THE APPA Newsletter

August 16, 2005

Nisei week is starting

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, 2003, and 2004 are available on the website if you want to look up some past event.

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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

Through October 16, From the Fire: Contemporary Korean Ceramics

At Pacific Asia Museum

This compelling exhibition brings together some of the finest contemporary Korean ceramics in one of the largest surveys of works to come to North America. From the Fire assembles Korean ceramic artists whose pieces blend traditional techniques with new influences and innovative methods to create both functional and sculptural works. The works, dating from the 1990s through 2003, reveal the adventurous spirit of Korea’s ceramic tradition developed through thousands of years. Tradition is the undercurrent that shapes most of the issues and dialogue in contemporary Korean ceramics. “What can the ceramics of the past teach us today, and how are we continuing with the ceramic skills passed down from our ancestors? How has function changed in ceramics in a time when our lives have become deeply influenced by Western concepts?” From the Fire looks at these issues through this synthesis of contemporary Korean ceramics.

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pacific Asia Museum
46 N Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

Cost: $ 7 adults, $ 5 students

www.pacificasiamuseum.org/calendar/jsword.htm

Scene ‘05 The exhibition features artworks by Los Angeles-based Korean American artists. Through August 18, Wednesdays through Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Korean American Museum, 3727 W. 6th St., Suite 400, Los Angeles

COST: Free

INFO: 213-388-4229, www.KAMuseum.org

Through September 4, 2005 Yangtze Remembered: The River beneath the Lake, Exibition at Fowler Museum. For hundreds of years, artists, poets and explorers have been inspired by the beauty and drama of China’s Yangtze River. In June 2003, some of the river’s most famous mountains and cities were partially submerged by a lake that formed behind the Three Gorges Dam. To prepare for the inundation, bridges, highways, and apartment buildings were constructed on the hillsides above the river, 1,500 towns and cities were destroyed, and more than one million people were moved. ‘Yangtze Remembered: The River beneath the Lake’—on view at the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History from June 19 through September 4, 2005—features fifty black-and-white images by Linda Butler, whose photographs give viewers access to this stunning region before, during, and after its transformation.‘Yangtze Remembered’ will be on view in the Fowler Museum’s Goldenberg Galleria. The Fowler is open Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; and on Thursdays, noon until 8 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The Fowler Museum, part of UCLA’s School of the Arts and Architecture, is located in the north part of the UCLA campus. Admission is free. Campus parking is available for $8 in Lot 4. For more information, the public may call (310) 825-4361 or visit fowler.ucla.edu.. Tuesday, July 19, 2005UCLA
Fowler Museum
Los Angeles, CA 90095www.fowler.ucla.edu/incEngine/?content=cm&cm=current_exhibitions&article_id=1052158426&art=&did=19

May 26-Oct. 10 Japan Goes to the World’s Fairs at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, www.LACMA.org.

May 15 through January 15, 2006 Milton Quon: A Retrospective

This retrospective exhibit will showcase the broad range of Milton Quon’s practice from fine art to commercial work,much of which is on public display for the first time.A quintessential Los Angeles artist, Quon was born in 1913 and raised in Los Angeles. After graduating from the Chouinard Institute of Art, Quon’s career in the commercial arts took him to Walt Disney Studios where he worked as a designer and painter. From the 1940s to the ‘60s, Quon worked as an art director at ad agency Batten, Barton, Durstine, and Osborn. From whimsical cherubs in Disney’s Fantasia to bold advertising posters, Quon’s commercial work will be presented alongside the artist’s rich collection of fine art works.

Tuesdays through Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St.

Suggested $3 donations

INFO: 213-485-8567, www.camla.org

May 15 through January 15, 2006, A Portrait of My Mother - A Photo Exhibit by Sam Lee

This exhibit features a photographic series, A Portrait of My Mother by Sam Boi Lee, an emerging Los Angeles-based, Chinese American photographer. Lee’s poignant photographic series operates like a photo-essay told through eloquent images of his mother’s world, from everyday objects that are imbued with his mother’s nurturing strength, to his own expressions of loss and love.

