THE APPA Newsletter

April 16, 2008

See This Weekend

Hope you made the 15th

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, 2005, 2006, and 2007 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

Chinese American Museum, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, www.camla.org

Jake Lee exhibit opens.

THE CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM AND AUTO CLUB GIVE LEGENDARY CALIFORNIA PAINTER DAY IN SUNSHINE

California Artist Fused Chinese Heritage with California Scenes

(LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31, 2007) –— Jake Lee, a highly respected, yet quiet and enigmatic painter who influenced numerous other artists in California for decades, has not been the subject of a major retrospective, until now. “Sunshine & Shadow: In Search of Jake Lee” an exhibition hosted by the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles, co-produced with the Automobile Club of Southern California, marks the first comprehensive and critical review of a prolific artist who embraced California landscapes and city scenes through watercolor.

Showcasing at the Chinese American Museum (CAM) from Dec. 1 to April 13, 2008, “Sunshine & Shadow” will highlight more than 60 watercolors, including eight from the Auto Club’s WESTWAYS cover art collection. The collection will also illustrate with photos and letters more details of the artist’s professional career and his family life, which he kept distinctly separate for many years.  “Jake Lee is among the most well known and prolific watercolor artists of the 20th Century, yet we found very little published about his personal life as we researched this exhibition,” said Dr. Pauline Wong, Executive Director of the museum. “We had no problem locating his art and his influence – it lives in collections throughout the state and in the hearts of his many students. But it was more challenging to find the man. We believe this exhibition and catalogue will result in new appreciation for his artistic production and his influence.”

*SPRING 2008

Corky Lee exhibit opens.

http://camla.org/

Exhibition: Discovering the Grace of Life

January 11th ~April 30th, 2008

Story of Beautiful Korean Crafts

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles\5505 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles , Ca. 90036

January 11th ~April 30th, 2008

The Korean Cultural Center will host the Special exhibition, Discoverong the Grace of Life. This Exhibition will present fine Korean Traditional and Contemporary Craft Arts to fully recognize and appreciate the wonders of Korean Culture. This show is supported by the Korean Craft Promotion Foundation.

One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now

February 10, 2008 - May 4, 2008

One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now, a traveling exhibition organized by the Asia Society, brings together seventeen artists from across the United States who challenge and extend the category of Asian American art. The title of the exhibition, drawn from the 1978 Blondie hit song, suggests a non-formulaic way of making or seeing art. The artists and their works characterize the freedom to choose, manipulate and reinvent different kinds of languages and issues, whether formal, conceptual, or political. Together, they defy a definitive conception of Asian American art.

The exhibition features painting, sculpture, video and installation art by contemporary Asian American artists who—with a strong sense of being American and an acute critical consciousness of world matters—grapple with issues of self in a way that sets them apart from their predecessors.

Curated by Melissa Chiu, Director and Curator of Contemporary Asian Art at the Asia Society Museum in New York, Karin Higa, Adjunct Senior Curator of Art at the Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, and Susette S. Min, Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies and Art History at the University of California, Davis.

Featured artists: Michael Arcega, Xavier Cha, Patty Chang, Binh Danh, Mari Eastman, Ala Ebtekar, Chitra Ganesh, Glenn Kaino, Geraldine Lau, Jiha Moon, Laurel Nakadate, Kaz Oshiro, Anna Sew Hoy, Jean Shin, Indigo Som, Mika Tajima, and Saira Wasim.

Photograph from exhibition installation at the Asia Society, New York, October 2006 by Eileen Costa, Courtesy of the Asia Society.

This exhibition was organized by Asia Society, New York with support from Altria Group, Inc., the W.L.S. Spencer Foundation, Nimoy Foundation, and Asia Society's Contemporary Art Council.

The Los Angeles installation is co-presented by the Asia Society of Southern California.

Additional Support Provided by: Ernest Y. and Kiyo Doizaki, Mariko Gordon and Hugh Cosman, Barbara and Thomas Iino, Mitsubishi International Corporation Foundation, Kristine Nishiyama and Barry K. Schwebs, Michael W. Oshima and Chiaki Tanaka, PhD, Deborah Shiba and Gordon Yamate.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

janm.org

February 8 - May 11, 2008 Lotus Moon: The Art of Otagaki Rengetsu

Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) was a Buddhist nun, a woman of great beauty and one of Japan’s most celebrated artists. Admired primarily for her exquisite calligraphy, Rengetsu was also a poet and ceramic artist, often inscribing her poems in her own calligraphy onto ceramic vessels, a unique blending of art forms for any artist in Japanese history.

