Returned dolls, anti-Islam bus ads and a 2013 convention preview

Vol. 156, No. 3, February 15, 2013. 16 pages. View this issue

Two stories of Japanese American memory and solidarity led this 16-page issue. Nalea J. Ko reported on Japanese heirloom dolls returned to Marianne Rikimaru Breakfield after 70 years, thanks to the investigative work of the JACL Florin chapter’s Andy Noguchi. The dolls are now on display in an exhibit on Japanese American incarceration. Another story covered a San Francisco forum on bus ads that called Muslim and Arab Americans ‘savages,’ where community members drew parallels to World War II discrimination. Floyd Mori and John Tateishi both wrote about the 2013 JACL National Convention in Washington, D.C., which will mark the 25th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

Other pages include Gil Asakawa’s column on pop culture and the story of Kyu Sakamoto’s ‘Sukiyaki,’ a 70th anniversary reunion for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in Honolulu, and Terry Shima’s Presidential Citizens Medal. There is also a profile of actor Keong Sim and news that the musical ‘Allegiance’ won three Craig Noel Awards.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Pop Culture Builds Bridges Between Japan and the U.S., by Gil Asakawa, page 2. Gil Asakawa explores how anime, manga, and J-pop groups like AKB48 are strengthening cultural ties between Japan and America. He discusses AKB48’s massive popularity and a recent scandal involving one of its members, while noting Japanese pop music has rarely broken into American charts.
• For the Record: 25th Anniversary Celebration, by John Tateishi, page 2. Former JACL National Director John Tateishi recounts the origins of the D.C. Gala Dinner and annual conventions, born out of budget struggles during his tenure. He praises Floyd Mori for taking on the planning of the 2013 D.C. convention, which will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.
• Pop Culture Builds Bridges (continued): Sukiyaki’s Legacy, by Gil Asakawa, page 16. The column continues, detailing the story of Kyu Sakamoto’s 1963 hit ‘Sukiyaki,’ the only Japanese song to top American charts, and its cultural impact on U.S.-Japan relations. Asakawa reflects on singing the song at a Little Tokyo karaoke bar and its enduring emotional resonance despite the mistranslated title.

Community

• Asian Americans Denounce Anti-Islam Bus Ads, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. A community forum in San Francisco addressed controversial bus ads calling Muslim and Arab Americans ‘savages,’ purchased by the American Freedom Defense Initiative. Japanese American community members, including a JACL chapter board member, drew parallels to WWII-era discrimination and stood in solidarity with Muslim Americans.
• A Rally to Make Helen Kawagoe’s Dream Come True, by Pacific Citizen Staff, page 3. Supporters rallied in Carson, Calif., urging the city council to immediately rename its chambers after former City Clerk Helen Kawagoe, who suffered a stroke in 2011. The rally also backed council candidates Albert Robles and Charlotte Brimmer, who support renaming the chambers now rather than posthumously.
• Memorial Event to Commemorate the Second Anniversary of Japan Quake, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The ‘Love to Nippon’ tribute will be held March 10 in Los Angeles to commemorate the second anniversary of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The event will include prayers, flower offerings, cultural performances, and disaster preparedness activities.
• 442nd Regimental Combat Team to Celebrate 70th Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A 70th anniversary reunion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team will be held in Honolulu from March 22-24, bringing together veterans, widows, and families. The event, themed ‘The Legacy Lives On,’ includes a memorial service, luncheon, and tours of WWII historical sites.
• Sonoma County Speakers Bureau Educates Students About the Japanese American Experience, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Sonoma County JACL’s Oral History committee Speakers Bureau, founded in 1999, educates students and community groups about Japanese American incarceration during WWII. In 2012 alone, the bureau completed over 20 engagements reaching approximately 1,600 individuals, mostly middle and high school students.

In-Depth

• Pre-WWII Japanese Dolls Returned After 70 Years, Friends Reunite, by Nalea J. Ko, page 4. Beverly Thornton returned Japanese heirloom dolls to her childhood friend Marianne Rikimaru Breakfield 70 years after the Rikimaru family was forced into incarceration during WWII. The reunion was made possible through the investigative work of JACL Florin chapter’s Andy Noguchi, and the dolls are now on display at the California Museum’s exhibit on Japanese American incarceration.

National

• Charred Human Remains of Alleged Murderer Found in Burned Cabin, by Pacific Citizen and Associated Press, page 6. The manhunt for accused killer Christopher Dorner ended after he barricaded himself in a cabin near Big Bear Lake, which caught fire following a gun battle with law enforcement. Human remains were found in the debris, believed to be Dorner, who allegedly murdered multiple victims including a police officer.
• Duke Fraternity Suspended Amid Protests Over Racially Themed Party, by Pacific Citizen and Associated Press, page 6. Duke University’s Kappa Sigma fraternity chapter was suspended after photos surfaced of a party featuring Asian stereotype costumes and mocking Asian dialect. The Asian Student Alliance held a protest attended by 500 people demanding accountability.
• Grand Jury Indicts Sushi Chefs and Restaurant for Serving Whale Meat, by Pacific Citizen and Associated Press, page 6. A federal grand jury indicted the Hump restaurant in Santa Monica and two sushi chefs for allegedly serving illegal endangered sei whale meat. The chefs and restaurant face significant prison time and fines if convicted.
• Original Iwo Jima Monument Coming to NYC Auction, by Pacific Citizen and Associated Press, page 6. An original monument commemorating the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima in 1945 is going up for auction at Bonhams, expected to fetch up to $1.8 million. The statue predates the larger sculpture now in Arlington, Va., and is inspired by the famous Associated Press photograph.
• President Obama Nominates Raymond T. Chen to Serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. President Obama nominated Raymond T. Chen to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, which if confirmed would make him the first Asian Pacific American on that court in over 25 years. Chen currently serves as deputy general counsel at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and has broad support from Asian Pacific American legal organizations.
• Terry Shima to Receive 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal, by P.C. Staff, page 16. Terry Shima, a WWII veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and chair of JAVA’s Outreach and Education Committee, is among 18 recipients of the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal. President Obama will award the nation’s second-highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony recognizing exemplary public service.

Arts & Entertainment

• ‘Allegiance’ Wins Outstanding New Musical Award, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Japanese American internment-themed musical ‘Allegiance’ won three awards at the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle’s Craig Noel Awards, including outstanding new musical. The show, starring George Takei and Lea Salonga, has generated debate over its portrayal of JACL and Mike Masaoka, with creators hoping it moves to Broadway.
• Who Says ‘Monday Mornings’ Are Dull?, by Leiloni De Gruy, contributing writer, page 8. Korean American actor Keong Sim discusses his role as Dr. Sung Park, a gruff neurosurgeon, in TNT’s new medical drama ‘Monday Mornings’ based on Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s novel. Sim reflects on avoiding stereotypes, learning violin for the role, and connecting the character to his own father’s thwarted medical career.

JACL

• Greetings From JACL’s National Convention Committee, by Floyd Mori, page 13. Floyd Mori outlines plans for the 2013 JACL National Convention in Washington, D.C., which will mark the 25th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. The convention will feature a new format including an Opening Banquet, a National Archives reception showcasing the original Redress Bill, and high-level government speakers.

Obituaries

• Grace Matsushima Tribute, page 15. Grace Matsushima, 86, of Fairview Park, Calif., born in El Centro, passed away Dec. 21, survived by her husband John and other family members. She was preceded in death by her son, Col. Mark Matsushima of the U.S. Air Force, and other siblings.

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