Tuesdays through Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St.

Suggested $3 donations

INFO: 213-485-8567, www.camla.org

Aug 25 East LA Taiko Lead by master drummer Maceo Hernandez, East LA Taiko marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving taiko beats. This concert, which showcases their latest work, will begin with a screening of "Maceo: Demon Drummer of East LA", an award-winning film produced and directed by the National Museum's John Esaki, Director of the Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center. This series is presented in association with the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy and is sponsored, in part, by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. 7:30PM at the JANM In conjunction with the exhibition Big Drum: Taiko in the United States. Lead by master drummer Maceo Hernandez, East LA Taiko marries Afro-Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with driving taiko beats. This concert, which showcases their latest work, will begin with a screening of "Maceo: Demon Drummer of East LA", an award-winning film produced and directed by the National Museum's John Esaki, Director of the Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center.

This series is presented in association with the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy and is sponsored, in part, by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.

In conjunction with the exhibition Big Drum: Taiko in the United States

Aug 26 Joseph Ileto Speaker Series presents Helen Zia. In partnership with the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California, the Japanese American National Museum is proud to host this conversation with award winning journalist, author, and activist, Helen Zia. A tireless advocate for the rights of Asian Americans, women, gays, and lesbians, Zia shares the lessons of her work and vision for the future.

Named after Filipino American postal worker and hate crime victim, Joseph Ileto, this annual speakers series features diverse voices of those working to end the pernicious effects of prejudice and bias. www.janm.org

Aug 27 History of Chado lecture, part of The Way of Tea series sponsored by Chado Urasenke Los Angeles Association, by Dr. Herbert Plutschow of UCLA. 1Pm, $25, at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Garden Rm A, in Little Tokyo. To reserve a seat send your check to Chado Urasenke Los Angeles Association, 3010 Wilshire Blvd., PMB #276, LA, CA 90010. For info email info@urasenkala.org or call 213-220-5376.

August 27 & 28, [updated dates] 2nd Annual Chinese Food Festival in Los Angeles Chinatown. To be kept abreast, become a sponsor, a food or exhibit vendor, email foodfestival@chinatownla.com or call (213) 680-0243.

August 27, Korean Dance Festival At John Anson Ford Amphitheatre Ten companies and solo artists from the U.S. and Asia,including National Treasures, will perform at the annual traditional dance fest. Presented by Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy.
Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy's aim is to teach second generation Koreans living in the United States about their true roots and strive to instill a sense of pride in Koreans that have lost, or are unsure of their heritage. The Academy networks with other Korean dance academies in the U.S. and Canada and hosts an annual workshop for instructors across the nation. Under the direction of Jung Im Lee, the Academy, started in 1994, has more than 200 students, ranging in age from 4 to 70. Saturday, 8:30 PM - 10:30 PMJohn Anson Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd.
E. Hollywood, CA 90068Cost: $20-$40 Tel: 323-461-3673

August 27 Special 25th Anniversary Celebration! Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe

Ho'olaule'a. A Celebration of Hawaiian Culture! Hawaiian arts and Crafts vendors. Live Entertainment Very special Hawaiian Jam with special Guest artists following the concert on the Plaza

Includes a post performance reception/Kanikapila following the Ho'ike on the JACCC Plaza

Saturday, at 11am - 6pm  Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Admission Free

August 27 Special 25th Anniversary Celebration! Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe

Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe

Special guest appearances by:

Master Kumu Hula - Uncle George Naope Pua Kanahele

Nalani Kanaka fole Zane, Dr. Taupouri Tangaro (aka Kaipo Frias

Kekuhi Kanae - Keali'I kanaka'ole, Kaumaka fiwa Kanaka fole

Traditional Hula as well as contemporary work by Hula Halau 'O Lilinoe/Na Pua me ke aloha. A Ho'ike (show) that celebrates the halau (hula school)'s 25th anniversary.