Pacific Asia Museum

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

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults

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

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

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

March 6 - July 27, 2008

Chinaman's Chance: Views of the Chinese American Experience

The discovery of gold in California drew unprecedented numbers of Chinese immigrants. By 1865 about 50,000 Chinese had come to “Golden Mountain” to try their luck. But the winds of fortune often blew in unexpected directions.

The majority of the Transcontinental Railroad’s east-bound track was built by Chinese. To conquer the treacherous terrain, workers were often suspended from the top of cliffs to plant explosives. It was from this dangerous task that the phrase “A Chinaman’s Chance in Hell” was coined. Later shorten to “Chinaman’s Chance,” the phrase unfortunately defined many immigrants’ experiences.

Three contemporary artists – Amanda Ross-Ho, Zhi Lin and Arthur Ou – will examine the diverse Chinese American experience from the days of the Transcontinental Railroad’s construction to today.

Several of the artists will be incorporating Pacific Asia Museum collections into their work, and all draw their inspiration from the history encompassed in the museum’s exhibitions.

While the experience of being of Chinese heritage and living in America is unique to each individual, Chinaman’s Chance: Views of the Chinese American Experience will investigate the similarities and dissimilarities of these experiences. The experience of the viewer will be simultaneously cerebral, physical, historical, contemporary, foreign and universal.

Sponsored by Pasadena Art Alliance.

Pacific Asia Museum

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

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: $7 for adults

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

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

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

March 29 One Way or Another - Gallery Talk

1PM

Gallery talk with curator Karin Higa and artists Kaz Oshiro and Glenn Kaino.

In conjunction with the exhibition One Way or Another: Asian American Art Now

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

janm.org

Pacifika: Young Perspectives on Pacific Island Art

May 1 through August 24, 2008

The first in a series of experimental, community-driven exhibits; Pacifika: Young Perspectives on Pacific Island Art explores the arts, cultures, and traditions of the people of the Pacific Islands now living in Southern California. Issues regarding migration, ceremonial tattooing, costumes and adornments will be explored through interpretive materials created by students of Carson High School’s Pacific Islanders Club and UCLA’s Pacific Islands Student Association (PISA).

Contemporary objects such as costumes – created and worn by students during dance performances and competitions – will be displayed alongside traditional examples from Pacific Asia Museum’s collection. For example, a 19th century Hawaiian necklace (lei niho palaoa), exquisitely created by a master craftsman (kahuna), will be juxtaposed with a 21st century necklace made from unconventional materials, such as plastic and paper.

Other objects from the museum’s collection include Samoan textiles made from bark cloth (tapa); a coconut-shell purse from Tonga; Fijian cowry-shell necklaces; and models of outrigger canoes which have a fascinating history as the main means of transport for all the Pacifika (Polynesian) peoples.

Additionally, the exhibit will include photographs and oral histories to provide context about what it means to be a Pacifika youth living in Los Angeles. Since first contact with the outside world in the late 18th century, the Pacifika peoples have shown great resilience and vitality in regards to combining traditional beliefs with new ideas.

This exhibit is curated by students from Carson High School’s Pacific Islanders Club and UCLA’s PISA, under the supervision of Christina Hellmich, Curator of the Jolika Collection of New Guinea Art and Curator of Oceanic Art at the de Young Museum of San Francisco.

This exhibition is sponsored by the James Irvine Foundation and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

Julian Bermudez, Exhibition Coordinator

Related Events

Saturday, May 10, 1pm–4pm Free Family Festival: The Arts of the Pacific Islands

Family Festivals are always a lot of fun, and this will be no exception! Come celebrate Pacific cultures and the opening of the innovative new exhibition Pacifika:Young Perspectives on Pacific Island Art. Enjoy a dance “tour” of Samoa, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti, hands-on crafts, demonstrations, and more. This Free Family Festival is supported in part by a generous grant from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, The James Irvine Foundation, Pasadena Arts and Culture Commission, the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division and Target.

April 19-May 25, 2008 TRAPEZOID:

Lodestone’s first presentation of a play in the science-fiction genre, TRAPEZOID tells the story of a Korean American poet in love hired by a technology think tank to put the “art” in artificial intelligence. When the robot creation falls in love with the human creator, it's man-made versus mankind with sometimes comic and sometimes tragic results.

Written by Nic Cha Kim

Directed by Scott Horstein

Produced by Stephanie Chang & Vic Chao

Cast: Julia Cho, Antonia Grace Glenn, Alberto Isaac, Lanny Joon, Elaine Kao, Charles Kim, Leonard Wu, Elpidio Ebuen, John Fukuda, Grace Kim, Stephanie Lincoln, Brian P. Nichols & Enoch Wu

Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sundays 2 PM

(Low-Priced previews April 17-18 at 8 PM)

$16 for general admission

$14 for students/seniors.

