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New Year’s Greetings ー Makoto Iyori Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle

By
N.A.P Staff
-

Happy New Year!

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate-General of Japan in Tacoma, the predecessor to our current Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Washington. Delving into our history, the Japanese Consulate-General was established in Tacoma in 1895, largely due to the existing regular shipping routes and railroads in the city at that time. In 1896, with the opening of NYK Line’s regular route to Seattle, Japanese immigration began to increase significantly, leading to the relocation of the Consulate-General to Seattle in early 1901. Although it was closed on December 30, 1941, due to the impacts of World War II, it reopened on June 12, 1950, and continues to serve the region today.

In an effort to restore and expand two-way tourism that had declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan and the United States designated 2024 as the “U.S.-Japan Tourism Exchange Year.” Throughout the year, both governments and private-sector tourism stakeholders have collaborated closely to implement initiatives and events in both countries. Our consulate has actively promoted inbound tourism to Japan through Japanese cultural events and social media, among other means. As a result, the number of American visitors to Japan is expected to exceed 2.5 million, marking an all-time high. Japan also reached a record with approximately 3.3 million international visitors in July 2024. The annual total is projected to surpass 35 million—both record figures.

In Japan, the 2025 World Expo will be held in Osaka at Yumeshima Island from April 13 to October 13. Anticipation for the Expo is growing in both Japan and the U.S. We hope many people will visit Japan to discover the country’s hidden charms, including those highlighted by the Expo.

This year, as last year, will feature not only sister city exchange events but also grassroots cultural exchanges such as mutual visits by middle and high school students who represent the next generation. Capitalizing on these opportunities, we aim to showcase the allure of Japan in Washington, Montana, and northern Idaho, fostering even deeper connections and exchanges in the realm of business, culture, tourism between our regions.

Wishing you all good health and happiness in the coming year.

Makoto Iyori
Consul General of Japan in Seattle

701 Pike Street, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-9107
info@se.mofa.go.jp

New Year’s Greetings from NAP ー Tomio Moriguchi & Bruce Rutledge

By
N.A.P Staff
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Tomio Moriguchi, NAP Publisher

Happy Year of the Snake to our community of readers and advertisers! We are grateful for your support.

One of the highlights of 2024 was a very special trip this fall to Shikoku, Japan, with 20 others from our community. As many of you know, my father, Fujimatsu Moriguchi, was born near Matsuyama, a major city on Shikoku Island, and learned his trade in Uwajima. Our tour of the island was a wonderful experience that highlighted the close ties between Shikoku and Seattle. We dined and drank sake with Ehime Prefecture government officials, were greeted by the mayor of Uwajima, and had memorable interactions with students in Matsuyama and Uwajima. Perhaps the most amazing encounter was when our tour bumped into Ei Takahashi, the grandson of Prime Minister Takeo Miki. Takahashi was campaigning for a Diet seat in Tokushima when Don Mukai and Vicki Toyohara, members of our tour, introduced themselves. I had met Ei years ago when he was a young man studying in Tacoma. It was a delight to be reunited with him! And the cherry on top was that he won his race and is now in Japan’s Diet. Perhaps he will follow in his grandfather’s footsteps!

Tomio Moriguchi, NAP Publisher

Bruce Rutledge, NAP General Manager

Happy New Year! Thanks to your support, The North American Post and Soy Source had a good 2024. Both publications are now in full color and in good hands as our editors settle into their roles. And now that the pandemic is well behind us, you will see our staff at community events, snapping photographs and interviewing people. It feels good to have those connections back.

We also continued our Japan tours in 2024 and are planning two more for this year. One of the highlights last year was a spring tour to Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond. It had us parading in the Kobe Matsuri along with Mayor Bruce Harrell. Also, we enjoyed a special autumn trip to Shikoku with Tomio. These are not cookie cutter tours: our deep connections here and in Japan always seem to deliver some very special moments. If you have not joined us yet, we hope you will.

Bruce Rutledge, NAP General Manager

New Year’s Greetings ー Tacoma Buddhist Temple & Konko Church of Seattle

By
N.A.P Staff
-

Tacoma Buddhist Temple

Happy New Year, Everyone! 明けましておめでとうございます！
I hope that you all will enjoy some quality time with family and friends in the New Year! The idea I would like everyone to ponder on this coming year of 2025 is “Wisdom and Compassion.” Everyone in the world experiences a type of suffering that universally occurs throughout our lives. We are worried or elated about the outcome of an election. Our sense of being is either validated or shaken.

In progressing into the New Year, I hope we are able to realize that all of us, no matter who we are, experience suffering.goes beyond the mundane inconveniences that often occur, like someone cutting us off the freeway, someone talking over you, someone taking the last of a food item you wanted, etc.

The suffering that Buddha expressed prevents us from fully awakening to reality. This strong sense of “my point of view” and “my reality” is that way of thinking. The suffering of deep anger that rises can cause violence. This results from the suffering or dukkha that we humans all share .

At the same time, Buddha taught us of the constant presence of wisdom and compassion for our benefit. The light of wisdom and the warmth of compassion reaches us even now. In times of sadness and anger, we tend to think of ourselves in the singular. However, when we can confide in a friend, a family member, a therapist or a teacher, and we are open to it, we can receive the loving compassionate care that Buddha taught us.

Let us begin this year looking towards that wisdom and compassion and inspire to continue this year with a deep sense of compassion for all. Namo Amida Butsu.

Rev. Tadao Koyama

1717 S. Fawcett Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 627-1417
info@tacomabt.org

Konko Church of Seattle

Greetings,

Congratulations on another year filled with divineblessings. This year we honor the spiritof Rev. Heiki Konko who passed away this summer.Rev. Heiki Konko was afifth-generation descendant of the founderof the Konko Faith, Ikigami Konko Daijin. He served as the principal mediator and leader of the Konko Faith from1991 to 2021.

During his tenure as theprincipal mediator, he led prayer every morning and offered sacred mediation atKonkokyo headquarters in Japan.  This dailygoyo, sincere offering of self to fulfill Kami’s Will, was offered seven daysper week and 365 days per year for 30 years. He once described the Konko Faith as “This – the Way of Kami and people– will help Kami and save people”.

In North America,we have been blessed to offer this Way of sacred mediation through the work ofthe eternal divine mediator, Ikigami Konko Daijin, since 1928 when the firstKonko Church in North America (Seattle) was established.Let us practice faith and receive divine blessingsthroughout 2025. Remember that a peaceful world begins with peace within ourhearts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sincerely,

Rev. Robert Giulietti
Head Ministe rKonko Church of Seattle

1713 South Main Street
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 325-4498

New Year’s Greetings ー Japan America Society of the State of Washington & Densho The Japanese American Legacy Project

By
Hikari Kono
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Japan America Society of the State of Washington

Dear Friends and Community Members,

新年明けましておめでとうございます！

As Chair of the Japan America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW), an organization dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States, I am thrilled to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and prosperous New Year.

As we start 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. The snake is often associated with wisdom, intuition and transformation – all essential attributes as we embrace changes and growth in our evolving world.

As we face so much happening globally, the importance of grassroots connections cannot be overstated. It is the local relationships and community ties that empower us to foster resilience and mutual support. The Japan America Society strives to link together people and organizations who want to deepen the bonds of communities,. We can strengthen the foundation for cross-cultural understanding and partnership, and provide a sense of belonging.

We warmly invite you to engage in our upcoming events and activities that honor our rich cultural tapestry. Whether you are a long-standing member or joining us for the first time, there is a welcoming place for everyone in our vibrant community of JASSW.

Wishing you all great happiness, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Masami Katayama
2024-2025 Chair of Japan America Society of the State of Washington

3010 77th Ave SE, Suite 102
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 374-0180, jassw@jassw.org

Densho The Japanese American
Legacy Project

Dear Friends,

As we look to the New Year, I find myself reflecting on the importance of our work together. Now, more than ever, I believe that our efforts to preserve and share our history matter—especially as we confront increasing misinformation around our collective past. I am grateful to be part of a community with such a deeply held commitment to stewarding the stories of our past for the generations of tomorrow.

Together, in 2025, we will continue adding new oral histories, photo collections, and other precious historical materials to Densho’s archives. By preserving these primary sources, we ensure that the authentic voices and lived experiences of Japanese Americans remain at the heart of the historical narrative, fostering a deeper, more expansive understanding of Japanese American history. I am also excited to expand our educational offerings and introduce new resources that will bring stories of the World War II incarceration into classrooms here in Seattle, Washington and across the country. And I look forward to collaborating with many of you as we approach this essential work—whether you share a collection with Densho’s archives team, utilize our Koseki Retrieval and Translation Service to retrace your family’s roots in Japan, or join us at an upcoming event.

Happy New Year from all of us at Densho! Please take care of yourselves and each other. We will continue forward together.

In community,

Naomi Ostwald Kawamura
Executive Director

1416 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, WA 98144
https://densho.org/

Resilience Through 120 Years!

By
N.A.P Contributor
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Resilience Through 120 Years!

By Reverend Karen Yokota Love
NAP Contributor

Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church (Blaine) on Beacon Hill in Seattle, Washington, is well known as a community space as well as a church. While many churches are closing or finding other ways to use its buildings and property, Blaine has robust and growing programs of its own. It also makes its facilities available for everything from political candidate forums to community basketball teams to local crafts fairs.

The church was first known as Seattle Japanese Methodist Episcopal Church when it was founded on January 28, 1904. Blaine’s history is tied to the larger history of Seattle and the role of pioneering missionary Reverend David Blaine, his wife Catherine, and nephew, Edward Linn Blaine. Catherine led English language classes for immigrant Japanese women. E. L. Blaine, was integral to the church’s place in Seattle throughout his life.

He continued to support the church until his death in 1954. In 1956, the church was renamed in honor of the late E. L. Blaine. He was a prominent Seattle civic leader and First United Methodist Church lay leader. Because Japanese were not allowed to own real estate, E. L. Blaine held the title to Blaine’s first church located on Washington Street in central Seattle. When the congregation was forcibly removed to American concentration camps during WWII in 1942, he looked after the property, where members stored their belongings.

Blaine was first an English-language ministry for the immigrant Issei (first generation Japanese American). It developed and nurtured a Japanese-language division for the American-born generations that followed. Today, while Blaine is still rooted in its Japanese American heritage, it is a multiethnic, multigenerational and reconciling congregation that supports LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning) rights. One of the meeting rooms at Blaine is named in honor of the late Bob Webb, a former Tuskegee Airman (first group of Black U.S. military pilots and airmen who served in World War II), who lived in Seattle for more than 40 years.

The church has grown and thrived through periods of good and bad times. Despite facing anti-Japanese and anti-immigrant, and discriminatory sentiment throughout much of its earliest decades, the church built a strong faith community. Blaine supports its members and serves the larger communities through local, national, and global missions; including advocacy for social justice and equity. The church also participated in the Seattle’s first open housing march as allies of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME). In more recent years, Blaine has been active in advocating for immigrant rights. The Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) started mental health counseling in a borrowed Blaine Sunday School room and Blaine continues to raise thousands of dollars for its Walk for Rice.

Other current community partners include Tsuru for Solidarity, Atlantic Street Center, Kimball Elementary School, and Mission Guatemala. In 2012, Blaine was honored by the International Examiner’s Community Voice Award for its long history of community service. Blaine will commemorate its 120 years of faith and mission on January 26, 2025 with an anniversary Sunday service. Special guests will help celebrate and reflect on its long history. The church looks forward to further growth and development in the next 120 years of service in love.

CELEBRATING 120 YEARS
BLAINE MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ALL ARE WELCOME

January 26, 2025
Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church
3001 24th Avenue South Seattle

10:00 AM: Sanctuary service with special guests.
12:00 PM: Lee Activities Center potluck program and historic exhibits.
Please bring a potluck dish to share.

Additional parking available at Kimball Elementary School.

