative of the Philadelphia. “model minority,” used as a tool ate and vibrant discourse emerged in PHOTO: HIRO the Japanese American community of oppression against other people NISHIKAWA about making ourselves present at of color. detention sights — becoming the At what expense did being manipu- allies that the Japanese American lated in this manner come? What community needed during World effect did this have upon our identity War II. and our principles? Upon younger In Tsuru for Solidarity, we recog- Japanese Americans, many of them nized how embodying that role also multiracial and struggling to under- had the unforeseen consequence of stand their identity as we continued transforming those who participated to assimilate? in direct actions. In his book “Uprooted Americans: Our survivors connected to their The Japanese Americans and the moral authority and found their voic- War Relocation Authority,” Dillon Multiple organizations made es once again when we traveled to Myers, who ran the WRA, wrote: their voices heard in unity Fort Sill in Oklahoma where they Mike Ishii outside of the Berks Family stood up to the government. JACL blows a Residential Center on July 17. Descendants of survivors spoke of Executive conch horn a connection to their family histories, Director in solidarity something they had been seeking David with Haitian their entire lives. Families began Inoue activists. talking openly among themselves lent his about WWII incarceration. We found support a way to reframe the narrative of our at the history in service and in alignment protest. with other communities who were now being targeted. And in doing so, we were being healed. We then began discussing the intergenerational trauma caused by the concentration camps — the consequential effects of the wartime incarceration upon our community. We saw how naming and speaking IN-DEPTH July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 7

PHOTOS: HIRO NISHIKAWA us to erase ourselves in this process to use a term to loosely describe allowed outside in the detention yard. of assimilation? this whole process: “Transformative The protesters began drumming, As this discourse was taking shape, Solidarity.” chanting and shouting messages of camp survivors began speaking out An example of this is the work in hope and resistance in Creole. Japa- more forcefully and more publicly, process to build coalition with the nese American taiko players joined sometimes for the first time, on their Haitian community in support of in to form a cross-community drum- JACL anger over their own incarceration their work to free Haitian families at ming circle, and Haitian and Tsuru Philadel- and at the current attacks on the the Berks Family Residential Center, drummers led a call-and-response. phia’s civil rights of immigrants, Muslims, a detention site in Pennsylvania. Both communities began blow- Hiro Ni- Indigenous and Black and Brown On July 17, in partnership with ing conches — the symbol of Neg shikawa people. They were challenging their Haitian Women for Haitian Refu- Mawon, a legendary Haitian who own assimilation toward white su- gees, Haitian Bridge Alliance and broke the chains of slavery and blew Ninaj Raoul (center) helped lead premacy. Families for Freedom, Tsuru for the conch as a signal of freedom to a Haitian drum circle to lift the Meanwhile, Tsuru for Solidarity Solidarity, along with the New York other enslaved people. spirits of those incarcerated. has continued to join in coalition with Day of Remembrance Committee and The incarcerated families began directly impacted communities at JACL chapters from Philadelphia and jumping up and down and shouting “The most important result of the detention sites to build relationships Washington, D.C., as well as other back to the protesters, and the chil- WRA program was the relocation of mutual support and solidarity. members of the Shut Down Berks dren, hearing the protesters calling of more than 50,000 Japanese We are creating intentional rela- Coalition, organized a two-hour, to them in their native language, ran Ninaj tionships with other communities socially distanced protest outside the to the fence until guards intervened. Raoul, co- all across the United States. . . . This dispersion of the popula- of color around collective support, Berks facility. Those imprisoned at Both communities were able to founder resistance, preservation of culture Berks are almost exclusively Black come together by bringing their of Haitian tion led to an understanding and acceptance on the part of and history and the struggle against immigrant families from Haiti. cultural traditions of liberation and Women white supremacy. After an opening land acknowl- struggle and art to a spontaneous for the great American public that would have never been possible.” In doing so, new opportunities for edgement and calling of the ances- form of communal resistance. Haitian healing our fractured community tors, a powerful moment occurred Refugees Had Myers also succeeded in set- have been revealed. We have come when the incarcerated families were » See SOLIDARITY ting the conditions and convincing on page 12

“Family caregivers and SELF-CARE DURING COVID-19 care recipients AARP has been working to promote the HOW TO COPE health and well-being of older Americans for should discuss People who are caring for others can more than sixty years. During this pandemic, take steps to manage the stress. what to do AARP is providing information and resources 1. TAKE AN INVENTORY to help the AAPI community and those caring now, such as for them to protect themselves from the virus Erwin J. Tan, M.D. OF YOUR RESOURCES. and prevent it from spreading Director In high-stress situations, we kick to others. Thought Leadership keeping in into survival mode. Think back to in Health, AARP For more information and resources touch via phone other crises in your past, try to about COVID-19, recall what resources you drew please visit or email and determining on that helped you through that aarp.org/coronavirus time and write them down. or simply scan the QR code below who can provide care if the to follow AARP’s AAPI Facebook page. caregiver gets sick.” 2. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Days may feel chaotic but make time to exercise and talk to friends. COVID-19’S IMPACT ON Carve out a few moments in your day for a favorite GEN X CAREGIVERS hobby, like reading, drawing Gen Xers — Americans born between 1965 or baking. Even a long and 1980 — are already more likely to be shower or bath can help caregivers than those who belong to other calm frayed nerves. generations. Based on a nationwide AARP study, AAPIs are almost twice as likely to care for their elders than the general population. 3. DRAW ON YOUR STRENGTHS. Add coronavirus to the mix, and the stresses As a generation that went through leave us a comment to let us know what mount. adolescence during the AIDS epidemic, you’d like to learn entered adulthood during a major recession, more about! and today has high levels of debt, Gen Xers are accustomed to weathering hard times.

