February/March, 2014 - San Fernando Valley​Japanese American

San Fernando Valley Japanese American Citizens League Newsletter
February/March, 2014
UPCOMING
EVENTS
DAVID ONO KEYNOTE SPEAKER
AT JACL INSTALLATION
The SFV JACL installation of 2014 officers
was performed on Sunday January 19th at a
luncheon at Odyssey Restaurant. This year,
the keynote speaker was ABC7’s news
anchor reporter, David Ono.
David Ono is of mixed parentage.
Born in Germany, he is the third child of
European descent father and mother from
Kumamoto Japan. His mother passed away while he was still quite young
and David grew up in Texas where there were few Asians. Early in his
professional career he took his mother’s family name and while working in
Sacramento began making connections to the Japanese American
community who reached out to him.
Ono’s efforts to bring to attention the Japanese American
experience has been acknowledged not just by the Japanese American
community but by the network reporting community for his excellent
journalism. Ono has received numerous awards including three Edward R.
Murrow awards, 16 Emmys and 35 nominations.
In 2004, Ono covered an oral interview research project conducted
with members of the SFV JA Community Center and Edith Chen, a
professor of Asian American studies at Cal State Univ. Northridge. In a
short film clip shown on ABC7 news Ono captured the history of Japanese
American farmers in the San Fernando Valley, until they were removed at
the start of WWII. The film clip was shown at the luncheon.
Ono has written, directed and produced these segments on the
Asian American experience independently and presented them on
completion to the network for airing. As Ono’s perspective on various
matters has continued to capture large audiences as noted on the network
blog, ABC7 management has supported and recognized his work,
Ono indicated his goal is to make the Asian American experience
not just a local or west coast issue, but his objective is to have his work
seen nationally so American history includes the most decorated Nisei
442nd, Go For Broke unit in military history. He expressed his effort to
make Asian American history, be equally or as widely advertised as “Red
Tails”, the Tuskegee airmen.
Ono is currently working on the next installment of the Heart
Mountain story where many of the residents of Los Angeles area were
relocated for WWII internment. Ono indicated one part of the Heart
Mountain story will be shown in Little Tokyo on February 22nd at JANM
in conjunction with Day of Remembrance activities.
Article submitted by Patty Takayama
1
COME JOIN US IN
THE FUN AND
ACTIVITIES
February 15
Day of Remembrance
March 9
East West PlayersA Nice Indian Boy
March 23
(Date change from last
newsletter article)
Working Towards
Inclusion with our Nikkei
LGBGTQ Community
March 30
Tuna Canyon
Informational Meeting
April 26
Manzanar Pilgrimage
Questions or
Comments?
Please email
kyoshino@verizon.net
or send comments to:
Nancy Gohata
14229 Carl Street
Arleta, CA 91331
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
January, 2014
Happy Year of the Horse!
I’m Harold Kameya, incoming 2014 president, walking on unfamiliar ground, but following the
footsteps of Mitzi Kushida, the first president of our chapter who was born in Hawaii. Having grown up
in Hawaii as a member of the majority culture, I might need to recalibrate some of my thinking. For
example, I may not be as sensitive to some issues as my mainland peers. However, my yonsei children
have been raised in California.
Those of us from Hawaii have an obligation to the Isseis and Niseis who left the concentration
camps after WWII. They returned under difficult and unfriendly conditions. They struggled and attempted
to regain what they lost, through hard work, perseverance and determination. I am grateful for their
efforts. When I arrived in Los Angeles in 1962 to look for engineering work, I definitely felt a warm
welcome by employers. I attributed the warm welcome to the reputation built by their hard-working Nisei
employees.
Having been on the SFV JACL board for 5 years, I want to express my gratitude to the very special
people that make up our board. I don’t know what it is, but there seems to be a magical combination of
personalities, dedication, and mutual support that has allowed many of our members to serve selflessly for
many years! With their example, I encourage others to think of volunteering to bring new blood onto the
board!