Group rates of $12 each are available for reservations of ten or more.

Tickets for the April 19th Opening Night Gala with a post-show reception are $25.

All Sunday matinees (except May 25) will be pay-what-you-can admission with a $1 minimum.

GTC BURBANK

1111-B W. Olive St.

Burbank, CA 91506

(inside George Izay Park, just west of S. Victory Blvd.)

http://lodestonetheatre.org/Lodestone/4237E87D-9684-4191-A592-35CD2AB9C1A0.html

April 24 Asian New Media

7:30PM

Film screening and panel discussion featuring time-based and media artists. Contact Peter Mays at Gallery 825, peter@laaa.org, or 310.652.8272.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

janm.org

April 24, 2008 Chinese Cinema at 100: Art, Politics and Commerce

In conjunction with a recently completed book manuscript entitled Chinese Film at 100: Art, Politics and Commerce, edited by ZHU Ying and Stanley ROSEN, this conference will bring together many of the contributors to that volume, as well as other leading specialists on Chinese film.

Thursday, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Davidson Conference Center

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

Broad topics to be addressed include the Chinese Film Industry and its Local and Global Market; Film Art: Genre and Authorship; Film Culture and Film Discourse; and Previously Underrepresented and Emerging Topics.

Since the conference will address not only the aesthetics of Chinese film, but also examine commerce and politics, in addition to academic panels there will be panels and roundtables which include filmmakers and film executives from China and Hollywood. One such panel will bring together practitioners based in Hollywood, particularly those originally from China, who will discuss their experiences in marketing their films to China. A parallel panel will include practitioners from China, who will discuss their experiences in marketing their films both in China and overseas.

April 26, 27 Bunka-Sai Japanese Festival

Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive N.

Contact Hazel Taniguchi 310-328-1238

April 26, 2008 Ten Years After: Reformasi & New Social Movements in Indonesia, 1998-2008

U.C. Berkeley / UCLA Joint Conference on Southeast Asian Studies

Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

U.C. Berkeley campus

Berkeley, CA 04720

In May 1998, following months of protests, and triggered by the outbreak of rioting in Indonesia’s major cities, the authoritarian New Order regime of President Suharto collapsed after more than thirty years in power. Since these tumultuous events took place, Indonesia has experienced profound change at many levels in society, often at a rapid pace. As the tenth anniversary of the fall of the New Order approaches, the Center for Southeast Asia Studies at UC Berkeley and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at UCLA will hold a joint conference that will examine the new forces for change that have emerged in Indonesia over this past decade and the transformations that have occurred, while also reflecting upon the New Order and its legacies.

This is a two-day conference, Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2008.

Cost: Free and open to the public.

For more information please contact

Barbara Gaerlan Tel: 310-206-9163 cseas@berkeley.edu ias.berkeley.edu/cseas/

Sponsor(s): Center for Southeast Asian Studies, U.C. Berkeley Center for Southeast Asia Studies

April 26, 27 Welcome to the 13th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the country’s largest celebration of the written word.

For one weekend in April, people who love books will gather with people who love to write, publish and sell books. And, there’s nothing like it anywhere.

0. 140,000 attendees

0. 450+ authors

0. 300+ exhibitors

0. 900+ volunteers

0. 100+ author panels

0. 6 outdoor stages

0. 2 children’s areas

For more literary fun and surprises, join us on Friday, April 25 for the 28th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. This special evening will honor some of the finest books of 2007 and their writers, and kicks off the Festival of Books on Friday, April 25. For more information, click here.

Don’t miss the next exciting chapters of two extraordinary 2008 literary events — the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes.

Los Angeles Times  FESTIVAL OF BOOKS at a Glance

IN ASSOCIATION WITH UCLA®

Saturday, April 26 • 10 am to 6 pm

Sunday, April 27 • 10 am to 5 pm

UCLA Main Campus

Admission to the Festival of Books is free. Parking is $8.

http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/

April 26 1:00 PM TOUR: Samurai Treasures, Samurai Pleasures (20 min.)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

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

lacma.org

39th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage, April 26, 2008

The 39th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage is scheduled for April 26, 2008, at the Manzanar National Historic Site, beginning at noon. The popular Manzanar At Dusk program begins at 4:30 PM (venue to be announced at a later date).

http://www.manzanarcommittee.org/pilgrimages/manz2008/2008flyer.pdf

Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2008

LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL

A Visual Communications Production

24th Edition

May 1-8, 2008

Wednesday, May 7 - Film screening at Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Thursday, May 8 - Closing Night & Awards Ceremony at Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Visual Communications will present the 24th edition of The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, May 1-8, 2008, at the Directors Guild of America, Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatre, and Aratani/Japan America Theatre, among others. The Film Festival will include the latest new works by established and emerging filmmakers and video artists; a slate of provocative and highly entertaining feature-length productions showcasing the talents of Asian American acting and producing talents; new works by Asian international artists; and filmmaker seminars, panel discussions and symposiums on topics relevant to Asian Pacific cinema.

