THE APPA Newsletter

September 1, 2004

See This Weekend

MISSION STATEMENT:

Promote full utilization of the capabilities of the Enterprise's employees and champion the betterment of the company and community. Promote interest in Asian Pacific issues and culture and act as a bridge to all groups within our community.

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ed. by Douglas Ikemi

(dkikemi@pacbell.net)

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The internet site is at:

www.apa-pro.org

Our own domain name, apa-pro.org, stands for Asian Pacific American Professionals. www.apa-pro.org/ gives you a menu of AP organization websites.

Back issues of the newsletter for all of 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 are available on the website if you want to look up some past event.

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APPA Board Meeting Schedule for 2004:

Wednesday evening meetings open to the public will be at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2100 Mariposa Ave.(corner of Nash) at 6PM.

October 13

December 15

Detailed, updated calendar is available on the internet at www.apa-pro.org in Acrobat and Excel formats [I'll update it someday when I have some more time] . Please send in information on cultural events and news items. Thanks to those who have.

Long range calendar items:

Chinatown Farmers Market Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm Chinatown Business Improvement District http://www.ChinatownLA.com/ For Information (213)_ 680-0243

June 18 - September 20, Chinese Art from the Permanent Collection at the Norton Simon Museum. Revealing the breadth of the Museum's Asian holdings, this intimate exhibition showcases a selection of Chinese works of art, the majority of which are on view at the Museum for the first time. Buddhist artworks in the exhibition include a limestone Stele with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Donors, dated 478, from the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), a marble Torso of the Buddha, c. 577, from the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577); and two seventh- to eighth-century marbles, Meditating Buddha and Bodhisattva, from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The exhibition also presents a number of gilt bronze and lacquered wood sculptures dating to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), a period when Tibetan Buddhism played an important role in China. The wrathful female deity Simhavaktra is represented, as is the couple Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi, locked in a sensual embrace (yab-yum).The museum is open 12-6PM, closed Tuesdays, 12-9 Friday only. The Museum is located at 411 W. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena on the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevard at the intersection of the Foothill (210) and Ventura (134) freeway. http://www.nortonsimon.org/

May 8- Sep 19 "Enterprising Women: 250 Years of American Business" The Los Angeles Public Library challenges our perceptions of the historic role and significance of female entrepreneurs in the U.S. economy by hosting the groundbreaking exhibition on display in the Central Library's Getty Gallery. Central Library is the sole west-coast venue for this exhibit. From the heart of Los Angeles, a city that boasts over 210,000 women-owned businesses, "Enterprising Women" introduces more than 40 stories of women who helped shape the landscape of American business. The trials and triumphs of a diverse group of inventors, innovators and trendsetters will be revealed through artifacts, costumes, diaries and letters, business and legal documents, photographs and paper ephemera, audio recordings and interactive technology. "Enterprising Women" marks the first time major themes of women's history - work and family, gender and professional identity, femininity and women's "proper place," and sex discrimination - are woven into the fabric of business history. The exhibition invites visitors to examine the change and continuity, over the past 250 years, of the definitions and material symbols of womanhood, ownership and entrepreneurial success. "Enterprising Women" is designed to illuminate and personalize the nation's transformation from an agricultural and household economy to one influenced by industrialization, the rise of big business, the emergence of consumer culture and the technology revolution. The exhibit is organized into five historic sections and enhanced by interactive spaces such as an 18th century print shop, a 19th century dressmaking shop, a turn-of-the-century beauty parlor and a 20th century corporate office. Five Californian entrepreneurs are featured in this exhibit including: Maria de Lourdes Sobrino (owner of Lulu's Desserts), Meg Whitman (eBay president and CEO), Ruth Handler (co-founder of Mattel Toy Co. and creator of the Barbie doll), Mary Pickford (Hollywood actress and movie producer), and Juana Briones (successful Hispanic rancher/trader/midwife and healer who pioneered the settlement of Yerba Buena, now known as San Francisco). The exhibit is on display in the Central Library's Getty Gallery, 630 W. Fifth Street, downtown Los Angeles, during library hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. The library is closed holidays. For information, call (213) 228-7500. A catalog of this exhibit is available for purchase at the Library Store or by calling (213) 228-7550. For more information about this catalog, visit the exhibit organizer's web site www.enterprisingwomenexhibit.org.