In my remarks as incoming president, I made special mention of three people on our board that
bears repeating:
First, a big thank you to Brian Moriguchi for his strong leadership of the board these past years. He also
served as president of the 8,700 member LA County Professional Peace Officers Association, PPOA.
Congratulations on your reelection last month!
Jean-Paul deGuzman, or JP, was an Asian-American studies major at CSUN when he first joined
our board. He is now a doctoral candidate in Asian American studies at UCLA. We appreciate the
impressive website he created for our chapter, his legendary meeting minutes, and his helpful references
during discussions of critical issues regarding JA history. We especially appreciate his efforts in having
the Asian American Studies department of CSUN be connected to our JACL chapter. Our hope is that he
will find a professorship in the southern California area. Thank you, JP!
Finally, an acknowledgment of the many years of service by Mabel Takimoto. She served as
president of our chapter, and she remembers walking door-to-door with JACL pioneer Mike Masaoka,
recruiting new JACL members before WWII. When work needs to be done she is there, and she certainly
teaches by example! Thank you, Mabel!
I am very proud that our SFV JACL board has NOT shied away from difficult issues such as
Proposition 8 or LGBTQ issues, nor the Korean Comfort Women issue. We are the only chapter to have
taken a public position on the Glendale Korean Comfort Women monument.
Our chapter has many challenges before us: our community is
changing, economic changes affect us all, and the JACL has membership
issues which we must address. But let us not lose our focus on civil rights,
on social justice, our culture and our families, as we continue our journey
into a constantly changing community, society and world!
Sincerely,
Harold Kameya
2
EAST WEST PLAYERS WORLD PREMIERE OF
a nice indian boy
To support East West Players, our Chapter attends at least one performance each year at this
historic theater in Little Tokyo. On Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM, we will be seeing “a nice indian
boy.” Written by Madhuri Shekar and directed by Snehal Desai, “a nice indian boy” was the second place
winner of the EWP Face of the Future Playwriting Competition. The Supreme Court Ruling on gay
marriage has been decided, and this play is timely in continuing the discussion. A comedy about love and
marriage, Naveen Gavaskar and Keshav Kurundkar share all things Indian – from the Hindi language to
the difficulty of being gay in Indian culture. Keshav, however, is adopted by Indian parents…and
Caucasian.
Tickets are $27 (the group rate for 10 people). If we can get 20 people, tickets will be $24. For
reservations and more information, contact Nancy Gohata at yaiko16@verizon.net or call (818) 371-8013.
NAKANO NURSERY PLANT SALE
Mark Friday, April 25. 2014 on your calendar.
The SFV JACL together with SFV JACC
will again have a plant sale at the Community Center.
Please help us lower our postage cost?
You can greatly help our chapter by getting the Chapter newsletter via email.
Please go to kyoshino@verizon.net and register your e-mail address.
3
MORE ON THE 72ND ANNUAL SFVJACL INSTALLATION LUNCHEON
This year’s Installation Luncheon was special because we were having the changing of not guards,
but presidents, as well as other firsts and surprises. David Ono, our guest speaker gave a very interesting
talk about his experiences as a broadcast anchor in Los Angeles. The Q & A period was engaging and
most informative.
Many loyal and efficient people helped make our installation a success. MC Barbara Okita did a
great job as usual, and it was wonderful to have Reverend Patricia Usuki from the SFV Hongwanji
Buddhist Temple donate her time to take part in our installation.
Our friends from the Ventura, Selanoco, and Greater Los Angeles Singles chapters supported us
with their attendance. Thank you, Aiko King from the Ventura Chapter, who brought bottle opener
squares and magazines to share with attendees.
Long time JACL members Bettie & Roger Tamaki and Barbara Nakatsu attended this year’s
installation for the first time, as well as new JACL members, Linda and Roger Itaya. They all had a
great time and were impressed with our program.
Another first was having a clan of thirteen to support their father and grandfather, Harold
Kameya, being installed as chapter president. We look forward to an exciting year with President Harold.
