THE APPA Newsletter

June 12, 2007

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, etc…)

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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

World Premiere YELLOWFACE

A biting new comedy from David Henry Hwang, Tony Award-winning author of M. Butterfly.

May 10 ‚Äì July 1, 2007

The Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center

135 North Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Directions and Parking

http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=506

March 17 - July 29, 2007

Tokyo ADC Exhibition

A blend of pop, tradition and innovation, this exhibition provides a glimpse into the world of Tokyo Advertising Director's Club. Tokyo ADC promises to showcase some of the most trend-setting minds in commercial visual arts in the world today through examples of logos, print and television advertising, and book and product design.

Simple avant garde, comedic and crisp; the competition to stay ahead of the game is so intense, that these commercial artists explore and discover new ways, and new twists on a few old ways of delivering their products to the consumer market.

George J. Doizaki Gallery

Admission Free

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday - Friday, 12 noon to 5pm

Saturday & Sunday, 11am to 4pm

Closed Mondays & Holidays

June 30, 2007 - Sept. 2, 2007 Whose Utopia

An exhibition by Guangzhou artist, Cao Fei at The Orange County Museum of Art

The Orange County Museum of Art launches the Pacific Initiative, an ongoing series of exhibitions, artist residencies, and international collaborations to build relationships with artists and institutions in Asia and Latin America. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia, the first of these projects, presents the work of Cao, an artist born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, who addresses the complexities of the rapidly shifting contemporary moment. The artist spent six months at the OSRAM China Lighting Ltd., a factory in the Pearl River Delta in China, a major manufacturing base for everyday products for Chinese and foreign markets that has drawn workers from throughout China in search of economic opportunities and a better life. The installation is anchored by a video, Whose Utopia, and includes the everyday personal mementos and metal bunk beds present in the workers dormitories. The video is an eerily beautiful portrait of the factory and of the workers’ daily lives, fantasies, and aspirations. Scenes from the flow of the regular workday are interspersed with performances by a peacock dancer, a ballerina dressed as an angel, an electric guitar player, and a break dancer.

Whose Utopia is presented in collaboration with the Walter & McBean Galleries at the San Francisco Art Institute. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia was organized by Aimee Chang, OCMA curator of contemporary art.

Admission

Adults: $10

Students (w/ valid ID) & Seniors (65+): $8

Children under 12: free Members: free

Thursdays are free!

Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Orange County Museum of Art

850 San Clemente Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Tel: 949-759-1122

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

FACES OF BATTLE: Japanese Prints from the Permanent Collection

On display from May 26 - September 26, 2006

This installation explores the themes of samurai virtue in conflicts ranging from legends of pre-history to epic moments of civil war in the late 19th century.

The thirty woodblock prints from the installation are also presented online in an interactive feature with stories of the protagonists, zoom screens enabling close inspection of the images, and a brief biography of the influential printmaker Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-92).

http://collectionsonline.lacma.org/MWEB/about/japan_about.asp

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90036

323 857-6000 (general information)

323 857-0098 (TDD) http://www.lacma.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 community’s 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

Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran

June 22, 2007 - September 9, 2007

Mohammad Farnood, Norooz, 2002

On Friday, June 22, 2007, Pacific Asia Museum will open Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran, an exhibition that provides a rare, revealing view of Iranian life with more than 60 photographs by renowned Iranian photographers. Subjects include public life as well as the intimate – such as family life and celebrations. This will be the only West Coast venue for this exhibition.

The twenty artists in the exhibition are among Iran’s most celebrated photographers, all of whom use the medium for cultural expression and self-exploration. Many of the artists are well known throughout Europe where they have extensively exhibited their works. Several of these artists have lived abroad and experienced western culture before returning to Iran to document their own culture. This perspective of life in Iran contradicts the way many foreign photographers use the medium: to represent Iran and its people as purely exotic.