4. DRAW ON THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR PARENTS. Older adults have the wisdom and ability to call upon past successful coping mechanisms. 8 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 COMMUNITY VANDALS DEFACE BUST VENTURA COUNTY JACL HONORING FRANK OGAWA PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS By Megan Gately

he Ventura County JACL chapter recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to five graduating seniors from Ventura County high schools. The chapter held its scholarship reception via Zoom on May 31. TThis year’s recipients, chosen for their strengths in academics, extracurricular activities and community service, are:

• Paige Barrella, Santa Susana High School: Barrella, recipient of the Masako Miyasaka Memorial Scholarship, plans on attending the University of California, Berkeley, to study political econom- The defaced bust (left) of former ics, with a future career goal in politics. She has been a member Oakland City Councilman Frank Ogawa of the Okinawa Association of America and served as a student from the Facebook page of his grand- leader at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. son, Matt Ogawa. Pictured (right) is the bust before it was vandalized. • Julian Kimura, Nordoff High School: Kimura, winner of the VCJACL Outstanding Scholar Award, plans to study philosophy and classics at the University of California, PHOTO: The late Oakland City PACIFIC Berkeley. His extracurricular activities include participating in the CITIZEN Los Angeles Nisei Week parade and Obon festivals, and he holds Councilman also had a the title of being the youngest docent at the Japanese American plaza named for him. National Museum in Little Tokyo.

By P.C. Staff Matter movement and all efforts to end racism.” • Maile Kuo, Newbury Park High School: Kuo is the recipient of In a statement sent to the Berkeley JACL on the Harry Kajihara Memorial Scholarship, named after the former he bust of Frank Hirao Ogawa, who July 28, Matt Ogawa wrote, “I wanted to send JACL national president and Ventura County JACL chapter presi- served as a city councilman for Oak- a thank you to all of you for your support and dent. She will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in land, Calif., from 1966-94 and had the attention in this matter. My grandfather had Daytona Beach, Fla., to study civil engineering and play lacrosse. TCity Hall Plaza renamed for him to honor his a very small family and there are virtually Kuo is a native of Ventura County, where she also participated in years of service, has been defaced. none of his immediate family members near Girl Scouts, Japanese dance and many JACL activities. The act of vandalism occurred after a July Oakland or the East Bay. My father, his only 25 protest in Oakland in support of the unrest surviving child, is now in L.A. I, myself, am • Emily Nagamoto, Newbury Park High that has roiled Portland, Ore. in San Jose. I received word a few hours ago School: Nagamoto, recipient of the Dr. Tom Taketa Memorial A statement by Ogawa’s grandson, Matt that Phase 1 of restoration has begun. I am not Scholarship, plans to attend Duke University and major in Ogawa, along with a photo of the defaced clear how long the full process will take, but environmental science. In 2019, she attended the Asian Pacific bronze bust of his Nisei grandfather, was the initial pictures look amazing. Youth Leadership Project teen conference, which she credited posted on his Facebook page. In it, the younger “It really is heartwarming to know what a with changing her life. In high school, Nagamoto also helped Ogawa wrote: “My Grandfather fought so great community we have as Japanese Ameri- found the Asian Culture Club. hard for the Oakland community and always cans,” Matt Ogawa continued. “I will try to get additional details and will keep you posted. aimed to give all minorities a chance and a • Jonathan Saiki, Moorpark High School: Saiki, winner of the voice. He wanted to take his experience and “Again, I really cannot thank you all enough for your support and care. It is a shame that Yoshiro Katsura Memorial Scholarship, will join his brother at the prove to America that Japanese Americans/ University of California, Los Angeles, where he plans on majoring minorities can make a difference despite the this had to happen in the first place and that more people don’t know just how much my in materials science and engineering. Among his life experiences injustices that happened to himself . . . .” is a visit with his grandparents to Manzanar, where he learned In response to the damage caused to the grandfather cared for this city. He wanted noth- ing more than for minorities to have a voice about what his grandmother’s family experienced during their memorial for Ogawa, the Berkeley Chapter incarceration during World War II. of the JACL issued the following statement: and a seat at the table. He always talked about “The Berkeley chapter of the JACL protests how he never wanted anyone to think Japanese Americans could not influence change.” n The Ventura County JACL wishes all five scholarship recipients the very best as they the vandalism to the bust of former Oakland begin the next chapter of their lives. n City Councilman Frank Ogawa by unknown persons, but stand — as we believe Frank Ogawa would have done — in solidarity with the rights of citizens who exercise their rights to protest injustice, with the movement for Black lives, and against federal unmarked troops forcibly brought into our com- munities. “Frank Ogawa was the first Japa- nese American to serve on the Oak- land City Council and experienced state racism when he was shipped to the Topaz concentration camp in Utah without due process during World War II. Berkeley JACL will always remember and honor Frank Ogawa’s great contributions to our community and will continue his work by supporting the Black Lives NATIONAL July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 9

