Pioneer UCLA Filmmaker Robert Nakamura to Retire

No Comments 20 January 2012

Robert A. Nakamura (UCLA photo)

With respect and admiration for his stellar record of achievement and with gratitude for service to campus and community, we announce, effective July 2012, the retirement of Professor Robert A. Nakamura after a thirty-three year career teaching Asian American Studies and Motion Picture/Television at UCLA.

Arts, Japanese, Performance Art, Taiko

Mu Daiko taiko drumming anniversary means concerts and a statewide tour

No Comments 14 January 2012

Mu Daiko taiko performers, Emma Valentine, left, Jennifer Weir, front, Jeffrey Ellsworth, back center, and Gregg Amundson, back right. (Mu Daiko photos)

By Mary Tan
AAP Staff Writer

An Expression of Japanese Culture

Do you like music? What if music had no melody or harmony and solely relies on rhythm alone to communicate subtle nuances and deep emotions? If that sounds intriguing to you, you may want to consider attending one of the upcoming performances of Minnesota’s premier taiko drumming ensemble.

Japanese, National, Obituary

Gordon Hirabayashi leaves lasting legacy

No Comments 14 January 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 6, 2012) — Gordon Hirabayashi died on Jan. 2, 2012. He was 93 years old and living in Edmonton, Alberta.

Asian Americans remember the contribution to civil rights from a young Japanese American man who made an unpopular decision at the time — even among many in his own community — in refusing to be interned against his will in WWII. His example today has serves as an alarm bell every time a disenfranchised community faces the threat of mob rule.

Editorial, Government, Japanese

JACL upset over New York Times Editorial

No Comments 25 December 2011

Dear Ms. Jill Abramson, Executive Editor The New York Times 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018,

December 19, 2011 — The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is gravely concerned by an article entitled “The How of an Internment, but Not All the Whys,” written by Edward Rothstein and printed in The New York Times on December 10, 2011. While we appreciate the author’s recognition of the historical significance of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, his critiques of the museum contain problematic views on the Japanese American community’s role in World War II.

Editorial, Government, Japanese, Veterans/Military

Advocate for Veto of National Defense Authorization Act

No Comments 25 December 2011

The Japanese American community has worked tirelessly to ensure that the illegal incarceration and indefinite detention of American citizens during World War II would never happen again. This Act contains language that may be interpreted to allow the President to authorize the military to detain anyone in our country, including U.S. citizens without charge or trial.

Please use the link below to send a message to President Obama.

Events, Japanese

Bonenkai 忘年会 & Kanna Club

No Comments 03 December 2011

Bonenkai 忘年会　& Kanna Club

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Join Japan America Society of Minnesota to celebrate for the traditional end of the year JASM gathering! This has been a favorite event for those who miss the Japanese end of the year party- the Bonenkai tradition. New members have a chance to mingle with long-term members at this fun event! The price is $10 for JASM members and $15 for non-members for the Bonenkai event that includes appetizers. Beverages are on your own account. Make reservations early to reserve your seat!

Arts, Figure Skating, Japanese, Performance Art

Japanese Skaters Ready to Wow Minnesota Crowds

No Comments 25 November 2011

Keiji Tsukamoto and Sachie Yamaguchi

By Mary Tan
AAP Staff Writer

Sachie Yamaguchi and Keiji Tsukamoto are bringing the magic of Disney On Ice to Minnesota. They are ready to captivate audiences and stir the childhood imaginations that remain part of us all.

This season’s Disney “Treasure Trove” show has been called “an action-packed ice adventure” that takes audience members through several Disney animated favorites such as Peter Pan, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and Alice in Wonderland.

Japanese, Veterans/Military

100/442 received Congressional Gold Medal

1 Comment 05 November 2011

AARP hosted a special Congressional Gold Medal replica presentation in Washington on Nov. 2. From left, Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, AARP; Susumu Ito, Congressional Gold Medal Honoree; David Kim, AARP; Jake lozada, AARP; Ito’s grandson. (AARP photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 3, 2011) — On Nov. 2, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus honored Japanese-American veterans of the U.S. Army’s 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service for their dedicated service during World War II.

Business, Japanese

Japan: Road to Recovery – Challenges and Opportunities

No Comments 29 October 2011

Tatsuhiro Shindo, CED, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Chicago

The Japan America Society of Minnesota will hold its Corporate Roundtable on Wed., Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. program at Gray Plant Mooty Mooty & Bennett, P.A., IDS Center, 80 S 8th St. Minneapolis, MN 55402. Light refreshments will be provided.

This month’s guest presenter is Tatsuhiro Shindo, Chief Executive Director, of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Chicago since April 2010. As CEO Shindo oversees JETRO Chicago’s activities designed to facilitate business development between Japan and the business community of 12 state Midwest U.S. region offices.

Government, International, Japanese

San Francisco-Shanghai Sister Cities start Green Era

No Comments 01 October 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — On Sunday, September 25, 2011, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng met San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee for the first time to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City Committee.

The meeting marked the first time two mayors of Chinese heritage met in the history of US-China and San Francisco-Shanghai relations. The historic occasion marks a new era for the San Francisco-Shanghai relationship, the 31-year old Committee and San Francisco Mayor.

“San Francisco and Shanghai are model cities for innovative solutions and ideas,” said San Francisco Mayor Lee, host of the September 25 event. “Our shared commitment to sustainable development and economic prosperity is at the heart of the progress and promise between the people of Shanghai and San Francisco.

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