Sadegh Tirafkan, Persepolis

Iran has distinguished itself with the quality and international presence of its film and visual art. Now we can extend our appreciation of Iranian artists with the photographic work of Shokoufeh Alidousti, whose self-portraits and family photographs explore both cultural and female identity. Esmail Abbasi draws on Persian literature for his subject matter and adds contemporary side notes on present circumstances in Iran. And Shahriar Tavakoli focuses on his family history through a series of portraits capturing the mood of an Iranian family with all its subtleties.

Persian Visions will travel to the University of Michigan Museum, the Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona Beach, the Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, and the Missoula Museum of Art. Recently it was on view at the Honolulu Academy of Art, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell University, and the Art Gallery of the University of Maryland.

Persian Visions was developed by Hamid Severi for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Iran, and Gary Hallman of the Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. This exhibition was made possible in part by the ILEX Foundation, University of Minnesota McKnight Arts and Humanities Endowment, and the Department of Art, Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

June 23 Little Tokyo Walking Tour

Relive history and learn about present-day Little Tokyo with National Museum docents on this historic walking tour. $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes Museum admission. Reservations along with comfortable walking shoes and clothes are recommended. Weather permitting. 10:15AM-12:15PM

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

June 23 Pop-Up Cards for Any Occasion with Ryosen Shibata

Be prepared for birthdays, holidays, and "just because" occasions by creating whimsical pop-up cards for that special family member or friend. $8 for National Museum members and $13 for non-members, includes supplies and Museum admission. Reservations recommended. 1-3PM

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

June 23 The Poetry of Japanese Gardeners

To mark the opening of Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden, this program explores the poetry of Japanese gardeners. Author and Edgar Award-winner Naomi Hirahara and Sunny Seki, director of the Rashin Senryu and author of The Tale of the Lucky Cat discuss the creative parallel between beautifully crafted senryus and Japanese gardens. Poetry readings by retired gardener and director of the Pioneer Senryu group, Shotaro Dofuku, will be accompanied by a presentation of photographs from the National Museum's collection that were taken by Japanese Gardeners. 2PM

In conjunction with the exhibition Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

Venice Japanese Community Center Festival

June 23 &24

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

12 noon - 9 pm

12448 Braddock Drive, Culver City, CA, 90066

Call for event times- (310) 822-8885

website: www.vjcc.com

Sun Valley Buddhist Temple Obon

June 23 & 24

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7 pm

Valley Japanese Community Center

8850 Lankershim Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352

Call for event times- (818) 767-9921

Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center Carnival

June ?

5pm- 10pm

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7pm

1766 Seabright Ave, Long Beach, CA, 90810

Call for event times- (562) 437-9924

http://www.nikkeifederation.org/commcenters/longbeach.html

June 24 8:30pm 20th Anniversary Celebration

Loretta Livingston & Dancers

"June Moon (Dressed in White)"

Location: JACCC Plaza

Choreographer Loretta Livingston creates a site-specific dance, live music and video performance piece tailored to the specifics of the JACCC Plaza. Using her company of 7 principal dancers and an extended cast of 17 women forming a "moon mudra" movement chorus, with live music composed by Alan Terricciano, she utilizes various and existing structures and spaces in the JACCC Plaza, moving the performance events from place to place during the evening. The event celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Loretta Livingston & Dancers, the 25th Anniversary of the JACCC, with collaborations by Kate Johnson and Michael Masucci of EZTV a video and digital art center's 25th year.

Tickets:

$20 General Admission

$15 JACCC & DRC Members

$10 Students and Seniors

More info on tickets: call the Box Office at 213.680.3700

June 28-30 On Ensemble taiko performance at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica, $25

1130 Lincoln Blvd.

Tickets 323-960-7726, www.plays411.com/ukiyo

http://onensemble.org/

June 30 Special Screening of Films Sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program

The National Museum will host a mini festival of films funded by CCLPEP. Titles include From a Silk Cocoon, 9066 to 9/11, and Stand Up for Justice, among others.

This program is made possible by the generous support of the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

Adults $8.00

Seniors (62 and over) $5.00

Students (with ID) and Children (6-17) $4.00

Children 5 and under and Museum Members, Free.

Free general admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month. Special group rates and rentals available.