The Film Festival once again is proud to present two of its most prestigious events at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, host venue to the 1st Festival back in 1983. On Wednesday, May 7, the Film Festival continues and expands its commitment to nurture and promote new Asian Pacific American filmmaking talent through the World Premiere screening of works by Visual Communications' 2008 Armed with Camera Fellowship. Then be sure to join us on Thursday, May 8 as the Film Festival presents the annual Filmmaker Awards for feature-length and short films, and Festival Audience Awards for favorite feature-length narrative and documentary film, to be allowed by the local premiere of the Closing Night feature and Reception.

For complete program and ticket information call Visual Communications at

(213) 680-4462 x. 59 beginning April 2008 or visit www.vconline.org

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

Lotus Steps 2008

Saturday, May 7, 2007

UCLA Royce Hall

7:00pm Chinese Cultural Dance Club at UCLA to Present its Nineth Annual Dance Production, Lotus Steps 2008: From Within...

In addition to producing Lotus Steps, CCDC organizes free dance instruction, mentoring programs for adopted children from China, and educational programs for disadvantaged and at-risk adolescents in the Los Angeles community.

For additional information about either Lotus Steps 2008 or CCDC, please contact Helen Cheng, Lotus Steps Production Manager of Public Relations at ccdc.publicrelations@gmail.com.

Advanced Entrance (AE) tickets are a fantastic way to guarantee great seats to our show! Two AE tickets can be reserved with an individual contribution of only $50! There's no limit to how much you can contribute, but there are a limited number of AE tickets available. Hurry and secure the best seats in the house to our event. Download our contribution brochure and follow the instructions to reserve your AE tickets.   General Admission tickets will be available at the UCLA Central Ticket Office and through our website . General Admission tickets are FREE!   Tickets are required for admission. Non ticket holders will be placed in a standby line and granted admission to the auditorium starting at 6:45 pm, space permitting.

http://www.ccdcbruins.com/lotus/lotus.htm

Saturday, May 10, 2008 3pm

THE COLBURN DANCE INSTITUTE SPRING CONCERT

The annual Colburn Dance Institute Spring Concert will be performed for the first time at the Aratani/japan America Theatre. Featuring a combination of classical and contemporary choreography, the students of the Professional Training Program will showcase the work of Jiří Kylián, George Balanchine and Marius Petipa amongst others.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Admission Free

Reservations required

Call the Colburn Box Office at (213) 621-1050

www.colburnschool.edu

Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2008

LITTLE TOKYO FUNFEST

DAY ONE: Saturday, May 17, 10-4pm

JACCC Plaza, Center Building, & San Pedro Street

Admission Free

Day one of Little Tokyo Funfest kicks off with JACCC'S Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Faire, the 10th Annual San Tai San Youth Basketball Tournament and Nikkei Community Day.

10th Annual San Tai San Youth Basketball Tournament

For girls and boys ages 7-12 years old

For information and online registration go to http://reccenter.ltsc.org

Come out to play ball on the streets of Little Tokyo! Children ages 7-12 are invited to register teams for our outdoor 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. All teams play at least 2 games and everyone gets a goodie bag, t-shirt, and tournament raffle ticket.

2nd Annual Nikkei Community Day

Sponsored by Ties That Bind

Japanese and Japanese Americans from all over the Greater L.A. Area come together for an amazing festival of Nikkei heritage and culture. Join community leaders as they share their ideas on "The State and Future of the Nikkei Community," visit community information booths, watch performances on stage and participate in workshops.

DAY TWO: Saturday, May 17, 10-4pm

25TH ANNIVERSARY CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATION

JACCC Plaza, Center Building, & San Pedro Street

Admission Free

Day two continues with our Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Faire, with live entertainment, craft vendors, delicious food, and childrens' crafts and games. along with our annual Chibi-K: Kids for Kids Fun Run and Cultural Discovery Workshops.

Chibi-K: Kids for Kids Fun Run (Rain or Shine!)

For children ages 4 to 12 years

Everyone is invited to participate in this fun run through the streets of Little Tokyo. Registration includes a Chibi-K Run T-shirt, and goodie bag.