JUNE 5 - OCTOBER 3 Beyond the Floating World: Japanese Woodblock Prints. "Blue Bird," Sozan Ito, Date unknown, Japan. More than 40 original Japanese woodblock prints from the Los Angeles Public Library's collection, featuring notable masters Hiroshige (1797-1858), Ukiyo-e master Utamaro (1750-1806) and Shin-hanga master Shoson (1877-1945), are on display in the exhibition "Beyond Floating World: Japanese Woodblock Prints" from June 5 to October 3 at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown. Japanese woodblock prints are among the most collected and appreciated types of Japanese art. The Los Angeles Public Library houses a collection of these prints dating from the 17th century. In response to rapid changes in Japanese society, Ukiyo-e artists of the late 18th and 19th centuries created work that was intensely imaginative and innovative. These prints provided the Japanese urban middle class with a source of artistic pleasure. Many prints portrayed famous kabuki actors costumed for particular roles and renown beauties attired in high fashion. Other popular subjects were scenes from classic Japanese literature, landscapes, townscapes, birds, animals and flowers. Many fine examples of the Shin-hanga or the "new print" movement of the early-to-mid-20th century are also in the Library's collection. During the Shin-hanga movement, artists broadened the range of traditional Ukiyo-e subject matter, reflecting their new-found appreciation for Western art without abandoning the beauty and poetry that was inherent in Ukiyo-e. Throughout this period, the artists continued to embrace the influence from the feudalistic period while incorporating modern sensibilities. Traditionally dismissed as decadent, the artists featured in this exhibition are now being re-evaluated and receiving acclaim for their skill and innovation. This exhibition is sponsored by Farmer's Insurance and presented by the Library Foundation.

Central Library First Floor Galleries 630 West Fifth St. Downtown Los Angeles. The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 1 - 5 p.m. The library is closed holidays. For more information, call (213) 228-7500. Parking is available at 524 S. Flower St. Garage. $6.60 maximum/weekdays after 4 p.m. $1 with library validation.

July 17, 2004 through October 17, 2004 The Occupations of Shôwa Japan in Pictures: The Woodblock Prints of Wada Sanzô at the Pacific Asia Museum. Modern Japanese society and culture is often imagined in dramatic conflict between western-style modernity and enduring tradition. This tension emerged in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and continues today, but was most pronounced during the early Shôwa period (1926-1989). This was a time when the nation rejected European values as part of war ideology, then enthusiastically re-embraced western culture during the Allied Occupation of 1945-52. www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 14, 2004 through October 3, 2004Depicting the Royal and Divine: Indian Paintings and Sculptures at the Pacific Asia Museum. In anticipation of the Museum’s 2004 Festival of the Autumn Moon, which will celebrate the wonders of India’s Bollywood, Pacific Asia Museum is presenting an exhibition of rarely seen Indian art works from its permanent collection. The exhibition will include finely executed miniature paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses and portraits of important kings and their courtiers. A number of these paintings were recent gifts to the collection from the Nancy King Collection and have never been shown before. Several folk paintings of popular deities were recently bequeathed to the museum by Colonel William F. Johnston and will provide an interesting contrast to the delicate miniature paintings. A number of important stone and bronze sculptures of Hindu deities will also be featured. www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Sept 12- Jan 2, 2005 George Nakashima: Nature, Form & Spirit at the JANM. This exhibition will feature a range of George Nakashima’s designs from the immediate post-World War II period until his death in 1990. Photographs, ephemera, and other archival materials pertaining to Nakashima will also be on display. Most of the objects come from the collection of the Nakashima family and will be supplemented with local loans. A video piece by John Terry Nakashima, a media producer and nephew of George, will be on view in the Terasaki Orientation Theater. George Nakashima: Nature, Form & Spirit is based on an exhibition organized by the Mingei International Museum in San Diego with Mira Nakashima, curatorial consultant. http://www.janm.org/exhibits/nakashima/