with a ribbon inscribed with “In Honor of the World War II Nisei Soldiers” from the Cer- JAVA HOLDS DAY OF AFFIRMATION emonial Plaza to the Price of Freedom Wall. The inaugural ceremony hails President Truman’s tribute of the Nisei 442nd combat unit. Each gold star on the Freedom Wall represents By Japanese American Veterans Assn. 100 United States soldiers killed in action dur- ing WWII. Eight of these stars are dedicated eventy-four years ago on July 15, 1946, at to the almost 800 Japanese Americans who noon, President Harry Truman reviewed were killed in action and the more than 30 the 442nd Regimental Combat Team at officers who served in the 442nd RCT and Sthe Ellipse of the White House, following its were killed in action. march down Constitution Avenue, and deco- Catherine Luette, daughter of Maj. Orville rated its colors with its seventh Presidential Shirey, who served with the 442nd RCT, and Unit Citation. Turner Kobayashi, son of Key Kobayashi, who The Japanese American Veterans Assn. served with the Military Intelligence Service, commemorated the 1946 ceremony on July accompanied the wreath. A close-up picture 15 at noon by laying a wreath at the Price of When the wreath was set in place, each of the of the JAVA wreath Freedom Wall at the National World War II wreath bearers touched it before taking their presented during Memorial in Washington, D.C., in honor of place facing the Freedom Wall. Those present the ceremony. Each the Nisei soldiers who served in WWII. were asked to face the Freedom Wall, bow of the 4,048 gold The review by President Truman was historic their heads and observe a moment of silence. stars on the Free- Pictured (from left) are wreath because the 442nd RCT was a segregated, all- The moment of silence ended when Yamada dom Wall represents bearer Turner Kobayashi, son Japanese American combat unit, except for its stated, “For those who served, thank you for 100 Americans who of Key Kobayashi, MIS; MSG officers. Over its short history, the 442nd RCT your service.” The sounding of “Taps” by a died in WWII. Matthew Byrne, a Master Ser- created a combat record that is unmatched. U.S. Army bugler followed, which concluded geant from the U.S. Army The 442nd RCT was activated in 1943 the program. Band; JAVA President Gerald while 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry JAVA President In support of the Day of Affirmation, the Yamada; and wreath bearer were imprisoned in War Relocation Authority Gerald Yamada at the Veterans Memorial Court Alliance held a floral Catherine Luette, daughter of camps. Volunteers and Japanese Americans Day of Affirmation tribute three hours later on the same day at Maj. Orville Shirey, 442nd RCT. from Hawaii answered the call to form the Ceremony the Japanese American War Memorial Court Yamada presented Kobayashi 442nd RCT. PHOTOS: NEET FORD in Los Angeles at noon. and Luette with a certificate For those who joined the 442nd RCT while and a JAVA coin inscribed imprisoned in the WRA camps, the 442nd RCT To view the entire JAVA Day of Affirma- with the bearer’s name and was their opportunity to fight prejudice at home. tion ceremony, visit the JAVA website at “Day of Affirmation, July 15, The federal government’s harsh treatment https://java-us.org and click on the Day of 2020.” and overt prejudice against them would not Affirmation webpage. PHOTO: NICOLE YAMADA diminish their belief in the American Dream that brought their immigrant parents to the U.S. • “He affirmed that they were entitled to share President Truman praised the 442nd RCT in America’s opportunities and receive equal by stating: treatment under the Constitution. “You fought not only the enemy, but you “President Truman’s salute was the criti- fought prejudice — and you have won. Keep cal turning point for Japanese Americans,” up that fight, and we will continue to win — to Yamada continued. “It marks the decisive make this great Republic stand for just what point that Japanese Americans, by keeping the Constitution says it stands for: the welfare their faith in America, started winning the of all the people all the time.” war against prejudice. This is why we call In his opening remarks at the Ceremonial today — July 15 — the ‘Day of Affirmation.’” Plaza, JAVA President Gerald Yamada said, The legacy embodied in President Truman’s “In his salute, President Truman honored the salute was credited by Yamada to not only the 442nd RCT’s valor in fighting America’s 442nd RCT but also to: enemies abroad. More importantly, he con- • The 100th Infantry Battalion from Hawaii, gratulated them on winning their fight against which was activated in 1942 and fought prejudice at home.” in Italy for nine months, creating its own Yamada continued: exemplary combat record before being • “President Truman affirmed that the soldiers attached to the 442nd RCT in 1944. standing before him were loyal Americans, • The Military Intelligence Service, which thereby removing the stigma of being treated provided linguistic support to American as ‘nonaliens.’ and Allied forces in the Pacific war zone. • “He affirmed that their decision — to put • The 1399th Engineering Construction Bat- country first — was the way to win the fight talion, which served in Hawaii to rebuild against prejudice. Pearl Harbor and completed 54 construction projects that were critical to the defense of the Islands against further Japanese invasion. Yamada also included the Japanese American women who volunteered to serve in the U.S. military as a part of the legacy. He concluded by saying, “They all helped to forge the legacy from which Japanese Americans started to benefit and will continue to benefit in the future,” and Yamada called on “all Americans to embrace their legacy — by keeping faith in America’s values and President Harry S. Truman (center) its future — especially in the most difficult decorates the colors of the Nisei of times, as did the Nisei soldiers.” 442nd RCT. Following the ceremony’s opening remarks, PHOTO: ABBIE ROWE, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM LTC Brett Egusa (USAR) carried a wreath 10 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 NATIONAL/COMMENTARY/CALENDAR

A NATIONAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE COMMUNITY EVENTS the collections that can be viewed ICON » continued from page 2 online are the “Stanley Hayami Diary,” “Hisako Hibi Collection,” “George “So I have decided to do what I know for more than 30 years while serving Hoshida Collection” and “Hideo Date Collection,” “Estelle Ishigo Collec- to do and do what I have always in the U.S. House of Representatives. tion,” among others. Although the done: I am going to fight it and keep He considered the peaceful protests CALENDAR museum is temporarily closed, view- fighting for the Beloved Community. to bring attention to police brutality DUECALENDA TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE U.S. BECAUSE ers can still experience its inside We still have many bridges to cross.” against Black men after the killing OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE CHECK REGARDING THE treasures. “He loved this country so much of George Floyd as “good trouble.” Info: www.janm.org. that he risked his life and his blood so He was known as the “Conscience of STATUS OF EVENTS LISTED IN THIS ISSUE’S CALENDAR SECTION. that it might live up to its promise,” the U.S. Congress” and was a brave how-does-the-past-influence-your- President Barack Obama said in a advocate for justice and equality. present-ny-sc-digital-storytelling- statement. “And through the decades, A lot of progress has been made competition/. PNW he not only gave all of himself to the over the past 60 years that Lewis NATIONAL ‘75 Years and Counting: From Hiro- cause of freedom and justice, but has been working for civil rights, JACL National Convention Bystander Intervention Training shima to Hope’ inspired generations that followed but there are still bridges to cross, Virtual Training Sessions There will be a virtual National Board Seattle, WA Aug. 10, 2 p.m. to try to live up to his example.” as he said. Unfortunately, racism has meeting on Aug. 15. Virtual Event Aug. 6-9 Info: Visit www.jacl.org. Aug. 12, 1 p.m. Lewis acted as a symbol of the civil not ended. The fight must go on, and Price: Free Price: Free; preregistration is required. rights movement and advocated for we need to do our part to bring more Marking the 75th anniversary of the Tsuru for Solidarity: Community Join AAJC (Asian Americans Ad- what he liked to call “good trouble” justice to the world. n U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima Conversations vancing Justice) and Hollaback! who and Nagasaki and the 78th anniver- National Event are partnering to offer free online sary of Executive Order 9066, this Check for dates; 1-3 p.m. workshops on Bystander Interven- virtual event will feature the release Price: Free tion. These sessions will teach you LOVE » continued from page 3 of the short film “75 Years and Count- Registration is limited. on what to look for and the impact ing: From Hiroshima to Hope” and Tsuru for Solidarity is offering a se- that bystander intervention has on the Window Peace Lantern Project Linda observed, “There must have ries of Community Conversations individuals and communities. that encourages community mem- to provide an opportunity to explore Info: To register and more information, been a trickle-down effect that influ- bers to create a Peace Lantern for identity and intergenerational trauma, visit https://advancingjustice-aajc.org/ enced my mom.” And those qualities display in their window from Aug. anti-Black racism in our community events. are also so apparent in Linda. Being 6-9. This event is being held in lieu and what it means to be in solidarity open and giving was just of the traditional in-person event at with other communities historically In Japanese, Green Lake. Peace Lanterns can part of who they were targeted by racism and violence. the word be posted to social