Office Phone: 206-723-1536.
Email: blaineoffice@yahoo.com.
URL:https://blaineonline.org/contact/.
Contact Person: Rev. Karen Yokota Love.

 

10K and Still Running

By
N.A.P Contributor
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10K and Still Running

By Eric Uyeji
NAP Contributor

The year sure is flying by! I cannot believe it is already the end of the year. A few months back, I wrote about my desire to get back into running. It is something I have mentioned in the past and has been part of my life at various stages since high school.

Arthritis has hampered this effort the past four-five years. Now that I have had my hip surgically repaired, I felt this was a great time to start over. I had this conversation in my head a few years ago when a surgeon told me I had run my last 10K (ten kilometers/ 6.2 miles). I really want to conquer that.

Here is the hard part. My hip joint has difficulty dealing with the impact of running. Initially, after surgery, I started to push my running a little too early as the pain would come quickly and force me to stop. I waited almost a year and noticed less pain on a few runs, but then occasionally it would start up again. It is frustrating and, on top of that, I am out of shape!

As of now, I am attempting a few runs a week at various short distances. This journey appears to be longer than what I had originally thought. My goal is to run a pain-free three miles a week by the end of the year. Based on my old standards, this would be a snap but now it is actually a more realistic goal. If I can go pain-free every week then I can add more.

Next year I plan on running a 10K just to prove I can still do it. I am currently looking for a good race in the spring or summer of 2025 that will give me the necessary time to train and work up to that level. Wish me luck!

Year of the Snake Drawings by Seattle Japanese Language School Students 1/2

By
N.A.P Staff
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Japanese Cultural & Community Center of WA
ワシントン州日本文化会館

Year of the Snake Drawings by
Seattle Japanese Language School Students

By Maddie, 12 years old
By Ronan, 8 years old
By Mie, 11 years old
By Eleanor, 12 years old
By Ayako, 12 years old
By Edie, 9 years old
By Jameson, 10 years old
By Viola, 12 years old
By Mina, 10 years old
By Skyler, 14 years old
 By Satomi, 16 years old
By Chi-Chi, 9 years old

 

Youth Finance University

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

Youth Finance University

By Princeton Lok and WA DECA
NAP Contributor

I am Princeton Lock, a junior at Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington. I am reaching out to share an exciting initiative. It aims to make a difference in the community by teaching young people essential financial literacy skills. As part of a Washington DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) project, founded in 1946, WA DECA is a program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers. It teaches marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Our team of three has launched “Youth Finance University”. It is a free program offering financial education sessions for kids in elementary and middle school at local libraries.

The three of us 16-year-old students have experience tutoring at Kumon Education Company and Mathnasium Learning Center, although it is our first time teaching finance. I am the lead educator, as I have the most financial knowledge and strongest financial track record. (I have an e-commerce background and consistently outperformed the S&P 500 index every year since I was 12). Other team mentors include Nik Bhotika and William Ross, who have strong math and analytical skills as demonstrated by their rigorous course load at Newport.

Youth Finance University is a student-led effort designed to help kids understand the basics of money management. Through interactive and age-appropriate workshops, topics are introduced like saving, budgeting, and responsible spending. This aims to instill practical financial habits early on.

Meet Our Team
Princeton Lock ／Project Director
Princeton leads the team, spearheads outreach efforts, and designs course content, drawing on years of financial market experience since age 12 to create impactful lessons.
Nik Bhotika／Educational Coordinator
With classroom teaching experience from Kumon and tutoring at Mathnasium, Nik customizes the curriculum to meet each student’s unique learning needs.Will Ross／Educational Coordinator
Will oversees general instruction and regulates engagement, ensuring each and every student is having fun with each lesson while developing necessary skills.

As financial literacy becomes increasingly important, we believe it is essential to equip kids with the knowledge and skills they will need to make informed decisions in the future. By making these sessions free and accessible, we hope to support the community and foster a generation that feels empowered and financially confident.

We will continue working on this project after WA DECA, as we truly believe in impacting the community. This really is not about a project score or a grade — it is about helping the public. Over the long term, individuals with financial literacy are more likely to accumulate wealth and achieve higher income levels. Data reveals that low-income adults who participated in financial education programs saw a significant increase in net worth — up to 27 percent in some cases, according to research from Dartmouth College. In the future, we plan on expanding and scaling our initiative to recruit more teachers as we attract more students. We also plan on contacting curriculum developers across Washington State to see how they can better implement financial literacy courses within elementary and middle schools. I have reached out to middle school principals within the Bellevue School District to see if we can present at assemblies. It is hoped this initiative can benefit both the teacher and the student. It is presumed high-school teachers would gain teaching experience and the student would gain strong financial literacy skills which would benefit them in the future.

The team welcomes media coverage that could help spread the word about this project. We plan to find our potential clients/students through community outreach efforts, primarily through promotional posters at local libraries and community centers. However, the bulk of the traffic is expected to utilize our social media outreach. We plan to post on local Facebook/Nextdoor/etc. groups and create educational, short-form content on TikTok and Instagram.

At this time, this initiative is self-funded, though we are anticipating funding from our school’s WA DECA chapter. Support from local businesses or community organizations who may want to get involved is welcomed. Financial literacy is a lifelong skill. With the help of the community, we aim to inspire young people to make smart financial choices.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to highlight a project that aims to uplift the community’s youth Please check out our website for more information at: https://youthfinance.org/.

YFU — Youth Finance University
Aimed at empowering the next generation with financial literacy skills. (Youth Finance University is not an accredited university.)
Contact Us
+1 206-452-9123, Bellevue, WA
info@youthfinance.org
Follow Us
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/narcotic
Our Mission
To empower young minds with essential financial knowledge, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students aged 7+. As a DECA PMFL (Personal Financial Literacy) project, we believe that financial education should be available to everyone, regardless of their background. That is why we offer our comprehensive program completely free of charge.
Why?
To create a future where every young person in the greater Seattle area has the financial knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their money and investments.
How?
We combine peer-to-peer learning with practical exercises and real-world examples to make financial education engaging and relevant for young learners.
When and Where?
At the moment, we are currently searching for available space to teach our lessons. Please sign up below to get updates on when and where we will be holding our classes.

WA DECA is a not-for-profit student organization that has two unique student divisions — each with programs designed to address the learning styles, interest and focus of its members.

The experience starts in the classroom where students learn business concepts in preparation for college and careers. WA DECA brings the classroom to life by empowering the teacher-advisor to make learning relevant. It uses educational programs that integrate into classroom instructions, applies learning, connects to business and promotes competition. The successful integration of each four interconnected components results in a strong program producing college- and career-ready students.

WA DECA members are ambitious, high-achieving leaders equipped to conquer the challenges of their aspirations. Recognizing the benefits of service and responsibility to the community, they continually impact and improve their local and broader communities. Also, members are poised professionals with ethics, integrity and high standards. They are empowered through experience to provide effective leadership through goal setting, consensus building and project implementation.

Northwest Youth Corps Recruiting Interns at Japanese American Historical Sites

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

Northwest Youth Corps Recruiting Interns at
Japanese American Historical Sites

By Lev Kellendy and Peter Chesser
NAP Contributor

Exclusion from outdoor recreation reflects legacies of oppression in marginalized communities and makes access to the outdoors not equally available. Northwest Youth Corps’ (NYC) Conservation Internship Program was established in 2015 to provide paraprofessional experiences with land and water resource management agencies, such as the National Park Service (NPS). NYC’s Conservation Internship Program provides participants with paid opportunities to acquire the skills needed to qualify for permanent and seasonal employment opportunities.

Former NW Youth Corp intern Midori Tanada now a full-time National Park Ranger. Photo credit: NW Youth Corp.

In 2024, Northwest Youth Corps partnered with Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and the Minidoka National Historic Site near Jerome, Idaho, to host two 20-week interns from the Japanese American (JA) community. Interns 1) enhanced recreational and accessibility opportunities; 2) supported management of natural and cultural resources; 3) told the story of Executive Order 9066; and 4) supported and participated in the Minidoka Pilgrimage. These individuals were recruited and built relationships with under-represented communities and introduced them to the parks.

•　BAINBRIDGE ISLAND JAPANESE AMERICAN EXCLUSION MEMORIAL. The memorial honors the first JAs (227 Bainbridge Islanders) to be rounded up by the U.S. Army, forcibly removed from their community and incarcerated during World War II in 1942. At the memorial, visitors can reflect and learn about this site’s legacy of Nidoto Nai Yoni (Let It Not Happen Again). The intern will provide interpretation to around 25,000 people.
•　MINIDOKA NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. During World War II, over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated without due process of the law. The Minidoka Relocation Center once held over 13,000 JAs. The site still includes remains of root cellars, barracks, a mess hall and a fire station. Today, it preserves the legacy and teaches the public the importance of civil liberties. The intern provided assistance to more than 10,000 people.
•　Interns at Bainbridge and Minidoka also participated in a Minidoka pilgrimage which attracted an estimated 300 people and completed 150 hours of program development. This annual pilgrimage is an event that reflects on the incarceration of JAs during World War II. Survivors, their families and others also attended educational and historical discussions about the incarceration and its legacy.
The National Park Foundation funded support work such as:
•　The Seattle area national parks hosted eight NYC interns in 2023. They served at the Bainbridge memorial and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The parks work in educating the public, curating, archiving and conserving and preserving historical sites for future generations.
•　Over the last four years, NYC’s partnership with Southern Idaho National Parks (SOID) grew from five interns in 2019 to 20 interns in 2023. Due to the efforts of NPS mentors at the sites, interns had remarkable opportunities for success. They assisted in the facilitation of the 2023 Minidoka Pilgrimage, attended conferences for the American Association for State and Local History, designed new outreach and introduction materials, mapped unexplored caves, curated in-depth site tours, created scripts read by famous JAs in Tadaima — a community virtual pilgrimage — and recently announced the Minidoka WWII Replica Honor Roll update project. More information about the project can be found at: https://go.nps.gov/minidokahonor. The interns also assisted SOID staff in mission-critical work that helps preserve the natural and cultural resources found in Southern Idaho.
•　Each of the locations employed at least two NYC alumni and plans to hire more in the future.

Former NW Youth Corp intern Midori Tanada manning the National Perk Service booth. Japan Day event in Boise, Idaho promoting cultural awareness and education. Photo credit: NW Youth Corp.

NYC assisted interns in securing conservation-type job positions (in both the public and private sector) once their terms of service were over.

One example of this success is NYC alum, Kurt Ikeda, who was an interpretation intern at Minidoka in 2018. He secured a permanent position with the NPS at Minidoka as Director of Interpretation and Education in 2020. Kurt was later awarded the 2021 Outstanding Achievement in Humanities Award by the Idaho Humanities Council for his achievements sharing JA internment stories. NYC is proud of Kurt and the incredible professional path he has taken since his time with NYC.

Former NW Youth Corp intern Midori Tanada giving directions to Matthew Schlegel at the Minidoka site. Photo credit: NW Youth Corp.

Former intern, Emily Tanada, is the new permanent Park Ranger at Minidoka. Tanada’s recent (and past) work includes curated visitor center exhibits, in-depth site tours and scripts read by famous JAs in Tadaima – a community virtual pilgrimage. In 2022, Minidoka highlighted more of Tanada’s projects including updated brochures, wayside trail exhibits and the recently announced Minidoka WWII Replica Honor Roll Update Project.

Future NYC internships include:
•　BAINBRIDGE ISLAND JAPANESE AMERICAN EXCLUSION MEMORIAL. Interns will engage with more JAs and BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in Bainbridge, increase interpretation and focus on equity and inclusion within the park. Interns will also learn and conduct independent research on the history of JA incarceration with particular emphasis on the community of Bainbridge Island. They will share their knowledge with visitors through formal and informal tours. They will also develop original publications, web pages and content for social media. In addition, interns will work in collaboration with a park service ranger, the community and other partners.
•　MINIDOKA NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE. Interns will engage more JAs and BIPOCs in the story of Minidoka, increase the awareness of history and focus on equity and inclusion within the park. Interns will supplement the history, education and facilities management workforce by assisting in the visitor center, maintaining facilities and inviting public engagement with the JA incarceration.