A special celebration to commemorate the 25th anniversaries of Hula Halu 'O Lilinoe and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

Saturday at 3pm  Aratani/Japan America Theatre

$25 General admission advance sales

$30 at the door

$20 JACCC Members

Aug 27-28 Slippery shrimp, tangerine chicken, Singapore noodles, and mouth-watering barbecue will be featured as over 30 Chinatown restaurants, culinary

experts, and chefs congregate for the second annual Chinese Food Festival

The festival will showcase such renowned establishments as Empress Pavilion, together with many smaller "best kept secret" restaurants. Cooking demonstrations featuring Chinese chefs, beer and wine samplings, cultural entertainment, children's games, craft booths, and more will ensure fun for the whole family.

The 2005 Chinese Food Festival will take place in the heart of Chinatown at 
943-951 North Broadway (Central Plaza), an easy stroll from Chinatown's 
Metro Gold Line Station. Festival hours are Saturday from 10-8pm and Sunday 
from 11-6pm.The festival promises to be one of the best bargains in town!

General Admission price $10

Seniors (60+) $8

youths (5-12) $6

and children under 5 are free. (Includes 2 food tastings except for kids under 5.) A $2 discount is offered on the General Admission price only with proof of riding public transportation to the festival. (Does not apply to Senior or Youth admission.)

For more details call (213) 680-0243, visit or www.chinatownla.com"Dine Around Chinatown" Progressive Dinner: August 17, 2005 
Taste dishes from the following featured Chinatown restaurants:CBS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: Salad seafood roll, large prawns with honey walnut, deep fried whole scallops Chinese style, and grey sole cooked double style.

CHOW FUN: TBA
Cost is TBA (includes food, wine, tax and gratuity)

Reserve your space now at (213) 680-0243 or foodfestival@chinatownla.com.

August 28, LISA SEE with "SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN"

In 19th century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote region of Hunan developed their own secret code for communication - "nu shu" (women's writing). 

In her new novel, based on this real and secret world that has only recently disappeared, Lisa See relates the compelling story of a woman whose life was shaped by early suffering and the friendship that helped her survive.  Light refreshments and book signing follow. Sunday,

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 

Tel: (626) 449-2742, ext. 20, www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Till Aug. 31, Tanabata, Festival of the Starts at the New Otani Hotel. Call 213—253-9232. Tea Ceremony on Aug 14, 11AM-2PM, $3, Ogasawara Sencha Do Southern Calif Assoc.

September 01, Shangri-La, Exhibition at UCLA Hammer Museum 
through October 16, 2005. Patty Chang’s video installation will examine the concept of Shangri-La, or Heaven-on-Earth, and is inspired by James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, and the artist’s experiences in China.About the Exhibition
Patty Chang’s video installation examines the idea of Shangri-La, the mythical hamlet of James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon. The novel and the subsequent film by Frank Capra (1937) propelled the notion of Shangri-La into the collective cultural vocabulary. In 1997, a rural farming town in South Central China near the Tibetan border began to declare itself the place upon which Hilton’s Shangri-La was based. Subsequently a dozen other towns in the area claimed that they were the real Heaven-On-Earth, resulting in a relentless marketing battle until the Chinese government intervened by officially naming one town Shangri-La. Chang’s Shangri-La is about the reality and fiction inherent in the idea of a place that exists in both real and mythical incarnations. Her work explores the idea of making a real journey to an imaginary place.The installation centers on a video approximately thirty minutes in length, shot on location in Shangri-La. A number of other elements are in an adjacent gallery, primarily a large sculpture of a mirrored mountain mounted on a rotating platform. Chang describes this sculpture as “kind of a giant sacred mountain prayer wheel crossed with a disco ball.”The exhibition is organized by Russell Ferguson, chief curator at the Hammer Museum. 