Outgoing president, Brian Moriguchi did an outstanding job as president for the past five years. Brian
was the deserving recipient of the Recognition Award. Another surprise and first was Dennis Okita as
the presenter of the recognition award. His presentation of the award to Brian was so entertaining, he
could have been a stand-up comedian.
The Board was installed for the first time by Kanji Sahara, PSW Board Member, and hopefully
he will return in the future. The slide show of our 2013 activities, presented by JP deGuzman and Nancy
Takayama, was the highlight of the program. It closed with honoring Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi, Dr. Mary
Oda, and Sam and Terry Uyehara. Their support and contribution will never be forgotten.
Another first was Phil Shigekuni and Nancy Gohata singing their signature song, “It’s a
Wonderful World”. Nancy also led the group in a singing contest. Divided into three groups, attendees
sang “Oh Susanna”, and judges Harold Kameya, Brian Moriguchi, and Rev. Usuki picked the winning
group. The winning group included: Yas Gohata, Roger & Linda Itaya, Mitzi & Al Kushida, Isabelle
Miyata & Harvey Negoro, Bettie & Roger Tamaki, Wally & May Arakawa, Bob Goka, Bob Kobata,
Evelyn Mitarai, Dr. Bo & Iku Sakaguchi, and Michiko Tokunaga.
The final first this year was, the program concluded ahead of schedule. Due to the efficiency of
board members, everything ran smoothly. Thank you to Doreen Kawamoto and Mabel Takimoto who
worked the reception table, hostesses Mitzi Kushida and Marion Shigekuni, photographer Al Kushida,
Aujean Lee and Brian Moriguchi who were in charge of the layout and printing of the program booklet
and thanks to all board members for the door prize donations.
Article submitted by Linda Tanaka
Editor’s Note: A special thanks to Linda Tanaka who has been Installation Chair since 2009.
4
The Nisei Widows Club: How Tomi Got Her Groove Back
Written by Betty Tokudani; Directed by Amy Hill; Reviewed by Jean-Paul deGuzman
Having grown up outside of the Japanese American community, I first learned about the Nisei in
Asian American Studies classes and later through my work with the JACL. Like many, I always think of the
Nisei as the tough-as-nails generation that was armed with bravery and ingenuity. For all of these attributes, I
never thought of the Nisei as terribly comedic however. That was until the JACL went to East West Players’
production of The Nisei Widows Club: How Tomi got Her Groove Back.
Traversing Gardena, Venice, Little Tokyo, and Hawai’i, Nisei Widows Club focuses on the friendship
of Sumi, Hana, Betty, Tomi. Following the unexpected death of Tomi’s son (who died from a heart attack and
a steady diet of pork tonkatsu, chicken teriyaki, and spam musubi), the three other Nisei widows come
together to help Tomi cope with her grief. Throughout the play the women share their experiences of loss
and sadness, yet Tomi, an aging Nisei Week Queen, bears the greatest pain. Collectively, they decide to find
some outlet to better themselves. After Tomi’s humorous rant against completing any more community
service in Little Tokyo – handing out stickers at JANM or taking tickets at East West Players, for example –
they decide to take up yoga.
Unfortunately, after one class the widows find that yoga is not exactly their cup of tea. Their kindhearted instructor recognizes that Tomi’s brassy exterior hides her deep sadness. After decades as a wife and
mother she finds herself as neither. Their teacher suggests they go to Hawai’i to rejuvenate their bodies and
souls through learning hula from his brother, Kimo. After the widows adjust to each other’s nighttime habits
in their small hotel room – one must sleep with the window open, another must be near the bathroom, while
another can only sleep in her birthday suit – they visit Kimo who explains the deep historical and spiritual
roots of hula.
The play concludes at the Honolulu airport where the widows and Kimo perform an impromptu hula.
What had been awkward and angular twists and turns transformed into graceful and beautiful moves. The
widows’ hula represented less of a mastery of the dance, than an understanding that their futures would be
intertwined. Having lost dear loved ones, they realize that to move forward they must do so together.
Overall, the play was very funny. If you ever wanted to see an ethnic version of the 1980s sitcom, The
Golden Girls, this play is for you.