For more information about the internships, see: https://www.nwyouthcorps.org/interns/

Calendar from 2025 New Year Issue (Dec. 27th 2024 Print)

By
N.A.P Staff
-
DECEMBER

Terry’s Kitchen New Year’s Eve Gala! – Tue, Dec 31, 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Terry’s Kitchen 5625 119th Ave SE, Bellevue. Featuring DJ Sheila E and DJ Craig! Dancing and celebrating your favorite music from past to present! Experience lighting and sound systems like you haven’t seen or heard before! Appetizers, party favors, selfie photo booth and a champagne toast at midnight! Advance tickets online $35/PP. At the door $40/PP. Capacity is limited. Presented by Chic Sound Productions, Nastymix Entertainment, and Terry’s Kitchen. Get your tickets now at: https://www.terryskitchenbellevue.com

Red and WhiteSong Gassen on New Year’s Day – now until Jan 3 Kohaku Channel will be set up temporarily where KohakuUta Gassen will be re-broadcast multiple time at a fixed time.  Now until Jan 5, sign up using coupon code”JME24″ from the Jme website. First month is half price off regular monthly fee of $25. For moreinformation,  visit https://www.watch.jme.tv.

JANUARY 2025 & ONWARDS

MochitzukiEvent, Call for Volunteers – Sat, Jan11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Seattle Chapter –Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) needs volunteers of all ages from itsmembership for the upcoming community-only event in Seattle. To volunteer or attend, please contactTsuki Nomura-Henley at:  snowy3000@gmail.com.

Seattle Fukushima NewYear’s Party – SU, Jan 19, 2025, 1 p.m., Terry’sKitchen, 5625 119th Ave SE, Bellevue.  Please RSVP by SU, Jan 5 to:  seattlefukushima@gmail.com.

Sixth SEIJIN-shiki USA by JIA (Japanese in America) Foundation – Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 2 p.m. (doors open), 3 p.m. (program begins), Meydenbauer Center Theatre, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue. Anyone whose birthday falls between January 2003 and March 2005 regardless of nationality, ethnicity or Japanese language proficiency can register. Free to attend; pre-registration is required and now open at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seijin-shiki-usa-2025-tickets-1022268993077; space limited to first 150 registrants. General public registration opens Jan 1, limited seating, $10 per person. Donors who contribute $100 or more will be given priority invitations to VIP seating. SEIJIN-shiki USA is every other year starting 2025. No SEIJIN-shiki USA 2026. The seventh SEIJIN-shiki USA is 2027. For more information, see: https://seijinusa.org/2025-celebration/.

Manzanar, Diverted, film screening and director Q&A – Thu, Jan 26. Fri, 27, 4-6 p.m. Free but registration required at: https://events.uw.edu/d/9lqp1q/. University of Washington Seattle campus, Kane Hall, Room 220, 1410 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle. The UW College of Arts & Sciences Walter Chapin Simpson Center is hosting the screening of “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust,” a film by Japanese American director Ann Kaneko in collaboration with Native executive producer (Tracy Rector, Choctaw/Seminole). The film tells the story of the Manzanar concentration camp in southern California, and the longer history of the dispossession of the Nüümü (Paiute) and News (Shoshone) lands called Payahüünadü, the place where water always flows.

FEBRUARY

“My Lost Freedom – A Japanese American World War II Story” children’s picture book – by actor George Takei with illustrations by Michelle Reis. Southern Books in Tokyo, Japan currently crowdfunding thru Feb 5 to translate and publish the non-fiction book. It depicts Takei’s life in a Japanese-American internment camp. His career spans six decades, a Grammy-nominated artist and New York Times bestselling author. Takei appeared in over 40 films and hundreds of television roles, most notably as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek. See: https://greenfunding.jp/thousandsofbooks/projects/8629.

Jack the Giant – by artist June Sekiguchi. A new outdoor sculpture commissioned by the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Based on the children’s game of jacks, this sculpture is the largest iteration the artist has produced. The nostalgic incarnation of a jack is located at the Seattle Center by the Mural Amphitheatre – the epicenter of festivals, culture and play. On view through Feb 2025. https://www.JuneSekiguchi.com.

Save The Date – Annual Wing Luke Dinner & Auction – Sat, Mar 22. Location to be announced. Community support allows us to continue telling AANHPI stories, to engage with youth through our education programs, and to be a place where people can discover and make history. See: wingluke.org.

 

 

Movie Review : Film Highlights LGBT Issues

By
N.A.P Staff
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Movie Review : Film Highlights LGBT Issues

By Chisaki Sato
NAP Contributor

On November 18th at the University of Washington (UW) campus in Seattle, Washington, the film screening of Karankoe no Hana was hosted by the UW Japan Studies Program. About 10 people gathered to watch the film and share their thoughts afterward.

This short film, directed by Nakagawa Shun in 2017, explores the challenges faced by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender) individuals. It is from the perspective of those around them, rather than from the viewpoint of the individuals themselves.

The story begins with a teacher briefly remarking before class that LGBT (Q+ [queer/questioning, and others]) people are real and normal. This prompts students to speculate about whether there might be an LGBT person in their classroom and question why the teacher mentioned LGBT issues. The film focuses on the students’ reactions, conversations and assumptions.

Karankoe (Flaming Katy), the name of a flower in Japanese, symbolizes the loneliness and complex emotions which are difficult to express in words. The film carries a bittersweet tone. It highlights the sensitivity of LGBT issues, showing that they are present in our lives, but often remain silent. This is especially true in Japan, where LGBT issues are becoming more visible but still lack widespread acceptance.

More people should watch this film to better understand the diverse perspectives on these challenges.

The film won the Grand Prix in a 2017 competition at the 26th Rainbow Reel Tokyo (Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival) in Japan.

WHIAANHPI’s New Executive Director

By
N.A.P Contributor
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WHIAANHPI’s New Executive Director

By U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
NAP Contributor

Left to right: HHS Sec. Xavier Becerra, former WHIAANHPI Exec. Dir. Krystal Ka‘ai, WHIAANHPI Exec. Dir. Helen Beaudreau, and U.S. Trade Rep. Amb. Katherine Tai in front of the Navy Steps, Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C.

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the U.S. President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) announced Helen Beaudreau has been selected by U.S. President Joseph Biden as its new executive director.

“Beaudreau spent her career working to advance equity for underserved communities,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said, “As a first-generation American, she also brings empathy and compassion, especially for the most vulnerable and next generation.”

Beaudreau has worked for two decades in various roles at the White House National Security Council, Peace Corps, and the U.S. House of Representatives. She is the first Korean American to be the executive director of the commission.

WHIAANHPI was established by U.S. President Biden through Executive Order 14031 and amended by Executive Order 14109. It is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.

Takashi Hoshizaki Receives Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation

By
N.A.P Contributor
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Takashi Hoshizaki Receives Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation

By Ray Locker
NAP Contributor

Left to Right: Dr. Takashi Hoshizaki and Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, California hold the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California.
Photo credit: Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation.

Takashi Hoshizaki, a member of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors and a former World War II draft resister, received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation during a ceremony at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California. Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles presented the award.

The ceremony took place two days after Hoshizaki turned 99 years old. He is the oldest member of the Heart Mountain board and is one of the few surviving draft resisters from the camps that held more than 125,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.

Hoshizaki was recognized for his contributions to U.S.-Japanese relations, his leadership in creating the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation and for his career in the space program. An eminent botanist, he conducted research into circadian rhythms which took him to the Antarctica. He spent his career at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory – a federally funded research and development center in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

“I have known Takashi Hoshizaki since my mother died in 2005, and over the years I have worked closely with him in building our museum and now the Mineta-Simpson Institute,” said Shirley Ann Higuchi, chair of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation board. “He has taught me a lot about the need for civility, patience and integrity. These attributes are now part of our core values at Heart Mountain.”

The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, a Smithsonian Affiliate, preserves the site where some 14,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated in Wyoming from 1942 through 1945. Their stories are told within the foundation’s museum at the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, located between the towns of Cody and Powell.

For more information, call the center at (307) 754-8000 or email: info@heartmountain.org.

San Franciso State University establishes Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Distinguished Endowed Chair in Nikkei Studies with Landmark Gift

By
N.A.P Contributor
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San Franciso State University establishes Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Distinguished Endowed Chair in Nikkei Studies with Landmark Gift

By Strategic Marketing and Communications,
San Franciso State University
NAP Contributor

Historic $4.2 million donation from the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation will advance awareness, understanding and appreciation of Japanese American experiences.

Left to right: San Francisco State University Asian American Studies Chair Wesley Ueunten, donor Masako Takahashi and San Franciso State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Amy Sueyoshi, all of whom have Japanese ancestry, sign the gift agreement. Photo credit: San Franciso State University.

San Francisco State University in California received a $4.2 million gift from the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation to establish the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Distinguished Chair in Nikkei (Japanese American) Studies. This faculty position is the first endowed chair in the University’s College of Ethnic Studies. It is also the first in the Asian American Studies department, which is the oldest and largest in the country and is at the forefront of curriculum development used by schools and universities nationwide.

Nikkei Studies centers the history, culture and experiences of the global Japanese diaspora and its intersectional communities.The new distinguished endowed chair will focus on increasing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the historical and contemporary experiences of Japanese Americans and the worldwide Nikkei diaspora.
“With this new role, San Francisco State can play a critical part in promoting and advancing the field of Nikkei Studies,” San Francisco State College of Ethnic Studies Dean Grace Yoo said. “We are deeply grateful for the foundation’s generosity and for trusting San Francisco State to establish this important position for the university and broader community.”

The Distinguished Endowed Chair in Nikkei Studies will join the San Francisco State faculty in 2025 and will:
⚫ Collaborate and exchange ideas with national and international scholars in Nikkei Studies.
⚫ Lead the development of curricula and resources for teaching Nikkei Studies at the university and K-12 school levels nationwide.
⚫ Further frameworks of social justice and self-determination in advancing Nikkei Studies.
⚫ Promote Nikkei Studies on campus and engage with the Nikkei community in the Bay Area and beyond,

“One major aspect of this position is focusing on strengthening the relationship between the University and [the] community,” San Francisco State Professor and Chair of Asian American Studies Wesley Ueunten said. “We want to ensure people within and outside our campus community have opportunities to engage with and learn about Nikkei Studies.”
Masako Takahashi, a San Franciso-based artist born in Utah’s Topaz concentration camp during World War II, is the president of the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation. The foundation, established in 1986 by her parents Henri and Tomoye Takahashi and Tomoye’s sister, Martha Masako Suzuki, is a philanthropic leader in the Japanese American community and in fostering friendly relations with Japan through cultural and educational projects.

“When I attended the university’s last Alumni Hall of Fame celebration and heard the honorees speak, it was clear to me that San Francisco State and its graduates show a deep commitment to supporting minorities and the marginalized,” Masako Takahashi said. “It made me feel our funding could support a good place —a place for good.”

About San Fransisco State University

San Francisco State University is a public university serving students from the San Francisco Bay Area, across California and around the world. It also serves nationally acclaimed programs that span a broad range of disciplines. More than 23,000 students enroll at the university each year. Its more than 293,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond. Through them, and more than 1,800 world-class faculty members, San Francisco State proudly embraces its legacy of academic excellence.community engagement and It is also committed to social justice. For more information, visit sfsu.edu.

Tomio Moriguchi Receives Citizen Award

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
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Tomio Moriguchi Receives Citizen Award

By Barbara Mizoguchi
NAP Editor

Left to right: Tomio Moriguchi; Karen Zaugg Black, co-Mistress of Ceremonies; Hieu Moriguchi, oldest grandson of Tomio; and Andrew McMasters, co-Master of Ceremonies. Photo credit: Barbara Mizoguchi.