Free Admission to all Hammer Museum exhibitions and public programs from June 7 through September 4, 2005. Thursday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PMUCLA
Hammer Museum
Los Angeles, CA 90095 Cost: Free, Hours Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, 11am-7 pm Thu, 11am-9 pm Sun, 11am-5 pm. hammerinfo@arts.ucla.edu
www.hammer.ucla.edu/

Sept 3-5 PMX The Crossroads of Asian Pop Culture

Pacific Media Expo (PMX) is a new generation of convention for a new generation of fans! PMX brings the cutting edge of Asian entertainment to America, whether it is the newest anime from Japan, the hottest bands from the Pacific Rim, or the most creative fusion of sports and martial arts in Hong Kong history. PMX seeks to create an entertainment community for artists, industry, and their fans.

Things to See and Do at PMX

Admire the beautiful artwork on display at the Daisuke Moriyama Exhibit, and bid on "one of a kind" items in our Charity Auction.

Watch an energetic performance by our "Talagang Crazy" Comedian Guest of Honor Rex Navarrete, or move to the music of our annual Concert Series.

Shop till you drop in our Exhibit Hall and enjoy the diversity of art and media in our Artists Market, then relax in our Gamers Lounge, and see an Airsoft or Martial Arts demonstration.

Bring a camera! Fans roam our halls in costume, and many of them enjoy being photographed when they are not strutting their stuff on stage in our Cosplay Festival.

Be educated and entertained in one of our many Panel or Workshop presentations. See your favorite artists and musicians in person. Hear them speak about their work, answer questions, and even offer autographs!

Whet your appetite for the latest in imported Asian video, with our Anime and Asian Cinema programming tracks.

At night, enjoy Dining and Entertainment just across the street at The Pike, or sing your heart out for fun and prizes in our Karaoke room.

Pacific Media Expo is being held Labor Day Weekend (September 3rd - 5th, 2005) in Long Beach, California, at the Long Beach Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Long Beach, and Renaissance Hotel Long Beach.

Adult, paid by 08/20

$40 Three Day $20 One Day

Adult, At-the-door

$40 Three Day $20 One Day

Child (12 or under*) $15

$15http://www.pacificmediaexpo.com/

Sept 11-12 The 13th Annual FESTIVAL OF PHILIPPINE ARTS & CULTURE (FPAC)

A Pilipino Artists Network Production

10am – 6pm

Pt. Fermin Park,

807 Paseo Del Mar,

San Pedro 90731

Donation $3 - Purchase your pre-sale ticket now and enter into a special prize drawing during Festival Weekend!

http://fpac.filamarts.org/

Our tradition continues with a NATIONAL line-up of Filipino artists...

September 22-25 32nd  Annual Los Angeles Korean Festival

Seoul International Park in Koreatown, Los Angeles

3250 San Marino St, Los Angeles, CA 90006-1315

In addition to the commemoration of the 100th year Korean immigration, we invite you to join us in our celebration as 2005 marks our 32nd anniversary of the Los Angeles Korean Festival with improved programs and entertainment. We would also like to extend a heart-felt thank you for your participation throughout past 30 years.

The Los Angeles Korean Festival is a tool for which people are encouraged to come together, share culture and get a better understanding of their fellow neighbors. The Festival is a not-for-profit organization and is solely committed, in enriching the lives of the community and all of Los Angeles. LAKFF has continued to run its primary goals, to advocate the awareness of the Korean culture and promote racial tranquility all throughout Los Angeles.

The festival is an important project for the merits and values that it maintains. This particular festival acts as a gateway for the community to interact with one another. The Festival begins on Thursday, September 22nd 2005 at 11:00am kicking off the celebration with an opening ceremony at 6:00pm and our street carnival fair beginning Friday afternoon continuing until Sunday. The carnival is located adjacent to the park. Within the park our more popular attractions are located such as our performing main stage, business expo and international food court.