For reservations call (213) 625-0414.

June 30, 2007 Whose Utopia An exhibition by Guangzhou artist, Cao Fei at The Orange County Museum of Art

Whose Utopia is presented in collaboration with the Walter & McBean Galleries at the San Francisco Art Institute. Cao Fei: Whose Utopia was organized by Aimee Chang, OCMA curator of contemporary art.

Exhibition will last from June 30, 2007 - Sept. 2, 2007

Admission

Adults: $10

Students (w/ valid ID) & Seniors (65+): $8

Children under 12: free

Members: free

Thursdays are free!

Saturday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Orange County Museum of Art

850 San Clemente Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Tel: 949-759-1122

June 30 Senshin Buddhist Temple Obon

One Day Only

5:30 pm HATSUBON

7-9pm- BON ODORI

9:30pm-OMAIRI & SENTO SHOGON- Oshoko in the

Hondo and lighting of 1000 oil lamps. Otoki

10:00pm- HORAKU- Kinnara Taiko

1311 W. 37thStreet, Los Angeles, CA, 90007

Call for service times: (323) 731-4617

June 30 West Covina Buddhist Temple Obon

One day Only

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Festival hours: 11am- 9:30 pm

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7 pm

West Covina Japanese Community Center

1203 West Puente Ave., West Covina, CA, 91790

Call for event time- (626) 913-0622

Website: www.livingdharma.org

E-Mail: dharma@livingdharma.org

June 30, July 1 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple OBON FESTIVAL

9450 Remick Avenue

Pacoima, California 91331

Telephone: (818) 899-4030

Facsimile: (818) 899-0447

Email: sfvhbtds@yahoo.com

sfvhbt.tripod.com

July 7 & 8 Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon

The main Nishi hongwanji temple in Los Angeles.

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits 3-10 Sat, 3-9 Sun

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7 pm on Sat. and 6:30 pm on Sun.

815 East First Street, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012

Call for event time- (213) 680-9130

Website: www.nishihongwanji-la.org

July 7&8 Zenshuji Soto Mission

Carnival (Japanese food and games), Karaoke performances, taiko

Performances by Zendeko

11AM-8PM

123 So. Hewitt St.

Downtown Los Angeles (Little Tokyo)

Call for information: 213.624.8658

Website:www.zenshuji.org

July 8 Bridge USA Summer Festival

10AM-7PM, $4

Torrance Cultural Center

3350 Civic Center Drive

310-781-7150

Tuesday, July 10, 8pm Film Mojtaba Mirtahmasb’s documentaries, Back Vocal and Off Beat, capture the struggles of contemporary Iranian singers and musicians working to be heard in their own country. Back Vocal explores Iran’s prohibition, since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, of female solo singers. Featured singer Mamak Khadem will speak following the film. Off Beat documents the restrictions on rock concerts, and the efforts of fans to hold an on-line contest featuring Tehran’s underground rock bands. This will be Off Beat’s first U.S. screening! Both are subtitled in English, and will be screened under the stars in the courtyard garden. Seating provided, but feel free to bring a beach chair. $6 for members, $10 for non-members. Includes museum admission. To register, call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 13-15 30th Anniversary of the Lotus Festival sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

WHEN:

Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

(Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.)

Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.

(Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.)

Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.

(Dates coincide with the anticipated blooming of the Lotus Flower)

LOCATION:

Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, California, located on Park Avenue between Glendale Avenue and Echo Park Boulevard, just north of the Hollywood (101) and Pasadena (110) freeway junction, near Dodger Stadium

GENERAL PARKING LOCATIONS:

LOGAN STREET SCHOOL:

1711 W. Montana Street, Los Angeles.

Cross streets Lemoyne St. and Montana St.

ECHO PARK BASEBALL DIAMOND: 1632 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles

Cross streets Temple St. and Glendale Blvd

CITY OF ANGELS MEDICAL CENTER:

1711 W. Temple St, Los Angeles

Cross Streets Temple St. and Glendale Blvd.