“Chanoma Film Festival 2004” presents nine various Japanese heart-warming films from Kurosawa’s masterpiece to modern animation. The festival will be held at Laemmle’s Fairfax Cinema in West Hollywood, Laemmle’s One Colorado Cinema in Pasadena, and Laguna Hills Mall Cinemas in Orange County. These films were depicted from the family’s view point and give us a chance to re-think what a family is to us. Audiences can enjoy the films regardless of their age. Our goal was to deliver a further cultural exchange and mutual understanding of the Japanese culture to the American and Japanese audience living in Los Angeles. Chanoma Film Festival 2004” will present Japanese films from September through December one week per month at West Hollywood. In addition, Japanese films will be presented in Pasadena and Orange County for one week in October.

http://www.chanoma.org

Laemmle's Fairfax Cinemas, Los Angeles

7907 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Tel: 323-655-4010

Website: http://www.laemmle.com/theatres/fairfax/fairfax.html

Delightful and Touching Movies September 10 - September 16, 2004

Go Rascals! 1:00pm / 5:25pm / 9:50pm

Junkers Come Here 3:10pm / 7:35pm

Classics by Director Akira Kurosawa October 8 - October 14, 2004

Ikiru 1:00pm / 7:30pm

Red Beard 3:55pm

Revival of Chanoma Film Festival 2003 November 12 - November 18, 2004

Remembering the Cosmos Flower 1:00pm / 7:35 pm

Sand Castle -Model Home Family- 3:15pm / 9:50pm

Sukiyaki 5:30pm

Japanese Animations December 10 - December 16, 2004

Catnapped! 1:00pm / 4:30pm / 8:00 pm

The Day the Earth Moved 2:45 pm / 6:15pm / 9:45pm

Laemmle's One Colorado Cinemas, Pasadena

42 Miller Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103 Tel: 626-744-1224

Website: http://www.laemmle.com/theatres/onecolorado/onecolorado.html

Featuring Director Junichi Suzuki October 22 - October 28

Go Rascals! 1:00pm / 9:45pm

Sukiyaki 3:10pm

Sand Castle -Model Home Family- 5:25pm

Remembering the Cosmos Flower 7:40pm

Laguna Hills Mall Cinemas, Orange County

24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 TEL:(949) 768-6611

Featuring Director Junichi Suzuki October 1 - October 7

Go Rascals! 12:30pm / 9:15pm

Sukiyaki 2:40pm

Sand Castle -Model Home Family- 4:55pm

Remembering the Cosmos Flower 7:10pm

September 8 “China City Revisited” at Castelar Elementary School, Chinatown. FREE. 7:00pm – Program. China City was a distinct block-long, popular tourist spot in Los Angeles beginning in the 1930s to the 1940s. Munson and Suellen Kwok, George Yee, Tom McDannold and Ruby Ling Louie were among a committee of people who had gathered together the documents of China City. Slides of China City prepared by Paul Louie will be shown. For more information, please call CHSSC at (323) 222-0856. Sponsored by the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, the Chinese American Museum, and the San Francisco Chinese Historical Society of America.