There are over 190 business expo booths selling or introducing their product or service to our attendees. The festival is open to general public and free of charge including our concerts and performances on the main stage. Many companies have found our promotional booth a vital tool as a way to introduce their company identity to our attendees; these promotional booths offer the interaction with the consumers that other forms of advertising don't. Along with the expo booths, firms also find useful to advertise in our program booklet (color 8.5" X11"), which is handed out to all our attendees. The program booklet contains the festival's event schedule and photo showcase along with companies' advertisements.

The Korean parade is one of Saturday's main attractions it showcases local and citywide organizations as well as our more involved sponsors. You may use the parade to strengthen your company name or your advertising campaign. The parade is one of the many important medians of promotion that the Los Angeles Korean Festival offers that your company can utilize to outreach to the people of the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Outline of 4-Day Festival

Day 1

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Market Fair 11 AM - 11PM

(International foods and Merchandise for sale).

Games & Carnival rides Open 2PM-11PM

All Day World Culture performances. 4PM-11PM

Opening Ceremony / VIP Reception 7:00pm

(City & Government officials present for Ceremonies)

Day 2
Friday, September 23, 2005
Market Fair 11AM - 11PM 
Stage Performances 2PM-11PM
Shows include popular performers from Korea and United States
3rd World Culture Talent Show; open to public
Games & Carnival rides Open 2PM-11PM

Day 3
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Korean Parade (Olympic Blvd. between Vermont & Western Ave.) 3PM
All Day World Culture performances. 12PM-11PM 
Market Fair 11AM-11PM
Games & Carnival rides 12PM-11PM

Day 4
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Market Fair 11AM-11PM 
All Day World Culture performances. 12PM-11PM
Games & Carnival rides 12PM-11PM
Closing Ceremony / VIP Reception 7:00pm
(City & Government officials present for Ceremonies)

Food offered during the festivities include various tradional, popular Korean dishes, Korean snacks, drinks, and many other specialty items.

Parking and Directions: Seoul International Park, 3250 San Marino St, Los Angeles, CA 90006

http://www.lakoreanfestival.com/main.htm

Sept 23 "Moon of the Scarlet Plums"- Crazy Horse

Japanese Noh theatrical experience produced by Theatre of Yugen (San

Francisco) collaboration with American Indian Dance Theater and Tiny Alice (Tokyo) 8PM, $33

Part of 2005 World Festival of Sacret Music - Los Angeles

Friday, 8 pm. James Armstrong Theater in Torrance California

Theatre of Yugen's world theater production, Moon of the Scarlet Plums, is a Japanese Noh and Native American collaboration, inspired by the story of the 19th century Oglala Sioux hero, Crazy Horse. The show is directed by Yuriko Doi, composed by Richard Emmert, with songs by Darrell Paskimin and choreography by Hanay Gieogamah of the American Indian Dance Theater, Jane Lind and Masashi Nomura. Written by Erik Ehn with material from John Neihardt's Cycle of the West and Black Elk Speaks, with potent symbols and evocative performances, this production crosses cultural boundaries and offers a theatrical experience that spans space, time and place.

It evokes the powerful spirit world of Japanese traditional Noh Theatre and Native American art forms in telling the story of a young Native American who searches for identity and spiritual vision in our contemporary times. The music and instrumentation is based on Noh structure and is combined with Native American singers, drums and flutes.

This program will be co-presented by the Torrance Cultural Arts Center

Foundation and Collaboration with Theatre of Yugen and Tiny Alice(Tokyo).

http://www.jtpao.org/upcoming.htm

Oct 7-9 Grand Sumo Las Vegas

Nov 18 to Feb 12, 2006 Place/Displace, Three Generations Taiwanese Art exhibit at the Pacific Asia Museum

NOV. 19th (Sat) & 20th (Sun), JAPAN EXPO 2005, Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall A


APAN EXPO is the largest US-Japan event that was initially started in an effort to strengthen the ties of friendship with the United States. Last year we have successfully concluded our 25th anniversary and we thank you for your continuous support, as we could not have come this far without your cooperation and devotion.

We are committed to advance our two great nations, U.S – Japan relationship to the next level.

