THE APPA Newsletter

January 10, 2007

 

First newsletter of the year!!

 

Jan 15 Martin Luther King Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Day

http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/index.htm

 

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. (substitute in your Enterprise and company, etcÉ)

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ed. by Douglas Ikemi

(dkikemi@pacbell.net)

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Back issues of the newsletter for all of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 are available at http://www.ikemi.info/APPA/newsletters.html if you want to look up some past event. The website www.apa-pro.org no longer exists. This newsletter was originally published under the auspices of the Hughes Asian Pacific Professional Association (no longer extant). It currently has no affiliation and is available to anyone who is interested in downloading it.

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Please send in information on cultural events and news items to dkikemi@pacbell.net or dkikemi@mac.com . Thanks to those who have.

 

Long range calendar items:

 

Chinatown Farmers Market EVERY THURSDAY FROM 2-6PM, the Chinatown Farmers' Market takes place at Hill & Alpine bringing fresh fruits and produce by California Farmers to the Chinatown Community. FRIED BANANA, FRIED YAM, HAWAIIAN CHICKEN. We invite you to come and experience the Chinatown Farmers' Market. Free parking with purchase.

 

The Downtown Arts District/Little Tokyo
Farmers' Market

Weller Court 2nd & San Pedro in

Little Tokyo Summer Hours 10-3pm

Features fresh produce, Hawaiian Chicken, more food gifts....and live jazz band.

Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

The weekly market is held every  Tuesday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m year round, rain or shine.

Sponsored by LARABA the market will include farm-fresh produce, Asian produce, organic produce, eggs, seafood, cheese, olives, olive oils, flowers, plants, bread and prepared foods and more.

Hawaiian Chicken, Roasted corn on the cobb

Local businesses interested in having a prepared food booth at the market or individuals interested in volunteering at this non-profit event, please contact Susan Hutchinson at 323-660-8660 for more information

 

Los Angeles Public Library Celebrates our DiverseCity

http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/diversecity/index.html

 

Tales of Krishna Exhibition at LACMA  Through July 2007

The South and Southeast Asian Art Department presents an exhibition on the representation of Krishna and his legendary deeds in the visual arts throughout India. Drawn primarily from LACMA's renowned collection of South Asian art, the exhibition consists principally of opaque watercolor paintings and drawings, but also includes sculptures in a variety of media, decorative artworks, and ritual objects associated with annual festivals devoted to Krishna. The thematically organized exhibition explores various aspects of Krishna's life, Including his miraculous birth, childhood pranks, heroic exploits, and romantic dalliances.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Cost: Free

www.lacma.org

Ansel Adams at Manzanar: 
November 11, 2006 - February 18, 2007

Ansel Adams at Manzanar, organized by the Honolulu Academy of Arts, includes over 50 vintage prints from the collections of the Library of Congress, the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and the Japanese American National Museum.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

An Urban Oasis: The Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum at the Fullerton Arboretum

Spotlighting the rich agricultural legacy of Orange County and the Japanese American communityÕs contributions to that chronicle.

Sowing Dreams, Cultivating Lives: Nikkei Farmers in Pre-World War II Orange County.

Opens February 10, 2007.

The Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum has been built on the grounds of the Fullerton Arboretum and has been designed along the lines of a packing house. California State University, Fullerton, and the Fullerton Arboretum are working together to open the museum to the public. The inside of the building is divided into four sections: Nikkei, Pioneer, Educational, and Transportation and Geography. There is a small bookstore and the Potting Shed will move its plant sales adjacent to the bookstore alcove.

The museum will highlight the history, development, and impact of agriculture, as well as the contributions of the Japanese American community and the local pioneer families, to the growth of Orange County. This introductory exhibit will be a peek into upcoming planned exhibitions and will be open throughout the summer.

The first major exhibit will focus on the Nikkei. Sowing Dreams, Cultivating Lives: Nikkei Farmers in Pre-World War II Orange County will journey with the early Japanese immigrants to California, and follow their stories as they establish permanent communities in Orange County by marrying, raising families, founding schools and social groups, and above all, cultivating the land.

Fullerton Arboretum, California State University, Fullerton

1900 Associated Road

Fullerton, California 92831

 

Jan 20 10 am Free Concert

As part of its Music Unwrapped program, Southwest Chamber Music performs ÒThe Japanese World of Toru TakemitsuÓ in the museum courtyard.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed Ð Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults $5 for students/seniors Free admission every 4th Friday of the month!

General info & Current Exhibitions: (626) 449-2742 xtn 10

Museum Store: (626) 449-2742 xtn 20

Parking: Free parking is available in museum parking lot, located on corner of Los Robles and Union.