Sept 11 Union Church of Los Angeles, 401 E. 3^rd St., Little Tokyo, annual Church Faire, 11AM-4PM

Sept 11, 12 U.S. Tour 2004 in tribute to the tragedy of 9/11, Meiji University Mandolin Concert. Aratani/Japan America Theatre. Conductor Yasufumi Kai and guest Artist Peggy Hayama. Recognized as one of Japan's finest Mandolin orchestras, the Meiji University Mandolin Club performs under the direction of Yasufumi Kai. Founded in 1923 by the well known composer of enka (native ballads), Masao Koga. The orchestra returns to Los Angeles for two performances high-lighted by a guest appearance by popular vocalist Peggy Hayama. Proceeds to benefit the JACCC. For further information contact Kazuo Shinohara at (213) 893-7777. Saturday, September 11, 7pm, Sunday, September 12, 2pm. Tickets $30 General Admission, $25 JACCC Members, Groups of 10 or more $10. Artist Reception on Sunday, September 12, 5pm on the JACCC Plaza. More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

Sept 11-12Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture, Pt. Fermin, San Pedro. For more info call 213-389-3050, fpac@fialamarts.org, www.filamarts.org+

November 6th & 7th Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival Celebrating the cultures of Japan, China, Korea and Cambodia, http://www.pasadenacherryblossom.org/autumnfest.htm

Sept 11-12 Fall Bonsai Expo at the Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino (just South of Pasadena, 10:30AM-4:30PM. $15 admission, call 626-405-2100.

September 18 "Stars Shine" Benefit Concert. Aratani/Japan America Theatre, Little Tokyo. .Japanese singer Yuji Matsuoka and his daughter Misao perform along with a roster of local Japanese performing artists who through the arts keep the Japanese cultural heritage alive. Sponsored by the Southern California Kendo Federation and the Yuji Matsuoka Fan Club, with proceeds to benefit Keiro Senior HealthCare and JACCC programs. Tickets $45 orchestra, $35 balcony. More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

Sept 18 Keep it Going . . . Pass it On: Poetry Inspired by the Manzanar Pilgrimage at the JANM, 2PM. An afternoon of poetry published in an anthology by the MANZANAR COMMITTEE, an organization whose goal is to educate the public about the Japanese American internment experience. Poets featured in this anthology will talk about their experience writing and their participation in Manzanar After Dark, a program that began in 1997 to teach young people about the Manzanar camp experience. George & Sakaye Aratani Central Hall. http://www.janm.org/events/m_2004-09.php

Sept 18 Little Tokyo Walking Tour from the JANM. 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM The Little Tokyo community in Los Angeles was once a thriving residential, business, and cultural center of the largest Japanese American community in the United States until World War II. Relive history and learn about present day Little Tokyo with National Museum volunteers on this historical walking tour. Fees are $5 for National Museum members and $11 for non-members, includes Museum admission. Reservations and comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. http://www.janm.org/events/

Sept 19 KATSUDO SHASHIN (Moving Pictures): Japanese Classic Films Return to Little Tokyo

Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre. This series of classic post-war Japanese films showcases popular and rarely screened masterpieces from 1949 to 1960. These films cast light on the dramatic changes Japanese society underwent following the war. Award winning actress Yoko Sugi, featured in two of the films will make a special appearance to introduce the films.

1 pm "Fufu" (Husband and Wife) 1953 (Toho, 87 min) Director Mikio Naruse, Ken Uehara plays Isaku Nakahara, married to Kikuko (Yoko Sugi) and tormented by his wife's affections for a colleague.

5 pm "Zoku Aoi Sanmyaku" (Blue Mountains Part II) 1949 (Toho, 91 min) Director Tadashi Imai. Upon its release, Blue Mountains was a colossal box-office hit. Featuring the young Yoko Sugi and Ryo Ikebe, the movie came to symbolize the youth movement to free Japan of its old, feudal values. Aratani/Japan America Theatre. $5 JACCC & JAS Members and Students with ID, day of screening, $6 General Admission. More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