MISSION:

The mission of the Lotus Festival is to develop, promote and create an atmosphere of understanding in which Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California are brought together for one (1) evening and two (2) days of cultural sharing. The Festival also seeks to preserve and enlighten the public with a sampling of distinctly different and unique Asian and Pacific Islander culture and traditions through displays, art, music, dance and food. Providing a fun and enjoyable festival for the entire family.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Inaugural Friday Twilight Jazz Series on Friday July 13, 2007 and Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 12:00 p.m., to earmark the celebration of the 30th Lotus Festival, which include live music, dance and entertainment from a variety of performers representing many of the diverse countries of Asia and the Pacific Islands. This year the Festival will highlight the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. A fabulous fireworks display over Echo Park Lake will take place both Friday night and conclude the day's activities Saturday at 9:00 p.m. with the legendary Taiko Drummers playing in the background. Asian and Pacific Islander personalities from the media and acting professions will act as emcees/hosts during this two-day event.

Artisans-at-work will be on hand to demonstrate their skills on the beautifully decorated Flower Island Pavilion. Their artwork illustrates their spirit, tradition and pride of the Asian and Pacific Islander handiwork. Includes: paper-cutting, hand painted scrolls, calligraphy, plant and flower expertise, fish, birds and other Asian artifacts and wares.

The Health Fair will feature educational lectures on holistic fitness. Other services to be provided include: free screenings, information and referrals.

The Community Service Area will feature a variety of organizations offering free information, assistance and referrals in areas of employment, social services, immigration, legal services, education, housing and translating.

The Art Exhibit will feature artwork with the “lotus flower” theme. The 2007 exhibit will be opening for viewing during Festival hours at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 850 Echo Park Avenue, located across the street from the boathouse.

The International Marketplace will offer a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander items and gifts for sale, including clothing, jewelry, artwork, hand-made crafts, incense, body oils and much more.

Children's Courtyard will give children the opportunity to learn Asian and Pacific Islander arts & crafts, enjoy live music, stories, songs and dances.

Queens and their Courts representing local communities will be in native dress.

Dragon Boat Races are held both days with media, community service groups, political and business organizations, local colleges and universities whom will be competing for awards, while enjoying a day on the lake.

The Food Booth Area will provide a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine that will feature enticing delicacies, and exotic beverages which are traditional to the Asian and Pacific Island cultures.

Last year’s estimated attendance alone was well over 100,000. The population was composed of the diverse cultures that make-up Los Angeles!

CONTACT:

City of Los Angeles

Department of Recreation and Parks

2007 Lotus Festival

3900 West Chevy Chase Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90039

(213) 485-1310; FAX (213) 485-8746

Email: Lotus.Festival@lacity.org  Website: www.laparks.org/grifmet/lotus.htm

Saturday, July 14, 1pm Lecture Join Persian Visions co-curator Gary Hallman to learn more about the art, artists, politics, and story behind this bi-national exhibition. Following the presentation, Dr. Hallman will answer questions in the gallery. Free with admission. To R.S.V.P., call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 14 & 15 Pasadena Buddhist Temple Obon

Odori- 7pm each day

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7 pm

1993 Glen Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91103

For event times call- (626) 798-4781

website: http://www.janet.org/~pjci/PasadenaBuddhistChurch/pbc.html

July 14 & 15 Orange County Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Sat 2-9, Sun 2-8:30

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 7pm both days

909 So. Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92802

Website: http://www.bca-ocbc.org

Call for event times- (714) 827-9590

July 14th Oxnard Buddhist Church Bon Odori –– 6:00 p.m.