After the play concluded we enjoyed a great dinner at Far Bar, located at the historic Far East
restaurant. An unseasonably warm evening allowed us to dine outside; we feasted on hamburgers, wasabi
fries, and Korean galbi, among other dishes. As a pleasant surprise, I discovered that the social media maven
for East West Players had already uploaded a photo of Mitzi and Al Kushida, Marcia Mahoney, and Linda
Tanaka to their official Instagram page.
I have been attending East West Players performances with the JACL for several years, but each
outing and dinner is always memorable. If you haven’t joined us already, I hope to see you all when we see
Nice Indian Boy in 2014!
Standing (L to R):
Roger Tamaki, JP deGuzman,
Marcia Mahony, Paul
Jonokuchi, Al Kushida,
Bettie Tamaki, Yas Gohata,
Barbara Okita, and
Phil Shigekuni
Sitting (L to R):
Nancy Gohata, Mitzi Kushida
Linda Tanaka, Marion
Shigekuni and Kimiko
McCown
Missing: Nancy and Patty
Takayama
5
GGu
MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT
Welcome to new members Alden & Lauren Katagihara. Alden & Lauren just moved to the San
Fernando Valley last August from Sacramento. We’re hoping to meet them at our events in 2014. We also
welcome Rose and James Higashida. Both Rose and James are long time residents of the Valley. They
are both active with the SFVHongwanji Buddhist Temple and have supported many of our Chapter events.
We need your help! Together with Board members, let’s make that extra effort to recruit new members.
We are an active Chapter and we have participated in a variety of programs that included civil rights and
cultural identity issues. We have also supported youth programs which included scholarships and
internships. Please contact Nancy Gohata at yaiko16@verizon.net with suggestions and ideas that may
increase our membership.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Saturday, February 15, 2014
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
PLACE:
Japanese American National Museum, Grand Hall
THEME:
Generations Speak Out: Impacts of E.O. 9066
PROGRAM: Speakers: Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Jude Narita, Akemi Kikumura Yano, Sean
Miura and Velina Houston
Refreshments immediately following the program.
For more information: Contact Nancy Takayama at nt.high.mtn@juno.com
Harold Kameya,
Congressman Mike Honda,
Nancy Gohata,
Phil & Marion Shigekuni
attend a fundraiser for
Mike Honda on
January 22, 2014.
The fundraiser was
sponsored by the
Korean American Forum
of California (KAFC).
TOWN HALL MEETING AT JANM
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Board is having a Town Hall meeting at the Japanese
American National Museum (JANM) on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. They will
share an update on progress made since the opening of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center and future
plans. From 6:00 to 7:30 PM, they will have the premiere of the extended version of David Ono’s
documentary about Heart Mountain followed by a panel discussion moderated by David. A reception will
6
follow.
THIRD TUESDAY MOVIE OUTING
We started 2014 with a very creative, futuristic, and unusual movie Her, written and directed by
Spike Jonze. Joaquin Phoenix is Theodore, a loner struggling to cope with his unwanted divorce from
Catherine (Rooney Mara). Ironically, he works at BeautifulHandwrittenLetters.com where he writes
tender, personal letters for others. Theodore sees an ad for an artificial intelligence operating system (OS)
and purchases one and becomes emotionally involved with Samantha, the voice of his new OS. At the
beginning, the plausibility of love between an OS and a human seemed remote, but as Samantha (voiced
by Scarlett Johansson) and Theodore interact, their relationship seemed genuine and believable.
Set in Los Angeles in the future, we are shown the many electronic devices used by the population
at home, work, and in every other aspect of their lives. Using these devices for relationships didn’t seem
too much of a leap.
For most of the movie goers, Jonze’s concept was a little too strange. However, Joaquin Phoenix
gave a convincing performance of a man searching for a true relationship. Critics were very high on this
film with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 94% rating and the film has been nominated for an Oscar in the best
picture category.