media with the and are today. Sakaye The first session will be on Japanese NCWNP hash tag #FromHiroshimaToHope to also said that George kaeru means American Identity and will feature Dr. both “frog” A Virtual Book Talk With Marilyn Chase spread the message of peace and was equally as giving, Donna Nagata, psychologist and pro- on ‘Everything She Touched: The Life of and “return.” hope widely. especially when it came fessor at the University of Michigan; Ruth Asawa’ Info: Visit http://fromhiroshimatohope. to the JA community and Okaeri means Dr. Satsuki Ina, co-organizer Tsuru for San Jose, CA org and https://www.facebook.com/ others who needed help. “welcome Solidarity; and moderated by Brian Virtual Event on Aug. 16; 2-3:30 p.m. FromHiroshimaToHope. Niiya, content director at Densho. Sakaye remembers home.” This virtual book talk event, hosted Info: To register and to receive by Berkeley JACL, will feature a con- Wing Luke Museum Online Digital traveling to Japan and more information, visit www. versation with Marilyn Chase, author Content making friends with to me, “No problem!” tsuruforsolidarity.org. those from the gay community. She Finally, I learned that bringing your of “Everything She Touched: The Seattle, WA Life of Ruth Asawa,” who survived Wing Luke Museum said there were so many gay bars in voice to any community can change Tadaima! A Community Virtual adolescence while incarcerated dur- Japan. I asked, “Did you ever go to the trajectory of any movement. The Pilgrimage Although the museum’s doors are ing World War II with her family and National Event temporarily closed, there is still a any gay bars?” Instantly, she perked Aratanis have made such a difference then went on to become a much- Thru Aug. 16 plethora of curated stories, digital up and said, “Oh, yes!!” There was in the Nikkei LGBTQ community. accomplished sculptor and influencer Price: Free content and neighborhood resources not a hint of judgment or discomfort Sakaye’s final words to me were, of the arts in her adopted hometown available to access and view. Viewers Hosted by the Japanese American in her voice. You could tell those “We should all be open minded of San Francisco. can check out Education, YouthCAN, Memorial Pilgrimages website, this were good memories. and helpful to other people and our Info: Email [email protected] for Collections and Community Art all collaboration brings together repre- I learn so much when I interview community.” Zoom link and information. online! sentatives from many different parts Info: www.digitalwingluke.org. guests for my column. From Sakaye, This is the legacy the Aratani of the Nikkei community who are I learned the importance of teaching family and their foundation have committed to actively memorializing our children what is right, just and brought to our Nikkei community. the history of Japanese American PSW kind because those lessons get They are a shining light of love to incarceration during WWII. Spread EDC Japanese Food Lab Home Cooking handed down to generations that all who meet them and for many of across nine themed weeks, “Tadai- Series Japan Society of Boston Free Online follow. us that can call them our friends . . . . ma!” will feature prerecorded and Los Angeles, CA Resources I learned that having a positive live-streamed content, as well as opportunities to engage as a com- Japan House Los Angeles Boston, MA attitude can add years to your life. Marsha Aizumi is an advocate in munity. Thru Aug. 20 Virtual classes and information At 100 years of age, she radiates so the LGBT community and author of Info: For more information, visit https:// Price: Free Price: Free much love and happiness. When I the book “Two Spirits, One Heart: www.jampilgrimages.com. Join Japan House Los Angeles at The Japan Society of Boston is of- asked her how she was doing during A Mother, Her Transgender Son its YouTube channel as culinary cu- fering free online resources featuring COVID-19, she didn’t lament about and Their Journey to Love and National Youth Council Storytelling rator Tomoko Imade Dyen shares Japanese language learning tools, how hard life is right now, but said Acceptance.” Competition recipes on how to make delicious Japanese cooking, origami, arts National and authentic Japanese cuisine. If and lectures and much more, all in Entry Deadline is Aug. 15 your work-from-home lunches have a virtual online capacity. JACL’s National Youth/Student Coun- gotten a bit repetitive, or you’re look- Info: Visit https://japansocietyboston. CORONAVIRUS » continued from page 3 cil is conducting a Digital Storytelling ing to experiment with new cooking wildapricot.org. n competition on “How Does the Past methods and techniques, join in and Influence Your Present?” It is open to be ready to create culinary treats! • Consider keeping a list of people you visited or who visited you and all youth ages 13-30 and submissions Info: Visit https://www.japanhouse.jp. ADVERTISE HERE when the visit occurred. This will help with contract tracing if someone are being accepted in a variety of Events in the calendar section becomes sick. formats: journalistic essay, visual art, JANM Online Museum Collection Los Angeles, CA are listed based on space video/film, poetry or creative writing. availability. Place a ‘Spotlight’ The top two entries will receive an all- Japanese