250 South “H” Street Oxnard, CA 93030

Tel. (805) 483-5948 Fax (805) 483-2353

Sunday, July 15, 2pm Talk and film screening

Over the past 20 years, photographer and filmmaker Abbas Hojatpanah has been documenting Iranian artists now scattered around the world. He will discuss why this subject, so close to his heart, is of such historical importance and what impact it is having on the youth of Iran. He will then screen several of his video portraits. Mr. Hojatpanah’s book, Portraits of Iranian Artists in Exile, will also be available for purchase. Free with admission. To R.S.V.P., call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 21 & 22 Venice Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 6:30 pm

12371 Braddock Drive, Culver City, CA, 90230

Call for event times- (310) 391-4351

Website: http://www.vhbt.org

July 22 Sozenji Buddhist Temple Community Obon Festival

One day only

12 noon ~7:30pm

Carnival and entertainment

2pm- Obon Service

3020 Beverly Blvd.

Montebello

More info 323-724-6866

www.sozenji.org

July 26, 8pm The Fish Fall in Love tells the story ofpolitical prisoner Aziz, returning after 25 years to take possession of his family estate only to find his former flame, Atieh, is now running it as a restaurant. Director Ali Rafiee uses the language of food to tell a story of passions over generations. Starring Reza Kianian, Roya Nonahali, Golshifteh Farahani. With English subtitles. $6 for members, $10 for non-members. Includes museum admission. To register, call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

July 28 & 29 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 6:30 pm

2003 Corinth Ave., West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Call for event times- (310) 477-7274

July 28 & 29 Higashi Hompa Honganji Buddhist Temple Obon

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

Odori (Japanese folk dancing) begins at 6:30 pm

505 E. Third Street, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Call for event times- (213) 626-4200

E-Mail: HHonganji-LA@mindspring.com

Website: www.hhbt-la.org/higashi.html

Aug 4, 5 GARDENA BUDDHIST CHURCH

OBON DANCE AND CARNIVAL

Sushi – Udon – Teriyaki Chicken – Rides – Games – Crafts – Dry Goods – Dancing

August 4th -Saturday: 3 - 10pm August 5th - Sunday: 2 - 9pm

OBON Dancing Saturday & Sunday 6 - 8pm

Carnival, cultural performances and exhibits

1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena, CA 90247

Website: http://www.gardenabuddhistchurch.org/

Call for event times- (310) 327-9400

August 9, Led by Artistic Director Shida Pegahi, Ney Nava Dance Theatre has been performing fine Persian classical and contemporary dance since 1994. They will bring their beautifully costumed classic dances to Pacific Asia Museum for an evening of timeless beauty. $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Includes museum admission.To register, call (626) 449-2742, ext. 31. Space is limited.

Thursday, 8pm

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Community Photography Exhibition

Friday thru Sunday, August 10-12 Photos by and of the Southern California Persian community will be displayed in the Foyer Gallery. For entry information click here [PDF: 46KB, 2pg]. Contest begins June 15. Free with admission.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

August 18-26 Nisei Week

http://www.niseiweek.org/

Aug 18-19

Tofu Festiva http://www.tofufest.org/

Runs September 20 - October 14, 2007 DURANGO

By Julia Cho

Directed by Chay Yew

When Boo-Seng Lee is laid off from the job to which he has devoted the last 25 years of his life, he decides to take his two sons Jimmy and Isaac on a road trip to Durango, Colorado. As they make their way across the Arizona desert, they confront family secrets, peeling back the layers of identity, alienation and duty that define being Asian in America. DURANGO promises to be a thought-provoking examination of the fears, fantasies, and failures of a family standing in the shadow of the American Dream.

Single Tickets Available Starting August 20th!

WEST COAST PREMIERE

Previews September 13 - 16, 2007

Opens September 19, 2007

Wednesday - Saturday @ 8 pm, Sunday @ 2:00pm

$60 Opening Night

$35 Regular Tickets

$30 Students & Seniors

$20 Preview Tickets

American Sign Language-interpreted performance October 7, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

$20 Tickets for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Patrons

For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or email info@eastwestplayers.org.

Click here to visit the Mark Taper Forum online for more details.

DAWN'S LIGHT: THE JOURNEY OF GORDON HIRABAYASHI

By Jeanne Sakata Directed by Jessica Kubzansky Based on a true story. During the Japanese Internment of WWII, UW student Gordon Hirabayashi refused evacuation orders as a violation of his civil rights and became a federal prisoner. His 1942 conviction was not overturned until 1987.