On December 3, Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW) celebrated its 101st anniversary during its annual Holiday Dinner. At the event, Tomio Moriguchi of Seattle, Washington was presented with the Tom Foley International Citizen Award by Karen Zaugg Black, JASSW Board of Directors former Chair and Co-Mistress of Ceremonies, and Andrew McMasters, co-Master of Ceremonies. The award recognizes those who are helping to promote a better understanding of cultural and economic issues between the people of Washington State and Japan. The award is named in honor of the late honorable Tom S. Foley, a Washington State native who first worked as a lawyer then became the 49th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and later, U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

Moriguchi humbly accepted the award with his oldest grandson Hieu Moriguchi, 17. Heiu offered modest yet proud words about his grandfather on behalf of all Tomio’s grandchildren.

Congratulations, Tomio!

 

Kelli Nomura, ICHS CEO Named Diversity Champion

By
N.A.P Contributor
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Kelli Nomura, ICHS CEO Named Diversity Champion

By International Community and Health Services
NAP Contributor

Kelli Nomura, ICHS CEO, was named Diversity Champion.

International Community Health Services (ICHS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kelli Nomura, has been named Diversity Champion and selected as one of 15 preeminent health care leaders of the Puget Sound region in Washington State by the Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ). “Kelli Nomura has proven to be committed to working to achieve health equity,” said Alice Braverman, ICHS Foundation Executive Director. “She is well known for her advocacy to remove barriers to care. Nomura works to create a continuum of quality health services that advocates for health access for low-income people.”

The PSBJ launched the annual Health Care Leadership Awards in 2019. The program recognizes doctors, researchers, administrators and executives whose work provides models on how care can be delivered, and tools for the prevention and alleviation of illness. The awards recognize innovative and influential thinkers whose leadership has an indelible impact on the region.

Nomura has been a health care and community leader in the Puget Sound area for over 30 years. Prior to her appointment as ICHS’ CEO in 2022, she served on the ICHS Board of Directors for over 10 years with an emphasis on strategic planning and community relations. Nomura wanted to gain awareness of other areas of the medical health system for Seattle communities particularly the AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) community. “I have been connected to or interested in the integration of behavioral health with medical care because I believe that it is so important to treat the whole person and not separate treatment of the head from the body,” Nomura said. “[ICHS is] committed to providing those services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way. We serve everyone, that is really where our mission is. [We make] sure that the community, AAPI community as well as immigrants and refugees who do not have access to health care [or] have a place to go.”

ICHS is a federally qualified community health center that has been at the forefront of advancing health equity for low-income, uninsured, and immigrants and refugees in King County regardless of language or financial barriers. In 2023, ICHS served 31,230 patients. Four out of five of them were low-income and seven out of nine were people of color. ICHS welcomes all people regardless of language, immigration status or financial barriers.

Earlier this year, ICHS was awarded the Health Center Quality Leader Gold Badge from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for its clinical quality performance and ability to improve health outcomes.

“Under Nomura’s leadership, ICHS has been able to adapt to the pandemic and post-pandemic needs of the communities we serve,” said Braverman. Nomura has also overseen the continuing development and planning of the new Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center, which offers a 25,000-square-foot space to provide services to the community. It plans to open in Seattle in 2025. When completed, the center will quadruple the number of vulnerable older adults served at ICHS.

Prior to joining ICHS as CEO, Nomura served as division director for the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division of King County’s Department of Community and Human Services in Seattle. She was dedicated to ensuring access to high-quality behavioral health services for low-income people of all ages in King County. Nomura was responsible for mental health and substance use disorder prevention, intervention and treatment services with a focus on recovery, as well as the management of the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Behavioral Health sales tax revenues. Under her leadership, King County assumed the role of managing and coordinating the King County Integrated Care Network of Providers, enhancing consumer choice for behavioral health services county-wide. She also took on direct responsibility for serving as the Administrative Service Organization for the region coordinating the county’s crisis response services and access to care.

Prior to joining King County in 2016, Nomura worked over 30 years in clinical and leadership roles within the behavioral health provider network. She also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, both from the University of Washington. This is where she connected with the King County behavioral health organization and where she would eventually work after graduating.

Nomura grew up outside of Portland, Oregon. Her father was a physician, so she learned early on the importance of health care and preventative health, as well as the importance of access to health care. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in the field of health.

For more information about ICHS, visit: ichs.com.

 

Meet the FIFA World Cup Seattle 2026 CEO

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
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⚽️ Meet the FIFA World Cup Seattle 2026 CEO ⚽️

By Barbara Mizoguchi
NAP Editor

May 2023, top of the Space Needle — announcement of FIFA World Cup™ SEA 2026 coming to Seattle, WA. Photo credit: Jose Moreno.

Early this past summer, I was interested in interviewing Peter Tomozawa about his new job. After briefly meeting him in person, he agreed to meet at a later date and speak more in depth.

Tomozawa is the new Seattle 2026 (SEA 2026) Chief Executive Officer of the local organizing committee in charge of preparing the city for the 2026 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup™. This is the world’s largest sporting event occurring every four years with more teams, countries, and cities participating in 2026 than ever before. Forty-eight teams will be participating in three countries and 16 cities. Five and a half billion viewers will be watching the matches (games) compared to 175 million who watch the Super Bowl American football games.

September 2024, Seattle Sounders MLS RAVE Foundation mini-pitch opening at Chief Leschi Schools, Puyallup, WA.
Photo credit: Corky Trewin.

Seattle will have approximately two billion viewers during the six matches. Tomozawa said, “The best thing I saw [at a World Cup™] … was the electric atmosphere all around … and the excitement that people were there from all walks of life, all parts of the world, having a great time. One of the things that FIFA and the World Cup™ does is unify the world in a positive way and we got to see that.” Monica Paul, executive director of the Dallas Sports Commission who attended the 2018 World Cup™ in Russia said, “Until you are able to see a World Cup™, it is different than any major event that we have hosted in terms of the magnitude and overall footprint.”

For the 2026 event, it was a years-long competition between dozens of cities across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. The winning host cities are Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico; and Atlanta, Boston, the Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Seattle in the U.S. The World Cup™ will be held across four time zones and as far apart as 3,500 miles. As a result, each host city will be planning its transportation carefully. Also, each stadium that does not have natural grass on its pitch (field) will have to install natural grass over its turf.

Peter Tomozawa, SEA 2026 CEO for FIFA World Cup™. Photo credit: Corky Trewin.

FIFA planned for 11 cities in the U.S. The massive local support of soccer in Seattle, especially with the hometown Sounders MLS (Major League Soccer) team, also added to the city’s attractiveness as a host. In addition, the close proximity to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada is ideal for FIFA. Seattle will host six matches. While Lumen Field will need a grass surface overlaid, the fan excitement includes international teams that have played in Seattle in the past. Beth Knox, president and chief executive officer for the Seattle Sports Commission and SEA 2026 Bid Committee Co-Chair says, “Seattle brings a passionate soccer fan base … Just as important as welcoming the world to the Emerald City, SEA 2026 will leave a meaningful and lasting legacy by increasing access to soccer pitches for kids across the state, creating solutions that address social and environmental justice issues, and contributing to the economic vitality of our unique and diverse neighborhoods.”

As FIFA delegates reviewed each city proposal, candidates explained their approaches to sustainability, human rights, legacy, general infrastructure and financial impact. The non-profit organization then conducted city visits, toured potential training sites, and listened to presentations. Some of the criteria included the cities’ ability to reserve 14,000+ hotel rooms during the summer of 2026; and dozens of ancillary events, specifically Fan Fests, to be identified. This is where Tomozawa comes in.

He oversees all administrative, commercial and operational elements of SEA 2026. One of his first successes was partnering with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. It is the first time in the World Cup’s™ history that indigenous people have entered into an agreement with a host city. “In 2026, we want to leave behind a people-based legacy impacting our community, culture and children that will strengthen the foundation for the future of humanity, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians is the perfect cultural partner to support our efforts,” said Tomozawa. The Puyallup Tribe is a federally recognized sovereign nation that will work with the SEA 2026 on initiatives throughout the next several years. It will allow the tribe opportunities to share its story on the global stage. “Soccer is the international instrument to bring people together in a good way and for us to have a piece of that is really an honor,” said Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud. Matt Wadhwani, financial and economic development officer for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, said, “Not only does it give us the opportunity to show the world how far we have come but it also brings invaluable exposure to our thriving businesses and enterprises we are developing for the future.” Tomozawa said he is looking forward to bringing on nine more strategic partners.

Other strategies include following SEA 2026’s mission to foster a lasting legacy, innovation and inclusion. As for including the Seattle Japanese American community and the Chinatown-International District, Tomozawa says, “We are working to better establish positive and lasting ties between Asian American Pacific Islanders and other communities… SEA 2026 is already working with neighborhood leaders, residents and businesses.” The information sessions and follow-up surveys will be integrated into the overall SEA 2026 planning. Not only is there interest in learning from and helping enhance communities, it is hoped FIFA visitors will dine and shop in the neighborhoods. Tomozawa mentioned they are also providing capacity building support by working with “transportation agencies to optimize match day travel while maintaining general community mobility.”

Although SEA 2026 is still in the planning stages working with communities, there is a quiet sense from Tomozawa that he understands communities and past immigrant struggles. In the late 1950s, his father was studying at the University of Tokyo, Japan then moved to Cambridge, England to become a professor of physics. Then he worked at the University of London in England while living in Golders Green, northeast of London where Tomozawa was born. But he did not understand until he was an adult why his family lived there. In those days, renting was based on race – like redlining in American real estate. The area was even known as JJ Town due to the Jewish and Japanese living there with Jewish delis, synagogues, and Japanese and Asian grocery stores. His family then moved to Pisa, Italy and Princeton, New Jersey. Tomozawa was about six years old, not knowing the English language. For the most part, Tomozawa grew up in Michigan where his father continued as a physics professor at the University of Michigan (UM).

Tomozawa earned a bachelor’s degree from the UM and a master’s degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career at IBM then joined Goldman Sachs, becoming the Global Head of Foreign Exchange Sales. The job had him living in New York, New York; Tokyo, Japan; and London, England. He was a member of the Federal Reserve Bank Foreign Exchange Committee and continues to consult for the International Monetary Fund.

After Tomozawa retired, he moved to Hawaii and wanted to become more civic-minded. He then became executive director of business development for the county and city mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii. He was vice president and executive director of partnerships and board relations for the L.A. (Los Angeles) 2028 Exploratory Committee in California, which bid on the 2028 Olympic Games. He proposed a low-risk, high-tech and sustainable Games plan that helped win the bid.

Tomozawa is clearly qualified for his current job in Seattle though many were curious as to why he is interested in soccer. His youngest son (of five children) tried out for the Seattle Sounders MLS Soccer Youth Academy and was accepted. As a result, when the family moved to Seattle, Tomozawa became a minority owner of the Sounders, then president of its business operations.

SEA 2026 is currently working with FIFA and other partners to identify training facilities throughout the state. In the meantime, the Sounders has a RAVE Foundation that helps build mini-pitches for children across the state. Since the goal of building 26 by 2026 has already been surpassed, RAVE partnered with SEA 2026 to build another 26 by 2026. The first mini-pitch was opened at Puyallup Tribe of Indians Chief Leschi Schools this past September.

Although SEA 2026 has been working with the City of Seattle, King County, and State of Washington, it has also been working with security at the national, state, and local levels since 2023. The chief of security officer has been working closely with other host cities on protocols, screening, and crowd management to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This includes transportation to and from the matches and participation in the Fan Fest, in order for fans to have a positive experience. Tomozawa asserts, “Building a positive and lasting legacy is critical to our mission…We are looking to extend the community impact of the 1962 World’s Fair via the 2026 World Cup.”