American National Museum Judd Matsunaga is the founding attorney of Elder Law Services of Online ad with photos of your event California, a law firm that specializes in Medi-Cal Planning, Estate expenses paid opportunity to attend for maximum exposure. the 2021 JACL National Convention JANM’s Museum Collections Online Planning and Probate. He can be contacted at (310) 348-2995 or judd@ in Las Vegas and present their work, features selected highlights from the FOR MORE INFO: elderlawcalifornia.com. The opinions expressed in this article are the as well as having it featured online museum’s permanent collection of [email protected] author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Pacific Citi- and in the Pacific Citizen. more than 60,000 unique artifacts, (213) 620-1767 zen or constitute legal or tax advice and should not be treated as such. Info: Visit https://nysc.jacl.org/ documents and photographs. Among OBITUARIES July 31-Aug.13, 2020 11

he is also survived by other relatives. following President Roosevelt’s spoke in favor of a drive that proved Feb. 19, 1942, EO Order 9066, the unsuccessful to rename a Palo Alto Murakami, Haruki ‘Harry,’ 92, Los Montebello, CA-born Nisei and his middle school after a fellow 442nd Angeles, CA, Dec. 26, 2019; he was family, as Seventh-day Adventists, veteran Fred Yamamoto (P.C., March predeceased by his wife, Toki, and were able to self-evacuate to Delta, 28, 2018). Sakai was predeceased Fujii, Kazuo Kenneth, 77, Sunny- sister, Katherine “Kazuko” Nagao; CO, managing to avoid incarceration by his wife, Mineko; sisters, Misako vale, CA, April 3; he is survived by she is survived by her children, at a WRA Center; in 1943, Sakai (Perry) Sumida and Mieko Sakai; he his wife, Carolyn; children, Greg Laura (Jonathan) Kono and Gregg joined the 442nd Regimental Com- is survived by his children, Kenneth (Renee) and Jenny (Jeff); brother, Murakami; gc: 3; ggc: 1. bat Team (E. Co.) and was wound- (Lynda) Sakai, Joanne Sakai (Dal- Jack (Sandy); gc: 5. ed during the Rescue of the Lost las Foster), Janet (Noriaki) Ito and Battalion in late October-early No- Dennis Sakai (Linda Durrin); gc: 7; Ginoza, Dale Yukie, 56, Los An- vember 1944. Sakai was awarded ggc: 1. n geles, CA, March 13; he is survived a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and by his daughter, Lauren Maile Min- the Combat Infantryman Badge; ami; sisters, Terry Ginoza Seekins after the war, he and Mineko Hirasaki (Jon) and Sandy Ginoza Emocling CORRECTION ////////////////// were married in April 1946, and they (Leonard); parents, Shirley and Da- Asaka, Connie Tamura, 96, Seattle, operated a travel agency in Gilroy, Molly Mariko K. Maeda vid Ginoza; 2 nephews; 1 niece and WA, April 5; during WWII, she was CA, until retirement in 1990. Active in Nov. 23, 1919-June 15, 2020 extended family and friends. incarcerated at the Tule Lake and 442 veterans activities, Sakai founded (Pacific Citizen, July 17-29, Minikoda WRA Centers; she was the nonprofit Friends and Family 2020) predeceased by her siblings, Toshio of Nisei Veterans. In 2018, Sakai Tamura and Kyoko Tamura; she is survived by her son, Gary (Barbara); Nakamura, Stacey Tsuyoshi, 61, TRIBUTE gc: 2; ggc: 3. Houston, TX, January; he is survived by his father, Stanley; sister, Charlene (Neil Fletcher); a nephew and a niece. FLORENCE MATSUSHITA

April 6, 1926–July 7, 2020 Lily was born to Taizo and Shinako Kuwabara in Sacramento. Family was always her priority throughout her long, full life of 94 years. Horio, Kenneth K., 81, Los Alamitos, Her family, with seven children, CA, April 18; an Army veteran (Lt. owned a chicken hatchery. In her early Col., ret.), he is survived by his wife, years, Lily performed “odori”(Japanese Jeannette Horio; children, Debbie traditional dance) and even danced at (Dan) Denehy, Darnell (Ed) DeMas- the California State Fair. ters and Darren Horio; sister, Amy Bergin, Chikako, 76, Reno, NV, As WWII escalated, she and her fam- (Kenneth) Tanaka; gc: 4. March 12; she was predeceased by a ily were sent to Pinedale Assembly sister and a brother; she is survived Otani, Ida S. Nishiguchi, 97, Sacra- Center and then to the Poston II Intern- Imahara, Grant Masaru, 49, Los by her husband, Phil; son, Bill (Dawn) mento, CA, April 19; active with JACL ment Camp in Arizona, where she graduated high school in 1944. Lily Angeles, CA, July 13; roboticist- Bergin; 2 brothers; gc: 6. (Reno charter member and Placer left camp to attend Deaconess Nursing School in St. Louis, Mo., and engineer who gained celebrity as County); she was predeceased by received her RN degree in 1947. an onscreen talent whose credits her husband, Robert “Bob” Otani After the war, she returned to Sacramento and worked for Sutter Hos- include “MythBusters,” “White Rab- and 6 siblings; she is survived by pital, when she met the love of her life, Willy Suda. They married, started bit Project,” “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell her children, Robert “Kelley” (Neena a family and built a beautiful home in Fresno, a dream come true! They No!” “Drunk History” and fan-made Kaur Otani) and Maureen (Les) Otani owned and directed Fresno Clinical Lab and other labs in the Central series “Star Trek Continues,” died of a Johnson; siblings, Joy King and Mimi Valley. brain aneurysm. The USC grad also Davis; sister-in-law, Grace