Online registration for Chibi-K (coming soon)

For schedule and phone registration contact Jessie Kikuchi at (213) 628-2725 x142

or jkikuchi@jaccc.org

Cultural Discovery Workshops, 11-3pm

Workshops for the entire family! Led by local artists and professionals, these hands-on workshops are a unique opportunity for parents and children to experience a variety of cultural traditions all in one day! A perfect event for the whole family!

Online registration for Cultural Workshops (coming soon)

For schedule and phone registration contact Jessie Kikuchi at (213) 628-2725 x142

or jkikuchi@jaccc.org

Saturday, May 24 - Sunday, June 29

AJA 22nd ANNIVERSARY

AJA XXII marks the 22nd year of the JACCC s annual spotlight on contemporary art.

Activating and manipulating the space of the Doizaki Gallery and the JACCC Plaza marks the return of award-winning landscape architect Calvin Abe to the Artist of Japanese Ancestry (AJA) series for the second time.

Honed by his many years of experience, Abe's exciting new installation piece titled Shreddings Part III: Defuragu is an innovative look into our current eco-system. This visually powerful and interactive installation promises to take gallery-goers on an introspective journey.

George J. Doizaki Gallery and JACCC Plaza

Admission Free

Gallery Hours: Tues-Fri, 12-5pm, Sat-Sun 11-4pm, or by appt. Closed Mondays and Holidays

For information or to schedule an appointment beyond normal gallery hours contact

Gavin Kelley at (213) 628-2725 x.133 or kelley@jaccc.org

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

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Anniversary Dinner

The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center cordially invites you to attend its 28th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner. Sunday June 1, 2008, at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. We will be honoring Councilperson Jan Perry and Media News Anchors Frank Buckley, Rob Fukuzaki, Susan Hirasuna, David Ono, and Gordon Tokumatsu.

For ticket and sponsorship information call (213) 680-2725.

Saturday, June 7, 8pm

ASIA AMERICA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Japanese national treasure Sadao Watanabe returns in a very special appearance with the full Asia Symphony Orchestra. Also featured in the program will be Beethoven's Symphony #6 in F Major "Pastorale" and the World Debut of "Dolores Del Carmen" for Spanish guitar and Orchestra composed by music director David Benoit.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

$75 VIP with reception /$50 Premiere tickets/ $35 general admission

For more information call (213) 628-2725

Charge by phone (213) 680-3700

Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm

Buy tickets online (coming soon)

www.asiaamericasymphony.org

Saturday, June 7, 1pm

“Chinese Pioneers in the San Gabriel Valley”

The San Gabriel Valley is the destination of many Chinese immigrants, but this is not a new phenomenon. A hundred years ago, small Chinese communities thrived in Pasadena and elsewhere. Join Professor Susie Ling as she discusses the history of Chinese Americans in the San Gabriel Valley, and their contemporary concerns. Susie Ling is an Associate Professor of History/Asian American Studies at Pasadena City College and an active member of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California. Free with admission; call 626.449.2742 ext. 31 to RSVP.

Sunday, June 29, 1pm

Special film screening and Aurora Borealis Photography Show

AURORA FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER FILM SCREENING

The Aurora Foundation will hold a special screening of the film Bizan (2007)

directed by Isshin Inudou. Based on the novel by Masashi Sada the film starts

Nanako Matsushima, most known for her leading role in The Ring. Set in Tokushima, Bizan tells a universal story of familial love and emotional healing with lots of local flavor.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

For ticket prices, tickets, and information contact the Aurora Japanese

Language Scholarship Foundation at (323) 882-6545

Saturday, June 21

A benefit concert for the Theatre

SOUNDS & VOICES OF J-TOWN

Save the date for this benefit concert celebrating the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. Bringing together extraordinary talent from the API community, featured artists include acclaimed Jennifer Paz (Flower Drum Song & Miss Saigon), a rare in-concert performance by Mariko Nishizu, and compelling poet/activist Traci Kato Kiriyama.

These artists and other special guests honor the main stage that has been home to

Asian Pacific Islander performing artists for over 25 years. There will be a post performance reception following the concert.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards theatre equipment upgrades.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

Special VIP Seating $100*

$50 orchestra, $45 balcony

*(tax deductible to the extent permitted by law)

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

June 28 Senshin BuddhistTemple Bon odori

1311 W 37th St

Los Angeles, CA 90007-3960

Phone: (323) 731-4617

Fax: (323) 731-1318

http://senshintemple.org/

June 28 West Covina Buddhist Temple Obon

East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center

1703 West Puente Ave,

West Covina, CA 91790

Sunday, June 29, 5pm

Special film screening and Aurora Borealis Photography Show

AURORA FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER FILM SCREENING

The Aurora Foundation will hold a special screening of the film Bizan (2007)

directed by Isshin Inudou. Based on the novel by Masashi Sada the film starts

Nanako Matsushima, most known for her leading role in The Ring. Set in Tokushima, Bizan tells a universal story of familial love and emotional healing with lots of local flavor.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