SUZUME NO GAKKOU SUMMER CAMP
June 16 – 20, 2014
Due to popular demand, SFVJACL’s Suzume no Gakkou will be back. This summer camp is a rich,
cultural experience for kids from elementary grades 2-5.
Enjoy learning Japanese conversation, story time, art, music and snacks, and making new friends.
Calling out for volunteers! Youth, parents, grandparents, and friends are welcome. Field trip is included.
For more information contact:
Nancy Oda at nancyoda@juno.com or call (818) 935-2603
Linda Tanaka at lkitai@hotmail.com or call (805) 527-1224
At the annual San Fernando Valley Japanese American
Community Center New Year’s Luncheon held on
January 4, 2014, Board member, Nancy Oda handed over
the SFVJACC President’s gavel to Paul Jonokuchi.
7
SAVE THE DATE
HOLIDAY REINDEER GAMES PARTY
The JACL holiday party, with the theme, Reindeer Games was held Saturday evening, December
14 at the SFV JA Community Center. Families feasted on savory potluck dishes and joined their little
ones at the craft tables to make penguin and reindeer ornaments for their Christmas trees or gift packages.
The potluck dinner and arts and crafts were followed by group singing, adult and children dancing
where children advanced around the circle switching partners to the music. Afterwards, children gathered
to swat the piñata, which gave rise to a frenzy of chaos as children scrambled to gather candy as it spilled
out of the piñata.
While voices singing out choral notes from seasonal songs including “Jingle Bells”, Santa Claus
announced his arrival to present gifts to the little children. Gift exchange drawing selections were
followed by closing comments by Harold Kameya, the SFV JACL chapter president for 2014.
th
Article submitted by Patty Takayama
President Harold Kameya and his family.
Children at the Holiday party enjoyed
hitting the candy filled piñata.
8
EDITOR’S NOTE: Board member, Paul Jonokuchi, will now be writing Paul’s Corner. Sumi
Yamaguchi, who had been the writer for Sumi’s Corner is now the Chapter Treasurer.
PAUL’S CORNER
Congratulations to Scholarship Chair, Jean Paul deGuzman, who along with three dozen
undergraduate and graduate students, was recognized for his research and scholarship at the UCLA Asian
American Studies Center’s Annual Awards and Alumni Reception. PhD candidate, JP, shared his
personal experiences and appreciation for what the award has done for him.
Board member, Mitzi Kushida, was recently nominated by the California Retired Teachers
Association (CalRTA) Division 19 to be CalRTA’s Ruth Q. de Prida Award recipient, the most
prestigious award that CalRTA offers its members. This award, presented annually, honors outstanding
service as an educator and community leader, as well as outstanding service to CalRTA at all levels. A
member of Divison 19 for ten years, Mitzi served as treasurer for seven of these years. Congratulations,
Mitzi!
Congratulations to Board member, Aujean Christina Lee, who just received an acceptance letter
to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign’s PhD program in urban planning.
Speedy recovery to Karl Nobuyuki, former National Director of JACL and former president and
long time friend of our chapter. After undergoing an operation, Karl is home and we all wish him the
best.
Kyle Okita, son of Board members Barbara & Dennis Okita, and a photography enthusiast,
attended the Clemson/Citadel football game in South Carolina in November of 2013. Clemson, who was
ranked 5th nationally overwhelmed the Citadels 52-6. Kyle sold a two-page action shot that was picked
up by Sports Illustrated. This impressive layout is in the December 2nd issue of Sports Illustrated on
pages 14-15. Kyle is a financial analyst working in Dallas, Texas.
NIKKEI LGBTQ INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
In collaboration with the JACL-Pacific Southwest District’s new Nikkei LGBTQ Initiative, the SFV
JACL chapter is hosting an interfaith dialogue on gender and sexuality on Sunday, March 23rd from 122 PM at the SFV Japanese American Community Center.
This interfaith dialogue will have panel perspectives represented by both Christian and Jodo Shinshu
Ministers, thus far including Reverend Patricia Usuki from the SFV Buddhist Hongwanji Temple.