Brightspot Design Brings Smiles

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
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Brightspot Design Brings Smiles

By Barbara Mizoguchi
NAP Editor

Artist Emily Chan in her studio.

A few years ago, I was looking at greeting cards at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle and noticed very unique and Asian-inspired cards that stood out from all the others. You, too, may have seen them at the Uwajimaya stores. They are the watercolor ones with Asian food designs and charming faces. Below the designs are humorous sayings such as “I ramen-bered your birthday”, “Today is all a bao you!”, and “You spice up my rice”. A few weeks ago, I got a chance to meet the artist behind the designs. She is Emily Chan, a Seattleite, who claims she is the introverted one and her husband Jason is the extroverted one helping with her publicity full-time.

Some of Emily’s greeting cards. Photo credit: Ling Ling Zheng Photography.

In school, Emily did not feel she fit in since no one understood her as an Asian American. Instead, she spent her recess periods in the art room helping the art teacher clean supplies rather than being alone on the monkey bars. Thanks to her teacher, Emily was encouraged to continue her art. When she entered high school, she worked for a Hallmark store but did not like their greeting cards. They were too generic and did not represent her. So, she continued making her own cards, usually centered around food that she likes to eat or cook.

Emily Chan at age 10 selling handmade cards, signs and pom pom animals in a fourth grade marketplace. Photo credit: Emily Chan

Before her father passed away while she was in college, he wrote her a note of inspiration of how proud he was of her. After his passing, Emily was feeling self-doubt and defeated by her new, small business. However, she re-read the card from her late father and understood, “God would use my gifts of art and words to bless others powerfully.” As a result, Emily has been designing cards for the past 25 years. It is noticeable how much she enjoys it as much as listening to customer comments. “Customers often tell me they feel seen; they feel proud to be Asian because they identify themselves in the art, and in the food and the culture behind it,” says Emily. She believes we can “write life changing words that inspire for a lifetime.” We might just end up changing ourselves.

Rice Canvas Tote Bag—$20. Durable canvas with a zipper pocket, roomy gusset, and Brightspot’s yellow label.
Perfect for errands or a day out. Photo credit: Jason Chan

Nowadays, Emily has branched out into gift bags, canvas bags, key chains, lanyards, pins, washi tape, stickers, and new Munch Mate lunch bags. She is even having a pop-up store on December 14th at the Seattle Uwajimaya store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on December 15th at the Renton Uwajimaya store from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, the first 100 visitors will receive a free mini-calendar.

Brightspot Design

Local Artist: Emily Chan
Emily hails from the Pacific NW and loves creating bright spots through her cards, pins, stickers, and more — connecting people through a love of food, drinks, and AAPI culture. Check out brightspotdesign.com for all available items 

brightspotdesign (instagram)

Book Review: Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea by Mariko Tatsumoto

By
Pamela A. Okano
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Book Review: Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea by Mariko Tatsumoto

By Pamela Okano
NAP Contributor

Those of us of a certain age may remember the poignant photograph in a 1972 Life magazine of a Japanese woman, Ryoko Kamimura, bathing her severely deformed daughter, Tomoko, in an ofuro (Japanese bath). (To see the photograph, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomoko_and_Mother_in_the_Bath.) Tomoko had been poisoned by methylmercury while she was still in her mother’s womb. The methylmercury came from wastewater that the Chisso Corporation had been dumping into the bay between 1951 to 1968, as part of its plastics manufacturing in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The disease came to be known as “Minimata Disease.” More than 12,000 victims have been officially recognized by the Japanese government.

Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea is a novel by Mariko Tatsumoto that describes the effects of the disease on the community. It has been years of a long struggle to make the Japanese and prefectural governments realize that there was a critical problem which needed to be addressed. The people most severely affected tended to be fishermen and their families.
The two protagonists in the novel are Kuge Kiyoshi (“Kiyo”), the son of a Chisso waste manager, and Akaji Yuki, the daughter of a poor fisherman. They meet as teenagers in 1956 and fall in love. Yuki is a talented artist and Kiyoshi wants to be a medical doctor but tragedy strikes the Akaji household. Yuki’s uncle, Higano, gets the disease. His limbs are stiff and he has trouble walking and eating. Because the disease is unknown at the time, doctors place victims like Higano in quarantine, in case the disease is contagious.

Unfortunately, this has the effect of making victims’ families social outcasts as neighbors will not have anything to do with them, even after the disease is found to be the result of contamination. Eventually, Higano develops convulsions and later dies. Yuki’s father, mother, and baby sister also get the disease. The family, which was already poor, is reduced to destitution.

In the meantime, Kiyo has been helping a doctor, Hosokawa Hajime (a real-life person), to study the disease. In addition, he has been raiding his family’s pantry and spending his allowance on food for the Akaji family. After researchers tell him that the contamination is linked to Chisso.Kiyo tries to convince his father to do something about the wastewater that Chisso has been dumping into the bay.

Although the company would eventually install a “Cyclator” that is supposed to purify the water, Chisso knows the wastewater contains mercury and it will not send the wastewater through the machine. In other words, the Cyclator is all for show. Chisso also knows that the story spread about the contamination due to dumped World War II explosives is not true and that it is putting its own profits above safety. Aided and abetted by the city and prefectural governments, Chisso does all it can to hide its complicity. Indeed, in 1972, Chisso employees attacked and badly injured the photographer who took the famous Life magazine photograph.

It was not until 1970 that the Japanese Diet passed a series of environmental laws that, at the time, were the most stringent in the world. And it was not until 1973 that a trial court found Chisso guilty of negligence and ordered it to pay $66,000 per deceased person and between $59-$66,000 per living person, for a total of $3.4 million. But the case then settled, leaving the families of the deceased with nothing. Other Minamata Disease litigation is still ongoing in Japan. Chisso remains an important employer in Minamata. Its total debt for compensating victims, cleaning up the harbor, and reconstructing its factory is in the billions of dollars.

Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea is well worth reading. My only criticism is that almost everything that could possibly go wrong for Yuki went wrong, which seemed like overkill to me. But that does not detract from the story’s powerful message about the horrors of Minamata Disease, and the corporate greed and government complicity that led to it.

Calendar from December 13th Print Issue

By
N.A.P Staff
-

Brightspot Design Pop-Up — Sat, Dec 14 at the Seattle Uwajimaya store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sun, 15 at the Renton Uwajimaya store from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 100 visitors will receive a free mini-calendar.

DECEMBER

OBG’s Live Music Event — Fri, Dec 13, 9-11:30 p.m. Terry’s Kitchen, 5625 -119th Ave SE, Bellevue. Seattle-based band focusing on dance music from the ‘60s–‘80s, R&B and funk genres. $15 cover (includes sales tax).
 https://www.terryskitchenbellevue.com/.

Chinatown Discovery Tours: A Legacy of Resilience and Flavor — Fri, Dec 13, 4-6:30 p.m. Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle. Join us as we celebrate the resilience and culinary delights of the Chinatown-International District. Registration at:  https://www.wingluke.org/tourcalendar/tastesofcid1108.

Family Photos with Santa — Sat, Dec 14,12-3 p.m.  Wing Luke Museum in the Tateuchi Story Theatre, 719 S. King St, Seattle.  Meet Santa with the historic Nippon Kan Theater scrim in the background by Truong Nguyen Photography. Santa photos are uniquely tied to the historic Chinatown-International District neighborhood. COVID Safety:  Wear a mask over nose/mouth when not taking a photo with Santa. Each time slot starts at $14 and includes one physical print and digital access. Additional prints $14 each. Members save 50%! We highly recommend booking ahead. There are a limited number of walk-in appointments on a first-come-first-serve basis. Contact: visit@wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124.

10th Annual Winter Bonsai Solstice — Sat, Dec 14, 4-7 p.m.  Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S. 336th St, Federal Way. Free entry. (Suggested donation $12.)  A rare, must-experience, outdoor evening that transforms our world-renowned collection into a luminous landscape of wonder.  BYOF (Bring Your Own Flashlight) and prepare for an enchanting journey through miniature landscapes!  The first 100 visitors making a donation at the Welcome Table will receive special glasses that turn any pinpoint of light into a snowflake. Free parking at our “Garden Parking Lot” — a short walk. Wheelchair-accessible parking and passenger drop-off area available at the main entry. See: https://pacificbonsaimuseum.org/events/a-bonsai-solstice-2024-2/?occurrence=2024-12-14.

Kela Designs Marketplace Pop-Up — Sun, Dec 15, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Marketplace, Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle. Kela Wong is a Chinese Japanese American artist from Seattle. Her inspiration is from her Asian American heritage and love of corgis. They run through her stationery line of happy greeting cards, stickers, enamel pins, tote bags, art prints and more. For more information, see: visit@wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124.

Ammonia Innovations — Next-Gen Japan’s Solution for a Clean Energy — Wed, Dec 18, 5 p.m. (Thu, Dec 19, 10 a.m. Japan time). A presentation (in English) on clean energy and ammonia technology. Free webinar. Invite your friends and family to participate. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NBB7R-1RRXqiAGZS7liKvA#/registration. Co-hosted with the Japan America Society of Washington State and Seattle Japanese Chamber of Commerce (Shunjukai). Sponsored by the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle.

Osechi Ryori on Sale Now — Support the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and enjoy traditional Japanese New Year’s foods (osechi ryori) prepared by Nikkei community cooks. Traditional foods include nishime, kazunoko, makisushi, chirashi and more. Order now until Sat, Dec 20 or whenever we sell out. See: https://jamo.org/osechi-2024/.

Shooley Art Marketplace Pop-Up – Sat, Dec 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle. A hidden shop of cute stickers and things by artist Shirley Zhang. See:https://www.wingluke.org/eventscalendar/2024-dec-shooley-art

Holiday with a Heart Auction – now through Dec 21. Find that special gift for your loved one while also helping to support Mukai Farm & Garden. See: https://www.32auctions.com/mukaifarmandgarden2.

Chiaki Eri Happy Holiday Concert with Seattle Friends – Sat, Dec 21, 12:30 p.m., door opens 12:00 p.m.  Good Shepherd Chapel, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle. Former Takarazuka Revue Star and currently solo singer in Japan. (Takarazuka Revue is an all unmarried,Japanese female theatre company since 1914.) Known for her beautiful voice and powerful expressiveness. Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chiaki-eri-happy-holiday-concert-with-seattle-friends-tickets-1089411602429 or e-mail: flowersanseattle@gmail.com.

 

JANUARY 2025 & ONWARDS

Omiyage Holiday Shop — now through Dec 22, Thu-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m. or by appointment: 503-224-1458. Japanese American Museum of Oregon, 411 NW Flanders St., Portland. Entrance on NW 4th Ave. Enjoy expanded holiday offerings with additional clothing, accessories, ceramics, stocking stuffers, cards, delicious treats, handcrafted gifts as well as brand-new JAMO merch, including a Nihonmachi t-shirt! https://jamo.org/omiyage/.

Public Tour — Sat, Dec 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Kubota Garden, 10915 51st Ave S, Seattle. The garden is beautiful in every season and proven a respite during times of turmoil and confusion. Register at: https://kubotagarden.org/index.html or https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2970331974192380111/false#/invitation. If registration is full, be sure to opt onto the wait list as there are often last-minute cancellations.

Made With Love: 45 Years of Ikoi no Kai exhibition — through Jan 5, 2025. Japanese American Museum of Oregon, 411 NW Flanders St., Portland. Entrance on NW Fourth Ave. The Ikoi no Kai community lunch program has come to embody the concept of keirō 敬老, or respect for elders, to local Japanese Americans. For 45 years, the Portland program has supported them with meals and activities honoring their cultural heritage. See: https://jamo.org/ikoi-no-kai/.

Portland Winter Outdoor Ice Rink — $5 off admission when spending $20 at a participating Central City business or hotels including the Japanese American Museum of Oregon, 411 NW Flanders St., Portland. Rink open now through January 5. See: https://www.wintericerinkpdx.com/central-city.