 

 

Saturday, January 20, 1-4pm FREE Family Festival

In honor of Banquet: A Feast of the Senses, enjoy an afternoon of interactive programs highlighting various culinary customs and cultural celebrations from multiple Asian traditions. Made possible in part by grants from the Pasadena Arts and Culture Commission, the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division, Pasadena Arts League, and Katharine Audrey Webb Foundation.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed Ð Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults $5 for students/seniors Free admission every 4th Friday of the month!

General info & Current Exhibitions: (626) 449-2742 xtn 10

Museum Store: (626) 449-2742 xtn 20

Parking: Free parking is available in museum parking lot, located on corner of Los Robles and Union

 

Jan 21, 2PM

"Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment" by Linda Gordon and Gary Y. Okihiro

This indelible work of visual and social history confirms Dorothea Lange's stature as one of the twentieth century's greatest American photographers. Presenting 119 images originally censored by the United States Army -- the majority of which have never been published -- Impounded evokes the horror of a community uprooted in the early 1940s and the stark reality of the internment camps. Colin Westerbeck, distinguished curator of photography and Los Angeles Times West magazine contributing writer, moderates a conversation with the authors, to shed light on the experiences of thousands whose lives were unalterably shattered by racial hatred brought on by war. Book signing and dessert reception to follow. Reservations recommended.

This book is available at the Museum Store. Call 888.769.5559 to place an order.

In conjunction with the exhibition Ansel Adams at Manzanar

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

Jan 27, 10:15, 12:15

Little Tokyo Walking Tour

Relive history and learn about present-day Little Tokyo with National Museum docents on this informative walking tour. $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes Museum admission. Reservations along with comfortable walking shoes and clothes recommended. Weather permitting.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

Jan 27, 1-3PM

Craft Class with Ryosen Shibata

Flower Origami
Give your special someone a unique bouquet for Valentine's Day. Learn to fold vibrant, colorful flowers incorporating elegant designs and fine details. $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes supplies and Museum admission.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

Jan 27, 2PM

"Lost & Found: Reclaiming the Japanese American Incarceration" by Karen L. Ishizuka

Ideal for Educators

Combining heartfelt stories with first-rate scholarship, Lost & Found reveals the complexity of people reclaiming their own history by exploring the meaning of the World War II camps from the inmates' own memories. Ishizuka, former Senior Curator and Director of the Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center at the Japanese American National Museum, deftly blends official history with community memory to work towards recovering a painful past. During this program, the author, in conversation with Thai Binh Checel, Partner, Abacus Educational Enrichment, provides new insights about the Japanese American incarceration experience.

Book signing and dessert reception to follow. All educators with proper ID can purchase Lost & Found at a 10% discount at the program. Reservations are recommended for this FREE event to 213.625.0414.

This book is available through the Museum Store Online or by calling the toll-free Store Order Line at 888.769.5559.

Private Tour for Educators

Saturday, January 27, 1:00PM  (Lost & Found program to immediately follow)

Join us for a facilitated tour of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, an educational program of the National Museum that promotes the principles of democracy, diversity, and civic involvement. To make a tour reservation, contact 213.625.0414. For more information about the National Center, visit www.ncdemocracy.org.

In conjunction with the exhibition Ansel Adams at Manzanar

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

Jan 28, 2PM

"My Life: Living in Two Cultures" by Shigeo Takayama

A successful businessman and philanthropist, Takayama's entrepreneurial endeavors have significantly advanced global technologies, and his dedication to public service has changed countless lives worldwide. Born in the United States in 1906, his story begins like many Japanese Americans but soon embarks on a remarkably different journey. From a childhood spent in Japan, to the neighborhoods of Los Angeles, to the battlefields of World War II, he has witnessed the profound and tumultuous changes in both the United States and Japan over the past ninety years. A deeply moving memoir told with humor and humanity, of one man's unique journey living in two cultures. Book signing to follow.

This book will be available in February 2006 through the Museum Store Online.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

January 28, 2007, 9pm

3rd Annual U.S. Weight Category Karate Championships 2007

Presented by International Karate Organization Kyolushin Kaikan

Over 100 competitors, coaches, and IKO officials from nearly ten countries around the world will compete in the U.S. Karate championship. They represent the diversity and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. Competition includes karate forms (Kata) to knockdown fighting (Kumite) and culminates with the main event of all weight categories.

For information contact Kyokushin Karate at (877) 662-7947, email: info@kyokushinla.com, or visit www.kyokushinkarate.com

$20 General Admission, $40 VIP

For ticket sales contact Kyokushin Karate at (877) 662-7947 or Aratani/Japan

America Theatre at (213) 680-3700.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505 (between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

www.jaccc.org

 

Sunday, January 28 3-5 pm Opera Pasadena
ÒTwoÕs CompanyÓ program of duets. Call 877-342-6268 for reservations. $15/$10 seniors.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed Ð Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults $5 for students/seniors Free admission every 4th Friday of the month!