Recognizing the lack of community spaces that highlight topics on gender, sexuality and the LGBTQ
community, this important event hopes to raise awareness on these often unspoken subjects to a diverse
audience of different faiths and generations.
We earnestly invite you, your family and friends to come to this interfaith dialogue with your curiosities
and questions, and look forward to this engaging event.
Article submitted by traci ishigo
9
PURIFICATION IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS ENLIGHTENMENT AT TUNA
CANYON DETENTION STATION (TCDS)
Six years ago, Dr. Lloyd Hitt and Mr. Paul Tsuneishi started the TCDS campaign that has enabled
us to preserve history about a Department of Justice camp in our own backyard that is now a Historical
Cultural Monument #1039. The soft sound of a flute was played by Aiko Kurland as Shinto Priest,
Reverend Alfred Tsuyuki, led the spiritual cleansing of a place where on December 8, the FBI ordered the
arrest or to cause the arrest of Japanese, Germans, Italians, and Japanese Peruvians after the bombing of
Pearl Harbor. His own father was also interned there.
Seventy two years ago on December 16, the INS or US Immigration and Natualization Serivce
took over the former Civilian Conservation Corp camp and transformed it ino a barbed wire enclosure
guarded by armed troops to receive individuals considered to be enemy aliens. During the ceremony,
members of those communities will participate.
The camp housed 300 prisoners at a time before they were relocated to Fort Lincoln, North Dakota,
Fort Missoula, Montana, and Sante Fe, New Mexico. For the Issei that meant going to one of ten
concentration camps after Executive Order 9066 was issued. They were farmers, fisherman, Buddhist
priests, leaders such as bankers, businessmen, and Japanese Language School teachers, mostly men.
Visiting day was reduced to two minutes when more than 1,837 people came one Sunday. No one was
allowed to speak in any language other than English standing ten feet from the barbed wire fence stranded,
with frozen bank accounts.
Many were later reunited with their families when 120,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans were
ordered to leave their homes, their belongings and take only what they could carry.
The goal of the Coalition is to collect the stories, poems, photos to preserve materiels for
educational purposes. We have the opportunity to teach the people of the City of Los Angeles, the Nation,
and the World about this dark episode and later, the wisdom of the City Council to designate this space on
June 24, 2013 as a Historical Cultural Monument. Merril Scott was the officer in charge of TCDS and left
a priceless photo album of the period until October 1943. Due to his compasionate treatment, letters of
apprecation are on records in the national archives, Thank you to David Scott, who has shared his
grandfather’s photo collection with the Little Landers’ Historical Society.
Why has it taken so long to discover? The records were released only a few years ago and no one
spoke of it including the Germans, Italians, and Peruvian Japanese. Today we begin the first step in
memorializing the space and eventually plan to install a walking path with informative plaques. After the
event, pilgrims came to the SFVJACC for a reception which included singing “Silent Night” in German,
Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and English much like was done during those days as Christmas was
approaching behind barbed wires. Phil Shigekuni, Marlene Hitt, and Kanji Sahara played their ukeleles for
the bittersweet song. SFVJACL member, Sumi Yamaguchi’s father was also among the innocent who were
arrested.
On March 30, there will be an informative dialogue with the adult children of internees, college
students, and an update regarding the plaque and at the SFVJACC from 1:00-3:00. Please come!
Article submitted by Nancy Oda
10
FROM UCLA TO GLENDALEA JOURNEY TO SUPPORT THE KOREAN COMFORT WOMEN
On January 8th, the San Fernando JACL board voted unanimously to approve a resolution
supporting the Glendale City Council in their installation of the Korean Comfort Women monument, and
endorsed Congressman Mike Honda’s HR121 which made demands on the government of Japan regarding
the Korean Comfort Women.
The vote was taken after several meetings of discussion on the topic. People might be curious as to
why our chapter is involved in a matter that is seemingly a matter just between two countries.
Since I initiated the resolution, let me quickly describe my journey that began at an Asian Film
Festival at UCLA in the mid-1990s.