OrcaCon 2025 WA Tabletop Gaming Convention Returns — Jan 10-12, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Sea-Tac, 18740 International Blvd, Seattle. Newly expanded venue with more space and games. Improved transportation including Light Rail and shuttle services. Whether a seasoned gamer or newcomer, OrcaCon is inclusive featuring open play and scheduled games. Game library available and friendly volunteers to teach and play games with you. Larger rooms for RPGs, miniatures and social deduction games. Industry panels, workshops and special guest appearances. Merchants Hall with vendors showcasing the latest gaming accessories, collectibles and indie games. Plus, a Community Row. Register at: https://www.orcacon.org/registration-info/.

Seattle Fukushima New Year’s Party — SU, Jan 19, 2025, 1 p.m., Terry’s Kitchen, 5625 119th Ave SE, Bellevue. Please RSVP by SU, Jan 5 to: seattlefukushima@gmail.com.

Sixth SEIJIN-shiki USA by JIA (Japanese in America) Foundation — Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 2 p.m. (doors open), 3 p.m. (program begins), Meydenbauer Center Theatre, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue. Anyone whose birthday falls between January 2003 and March 2005 regardless of nationality, ethnicity or Japanese language proficiency can register. Free to attend: pre-registration is required and now open at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seijin-shiki-usa-2025-tickets-1022268993077; space limited to first 150 registrants. General public registration opens Jan 1, limited seating, $10 per person. Donors who contribute $100 or more will be given priority invitations to VIP seating. SEIJIN-shiki USA is every other year starting 2025. No SEIJIN-shiki USA 2026. The seventh SEIJIN-shiki USA is 2027. For more information, see: https://seijinusa.org/2025-celebration/.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

KGF Priorities for 2025 — Kubota Garden Foundation has begun planning for 2025 and would like input on project priorities. Please take a couple of minutes to complete a survey, letting us know what you think. See: https://kubotagarden.org/index.html or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH8aB4Pz3Ns2l BQt3DLRVkop 5WfNp FSS6Ka7bfuInx_S9brQ/viewform.

Join Team Advancing Racial Equity — due Mon, Dec 16. Application to join the Bellevue Centers Communities of Color initiative has been extended. Volunteer group helping the city advance racial equity and foster trust across Bellevue’s diverse communities. See: https://bellevue.granicus.com/boards/forms/803/apply/4139012?code=99bbba00-50f4-4907-8214-7135712976be.

KGF Event Feedback — Kubota Garden Foundation would appreciate feedback about any KGF-sponsored events attended last year. Complete a short form how the event went, and provide feedback on what you liked and what you would like to see improved. If you attended multiple events, please complete a form for each one. See: https://kubotagarden.org/index.html or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyCM-BWe1w-TIkhW8XX-UkBgArm15J_Jlk8I8qkNjE5XROkg/viewform.

JCCCW Survey — We would like feedback and input regarding the type of public events and activities you would like to see by the JCCCW in 2025. Use the link to fill out the survey. See: https://www.jcccw.org/ or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPBqdqPEwHAtl1dFvM-1SaM4qrx3ZYDxl0VDvq4YoZlWfGyw/viewform.

 

Kintsugi: The Restorative Art of Naoko Fukumaru

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

Kintsugi: The Restorative Art of Naoko Fukumaru

By Will Lerner
NAP Contributor

Naoko Fukumaru working on kinstugi.

Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon is thrilled to present Kintsugi: The Restorative Art of Naoko Fukumaru in the Pavilion and Calvin/ Mayho Tanabe Galleries now through January 27, 2025. Kintsugi is a 500-year old Japanese method of mending damaged ceramics using urushi (natural lacquer) dusted with powdered gold. This timely exhibition will explore universal themes of healing through the artwork of kintsugi by artist and master conservator Naoko Fukumaru.

Fukumaru has over 20 years of experience as a professional ceramic and glass conservator at the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum in Michigan, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and other institutions in the U.S., Europe, Egypt, and Japan. She was born in Kyoto, Japan to a four-generation antique auction house company, and grew up around artwork. Her work as a kintsugi artist is rooted in the belief that what is broken can be beautiful, and in the transformative power of healing spiritual wounds, as well as ceramic artwork.

“I first visited Portland Japanese Garden in November 2022,” said Fukumaru. “I realized that care and love are the main ingredients of this place. It was unmistakable that staff, volunteers, visitors, and all who were involved in this Garden were giving so much love, care, passion, and pride here. This truly resonates with my kintsugi artwork. This method of mending is seen as enhancing the beauty and value of objects by celebrating their imperfection and impermanence. This approach is the opposite of traditional Western ceramic restoration in which the damage to the work is sought to be hidden which I studied and practiced for 25 years.”

The Process of Making Kintsugi

“The kintsugi process is time-consuming—it takes several months to complete a piece. The first step is to reassemble the fragments of a broken object with Mugi-Urushi, which is made from wheat flour and water with urushi lacquer. Once reassembled, joints and chips need to be filled with Sabi-Urushi, which is made of stone powder, water, and urushi lacquer. The filler needs to be sanded to make a smooth surface. Then several layers of urushi lacquer are applied over the filler. Finally, gold powder is applied and polished up. It is important to let lacquer cure properly between each process for a few days or weeks, and curing also needs to happen in very specific humid and warm conditions.”

A Story of Healing

“I spend several months restoring each ceramic with care and love. When the owners are reunited with their kintsugi-restored ceramics, they are amazed at how the damage has transformed into beauty. Many tell me, ‘Wow, this is more beautiful than when it was complete. I am happy that the ceramic got broken.’ To me, this is extraordinary. I never heard this compliment in all my 25 years doing traditional Western ceramic restoration.

Because kintsugi does not hide damage, we can accept and celebrate mistakes and imperfections. People can overcome their traumas and sufferings when they realize they can find beauty in imperfection. Kintsugi teaches us how to forgive ourselves and others, and how to make a better world by applying its philosophy to everyday life. I am truly looking forward to sharing my stories and artwork with your community”
For more information, see: https://japanesegarden.org/.

About Portland Japanese Garden:
Portland Japanese Garden is a nonprofit organization originally founded in 1963 as a place for cross-cultural understanding following World War II. A hallmark in the City of Portland, Oregon, the Garden was founded on the ideals of peace and mutual understanding between peoples and cultures. Portland Japanese Garden is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and the foremost Japanese cultural organization in North America.

Book Review Tsunami: Our Shock, Pain and Resilience

By
Hikari Kono
-

Book Review Tsunami: Our Shock, Pain and Resilience

By Pamela Okano
NAP Contributor

In March 2011 we watched the horrifying tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake consume seaside towns in Tohoku, Japan. It is one thing to watch the videos but it is quite another to read from someone who went through it.

Futoshi Toba, newly elected Mayor of Rikuzentakata in Japan, spent the night on March 11 huddled in the snow with coworkers on the roof of City Hall praying the wave would not overtop the building. It did not. The next morning, he and his staff gingerly made their way down the stairs and headed out to the school lunch center, a designated backup command center, to set up a command post.

To get to the school lunch center, Mayor Toba had to pass by his own house. He realized the wave must have completely covered the house and it was unlikely his beloved wife was still alive. He could have stopped to investigate but he felt he had no choice but to provide the survivors of his destroyed town with immediate leadership.

Tsunami: Our Shock, Pain and Resilience is a first-person account written by Mayor Toba and an American woman, Amya Miller, who grew up in Japan. She spent eight years as a volunteer helping Rikuzentakata, at times with her own health in peril. She was the only one who could explain the Japanese psyche to Westerners and the toll it took on them. Without her, the book would be incomplete.

The book details the difficulties faced by Mayor Toba and his staff as they sought to rebuild the town as quickly as possible. Hordes of Tokyo politicians showed up for a photographic opportunity but did not lift a finger to help. Furthermore, the government in Tokyo, Japan would not allow construction of a 15-meter seawall, even though one would be necessary should there be another tsunami like the March 2011 one.

Mayor Toba felt he had no choice but to raise the level of the town several feet, a much more expensive option. Neither would Tokyo relax the time-consuming red tape on almost every decision nor would it allow them to rebuild with modern buildings. Mayor Toba was virtually the only local leader affected by the disaster to complain publicly but it didn’t do much good.

The only solution was to raise money privately. That is where Ms. Miller came in. Fluent in Japanese and knowledgeable about Japanese customs, she became Director of Global Public Relations and initiated a foreign and domestic media blitz. Corporate money began to flow in, as well as donations from nonprofits and individuals all over the world.

Nonetheless, progress continued to move slowly, even though the mayor and his staff worked almost constantly. When Mayor Toba got confirmation that his wife had passed away, he could not bring himself to tell his sons. His older son read about it in the newspaper; his younger son did not find out until they arrived at her funeral. Mayor Toba would later reflect upon that moment, “I was a failure as a human being.”

In Operation Tomodachi, U.S. military personnel delivered food, water, emergency supplies, and engaged in search and rescue operations. U.S. Ambassador to Japan, John Roos, asked what the community needed. Mayor Toba answered, “We need hope.” From this was born the Tomodachi Initiative, still active today. Young people from the area and from the U.S. travel to each other’s countries to live, study and work.

Many Japanese Americans are familiar with the concept of gaman. It means perseverance and stoicism in a time of hardship. With no way to release frustrations since seeking mental health therapy in Japan is seen by some as a sign of weakness, what were survivors supposed to do? Small children were taken out of the classroom and allowed tantrums in the school hallway. After the tsunami, the suicide rate for women rose. Two to three years later, the suicide rate for men soared. Four to five years later, the rate for both men and women increased.

One Japanese friend told Miller, “Foreigners, Westerners in particular, are so focused on happiness… None of us want to hear ‘gambatte (do your best or hang in there).’ None of us want to be told ‘be happy.’ Not right now.”

Perhaps the most inspiring is Rikuzentakata’s creation of a student exchange program and a sister city program with Crescent City, California. Miller played a major role in bringing the two cities together because she noticed Rikuzentakata needed a foreign partner that understood what it was going through. The two towns share a tsunami history: in March 1964, a 21-foot wave hit Crescent City, killing 11 people and devastating 29 blocks.

In April 2013, a skiff named “Kamome” (seagull) washed up on shore in Crescent City. It belonged to Takata High School in Rikuzentakata. Completely encrusted in barnacles and kelp, the boat was painstakingly cleaned by students from Crescent City’s high school. In September 2013, the boat was returned to Takata High School. Since then, official delegations and students visit each other in what is hoped will be a continued long-term relationship. Every April, Crescent City celebrates the Kamome Festival to commemorate the boat and what it has done for the community. The story of Kamome can be viewed on Peacock television streaming service.

At Mayor Toba’s instigation, the City adopted an Inclusion and Accessibility policy, welcoming disabled, elderly, foreigners and locals. Hotel recommendations, homestays and sightseeing recommendations are available through this website: http://visit-takata.jp/stay.html.

Reparations: Building Solidarity and Community

By
Hikari Kono
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Reparations: Building Solidarity and Community

By Stan Shikuma
NAP Contributor

On October 30, over 70 people gathered on the campus of Seattle Central College in Seattle, Washington to watch Reparations, a film by Jon Osaki, and to hear a panel of activists discuss why and how the Japanese American community should support the movement of Reparations for African Americans.

Miwa Tokunaga-Griffin of Tsuru for Solidarity and Renee Infelise of Seattle Chapter JACL at the welcome and information table during the Reparations film event.

“Reparations explores the four-century struggle to seek repair and atonement for slavery in the United States. Black and Asian Americans reflect on the legacy of slavery, the inequities that persist, and the critical role that solidarity between communities has in acknowledging and addressing systemic racism in America. This story is told by Black and Asian Americans who believe that our collective liberation can only be achieved by standing with one another. Reparations seeks to raise awareness of the Black reparations struggle and how vital it is to healing this country,” said Director Jon Osaki.