General info & Current Exhibitions: (626) 449-2742 xtn 10

Museum Store: (626) 449-2742 xtn 20

Parking: Free parking is available in museum parking lot, located on corner of Los Robles and Union

 

Feb 9-11 Kodo returns at Royce Hall, UCLA www.uclalive.org

 

February 20, 2007 Lecture - Chinese Garden Plants and Their Symbolism

At the Huntington Library

Terese Bartholomew of the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, will discuss the traditional significance of many plants and flowers in Chinese culture.  Free.  FriendsÕ Hall.  (626) 405-2100.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Road

San Marino, CA 91108

Cost: Free

Tel: (626) 405-2140

lblackburn@huntington.org

www.huntington.org

 

Feb 21-22 Ikebana Display at UCLA,  Ackerman Union, 10-5, 818-981-4005

 

March 31, 2007 6th Annual CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

www.cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org

Saturday, 11 am Ð 10 pm  Sunday, April 1, 2007: 11 am Ð 6 pm

Location:   Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro Street,

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Entrance Fee: FREE 

The 6th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival will be on March 31st & April 1st moving from its former location in Pasadena to the streets of Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles.  This prestigious event is produced by RYOMA,

founded in 2002 for the purpose of administering cultural events to bridge generations and expose the mainstream population to various diverse cultural arts.  The festival has donated 100 ÒPink CloudÓ Cherry Trees to the City of

Pasadena yearly and to date 500 ÒPink CloudÓ cherry trees have been planted in the city as part of their beautification program.  We hope to continue this program in downtown Los Angeles.

 

May 08, 2007 Lecture: Rocks in Chinese Culture

At The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Robert Mowry of the Sackler Museum at Harvard University will give a slide lecture that explores the use of rocks in Chinese gardens, where they serve as building materials, as sculpture, and as symbolic representations of mountains. Tai Hu rocks, such as those used in the HuntingtonÕs Chinese Garden, are among the most prized. Free. FriendsÕ Hall. (626) 405-2100.

Tuesday,

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Road

San Marino, CA 91108

Cost: Free

Tel: (626) 405-2140

lblackburn@huntington.org

www.huntington.org

 

See LA Library DiverseCity events at http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/diversecity/index.html

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This Weekend (and earlier/later)

 

Saturday, January 13, 1-4:30 pm

Memoir Workshop

In this non-traditional half-day workshop, Leslie Li Ð memoirist, novelist and writing/movement teacher Ð will guide participants through a process for exploring thoughts and feelings, playing with words and chance, and invoking memory and imagination. Bring an open mind, a sense of humor, and wear comfortable clothing. $50 museum members, $60 non-members. Reservations and pre-payment required.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed Ð Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults $5 for students/seniors Free admission every 4th Friday of the month!

General info & Current Exhibitions: (626) 449-2742 xtn 10

Museum Store: (626) 449-2742 xtn 20

Parking: Free parking is available in museum parking lot, located on corner of Los Robles and Union.

 

Jan 14 2pm Authors on Asia

Leslie Li - Daughter of Heaven: A Memoir with Earthly Recipes

In the tradition of Amy Tan, novelist Leslie Li blends beautifully written stories of her family with authentic recipes from her Chinese ancestry. The program is presented in conjunction with the museum exhibition, Banquet: A Feast for the Senses. Please call the Museum Store for updates and reservations (626) 449-2742 ext. 20.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed Ð Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults $5 for students/seniors Free admission every 4th Friday of the month!

General info & Current Exhibitions: (626) 449-2742 xtn 10

Museum Store: (626) 449-2742 xtn 20

Parking: Free parking is available in museum parking lot, located on corner of Los Robles and Union.

 

Jan 14, 2PM

"Because they might be a threat..." Memories of the Children's Village at Manzanar

On June 23, 1942, forty orphans arrived at Manzanar. By the time the camp closed, more than sixty joined their ranks. As assistant superintendent, Lillian Matsumoto oversaw the operation of the facility and care of the orphans. Now in her nineties, Matsumoto shares her memories in a very special program that includes her daughter, Karyl Matsumoto, and oral historian, Greg Marutani. Reservations recommended.

This program is made possible, in part, by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program.