At the Asian Film Festival at UCLA, I saw the documentary "In the Name of the Emperor". It was
a documentary that reported the atrocities of the Japanese Imperial Army in Nanjing, China in 1937. It
briefly mentioned the Korean Comfort Women. It also reported attitudes of the Japanese government and
attitudes of some of the civilians in denying the truth of those atrocities.
I left the theatre feeling stunned by the extreme cruelty of the Japanese soldier, and ashamed by the
actions of denial by the government of Japan, as well as the attitudes of some of the citizens. What was
responsible for the attitudes of the soldiers? Was it the culture? Was it a part of our DNA?
A couple of years later, a reporter from Japan spoke at the Museum of Tolerance about the Nanking
Massacre. He appeared wearing a wig, a mustache and dark glasses. His name was Katsuichi Honda, and
his research uncovered the huge extent of the massacre of civilians in Nanjing, China in 1937. As a result
of his publishing his findings, his life had been threatened!
The atrocities of the Japanese Imperial Army remained with me as a thorn in my side. Those
memories came back to me with the Glendale Comfort Women monument installation last year. The
denials by the government of Japan, and the protest of the Japanese nationals sounded so familiar --- and
sad.
I am grateful to President Brian Moriguchi for his recommendation that we take a strong stance on
this issue, and to Phil Shigekuni for his work as civil rights chair.
On Wednesday, Jan. 22nd, Congressman Mike Honda appeared at a hotel in Koreatown where
appreciative Koreans held a fundraiser. He was genuinely touched to see Kathy Masaoka, David
Monkawa, Phil & Marion Shigekuni, Nancy Gohata and me in the audience. Mike Honda suggested
that education be used to get people to understand history and the continued mistreatment of women
around the world.
Standing in front of the Comfort Women
sculpture, you will see a small, young powerless girl....
However, looking at her from a different angle, you
might see a young girl with a rather enormous power!
She has the power to preserve history, and the power
to educate and to open minds!
Article submitted by Harold Kameya
11
Japanese American Young Adults Invitation Program
The “KAKEHASHI Project-The Bridge for Tomorrow” is a youth exchange project, promoted by the
Ministry Foreign Affairs in Japan, to heighten potential interest in Japan and increase the number of
overseas visitors to the country, as well as enhance international understanding of the “Japan brand,” and
the nation’s strengths and attractiveness, such as Japanese-style values and “Cool Japan.”
The KAKEHASHI Project- Japanese American Young Adults Invitation Program provides a fully
funded short-term study tour to Japan for undergraduate and graduate students (ages 18-25 years old at
the time of application) in the United States.
The goals of Japanese American Young Adults Invitation Program are (1) to continue building cooperation
between Japanese Americans and Japan, (2) to promote Japanese Americans a better understanding of
Japan in a variety of fields including politics, economy and culture, and (3) to encourage Kakehashi
alumni to be effective advocates in enhancing U.S.-Japan relations.
Go to www.jacl.org/news/Kakehashi.htm to download information about the program and eligibility
requirements: Application & Notification Schedule
Trip Date: July 14-July 24, 2014
Trip Date: October 2014 TBD
Application Deadline: February 20, 2014
Application Deadline: February 20, 2014
Completed applications and all requested documentation must be received by the Japanese American
Citizens League no later than the deadline application dates specified above. The application may be
submitted online, via e-mail or hard-copy.
How to apply:
 Apply online at: www.jacl.org/news/Kakehashi.htm
 Download KAKEHASHI Application (PDF / Word) and submit by:
o E-mail: japanprogram@jacl.org
(Please include first and last name in subject line)
o Hardcopy: Kakehashi Program
c/o Japanese American Citizens League
1629 K Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20006
For more information, contact Amy Watanabe, Kakehashi Coordinator at (202) 223-1240 or
japanprogram@jacl.org.
DONATIONS
We acknowledge the generous monetary donations made to our Chapter by members and friends.