The program was organized by a coalition of groups: Seattle Chapter Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), Tsuru for Solidarity, Wing Luke Museum, and Seattle Central College AANAPISI (Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander, Serving Institutions) Center. Filmmaker Jon Osaki introduced the film and participated in the post-film panel discussion with Davida Ingram, Executive Director of the SAARC (Seattle/King County African American Reparations Committee), and Kyle Kinoshita, President of Seattle Chapter JACL. The panel was moderated by Sarah Baker, past president of Seattle JACL. Comments were also offered by former King County Councilman Larry Gossett, a founding member of SAARC.

Left to right: John Osaki, filmmaker; Davida Ingraham, Executive Director of the Seattle/King County African American Reparations Committee (SAARC); Kyle Kinoshita, Seattle Chapter JACL president; and Sarah Baker, past president of Seattle JACL. Comments were also offered by former King County Councilman Larry Gossett, a founding member of SAARC.

Kyle Kinoshita argued that within the Japanese American community, the key question is not “Why” we should support the struggle for reparations —that was clearly and powerfully laid out in the film. Instead, his primary concern for the Japanese American community is “How” we can support the struggle for Black reparations. He laid out three areas of work:
· Lift up and support Black leadership of the reparation movement
· Work against anti-Blackness in our own communities and take responsibility to educate our communities about Black reparations
· Practice cross-racial solidarity as the best way to stand for justice and win reparations

Within JACL, the Seattle Chapter has organized a webinar on addressing anti-Blackness in the Asian American community and sponsored a resolution in support of HR 40 (U.S. Congressional House of Representative bill) at the JACL National Convention. (HR 40 is a bill that would establish a commission to study and develop reparation proposals to present to the U.S. Congress.) The Seattle Chapter looks forward to working on other programs with SAARC.

Tsuru for Solidarity has a reparation campaign that works within and helps lead the National Nikkei Reparation Coalition. Its reparation website page states: As an ethnic group who has received an apology and reparations from the federal government for wrongs committed against us, Japanese Americans have a moral imperative to support the Black people seeking a similar path for a structural remedy. We also have moral authority to stand in solidarity with other communities especially a community targeted by historic racism seeking accountability and a process for redress and reparations.

All the co-sponsors expressed their gratitude to Jon Osaki for making the film and bringing it to Seattle. Kudos to Seattle Central College AANAPISI Center for funding Jon’s visit and hosting this program.

NOTE: If you would like to learn more about reparations or get involved in reparation work, you can contact:

Seattle Chapter JACL
info@seattlejacl.org
http://seattlejacl.org/contact-us/

Tsuru for Solidarity
https://tsuruforsolidarity.org/current-campaigns/
https://tsuruforsolidarity.org/contact/

SAARC
mlkreparations@gmail.com
https://www.mlkreparations.org

NAP Trip to Shikoku — Rocks and Stones

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

NAP Trip to Shikoku — Rocks and Stones

By C. Williams
NAP Contributor

“A rock!?” my cousin asks on our recent trip to Shikoku Island of Japan. I spent the morning frantically searching the more than one kilometer stretch of road for the perfect gift for a friend. To my cousin’s surprise, that perfect gift was, in fact, a rock! I purchased that beautifully painted rock and posed for a photograph with the artist under one of the many tarps of the Kochi Sunday Market. This popular street market, Japan’s largest open-air market, is more than 300 years old.

NAP tour participants ride the train in Matsuyama City. Photo credit: Joy Nishimura.

Tour participants enjoy Tenshaen Garden in Uwajima City. Photo credit: Joy Nishimura.

My choice of gift is not just a rock. It is a powerful representation of a different time and a recurring theme throughout our tour. It consisted of 20 travelers including my family unit, Tomio Moriguchi (the former CEO of Uwajimaya and son of the founder), Bruce Rutledge (general manager at The North American Post), and a handful of others this past October.

One destination of our tour was Noguchi Garden Museum. Isamu Noguchi (the famous sculptor of Black Sun, the donut-shaped stone sculpture in Volunteer Park in Seattle, Washington) created a workshop on the hillside of Takamatsu City. This unique museum displays Noguchi’s many stone sculptures, mostly unfinished, throughout his property.

To our amazement, the sudden downpour enhanced our experience by highlighting each groove of the sculptures, while the earthy smell of wet stones permeated the air.

Remnants of an old sake brewery remain in Noguchi’s workshop, a current gallery of rock art barely tall enough to fit his largest pieces. Curved beams held together by wooden pegs support the weight of this two-story building. We peered out of the large sliding doors and took a moment to watch the rain pour on the rock sculptures outside, creating a magical scene of rock luster accompanied by the sounds of crashing water.

Takamastu City at sunset. Lower left: Uwajima Castle at night.Photo credit: Joy Nishimura.

We followed our formally dressed tour guide who was wearing medium-heeled shoes through Noguchi’s stone staircase and up a water-saturated grassy knoll to a lookout point. This was the first time photographing was permissible. We stood motionless to absorb the view and imagine a time when the city below was once filled with salt fields.


left: Uwajima Castle at night.Photo credit: Joy Nishimura. right: Tenshaen Garden in Uwajima City. Photo credit: C. Williams.

We also visited Matsuyama for a few days. Each night the illuminated Matsuyama Castle shines like a beacon over the city. Like a bug drawn to light, my family and I were determined to make it to the top of that mountain, to see the castle. I hiked up the stone and concrete stairs, while my grandma, aunt, and cousin took the gondola. The towering stone structures that make up the castle wall create a barrier from the bustling of present-day city life and make the castle essentially impenetrable at exactly 4:30 p.m. when it closes for the day.

Within the city limits of Uwajima, a city known for its autumn festival, Ushioni, bull sumo and the namesake inspiration for Uwajimaya, sits Tenshaen Garden. Interconnected sets of ponds, inhabited by koi, together create the kanji character for heart. The stones surrounding the ponds were placed with intentionality by Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of the Uwajima Date Feudal Clan and the builder of the garden. While the bamboo, wisteria and irises that reside in the garden grow and transform seasonally, the stones remain largely unchanged. Within the tearoom garden, sits a combination of stones named In-yo-seki (in for female and yo for male), symbolic for one’s wish to have prosperous descendants. Another feature of traditional Japanese gardens, the waterless rock-river, Karekawa, expresses the passage of time. Our wonderful interpreter at this location made this experience educating and memorable.

Japan displays a juxtaposition of the past and present. Castles, over 400 years old, continue to overlook the ever-changing cityscapes. Wander around the magnificent castle walls, sit where Date sat and experience a moment of tranquility, peer into the Stone Circle displaying Noguchi’s stone sculptures and you will be transported back in time.
So, to my cousin, I say, “Yes, a rock!”

Calendar from November 22nd Print Issue

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
-
November

▪️Justified, Creating the Narrative live music event — Sat, Nov 23, 8-10:30 p.m., Terry’s Kitchen, 5625 119th Ave SE, Bellevue. Funk, R&B soul, smooth jazz, and latin-infused band from the Seattle area. Special guest sax player Gordon Uchima. $15 cover. See: terryskitchenbellevue.com.

▪️Houseplants for the Holidays — Shop online: Mon, Nov 25-Thu, Dec 5. Pick up: Fri, Dec 6, 1.–4 p.m. or Sat, Dec 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Plant preview online Fri, Nov 15. Buy plants online on the above dates. Pick up plants at: Kubota Garden Foundation office (not at the Garden!) on the above dates/times. See: https://kgfonline-plant-sale.square.site/.

▪️Thanksgiving Eve Party & Pool Tournament – Wed, Nov 27, 5-11 p.m., Terry’s Kitchen, 5625 119th Ave SE, Bellevue. Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation are hosting tasty bites and bar specials, silent auction and raffle, and pool tournament for the entire family and friends. Tournament registration, contact Chris Suarez: 206-291-4444. https://nvcfoundation.org/.

December

▪️101st Annual Holiday Celebration Dinner & Auction — Tue, Dec 3, 6-8:30 p.m., Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Ave for Japan-America Society of the State of Washington. Jump-start your holiday shopping with fabulous auction items as a thank you to your colleagues/customers for a successful year, all while supporting a non-profit organization! Master of Ceremonies Tomo Hoku Angie. Register at: https://jassw.info/event-5906203. Volunteer at: https://jassw.info/event-5855593.

▪️T&T Supermarket, Canada’s largest Asian grocery chain — Thu, Dec 5, 9 a.m., The Marketplace at Factoria, 12620 SE 41st Pl, Bellevue. Grand opening of its flagship U.S. store. 76,000 square feet, wide variety of authentic Asian products, fresh produce, and unique ingredients for Asian cuisine. Opening day giveaways include free $10 T&T gift cards to the first 500 customers. Sign up for T&T’s Rewards Program on the T&T app and earn points with every $20 in-store and online purchase which can be redeemed for free gifts. Early bird members gain access to faster checkout and exclusive deals such as up to 31% off at Haidilao Hot Pot restaurants (Seattle and Bellevue). Members also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping in-store. See: tntsupermarket.us.

▪️Osechi Ryori Class — Sat, Dec 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Ikoi no Kai,1333 SE 28th Ave, Portland. Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Learn to prepare two traditional Japanese dishes that are part of Osechi Ryori, the New Year’s celebratory meal. Led by Connie Masuoka, participants will learn about the symbolism in the Osechi meal components, and how to make Makizushi (rolled sushi) and a Tsukemono (Japanese pickle). Register at: https://jamo.org/event/osechi-class/.

▪️Kela Designs Marketplace Pop-Up — Sun, Dec 15, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Marketplace, Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle. Kela Wong is a Chinese Japanese American artist from Seattle. Her inspiration is from her Asian American heritage and love of corgis. They run through her stationery line of happy greeting cards, stickers, enamel pins, tote bags, art prints, and more. For more information, see: visit@wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124.

▪️Sixth SEIJIN-shiki USA by JIA (Japanese in America) Foundation — Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 2 p.m. (doors open), 3 p.m. (program begins), Meydenbauer Center Theatre, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue. Anyone whose birthday falls between January 2003 and March 2005 regardless of nationality, ethnicity or Japanese language proficiency can register. Free to attend; pre-registration is required and now open at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seijin-shiki-usa-2025-tickets-1022268993077; space limited to first 150 registrants. General public registration opens Jan 1, limited seating, $10 per person. Donors who contribute $100 or more will be given priority invitations to VIP seating. SEIJIN-shiki USA is every other year starting 2025. No SEIJIN-shiki USA 2026. The seventh SEIJIN-shiki USA is 2027. For more information, see: https://seijinusa.org/2025-celebration/.

 

 

APA Opens First U.S. Hotel in Seattle

By
Bruce Rutledge
-

APA Opens First U.S. Hotel in Seattle

Interview by Yuka Foley
Translated by Bruce Rutledge

From left to right: Jin Sasaki, president and CEO, Coast Hotels USA; Sam Cho, director of Strategic Initiatives, Mayor’s Office of Seattle; Makoto Iyori, Consul General of Japan in Seattle; Seattle City Council Member Tanya Woo; Isshi Motoya, president and CEO, APA Group; Seattle City Council President Sarah Nelson; Michael Woody, SVP and CCO of Visit Seattle; and Takamasa Machiura, president and CEO, Coast Hotels at the ribbon-cutting event at Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA.

The APA Group Hospitality Company has been expanding rapidly in North America since 2016, but Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA is the chain’s first directly-managed hotel in the U.S. Just before the hotel held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 28, APA Group Chief Executive Officer Isshi Motoya talked about his company’s plans for expansion overseas. The APA Group has posted continuous profits for half a century and is now aggressively expanding overseas. It currently operates 46 hotels in North America and has six directly managed properties in Canada.