In conjunction with the exhibition Ansel Adams at Manzanar

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

 

Thursday, January 18, 2007, 6pm

World Heritage Wooden Structure Tourism Forum

in Los Angeles

The Elegance and Magnificence of Japan's World Heritgae

Wooden Structures

Keynote Speech:

"Japan's World Heritage Wooden Structures: Background, Structure and Technology" 

DR.YUKIO NISHIMURA - Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, former Vice Chairman, International Council on Monuments and Sites

Presentation:

"The Appeal of Japan's World HeritageWooden Structures"

Representatives of the municipalities of Nara, Himeji, Ikaruga, Yoshino and Hatsukaichi

Special Lecture:

"Shape and Heart of Yamabushi: Purifying the Hear in the Rigors of Nature"

REVEREND KYOZEN NAKAI - Chief Priest, Kizo-in sub-temple of the Goji-in Temple, Mt. Omine, Yoshino

In the West, history has long revolved around the "Culture of Stone." The graqndeur of stone structures can be awe-inspiring. The culture in Japan, however, is a "Culture of Wood," born of the interaction between people and forests. The many World Heritage wooden structures in Japan are symbols of Japanese cultures and their beauty has been maintained for the past 1400 years in the face of numerous natural disasters. This is due to the excellent building technology and skills passed down from generation to generation that keep the tru e spirit of the wooden structures alive. This forum will present the splendor of the "Culture of Wood" and the elegance of Japan's World Heritage wooden structures that can be truly appreciated by the world

Visit Japan Campaign Project

Presented by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport of Japan and Japan Municipalities' Council of Wooden Structure World Heritages

Organized by: JACCC, Japanese National Tourist Organization (JNTO), United Nations World Tourism Organization Asia Pacific Center

Supported by: Consulate General of Japan in LA, Japan America Society of Southern California, JCCSC, The Japan Foundation, LA Project Planning & Mangement, and Asia-Pacific Tourism Exchange Center.

Admission is FREE. Space is limited. Reservations required.

For reservations, please call Mr. Hirokazu Kosaka at JACCC:

(213) 628-2725, ext. 127.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

 

January 18, 2007 Facing the Past in China: Contemporary Challenges of Cultural Heritage Conservation

Lecture by Martha Demas, at the Getty Villa

Martha Demas, senior project specialist at the Getty Conservation Institute, explores the challenges of preserving the material legacy of China's past through the lens of the institute's longstanding conservation projects in collaboration with China's national heritage authority.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Register at www.getty.edu/visit/calendar/events/Lectures.html

Thursday, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Auditorium, Getty Villa

17985 Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Tel: 310 440-7300

visitorservices@getty.edu

www.getty.edu

 

 

 

Last weekend (or so) I went to: 

January 1, 2007 at Weller Court Shopping Center

11:00am - 3:00pm

Free Admissions

Taiko Show, Sake Barrel Breaking, Mochi Pounding, etc.

Information: (213) 629-1200

 

Jan 7 Kotohajime at the JACCC Plaza, 1PM

This is getting more and more creative every year. This one in particular was very interesting, with a flamenco performance in kimono. Also mochi pounding and arrows.

 

Pacific Asia Museum to see ÒBanquet, a Feast for the SensesÓ very modern

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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.

 

OBITUARIES

Iwao Takamoto, 81; animator for Hanna-Barbera drew Scooby-Doo

By Valerie J. Nelson, Times Staff Writer

January 10, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-takamoto10jan10,1,542943.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

 

Did 'Writers' get it wrong?

The portrayal of a Long Beach high school in 'Freedom Writers' raises hackles in the city. The teacher who inspired the film speaks up for it.

By Gina Piccalo, Times Staff Writer

January 9, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-freedom9jan09,1,2869009.story

 

Toyota speeds past Chrysler

The Japanese carmaker cracks the top three in U.S. auto sales for 2006 with a 12.5% yearly gain.

By John O'Dell, Times Staff Writer

January 4, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-autos4jan04,1,2568571.story

 

In Japan, a voice of conservatism reassesses WWII

The leading newspaper takes a surprising stance in revisiting the nation's dark wartime record.

By David Pilling, Financial Times

January 1, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-ft-watanabe1jan01,1,623205.story

 

Momofuku Ando, 96; inventor's Cup Noodle became an instant hit

By Bruce Wallace, Times Staff Writer

January 7, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-ando7jan07,1,1847996.story

 

Multilingual 'Babel' translates well for SAG

The critically acclaimed yet lightly seen film in the U.S. has become an award favorite.

By Susan King, Times Staff Writer

January 5, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-et-sag5jan05,1,2084833.story

 

Memory lane

Wu Jiani returns to Pauley Pavilion for the first time since winning a bronze medal in 1984 and is joined by her husband and two daughters

By Helene Elliott, Times Staff Writer

January 7, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-gym7jan07,1,1356552.story

 

China's new obsession with manners

Officials want to spruce up Chinese manners for the 2008 Olympics, but a heavy-handed etiquette law is absurd.

January 7, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-op-rodriguez7jan07,1,5844642.column

 

Nation's number of Internet users rises 30%

From the Associated Press

December 30, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-briefs30.2dec30,1,3091614.story

 

Jobs scarce for China's graduates

Each year millions of new degree holders vie for few openings. Some blame official policy.

By Mitchell Landsberg, Times Staff Writer

3:07 AM PST, December 28, 2006

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-chigrads28dec28,1,5943111.story