Donations were made to our Chapter in memory of Dr. Mary Oda by members and friends:
Harold & Ellen Kameya, Linda Kuratomi, Harriet Nishizaka, Nancy & Kay Oda, Denis & Miriam
Oyakawa, Beverly & Sue Oyama, and Sumi Yamaguchi.
We received a holiday donation from Flora Teramura.
12
The following businesses who supported our Pacific Citizen Holiday Issue fundraiser
will help us provide programs for our community in 2014. We are extremely grateful
for their generosity.
JT ENGINEERING ASSSOCIATES, INC.
JASON TANI
jtengr@gmail.com
(805) 480-9450
muranaka farm inc.
KATSU-YA
11680 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-985-6976
KATSU-YA
11920 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-763-3910
The IZAKA-YA
1133 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA
310-796-1888
KATSU-YA
9701 Reseda Blvd.
Northridge, CA 91324
818-678-1700.
HEAR USA
Bellflower * Camarillo* Claremont
West Los Angeles * Los Angeles
Pasadena * Reseda * Sun Valley
Thousand Oaks * Torrance * Valencia
Westminster * Whittier * Over 300 locations
Call Toll Free: 855.804.5652
Jami Tanihana, M.A., CCC-A
Southwest Division Manager
www.hearusa.com
FlopTurnRiver.com
Discuss, Learn, Play Poker!
Poker Discussion Forum,
Online Poker Reviews,
News, and Strategies
Online Since 2003
TYSON TANAKA
KATSU-YA
6542 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91436
818-788-2396
The IZAKA-YA
8420 W. 3rd Street
West Hollywood, CA 90048
323-782-9536
The IZAKA-YA
4517 Sepulveda Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818-789-3111
VILLAGE FLORIST
Kathy Hsing
Store: 818-832-7770
Cell: 818-800-5601
kathy@villagefloristla.com
www.villagefloristla.com
17818 Chatsworth Street
Granada Hills, CA 91344
RITSUKO SHINBASHI
Ikenobo Flower Arrangement
Senior Professor of Ikebana
Urasenke Tea Ceremony Instructor
16447 Vintage Street
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 892-0470
RSHINBASHI@GMAIL.COM
Quality Health Plans since 1965
1-800-400-6633
13
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Citizens League
Membership Application
Membership Categories
Regular/Individual
Regular sustaining members of the organization
Couple/Family
Membership for an individual, their spouse/partner and any children under 25 years of age.
Youth/Student
Members 25 years of age or younger or students currently enrolled in a college, trade school, or university.
1000 Club
A membership category where members make a larger annual contribution to their chapter and national programs of
the organization
1000 Club Life
Members who pay a lump sum to establish a lifetime membership
1000 Club or Century Club Spouse
Spouse or partner of a JACL 1000 Club or Century Club member
Century Club
An exclusive membership category where members make a larger annual contribution to their chapter and national
programs of the organization
Century Club Life
An exclusive membership category where members pay a lump sum to establish a lifetime membership
 New Member
 Regular/Individual - $67.00
 Couple/Family - $110.00
 Youth/Students - $25.00
 Renewing Membership
 Gift Membership
 1000 Club Individual - $100.00
 Century Club - $175.00
 1000 Club Spouse - $32.00
 Century Club Spouse - $32.00
 1000 Club Life - $3000.00
 Century Club Life - $5000.00
Member Information
First Name
Member ID: ___________________________ (renewals only)
____________________________________________________________________
Last Name
____________________________________________________________________
Street Address
____________________________________________________________________
City
__________________________ State _________ Zip Code _______________
Phone
__________________________________________
Email
__________________________________________
Payment Method
 Check
Please make checks payable to:
Japanese American Citizens League
 Credit Card
 Visa
 MasterCard
 American Express
Card Number: ____________________________________
Expiration Date: __________________
(Month / Year)
Send the completed application along with your payment via U.S. mail to: JACL Membership
P.O. Box 45397
San Francisco, CA 94145-0397
Or join Online:
http://www.jacl.org/member PSWDC San Fernando Valley
14
14229 Carl Street
Arleta, CA 91331
15