A wide-range of exhibits is in store for the The 26th JAPAN EXPO as well as presentation of Japanese traditional culture, handicrafts, and various regional products.

We will also introduce Japan’s latest technology, such as game softwares, comics and high-efficiency “Made in Japan” products. We will also provide a section where attendees can relish in the aesthetics of Japanese cuisine. On the main stage of Japan Expo there will be some of Japan’s traditional performances that will be presented in a grand style, thus far, a program that is rich in content. In 2005, we are planning to invite one of the KABUKI master for their unforgettable performances.

The JAPAN EXPO attracted more than 30,000 consumers in 2004, and we expect to surpass that number, it will give you a new exposure that will be beneficial to you. We believe it is an excellent venue to test market your products and services. http://www.japanexpo.org/

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This Weekend (and earlier)

Aug 13-21 Nisei Week http://www.niseiweek.org/

August 18 Screening - Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance At Korean Cultural Center

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is the first revenge film series from Park Chanwook, the director of Old Boy.

Directed by: Park Chanwook
Year of Production: 2002
Genre: Action/Adventure and Drama
Main Cast: Bae Doona, Sin Ha-kyun, Song Kang-ho
Running time: 121 minuets 
Rating: R 
Provided by the Tartan Films
Language: Korean with English Subtitles

Synopsis:

RYU (SHIN Ha-kyun), a young factory worker, has recently quit art school in order to look after his sister, who is dying a slow, agonizing death for want of a kidney. When a doctor tells Ryu that he is an unsuitable donor and that the chances of finding one is slim, Ryu turns to the black market. But the old lady who runs an underground organ ring cheats him, taking both his life savings and his kidney and leaving him without the kidney she promised in exchange. Ryu’s girlfriend, a Raggedy-Ann leftist named YOUNGMI (BAE Doona), urges Ryu to kidnap the four-year-old daughter of industrialist owner PARK DONG-JIN (SONG Kang-ho). Dong-jin’s deep grief quickly turns to rage and he embarks on an implacable quest for vengeance. At the same time, Ryu goes after the organ traders, knowing that if they had come through, none of the tragic occurrences would ever have happened…

The film screenings are free and open to public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to the film’s imminent US release, KCCLA will screen Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance one week prior to the regular screening schedule, which is the last Thursday of each month.

Thursday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Korean Cultural Center
3rd Floor, Auditorium (Ari Hall) 5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Cost: Free

Tel: 323-936-7141
cinema@kccla.org

Aug 20 Cold Tofu: monthly comedy improv show At Maryknoll Japanese Catholic Center Cold Tofu is dedicated to promoting diverse images of Asian Pacific Americans through comedy and to developing multiethnic talent through education and performance. Founded in 1981 by Denice Kumagai, Marilyn Tokuda, Judy Momii, and Irma Escamilla, COLD TOFU has served as a catalyst to spur other Asian Pacific Americans to enter an area that has been widely ignored by the entertainment industry.
COLD TOFU has performed throughout Southern California including the David Henry Hwang Theatre, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Harman Avenue Theater, L.A. Cabaret, Japan America Theater, Japanese Village Plaza, USC, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside and several other campuses throughout California. In addition, Cold Tofu has performed in Washington, D.C. (Smithsonian Institute), Houston, TX, and even in Canada! Saturday, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PMMaryknoll Japanese Catholic Center
222 S. Hewitt ,St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012 Cost: pay-what-you-can Tel: (213) 739-4142
coldtofu@hotmail.com
www.coldtofu.com

Aug 20, 21 Nisei Week at the JACCC

Bonsai Exhibit- 10 am- 5 pm- Doizaki Gallery

Doll Exhibit- 10 am- 5 pm- Second floor

Sashiko and fabric dyeing - 10 am- 5 pm- Community Gallery

Sumie- 10 am- 5 pm- Room 302

Beer Garden- 10 am- 6 pm- Plaza

For information call: (312) 680-3700

Email: info@jaccc.org

August 21 and Septempber 18 Katsudo Shashin (Moving Pictures): Japanese Classic Films Return to Little Tokyo"

This series of classic Japanese film showcases rarely screened post-war Japanese masterpieces by some of Japan's most revered directors: Kenji Mizoguchi, Kon Ishikawa and Masaki Kobayashi.