Sept 25, 26 15th Anniversary Celebration Okinawan Traditional Dance and Music, Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre. A showcase of the rich traditions of Okinawan dance, music and theatre. The 2005 U.S. tour celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the Okinawa Culture Association, established to introduce Okinawan culture including music, dance and martial arts the world. This 20 member ensemble presents a showcase of the rich traditions of Okinawan music and song which reflect the warmth and optimism of the people of this spectacular chain of islands. The program features traditional court dance created in the 17th century, zo-odori (semi classical dance) developed in the Meiji era, and folk dance of the common people which demonstrates the hope, joy and sorrow experienced in their daily lives. Highlighting the program will be "Nido Tekiuchi," a theatrical piece or Kumiodori. The musical ensemble includes shamisen, koto, flute, kokyuo and drums. Tickets $25, $23 JACCC Members, $30 orchestra, $25 balcony More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700. 7PM Sept 25, 2PM Sept 26 http://www.jaccc.org/event_%20related/jaccc_calendar.html#anchor866600

Oct. 2 35th Anniversary Recital Bando Mitsuhiro Kai Japanese Classical Dance, 12:30pm & 5:30pm. Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre. The Bando Mitsuhiro Japanese Classical dance school of Los Angeles celebrates it 35th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Madame Mitsuhiro's award of her natori, dance title. Two different programs will feature classical dances, which have their origins in the centuries-old Kabuki drama and will be characterized by beautiful costumes, elaborate make-up and wigs.

Joined by special guest artists from Japan, Madame Hanayagi Sumi, Master Bando Mitsujiro and Madame Bando Hideko, daughter of the Grandmaster of the Bando school in Japan and renowned Kabuki Actor, Bando Mitsugoro X. The newest natori and shihan students awarded their professional stage names will be presented in a formal debut and the talents of local students will be showcased. Tickets: $30 General Admission More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

Oct 10 From Eastern Europe to East LA: Boyle Heights - the Original Fusion Neighborhood. The Yiddishkayt Los Angeles Family Festival 11am 5pm. Location: JACCC Plaza. A full day of music and entertainment celebrating the rich traditions and continuing vitality of Yiddish Los Angeles includes storytelling, hands-on workshops for kids of all ages. Hear the fusion sounds of klezmer mixed with gospel, taiko, hip hop and even mariachi! Chow down on sushi or blintzes, tamales and pickles! Admission Free. http://www.jaccc.org/event_%20related/jaccc_calendar.html#anchor866600

Oct 10 KATSUDO SHASHIN (Moving Pictures): Japanese Classic Films Return to Little Tokyo. Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre. This series of classic post-war Japanese films showcases popular and rarely screened masterpieces from 1949 to 1960. These films cast light on the dramatic changes Japanese society underwent following the war. Award winning actress Yoko Sugi, featured in two of the films will make a special appearance to introduce the films.

1 pm "Yuki Guni" (Snow Country) 1957 (Toho, 120 min) Director Shiro Toyoda. Komako (Keiko Kishi) is a beautiful geisha with a deep affection for Shimamura (Ryo Ikebe), a handsome but cold city-dweller. Komako's relationships with others are strained by her love for Shimamura, whose distance is reflected in the dramatic, winter scenery of this film.

5 pm "Enjo" (Conflagration) 1958 (Kadokawa Pictures, 99 min) Director Kon Ichikawa. Based on a true story, "Conflagration" depicts the tale of the burning of Kinkakuji Temple (called Shukaku in the film). The beautifully shot film is a visual masterpiece and has garnered multiple awards for its actors.