WORLD PREMIERE Previews - November 1 - 4, 2007

Opening Night - Wednesday November 7, 2007 Performance Run - November 8 - December 2, 2007

Wednesday - Saturday @ 8 pm, Sunday @ 2:00pm

*NO PERFORMANCE Thursday, November 22, 2007

$60 Opening Night

$35 Regular Tickets

$30 Students & Seniors

$20 Preview Tickets

American Sign Language-interpreted performance Sunday, November 25, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

$20 Tickets for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Patrons

For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or email info@eastwestplayers.org.

Click here to visit the Mark Taper Forum online for more details.

Dec 1, 2 Japan Expo 2007

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

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This Weekend (and earlier/later)

June 16 Discovering Your Japanese American Roots

Instructor Chester Hashizume leads a comprehensive workshop covering genealogy basics such as getting started, identifying your ancestral Japanese home town, obtaining and utilizing family documents, and determining the meaning behind surnames and family crests--all the tools you need to discover your roots. This intensive session includes a one-hour break. $45 for National Museum members and $55 for non-members, includes materials and Museum admission. 10:30AM-4PM

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

June 16, 2007 A Symposium on Styles of Chinese Gardens

A one-day symposium at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, sponsored by Milton and Rosalind Chang

Styles of Chinese Gardens will consider the history of gardens and regional styles in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, examining the varied and changing styles of garden design from the 16th to the 20th centuries. We will look particularly at how styles were affected by time, place, and contact with foreign countries, from the more intimate gardens of southern China to the imperial gardens that exuded grandeur and power.

8:30AM

Registration & Coffee

9:15AM

Welcome: Roy Ritchie, The Huntington

Remarks: June Li, Curator of the Huntington Chinese Garden

9:45AM

Morning Session:

Moderator: Louise Yuhas, Professor, Art History and Visual Arts, Occidental College

- Alison Hardie, Lecturer in Chinese Studies, University of Leeds, U.K. “Shift in Garden Styles in Jiangnan around 1610”

- - Yang Ye, Associate Professor of Chinese, UC Riverside “Yangzhou Gardens”

Discussion

12:00PM

lunch

1:00PM

Afternoon Session:

Moderator: Marcia Reed, Head, Collection Development, Getty Research Institute

- Richard Strassberg, Professor, Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, UCLA “Foreign and Merchant Influences on Cantonese/ Guangdong Gardens”

- - Philippe Forêt, Researcher, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland “The Imperial Style of Chengde”

Discussion

Registration required, RSVP to 626-405-3569

Saturday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

The Huntington, Friends Hall

1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108

Special Instructions

Coffee registration fee,$10.00

Buffet lunch registration fee, $16.50

Download File: Garden Symposium.pdf

June 17 Opening of the exhibition ''Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden''

Gardens were among the first forms of Japanese culture to gain popularity in the United States. Since their introduction to the American public at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Japanese-style gardens have proliferated across the country.

Landscaping America reveals the personal stories, historical journeys, communities, and creativity that underlie the surface of the "Japanese garden." This multimedia exhibition highlights how West Coast Japanese Americans drew upon their agricultural and ethnic backgrounds to carve out a viable vocational niche in gardening while reinterpreting Japanese garden traditions, offering alternative approaches to working with nature, and contributing to the diversity of the American landscape.

Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden is made possible, in part, by major support from the Aratani Foundation and the Annenberg Foundation. Generous support was also provided by The James Irvine Foundation, the National Endowment of the Humanities, and The Boeing Company.

Media Sponsors: Los Angeles Downtown News, LA18 KSCI-TV and The Rafu Shimpo.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

Adults $8.00

Seniors (62 and over) $5.00

Students (with ID) and Children (6-17) $4.00

Children 5 and under and Museum Members, Free.

Free general admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month. Special group rates and rentals available.

For reservations call (213) 625-0414.