For ticket prices, tickets, and information contact the Aurora Japanese

Language Scholarship Foundation at (323) 882-6545

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

July 5, 6 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon

9450 Remick Avenue

Pacoima, California 91331

Telephone: (818) 899-4030

Facsimile: (818) 899-0447

Email: sfvhbt@gmail.com

July 12,13 Nishi Hongwanji Los Angeles Betsuin Obon

815 East First Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/ 680-9130

FAX: 213/ 680-2210

http://www.nishihongwanji-la.org/

July 19, 20 Pasadena Buddhist Church Obon Festival

Sat. & Sun., 5:00 - 8:30pm

BOOK SIGNING STAN SAKAI signs

USAGI YOJIMBO #22 - TOMOE'S STORY

Sat., 5-7pm

Pasadena Buddhist Church - 1993 Glen Avenue, Pasadena CA 91103 - tel (626) 798-4781

West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon Festival 2008

Saturday, July 26 5-10pm

Sunday, July 27 3-9pm

2003 Corinth Avenue

West L.A., CA 90025

(310) 477-7274

10 am - 4 pm Daily

O-bon or only Bon is a Japanese Buddhist holiday to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist festival has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people from the big cities return to their home towns and visit and clean their ancestors' graves. Traditionally including a dance festival, it has existed in Japan for more than 500 years. It is held from July 13 (August 13 according to the lunar calendar still observed in many regions) to the 15th ("Welcoming Obon" and "Farewell Obon" respectively) in the eastern part of Japan (Kanto), and in August in the western part. In recent years, however, most parts of Tokyo, and by extension, the media, hold Obon in August to coincide with the summer holiday period. Obon shares some similarities with the predominantly Mexican observance of el Día de los Muertos.

http://www.wlabt.org/activities/activities_obon.html

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, April 19, 2pm

Mariko Kitakubo Tanka Performance/Reading

In a rare bilingual performance, Mariko Kitakubo, a leading Japanese poet and performance artist, will present her tanka (Japan’s oldest and most popular poetry form) accompanied by Linda Galloway reading the English translation. Program co-sponsored by the Southern California Haiku Study Group.

Reservations strongly recommended as space is limited in the Japanese Gallery

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101

(626) 449-2742

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

April 11-17,18-20 Japan Film Festival

Visual Communications is proud to be a supporter of the Japan Film Festival, happening April 11- 17 at the ImaginAsian Center in Downtown Los Angeles and April 18 - 20, in Irvine, at the Starplex Cinemas, From anime to award-winning films to Kurosawa classics, the 2008 Japan Film Festival is a prime example of Japan's most prolific writers and directors in a variety of genres sure to mesmerize movie-goers of all tastes.

Among the list of feature films to be presented are: the hit, "Hula Girls," (VC FILMFEST 2007 feature) directed by Sang-il Lee; "Yunagi City, Sakura Country," the live action adaptation of writer Fumiyo Kono's award-winning manga "Yunagi no machi, Sakura no kuni" directed by Kiyoshi Sasabe; "Always: Sunset on Third Street," directed by Takashi Yamazaki; winner of the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival's Netpac Award, Kaori Momoi's "Faces of a Fig Tree" [Ichijiku no Kao] and many more!

For those diehard Kurosawa fans, the Japan Film Festival will feature a retrospective of the film master, including "The Hidden Fortress" and "Sanjuro."

Japanese animation fans will also be able to get their fix with "Atagoal Cat's Magical Forest" [Atagoal wa Neko no Mori]; writer Masamune Shirow's much-anticipated "Appleseed: ExMachina"; and the just-released "One Piece - The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta"; plus, a collection of never-before seen shorts from independent animation promotion company "Anime Innovation Tokyo."

In addition to the feature films, the 2008 Japan Film Festival has opened its doors to young filmmakers in Japan as well as in the US to submit their films to be screened at our independent showcase during the weeklong festival.

The Japan Film Festival hopes to strengthen the understanding of contemporary Japanese culture within America as well as encourage communication and the exchange of ideas between Japan and the U.S. For tickets and more information, please visit www.jffla.org.

April 19,20 he 2008 Cherry Blossom Festival Committee and the City of Monterey Park are pleased to present the 11th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 19 & 20, 2008 at Barnes Park, located at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue; Monterey Park, CA. Entry to the Festival is FREE.

Planned and coordinated by community volunteers, the Cherry Blossom Festival strives to provide a cultural arts event that offers a forum for learning, entertainment, fun, and support of community.