All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. Film selections are subject to change.

August 21,1pm "Shin Heike Monogatari" ("The Tale Heike") 1955 Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi The timeless Ichikawa Raizo, the quintessential samurai actor who made more than 150 films before his death at age 37 stars in this film. This graceful period film deals with the central themes of ethics, honor, and loyalty clash amongst the military and noble classes.

August 21, 5pm "Seppuku" ("Harakiri)" 1962 Directed by Masaki Kobayashi Starring Nakadai Tatsuya, the dark subject of suicide in "Seppuku" is contrasted by its picture-perfect black and white imagery and strikingly beautiful cinematography.

September 18, 1pm "Makioka Sisters" 1983 Directed by Kon Ishikawa Four sisters return to Kyoto to view the cherry blossoms in this sensuously beautiful film by acclaimed director, Kon Ichikawa. The "Makioka Sisters" is a vivid portrayal of fading cultural traditions, drawing visual parallels between the sisters' activities and the dramatic seasonal variations in Japan.

Sunday,  Aratani/Japan America Theatre

$7 General Admission

$5 JACCC Members and Students with ID, day of Screening

Festival Package - All 3 Films $18 General Admission $12 JACCC Members, Groups of 10 or more

August 21, Special Screening of "Citizen Tanouye"

"Citizen Tanouye" 2005 (58.5 Min.) Craig Yahata and Robert Horsting Producers/Co-Directors Special Benefit Screening Documentary filmmakers Robert Horsting ("A Tradition of Honor") and Craig Yahata ("A Tradition of Honor", Emmy award winning "A Safe Place") are presenting a special sneak preview screening of "Citizen Tanouye" the story of Los Angeles area born, Medal of Honor Recipient Tech Sgt. Ted Tanouye" of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

This kinetic "shoot-from-the-hip" style documentary follows the three-day journey of eight ethnically diverse students as they search for the clues to uncover the lost story of local World War II hero and the only citizen of the city of Torrance to be awarded this country's highest military decoration.

A seemingly local story takes on national dimensions as a turn of events in Washington, DC result in a quest of discovery and understanding as these students realize their own connection to a part of history often overlooked. CITIZEN TANOUYE follows these students as they learn how a people's struggle for acceptance as Americans and one man's actions sixty years earlier can profoundly affect their lives today.

Filmmakers will be in attendance for Question and Answers following the film.

Presented in association with the Ted Tanouye Memorial Foundation. Proceeds will be used to complete the documentary. For more information contact Robert Horsting at 818.913-0640.

Visit www.citizentanouye.com

Sunday at 11am  Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Suggested donations: $15 General Admission

$7.50 JACCC Members & Students with ID

Nisei WWII veterans, free admission

Veterans are urged to bring their teenage grandchildren

Wells Fargo Summer Music Festival Wells Fargo & Company presents an exciting four-week Latin American Summer Music Festival at El Pueblo Historical Monument, the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles. Featuring four bands each show and a different musical theme each week, the free outdoor concerts will take place at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Plaza on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m.

  Upcoming Date/Time(s):

August 21, 2005

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Olvera Street

Address: 845 N. Alameda Street , Los Angeles , 90012

Cross Streets: Los Angeles / Alameda

Region: Downtown LA view map

Phone: (213) 628-1274

Admission: Free

Through August 28, The Eternal World of Cinema: Transcending Time and Space At Japanese American Culture and Community Center

Yoko Sugi Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange Project Presents:  "The Eternal World of Cinema: Transcending Time and Space"

This exhibit invites you to visit the golden era of Japanese cinema from the 1940s to the 1960s. Actress Yoko Sugi in collaboration with art director Hirokazu Kosaka presents various props from film sets, costumes, posters, memorabilia. This exhibit hopes to visualize the power cinema has in transending time and space.