Uyeda; Lily was a past president of the Fresno Buddhist Women’s Assn. She worked at special-effects companies several gc and step-gc. was a fabulous cook who loved to entertain. They hosted many celebra- THX and Industrial Light and Magic, tions, including two weddings at their home. where his credits as a model builder They were lifetime members of Belmont Country Club and played golf included such titles as the three “Star with their friends all around the world. They celebrated 66 happy years Wars” prequels, the two “Matrix” of marriage until Willy’s passing in 2015. sequels, “The Lost World: Jurassic Lily was a wonderful mother to Kathleen Suda (Wayne Cederquist), Park,” “Galaxy Quest,” “XXX: State of Craft, Kuniko, 92, Morgan Hill, CA, Patricia Suda Merrikh (Rami), Laura Sato (Kreyne) and Richard Suda, the Union,” “Van Helsing,” “The Lost April 12; she is survived by her daugh- M.D. (Jeru). She was an inspiration to her 9 grandchildren, Robert, World: Jurassic Park,” “A.I. Artificial ter, Ginger Craft; she is also survived Keith, Karen, Leah, Brooke, Russell, Kirk, Jarrod, Nolan and 9 great- Intelligence” and “Terminator 3: Rise by many nieces and nephews. grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Machi Kuwabara, of the Machines.” of Sacramento. We will never forget her smart wit, gentle demeanor, Douglas, Fujiko, 89, Hesperia, CA, strong will and beautiful smile! The family will have a private burial and Jabami, Kazuyo, 71, Long Beach, March 26; she is survived by her a celebration of life at a later date. Remembrances may be sent to the CA, Feb. 23; she is survived by her husband, Charles; sons, Edward Fresno Buddhist Temple, 2690 E. Alluvial, Fresno, CA 93720. Clyde Douglas and Richard (Masae) husband, Koh Jabami; children, Ste- Douglas; gc: 3. ven (Yuri Uehara), Koji Jabami and PHOTO: BRAD SHIRAKAWA Naomi Jabami; brothers, Hiroshi TRIBUTE (Eiko) and Takekazu Tabuchi; gc: 2. Hirano, Fusako, 99, Seattle, WA, Sakai, Lawson Iichiro, 96, Morgan Jan. 28; she was predeceased by her Hill, CA, June 16; after Japan’s Dec. Kiriu, Nobutaka ‘Bob,’ 86, Los DOROTHY TOYODA husband, Kiyoshi; she is survived by 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Sakai her sons, Robert (Barbara) and Ray- Angeles, CA, Feb. 7; he was prede- attempted to enlist in the military but Dorothy F. Toyoda, beloved aunt mond; 2 sisters and 1 brother; gc: 3. ceased by his wife, Emiko “Emi” Kiriu; was classified 4-C (enemy alien); of Ginger Takahashi, Patti Toyoda, Bobby Toyoda and Kathy Toyoda, passed on March 24, 2020, and PLACE A TRIBUTE was laid to rest on July 15, 2020, at ‘In Memoriam’ is a free age 97. listing that appears on a She lived long and well and is limited, space-available basis. now resting peacefully, being re- Tributes honor your loved ones united with her mother, Matsuye; with text and photos and appear father, Suyehiko; brothers, Bob in a timely manner at the rate of (Mary) and Susumu (Hiroye); and $20/column inch. nephews, Richard and Paul. She will be missed. CONTACT: In lieu of flowers or koden, the [email protected] family asks that you consider making a donation to support a local or call (213) 620-1767 ext. 104 business/restaurant or charity. 12 July 31-Aug. 13, 2020 IN-DEPTH

REFLECTIONS » continued from page 5 The Journey Home: All but seven flights were canceled for international Because of the people, friendships and con- departures from Narita In- nections I made, in a way, I am at peace with ternational Airport on June leaving Japan. I have left so much of myself 1. Chicago, Los Angeles, by leaving friends and second families that Mexico City, San Francisco I feel the strong need to go back, eventually. and Singapore were the But right now, something in my gut tells me only flights operating at that I need to be home with my family. The the time. The departure COVID situation, the layoff, the relocation gate was nearly empty, from Tokyo all gave me the green light to and the stores beyond reserve that one-way ticket back to California. security and immigration When will I come back? I don’t know. But were primarily closed. I hope that my friends in Japan will remember all the fun times, the laughter, the tears and Kristy and members of the JACL Japan the memories we made so that we can pick up chapter during a trip to the National Mu- right where we left off. The end of a chapter seum of History in Japan. Membership is coming to a conclusion. Chair Taka Go (pictured second from With tears of gratitude, I thank you right) provided bilingual tour informa- for supporting me through this journey. tion for the group. John and Debbie お世話になりました、また今度だよね！ Ino (center) offered much guidance ❖❖❖ and support for the chapter during its activities and events. TOKYO IN THE PANDEMIC The climate in Tokyo and the Kanto region some large Japanese corporations like Fu- experiences with you. right now is very different than that of my jitsu are allowing certain employees to have I miss the Japanese food, my partner, friends small town in Salinas, Calif. People in Tokyo less touchy — no handshakes, no shoes in permanent remote work options. Along with and host families who live in Japan, and I would have been commuting on trains and dining out the house, no chatter on public transport, etc. the changing of the hanko seal procedure (a love to talk to anyone who is curious about after just one month of a recommendation to Masks are also quite the common household 100-plus-year tradition of signing legal docu- what life is like in Japan during COVID-19. shelter in place, during the state of emergency. item, as it is used for keeping moisture levels ments with a stamp) to being more digitally There were no penalties for companies that high enough during the dry winter seasons, as friendly, Japan will hopefully be able to capi- Kristy Ishii has four years of experience did not allow work-from-home options or ad- well as to block out odors and allergens while talize on the current situation and pivot for a working in Japan and has achieved N2 of justed hours to avoid crowded trains. Without in the city centers. more sustainable work culture in the future. the JLPT Language Certification Proficiency watching the news clips of international CO- However, the Japanese government has not, For those of you who have faced difficult Test (business level advanced). She spends VID-19 stories, it would be very feasible to go and will not, take the testing approach, like situations and decisions, especially during her time coaching young professionals to about your daily life without feeling like there the U.S. has done, thus the infection numbers 2020, please know that you are not alone. discover their fullest potential, researching was a global pandemic because everything is are not quite as trustworthy for many locals For anyone who is curious about life in job opportunities and baking Shokupan still running as per usual in Japan. in Japan. Japan, from an Asian American perspective, (Japanese milk bread) to keep some of the Granted, the social culture in Japan is much The Olympics are on the line for 2021, and I would be happy to share my thoughts and Japanese food tastes part of her daily routine.

and the Haitian community. caused by our community’s experience in the SOLIDARITY » continued from page 7 In a Healing Circle following the action, camps during WWII. Lauren Sumida, a Tsuru for Solidarity Com- In the past week, we offered the first of PHOTOS: HIRO NISHIKAWA munications Committee co-chair, reflected: four Zoom webinars called “Tsuru Rising: “I’m appreciative for an opportunity to stand Community Conversations.” The first webinar Ellen in solidarity. When I see these young children focused on Japanese American identity and Somekawa in Berks, I’m heartbroken wondering how intergenerational trauma. Future webinars will and Eric many generations of their children will be explore issues of policing, detention and surveil- Joselyn with trying to heal the trauma these families are lance of communities of color; U.S. patterns their artistic now experiencing. We understand this . . . .” of forced removal and mass incarceration and sym- In conjunction with continued direct action, and the Japanese American relationship to bolic signs Tsuru for Solidarity has launched an online settler colonialism; and a community forum campaign, targeting the governors of Texas on anti-Blackness in the Japanese American and Pennsylvania, called #FreeMyFriends. community. The campaign incorporates images of Mawon Meanwhile, we continue to build coalitions and the Daruma that children and families and stand in solidarity with directly impacted can download, color and post on social media. communities at detention sites across the coun- The campaign is available on the Tsuru for try. We are also developing new initiatives for Solidarity website and social media outlets. the fall and 2021. The Daruma, a doll that represents Bodhid- Please visit our website, where you can sign up Ellen Somekawa, one of the Tsuru pro- harma, is seen as a symbol of perseverance to receive updates, participate in online actions testers from Philadelphia, commented: and hope and, during the Edo period, was also and get connected to a chapter nearest you. “Most impactful to me was seeing the used as a healing talisman to protect children The movement is just beginning, and we families waving to us and dancing. It from epidemic disease. welcome you to join us. was impossible not to imagine my In all of this work, Japanese Americans own family members back there and are beginning to find a path that allows us to For more information, visit: wonder what it would have been understand and reconcile our history as we Tsuru for Solidarity: https://tsurufor like if they had had allies present reach out in support of other communities. solidarity.org/ for them in that tangible way.” We are beginning to have important con- Tsuru Rising! Virtual Protest: When white counter-protesters versations and reflection on our own role in https://tsuruforsolidarity.org/tsururising2/ appeared and parked across the street from the move toward proximity to white power. #FreeMyFriends: https://tsurufor the protest with racist signs, Japanese In addition, we are renewing our resistance to solidarity.org/contagion-in-the-camps/ racism and state violence while also explor- Tsuru Rising: Community Conversations: Poster signs Americans held large protest signs with their backs to the counter-pro- ing and facilitating healing practices that are https://tsuruforsolidarity.org/tsuru- testers, forming a wall between them helping us process the intergenerational trauma rising-community-conversations/ n