So take the time to see, hear, and taste a bit of the Japanese and Japanese American culture through a first-hand experience of watching traditional Japanese dancing, hearing the resounding beats of the taiko drums, observing the mastery and various skills of martial arts, participating in the ancient art of the tea ceremony, or buying hand-made crafts or food with an Asian flair. Other highlights of the Festival include games & crafts for children, and numerous cultural displays.

Civic Center: 320 West Newmark Avenue

Barnes Park: 350 S. McPherrin Avenue (directly behind Civic Center)

http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=812

April 20 The Okinawan Association Performing Arts Committee presents UTAYABIRA WUDUYABIRA in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.

2PM

Tickets are $15. Call the Theatre Box Office at 310.781.7171.

Traditional Okinawan instruments will be featured in this evening of music and dance.

Box Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets may be purchased over the phone (using a credit card) by calling 310.781.7171, or in person at the Theatre Box Office. All persons entering the Theatre must have a ticket. All ticket sales are final and cannot be exchanged or refunded. ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY PRESENTERS

Torrance Cultural Arts Center

3330 Civic Center Drive Torrance, CA 90503

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:30pm

SUSHIMASTERS

Los Angeles Regional Competition

Mark you calendars! Join us for a spectacular afternoon of unforgettable taste sensations and culinary virtuosity as top Southern California sushi chefs compete for the regional title in the first Los Angeles SushiMasters competition. Think Iron Chef, sushi-style!!

The live competition on the Aratani/Japan America Theatre stage will be followed by a tasting of gourmet delights with complimentary Japanese beer and sake on the JACCC Plaza.

This event is brought to you by JACCC and The California Rice Commission.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre

$65 general admission, $75 reserved seating

Tickets include complimentary tasting & sampling after the competition

For more information call (213) 628-2725

Charge by phone (213) 680-3700

Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday,12-5pm

Buy tickets online

Watch video clip (coming soon)

www.sushimasters.com

www.calrice.org

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

April 19-May 25, 2008 TRAPEZOID:

Written by Nic Cha Kim

Directed by Scott Horstein

Produced by Stephanie Chang & Vic Chao

Cast: Julia Cho, Antonia Grace Glenn, Alberto Isaac, Lanny Joon, Elaine Kao, Charles Kim, Leonard Wu, Elpidio Ebuen, John Fukuda, Grace Kim, Stephanie Lincoln, Brian P. Nichols & Enoch Wu

Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sundays 2 PM

(Low-Priced previews April 17-18 at 8 PM)

$16 for general admission

$14 for students/seniors.

Group rates of $12 each are available for reservations of ten or more.

Tickets for the April 19th Opening Night Gala with a post-show reception are $25.

All Sunday matinees (except May 25) will be pay-what-you-can admission with a $1 minimum.

GTC BURBANK

1111-B W. Olive St.

Burbank, CA 91506

(inside George Izay Park, just west of S. Victory Blvd.)

http://lodestonetheatre.org/Lodestone/4237E87D-9684-4191-A592-35CD2AB9C1A0.html

Korean Cinema: Creating Culture, Interpreting Experience

Lecture series presented by The Korean Cultural Center and the Korea Culture and Content Agency

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Korean Cultural Center

Ari Hall, 3rd Floor

5505 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Korean Cultural Center and the Korea Culture and Content Agency are offering a lecture series on Korean Cinema during the month of April. The lecture series will feature a variety of experts in Korean film and the film industry and will be an exciting opportunity to hear first-hand about Korean Cinema and its powerful impact abroad.

The lecture series will take place from April 9 - April 30, every Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m.

Screenings of Korean films related to the lectures will be provided.

Maximum of 100 people for this lecture series! Sign up now!

Schedule of Lecturers and Presentation Topics: (Note: All lectures are on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 9 p.m.)

April 16: James Kang, Film Producer

"Independent Filmmaking for the World"

April 23: Namhee Lee, Assistant Professor of Modern

Korean History, UCLA

"The Politics of Remembering the Korean War: Blockbuster Films, History, and Memory"

April 30: Timothy Tangherlini, Professor of Asian Languages and Culture, UCLA

"We're not anarchists: Documenting the rise of the Choseon Punk Movement"

Cost: $20

Special Instructions

Free with student ID

For more information please contact

Jin Sung Tel: 323-936-7141 (x123) jin@kccla.org http://www.kccla.org/html/specialevent_detail.asp?ID=96

Last weekend (or so) I went to:

April 12, 2008 Koto Concert: HARUSAME "Spring Rain"

YUKIKO MATSUYAMA IN CONCERT

An evening of contemporary music where East meets West. Japanese traditional koto, taiko and Tsugaru shamisen and western instruments blend to create a refreshing new blend of world music.