Japanese American Culture and Community Center 
244 S. San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Cost: Free

Time: Tues-Fri: noon-5pm, Sat & Sun: 11am-4pm, Mon: closed

Tel: 213-628-2725 ext. 127

Last weekend I went to:

The Tofu Festival and the Nisei Week Parade. Admission to the Tofu Festival was up to $8 this year, and I probably wouldn’t have gone if I hadn’t received a half off coupon from friends at Kimura Photomart. A lot of booths that were previously outside of the festival are now inside. The parade goers reached new levels of discourtesy this year, crossing the street in large numbers while the parade was in progress, sometimes right in the middle of parade groups. I was even pushed off the sidewalk by someone who was in a mad rush to cross. Hope they calm down next weekend.

Saw the Wong Kar-Wai film 2046, a sequel to the 2001 film In the Mood for Love (http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/01/13/mood.html) which was a fairly conventional, minimalist, linear production. 2046 is the direct opposite, using just about every cinematic trick in the book. The story includes a movie within a movie, a Japanese noir science fiction tale that captures the atmosphere of recent films such as Avalon and Princess blade perfectly. (Interesting, since that genre didn’t exist at the time 2046 is supposed to take place.) This film still has in common with its predecessor lots of very tight dresses, high heels, and heavy make up, but also has graphic sex scenes. Very artsy and complex, it’s worth seeing if you’re not easily offended and don’t need to see car crashes in your films.

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Links to selected articles from the LA Times. To actually access the articles, you may have to sign up for a free account.

Aug 16 THE STATE

Students Gain, but Still Lag

Test scores rise again, but not enough to bring public schools in line with federal standards.

By Duke Helfand and Joel Rubin, Times Staff Writers

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-scores16aug16,1,1760554.story

Aug 15 THE WORLD

Prime Minister of Japan Skips Visit to Shrine

The leader's reelection bid trumps nationalist pressure to honor war dead on surrender date.

By Bruce Wallace, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-japan15aug15,1,1632977.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Aug 12 Anti-Illegal Immigration Group's Forum Plan Foiled

Concerns over racism thwart Save Our State's effort to find allies in the black community.

By Lisa Richardson, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sos12aug12,1,635692.story

Aug 11 Righting a Wrong, U.S. to Honor WWII Vet's Bravery

Ben Kuroki, 88, faced prejudice in the Army as a Japanese American. This week, he receives a Distinguished Service Medal, one of the nation's highest military honors.

By Catherine Saillant, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-kuroki11aug11,1,7093998.story

Aug 10 PROFILE / SHIN-B

Hip-Hop Artist Busts a Rhyme in Two Languages

Shin-B is attracting young Korean American fans in L.A. She sees her efforts as a creative, community-building force.

By Daniel Hernandez, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rapper10aug10,1,5263578.story

Aug 14 POSTCARD FROM JAPAN

The poetic soul of Tohoku

David Atkinson, Lonely Planet

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-tohoku14aug14,1,6055747.story

Aug 14 DISCOVERIES

By Susan Salter Reynolds

Languageof the Geckos: and Other Stories

Gary Pak

University of Washington Press: 184 pp., $18.95

MAGICAL realism, Hawaiian-style. In "Language of the Geckos," Gary Pak illuminates the lives of ordinary Hawaiians of Asian descent — Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese.

http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/books/la-bk-reynolds14aug14,1,6090632.story

Aug 12 Q & A | HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Behind Closed Doors, a Life of Abuse, Fear

By Anna Gorman, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-trafficking12aug12,1,3826562.story

Aug 13 BELIEFS

From Old Boxing Arena to a House of Worship

Grand Olympic Auditorium will become home to a fast-growing Korean American congregation.

By K. Connie Kang, Times Staff Writer

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-belief13aug13,1,6391464.story