Tickets $5 JACCC & JAS Members and Students with ID, day of screening, $6 General Admission. More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

Oct 12 LA Philharmonic presents Japan gagaku ensemble Reigakusha, 8PM, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Oct 23 Rhapsody In Taps, A Tribute to Gregory Hines 8pm

Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre. Under the artistic direction of Linda SohlEllison, Rhapsody In Taps presents a "Tribute to Gregory Hines" with the reconstruction of the pieces he created for the company. The program will be highlighted by the premiere of a new work by Monte Ellison all performed by the seven-member ensemble on stage with a live jazz quintet. Tickets: $30, $25, $19 JACCC Members, $36 Hoofers Circle, $28 orchestra, $22 balcony. More info: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

November 6th & 7th, Aquarium of the Pacific Autumn Festival, Celebrating the cultures of Japan, China, Korea and Viet Nam. Some of the participants include:

Southern California Korean Dancing School,

Acrobatic Balancing Acts & Magic by Sha Sha Lui & Pedro Chan,

Art Nakane and his One Man Band

Angi Ma Wong - Feng Shui Demonstrations

Orgami Demonstrations by Michael Ujin Sanders

Japanese Dancing by Bando Mitsuhiro Kai

Cultural Storytelling by Actors of SAG Foundation, BookPals

Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association - Chinese Lion Dance, Dragon Dance & Kung Fu & Weaponry and

Cultural Dive Presentations in the Blue Cavern

Kids Kraft Area with Fish Kites, Origami and Lantern Making

Visual Communications presents ...

PAST/FORWARD

NOVEMBER 14, 2004, 7:30 PM

at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

Despite heated requests for the infamous celebration of Asian Pacific

American chili and rice and cinema, Visual Communications has formally

announced that it will not be having its community ChiliVisions event this

summer.

Originally scheduled for August, ChiliVisions has been replaced by

Past/Forward, a fundraiser to benefit the Linda Mabalot Legacy Fund and

Visual Communications' programs.

http://www.vconline.org/pastforward/nochili.html

Dec 11 Yamabiko Kai Theatrical Co. 1 & 7Pm, presents “Tales of the Echo” musical based on Japanese Folk Tales. Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Tickets $22, $19 JACCC Members, $25 orchestra, $22 balcony.

The Van Nuys Japanese Garden needs volunteers on Sundays in work in the Shoin Tea House, 11AM-3PM, 1 or 2 Sundays each month. Volunteers needed to either prepare tea or serve. Gift shop volunteers also needed, Mon-Thu and Sunday, mornings or afternoons, 2-3 hour shifts. Contact: The Japanese Garden, Attn: Betty Ethridge, 6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406.

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This Weekend (and earlier)

Sept 3 Keiko Matsui in concert at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Rd., Newport Rd, Newport Bch., 8PM. $32.5-63.5, call 949-729-1234. Part of the Summer Jazz Series sponsored by 94.7 FM the WAVE.

September 4 City of Los Angeles 223rd Birthday Celebration at San Gabriel Mission & El Pueblo Historical Monument. FREE. Walk starts at 6:00am at the San Gabriel Mission to the plaza at El Pueblo Historical Monument, “Home of the World Famous Olvera Street.” Post walk celebration will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm at El Pueblo Historical Monument. Look for the Chinese American Museum table! http://www.camla.org/events/calendar.htm

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Last Weekend(s)

I went to:

The Pacific Asia Museum to see Occupations of Shôwa Japan in Pictures: The Woodblock Prints of Wada Sanzô, Unfortunately there was not catalog to accompany these delightful works.

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LA Times: (The Times are requiring registration again, but you might as well sign up for the free on-line access to their articles. This week they may even be accessible without registration. Calendar articles are usually only accessible with a paid subscription.)

Aug 28 COLUMN ONE

Chasing Glimpses of a Past

America's largest group of adoptees hails from South Korea. Many long to find their roots, but old secrets lie buried under stigma.

By Barbara Demick, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/yahoo/la-fg-adopt28aug28,1,3365311.story

Aug 26 'Little India' Fights for Recognition

With a bill on freeway signage expected to pass the Legislature, a debate continues in Artesia over the wisdom of such action.

By Regine Labossiere, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-india26aug26,1,3318140.story

Aug 26 THE RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Minority Voters Still Facing Intimidation, Report Finds

From Reuters