APA Group CEO Isshi Motoya delivers a speech

So why did the company choose Seattle, Washington? Most of the company’s hotels in Canada are in British Columbia, and Seattle’s proximity to the Canadian border was a big selling point. It was a strategic choice especially when compared with the three-hour time difference with the East Coast.

The next challenge for the steadily expanding APA Group is branding in the U.S. market. “I believe launching your brand in the American market represents a big step in global expansion,” Motoya says. “We’ve expanded in Japan and Canada, and now we want to forge deep roots in the American market. We want Coast Hotels to become a beloved hotel brand and we aim to make it so people will want to work here. We also want to become a bridge for Japanese businesses to offer their products and services in the U.S.”

He emphasized that while stable facilities and services are important to attract customers, the hotel needs something more to make an impact to keep them coming back. “The first time someone experiences our service, it makes a deep impression, but that impression lessens on subsequent stays. He says, “I want to deliver services that can provide new discoveries while gradually making improvements and refinements.”
“I believe that maintaining the status quo is a sign of decline,” he says. “If you close your eyes to the rapid progress around you, before you know it, you’ll be out of date. If the hotel doesn’t evolve by using the latest technology, customers will grow complacent,” Motoya argues. “We need to proceed through trial and error.”

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

 

NEW Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience

By
Barbara Mizoguchi
-

NEW

Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience

By Barbara Mizoguchi NAP Editor

“A proud story and rich history of our community,“ said Tomio Moriguchi, publisher of The North American Post. Bruce Rutledge, co-founder of Chin Music Press says, “Kelly Goto’s ability to intertwine local history with her father’s art provides a fresh perspective on the Japanese American experience. This book is not only a visual delight but also a profound narrative that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.” For more information, see: https://www.seattlesamurai.com/.

Author Event: Sun, Dec 1, 2-3:30 p.m. Japanese American National Museum, 100 North Central Avenue Los Angeles, CA. https://www.janm.org/
 
Other Japanese American Books from Chin Music Press
Mirai Stories: Crafting the Future from Centuries Past by Takumi Ohno, Motomi Saito and Yuichi Tomohiro.

Fighting for America: Nisei Soldiers by Lawrence Matsuda and Matt Sasaki.

 

 

Commerce Leads Delegation Partnership at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

Commerce Leads Delegation Partnership
at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition

By Jacquie Goodwill
NAP Contributor

Washington State’s aerospace industry was showcased October 16-19 at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. Industry leaders from across the state joined the Washington State Department of Commerce’s (Commerce) “Choose Washington” team at this event, representing a range of aviation and aerospace-related industries. The group shared the latest innovations coming out of the state under the theme “Leading the Way in Building a Sustainable Future.”

Washington state delegation standing outside the Choose Washington exhibitor booth. Photo credit: WA St. Dept. of Commerce.

“Washington State is proud to be the home to one of the most diverse aerospace supply chains,” said Robin Toth, Director of Aerospace and Aviation within the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness for the Commerce. “The Japan International Aerospace Exhibition introduced our partners to opportunities to enhance their business portfolio in addition to meeting new prospects and creating long lasting relationships.”

For the first time, the Commerce joined forces with the Washington Small Business Development Center (WA SBDC) at this exhibition, helping to welcome new companies and expand export trade. The WA SBDC represents a network of more than 40 expert business advisors working in communities across the state to help entrepreneurs or small business owners.

Allan Peterson, International Trade Business Advisor with WA SBDC said, “Through our partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, we are now working to achieve our goal of delivering personalized advising, conducting in-depth research, and offering specialized training to help aerospace companies thrive.”

Four of the state’s more than 1,500 aerospace companies met with exhibition attendees. Exhibitors included AeroTEC, Industrial Machine Tool, Toolcraft and US Aluminum Castings. Delegates showcased Washington’s future-forward focus on many fronts. The state is investing heavily in sustainable fuels, electric aircraft, Industry 4.0, factory automation, uncrewed systems, advanced air mobility and commercial space. In addition to sustainability, commercial space is a particular hot spot in the state’s aerospace industry. More than half of the satellites in low-earth orbit were manufactured in the state.

Learn more at:  ChooseWashingtonState.com,
@WAStateCommerce, #ChooseWashington, and @WashingtonSBDC or @WSBDC.

Minidoka Survivors, Descendants and Allies Wage 11th Hour Campaign to Stop Lava Ridge Wind Project

By
N.A.P Contributor
-

Minidoka Survivors, Descendants and Allies Wage 11th Hour Campaign to Stop Lava Ridge Wind Project

By Erin Shigaki, Cathy Kiyomura
and Barbara Mizoguchi, NAP Editor

Japanese Americans and allies promote a letter writing campaign urging U.S. Congress to block a permit for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho to protect the Minidoka National Historic Site.
The opponents of a proposed massive wind project in Idaho – near the site where thousands of Japanese Americans and Alaska Natives were forcibly relocated during World War II in 1942 – have a message to community members: We need your help ASAP!
Advocate Erin Shigaki of Seattle stands by a Stop Lava Ridge sign. Put up by the Idaho community near the entrance of the Minidoka National Historic Site in Idaho, June 2022. Photo credit: Eugene Tagawa.
The U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management can approve the permit at any time! The Minidoka Pilgrimage Planning Committee, Japanese American Citizens League, Densho, Japanese American Museum of Oregon and allies have organized the letter-writing campaign to stop the erasure of Japanese American heritage. Organizations and individuals can contact members of the U.S. Congress as a last-ditch effort to stop LSP ower, LLC’s proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project that threatens to desecrate the historic view shed of the Minidoka National Historic Site (NHS) and disrespect the memory of the more than 13,000 Japanese Americans who were once incarcerated there.
Minidoka Pilgrimage attendees after the first full day of educational programming at the College of Southern Idaho, July 2024. Photo credit: Ryan Kozu.

“NOW is the time to take action by asking your U.S. Senators to pass legislation to protect the solemn, reflective, and immersive experience at the Minidoka NHS from a massive, commercial wind development on public land,” said Erin Shigaki, a Minidoka descendant and activist leader. “Minidoka is a place that we reclaimed through the reparations fight and the U.S. government’s formal apology. It is a site of extraordinary pain — but also one of joy created from community care. Minidoka holds vitally important lessons for all people and should not be desecrated by corporate greed. We need everyone’s help to send a message to Capitol Hill.”

Individuals and organizations are being asked to contact their U.S. Senator(s) before the close of business on November 12, 2024.

For individuals, contact your U. S. Senator by:1. Finding your senator’s contact information at: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm.
2. Copying and pasting the letter with the suggested language at: https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/.

For organizations, sign-on can be found at: https://forms.gle/VyXN7nUq9RheBhUb8.
Minidoka survivors like Mary (Tanaka) Abo are calling on the community and allies to write their U.S. senators supporting permanent protections for Minidoka. During World War II in 1942, Abo and her family were forcibly removed from their home in Juneau, Alaska and incarcerated at Minidoka, Block 2, Barrack 2.

“Minidoka is an important part of my family history because we still have painful memories of being imprisoned simply because we looked like the enemy,” said Abo. “I am proud that Minidoka was established as a National Historic Site. But today, Minidoka may be within sight of massive wind turbines churning the wind and ripping our memories to shreds. Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. need to know that Minidoka is an important part of American history and deserves to be permanently protected.”

If the wind turbines are allowed to be built near Minidoka, they will be seen from key areas within the historic site such as the visitor center and the honor roll that lists the names of those who served in the U.S. Army.

“For Minidoka pilgrims and visitors, the overall immersive experience of being unjustly cast out into a desert prison camp will certainly be distorted by the sight of the 660-foot wind turbines,” Abo explained. “We need to speak up now while we still have the chance – for the sake of our elders, ourselves and future generations. If you agree, write to your elected officials and have them stand with you to STOP LAVA RIDGE AND SAVE MINIDOKA.”

Federal and Idaho State Historic Preservation officials recently concluded that the numerous objections to the Lava Ridge project from the Japanese American community, Native American tribes, Idaho’s governor, legislature, congressional delegation, ranchers, farmers, recreation organizations, among many others, likely can not be successfully resolved. Despite the fierce opposition to Lava Ridge, the Bureau of Land Management can still approve the project in a record of decision that is set to be issued in the near future. U.S. Congress plans to return to D.C. on November 12 to consider a “must pass” appropriations bill to fund the government and provide disaster assistance. The Japanese American community supports legislation in the U.S House of Representatives Interior Appropriation bill and calls on senators to support the House language. The many opponents of the project hope the 11th hour letter writing campaign will persuade U.S. lawmakers to halt the project.

“The sanctity of the Minidoka National Historic Site will forever be harmed by Lava Ridge,” said Erin Shigaki. “We humbly ask our community members to write to their senators about the importance of preserving Minidoka and other sites of trauma, where people can heal and reflect. With everyone’s help, we can protect Minidoka for current and future generations.”

Background

The Lava Ridge Wind Project is a proposed wind farm by LS Power, LLC/Magic Valley, LLC to be built on the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property next to the Minidoka National Historic Site in Jerome, Idaho. The site is about the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans (Nikkei) during World War II.

This project is controversial due its impact on Minidoka’s historic past. The Nikkei community say that the visual and auditory impact of wind turbines in the background detracts from its somber nature. Robyn Achilles, executive director of Friends of Minidoka, says, “You wouldn’t build a huge wind project over… Gettysburg or the Washington Monument.” Friends of Minidoka continued its opposition to the project, including the scaled back alternatives. It is also asking for 237,000 acres around Minidoka to be protected as an “area of critical environmental concern.”

The project could also disturb natural habitats, impact sage grouse, large wildlife migration and agricultural aviation. Even the annual bird deaths are estimated at 3,240–5,654. One suggestion from the company during construction would be to pay one producer to move all their cows out of the area for a couple of years. “There’s seven different ranches that run on this allotment alone,” said John Arkoosh. “My own, there’s four generations, four families that depend on this area.” He founded the group called, Stop Lava Ridge – Idaho residents who oppose the project. Its Facebook account has more than 3,000 members. “We truly don’t believe this is good for Idaho,” Arkoosh said.

Also under the U.S. Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868, indigenous Shoshone people are allowed to hunt off the reservation on “U.S. unoccupied lands so long as game may be found.” The Shoshone-Bannock Tribe expressed concerns how the project would impact hunting as well as the night sky, which would be illuminated by safety lights on the turbines. The height of the turbines is twice the height of the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington (605 feet).

U.S. President Joseph Biden signed an executive order to increase onshore renewable energy production on the Department of the Interior lands. Congress requested the BLM to increase production of renewable energy. As a result, the BLM has surpassed its goal more than a year early.

Calendar from November 8th Print Issue

By
N.A.P Staff
-

NOVEMBER

▪️Jeff Kashiwa, saxophonist — Tue, Nov 12, 7:30 p.m. and Wed, Nov 13, 7:30 p.m., Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave, Seattle. Seattle native with The Rippingtons in 1989. He performed shows all over the world, founded a saxophone trio with CD releases, and now teaches music. https://jeffkashiwa.com/. Band includes: Brian Monroney (acoustic and electric guitars), Dean Schmidt (bass), John Hansen (keys) and Mark Investor (drums). Tickets may be purchased on-line:
https://www.jazzalley.com/www- home/artist.jsp?shownum=7617 or by phone: 206-441-9729.

▪️Lost & Found: Searching for Home exhibit — Fri, Nov 15, 2024 – Sun, Sep 14, 2026. Open Wed-Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Special Exhibition Gallery, Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle. The exhibit explores the complex relationship between place and belonging through the lens of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander identity.
▪️Film Screening: Karanko no Hana —Mon, Nov 18, 6-7:30 p.m. UW
Allen Library Auditorium, 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle. Short film followed by discussion with UW Prof. Davinder Bhowmik. Japanese with English sub-titles. “Register at: https://www.jsis.washington.edu/Japan/events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%3D177317495.

 

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