June 18 Ambient Musician Kazuya Nagaya performs at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso Street, LA , CA 90012 at 7:30PM, $25. Call Yoko Ano at 626-570-1481, nagayaliveLA@gmail.com

June 15-23 Seven Masterpieces by Kenji Mizoguchi at LACMA

Kenji Mizoguchi began his career in the silent-film era and quickly became known for his vehement independence and uncompromising artistry. His works spanned many genres, from contemporary melodrama and historical epic to social realism and domestic tragedy, along with the occasional biography, ghost story, or samurai tale. He directed dozens of films, many of which were lost during World War II. Those that remain make up one of the most beautiful bodies of work in any art, of any time. Classics such as Ugetsu, Sansho the Bailiff, Story of the Late Chrysanthemums, and The Life of Oharu are unequaled in their pictorial and narrative richness and emotional force. It is little wonder that critics the world over have chosen Mizoguchi as one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema.

The seven films in this series were selected from among the Mizoguchi titles in the Janus Films library by James Quandt, senior programmer of the Cinematheque Ontario and organizer of the 1996 retrospective "Mizoguchi the Master." Our thanks to Mr. Quandt for the introduction and film descriptions, and to Sarah Finklea and Janus Films for making the films available in new 35mm prints.

June 8 | 7:30 pm Ugetsu

June 8 | 9:20 pm Sisters of the Gion

June 9 | 7:30 pm Sansho the Bailiff

June 15 | 7:30 pm Story of the Late Chrysanthemums

June 16 | 7:30 pm The Life of Oharu

June 22 & 23 | 7:30 pm Utamaro and His Five Women

June 22 & 23 | 9:15 pm Street of Shame

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90036

Tel. 323-857-6000; 323-857-0098 (TDD)

Last weekend (or so) I went to:

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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.

Defining himself

Hoon Lee, who plays David Henry Hwang's alter ego in 'Yellow Face,' has only recently identified himself as an actor.

By Dinah Eng, Special to The Times

June 12, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-hoon12jun12,1,4963595.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

California looks to help local students fill nursing shortage

Despite efforts to add classes, nursing schools aren't keeping up with demand, and 17,000 California applicants are on waiting lists to start training.

By Teresa Watanabe, Times Staff Writer

June 11, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-health11jun11,1,2843345.story?ctrack=2&cset=true

India, China heading to moon

Both countries are planning to launch unmanned lunar probes in less than a year.

By Jo Johnson and Mure Dickie, Financial Times

June 11, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-ft-moon11jun11,1,2905413.story?ctrack=3&cset=true

Creating a better life for children of saigu

Students, scholars gather at UCLA to discuss the impact of such events as the looting and fires of 1992, the division of Korea and a student's rampage at Virginia Tech.

By Louis Sahagun, Times Staff Writer

June 10, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-koreans10jun10,1,5242938.story

WASHINGTON, D.C. | ATTRACTIONS

Korea Gallery introduces Smithsonian's Hall of Asian Cultures

By Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press June 08, 2007

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-smithsonian8jun08

Bay Area is host to exhibit of manga works by Astro Boy's Osamu Tezuka

Osamu Tezuka has been called Japan's Walt Disney. But his drawings aren't happy fantasies.

By Michael J. Ybarra, Special to The Times

June 6, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-manga6jun06,1,2857279.story

Diversity still an issue at TV networks

Black, Latino and Asian groups feel multicultural momentum has been lost.

By Greg Braxton, Times Staff Writer

June 6, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-diversity6jun06,1,5441032.story

In Saudi Arabia, a view from behind the veil

As a woman in the male-dominated kingdom, Times reporter Megan Stack quietly fumed beneath her abaya. Even beyond its borders, her experience taints her perception of the sexes.

By Megan K. Stack, Times Staff Writer

June 6, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/la-fg-women6jun06,1,1868599.story

American to recast Hiroshima's message

Peace activist Steven Leeper, the first foreigner to head the memorial foundation, wants to add substance to the emotional plea.

By Bruce Wallace, Times Staff Writer

June 11, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-hiroshima11jun11,1,1197236.story

Los Angeles Times Bestsellers

June 10, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/features/books/la-bkw-bestsellers10jun10,1,5636464.story

Critic-proof 'Ghost' will ride again