Featuring: Yukiko Matsuyama (koto); John York (guitar, vocals); Diana Dentino (Keyboard); Gary St Germain (drums); Rev. Shuichi T. Kurai (taiko); Mike Penny (Tsugaru shamisen)

Saturday, 7:30 pm

Sozenji Buddhist Temple

3020 West Beverly Blvd.

Montebello, CA 90640-2215

Tel: 323.724.6866

Fax: 626.307-3839

Advanced Tickets: $18 / At the Door: $20

Call: (626) 307-3839 or (310) 818-6997 for tickets and information. Wesite: www.kotoyuki.com

Resources:

LACMA calendar:

http://www.lacma.org/events/Calendar.aspx

UCLA Asia Institute calendar:

http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia/events/index.asp?action=monthview

Japanese American National Museum

http://www.janm.org/events/

Chinese American Museum

http://camla.org/events/calendar.htm

Korean Cultural Center

http://www.kccla.org/html/calendar.asp

Japanese American Community Cultural Center

http://jaccc.org/

Pacifica Asian Museum

http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/calendar/whatsnew.htm

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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.

Bigger pool leads to lower UC admission rate

Officials Monday reported 75.3% of in-state applicants were admitted to at least one campus -- down from 77.4% last year.

By Larry Gordon, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

8:30 PM PDT, April 14, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ucadmit15apr15,0,3330834.story

Chinese Americans feel sting of Olympic protests

In communities such as the San Gabriel Valley, some have complained that demonstrations have gone beyond criticizing China's communist government and have an anti-Chinese sentiment.

By David Pierson, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 11, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-tibet11apr11,1,7709421,full.story

Inland Empire's growth to continue

Relative affordability will draw 1 million new residents by 2015, but education will be a problem, a study says.

By David Kelly, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 10, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/inland/la-me-growth10apr10,1,6318125.story

Cleanup in Hollywood

Through high-profile street patrols and tickets, a cadre of reserve LAPD officers keeps Saturday night crime in check.

By Deborah Schoch, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 7, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/valley/la-me-reserves7apr07,1,4180876,full.story

McCain laughs last

Judging by this year's election humor, we're OK with jokes about the elderly.

By Joel Stein

April 4, 2008

http://theenvelope.latimes.com/la-oe-stein4apr04,0,1534406.column?track=mostviewed-splashpage

Understanding China begins with a look at Mao

From his humble birth to the Long March of the 1930s to the creation of a Communist society: Getting to know Chairman Mao.

By Susan Spano, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 13, 2008

Shaoshan, China

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-tr-mao13apr13,0,7613704,full.story

A Japanese craftsman's one-man Olympic boycott

The maker of iron shots favored by elite shot-putters refuses to produce any for the Beijing Games to protest China's Tibet policy.

By Bruce Wallace, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 11, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-fg-boycott11apr11,1,4407281.story

India braces as Olympic torch arrives at heart of Tibetan exile community

From the Associated Press

6:20 AM PDT, April 16, 2008

NEW DELHI -- Thousands of police patrolled New Delhi today before the arrival of the Beijing Olympic torch in the heart of the Tibetan exile community, highlighting India's strong interest in its relationship with China.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-torch17apr17,0,768371.story

AROUND THE GALLERIES

Wangechi Mutu: Boldly connecting the dots

Also: Macha Suzuki's L.A. solo debut, Brian Wills' 'String Theory' and 'James Hayward/Maxwell Hendler: Two Approaches to Monochrome.'

By David Pagel, Special to The Times

April 11, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-galleries11apr11,0,6008953.story

CAPSULE REVIEWS

'Forever'; 'Grizzly Park'; 'Sex and Death 101'; 'Young Yakuza'

April 4, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/reviews/la-et-capsules4apr04,1,6823066.story

Olympic torch relay switches route in mid-stride

Protesters engage in shoving matches with police as officials' attempt to keep people at bay by changing the route is met with anger. Three torch bearers drop out.

By Maria L. La Ganga and Tim Reiterman, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

April 10, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/crime/la-me-torch10apr10,1,5155647.story

China added to space debris

Scientists say last year's missile test added a significant amount of junk to an already cluttered area, and ultimately threatens the world's satellite network.

By John Johnson Jr., Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 16, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-spacejunk16apr16,1,7528964.story

Olympics-opening boycott over Tibet would be a 'cop-out,' Bush advisor says

Associated Press

April 14, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-olympics14apr14,1,7488703.story

SECURITY

Demand for bodyguards up in China

A widening rich-poor gap and the coming Olympics are raising safety concerns among the nation's well-to-do.

By Don Lee, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 14, 2008