On November 2, 2013, JANM held a premiere film screening for the documentary, Unexpected Journeys: Remarkable Stories of Japanese in America in the Atsuhiko & Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Democracy Forum.
Produced by the Museum’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center, and sponsored by NITTO TIRES U.S.A Inc., Unexpected Journeys is a 30-minute documentary of selected interviews of individuals whose lives illuminate the astonishing diversity of the Japanese experience in America.
John Esaki, Director of JANM’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center leads a Q&A with the interviewees and the project’s videographers.
Not only did guests get to watch the premiere public screening of Unexpected Journeys, they also got to enjoy a Q&A session led by director John Esaki with interviewees Sumi Hughes, Jean Schneider, Iris Teragawa, Harry Oda, and Lloyd Inui. The Q&A session continued with videographers Akira Boch and Evan Kodani joining the interviewees on stage.
Guests chat with the documentary’s interviewees, sponsors, and staff over refreshments.
After the public screening and the enlightening Q&A session, guests, interviewees and their families, project participants, staff, sponsors, and other special guests were able to greet each other over light refreshments. Among Saturday’s special guests, was Frank H. Watase, who JANM’s media arts center is named after!
Check out these photos from the premiere public screening of Unexpected Journeys!
Dr. Greg Kimura, JANM President/CEO, welcomes guests to the screening.
Keiko Brockel, president of NITTO TIRE U.S.A. Inc., welcomes guests and gives an opening address.
John Esaki, Director of JANM’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center speaks about the process and nature of the documentary.
Jean Schneider answers a question while Sumi Hughes listens intently.
Iris Teragawa adds her comments to a discussion started during the Q&A session.
Lloyd Inui elaborates on a question raised during the Q&A session.
JANM’s Media Arts Specialist Akira Boch and Media Arts Assistant Evan Kodani join the interviewees on stage for the Q&A session.
Tsutomo Maehara, one of the interviewees from the project
Lloyd Inui greets guests attending the public screening.
Guests enjoy refreshments after the public screening.
Thank you John Esaki, Akira Boch, and Evan Kodani, for all of the time and energy you put into this project!
Photo Credits: Richard Murakami and Tsuneo Takasugi
On Saturday October 19th, JANM members were invited to an exclusive opportunity with Lela Lee, the author and artist of the web comic book series Angry Little Girls, that explores stereotypes of genders and races.
Members were able to spend an hour talking to Lela Lee before joining her in a public discussion on her comics and their impact on Asian Americans and beyond. The Meet & Greet was an intimate event, where each member was able to spend quality time getting to know Lela Lee by conversing with her and asking her a variety of questions.
Lela Lee excitedly converses with JANM members in an exclusive Meet & Greet.
Both members and Lela had an enjoyable time discussing topics ranging from Lee’s college experiences, to her career today. It was also a great opportunity for JANM members to get to know each other over tea and delicious cupcakes from Hotcakes Bakes!
Check out these photos from the Meet & Greet and Lela Lee’s presentation on Angry Little Girls!
A pop-up shop, featuring all things “Angry Little Girls”, was set up by the JANM Store especially for the event.
Lela Lee mixes and mingles with JANM members at her Meet & Greet.
Members get to know Lela Lee and fellow JANM members over tea and delicious cupcakes from Hotcakes Bakes.
Lela Lee gives an exclusive and insightful presentation on “Angry Little Girls” in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum.
Lela Lee signs “Angry Little Girls” books for her fans.
If you don’t have any of Lela Lee’s books, they are available for sale at the Museum Store along with other “Angry Little Girls” merchandise!
Photo Credits: Tsuneo Takasugi and Vicky Murakami-Tsuda
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Don’t miss out on exclusive member events! Become a JANM member and you help ensure that the Museum continues its tradition of excellence in producing exhibitions, public programs, publications, and educational materials. Your support will also come with numerous benefits, such as invitations to exclusive membership events! To learn more about membership please visit: www.janm.org/membership/
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Coming up Thanksgiving weekend…
Member Appreciation Days
Friday-Sunday, November 29-30 & December 1, 2013
RECIPROCAL FREE ADMISSION AND 20% STORE DISCOUNTS AT 17 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INSTITUTIONS & JANMSTORE.COM!
On Saturday, November 16th at 2pm JANM will be screening a full-length documentary chronicling the life long journey of the late Keiko Fukuda, a renowned pioneer of women’s judo. Yuriko Gamo Romer’s film, Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful, documents Keiko Fukuda’s decision to defy thousands of years of tradition, choose her own path, and become judo history’s only woman to attain the pinnacle 10th degree.
A live demonstration of “Ju-no-kata”, a signature form of Fukuda-Sensei, will precede the film screening and will be performed by Robin Fernandez and Charmaine Galvez, with narration by Greg Fernandez Jundokai Judo and Jujitsu Club of La Mirada.
A Q&A session will follow screening with filmmaker Yuriko Gamo Romer and panelists who will discuss the legacy of Keiko Fukuda and the Japanese cultural traditions and relations that continue from Japan to the U.S. through judo.
Don’t miss the Los Angeles Premiere of Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful, along with a special judo demonstration, and a Q&A session!
For more information on Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful, please visit: www.mrsjudomovie.com
This screening is part of the Tateuchi Public Program Series, organized in partnership between the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation and the Japanese American National Museum. Tateuchi Public Programs develop presentations that explore the connections between Japan and the United States in the context of politics, art, music, and culture. The program series is created annually with the objective of enhancing understanding between the two countries. Learn more about Tateuchi Public Programs, at: www.janm.org/events/tateuchi
To stay updated on JANM’s events, please visit our events page: www.janm.org/events
Kabocha is an Asian variety of winter squash, and can be cooked in many different ways.
Eat your veggies… AND enjoy them too!
Join our walk on Saturday, November 16th to learn about the role Japanese produce farmers played in Little Tokyo history while sampling vegetables such as kabocha, konyaku, and edamame from neighborhood shops.
JANM volunteer, Roxana, leads an enthusiastic group through Little Tokyo on an Edible Adventure earlier this year.
JANM volunteer, Roxana, will lead this vegetarian edition of Edible Adventures in Little Tokyo, and will enlighten guests with her research on the history of Japanese produce farmers in Little Tokyo. Roxana has led a number of Edible Adventures in Little Tokyo, including JANM’s “Sushi Graze”. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn more about Little Tokyo history, Japanese American history, and sample delicious vegetables along the way.
Be sure to bring yourself, and even some friends and family members along for a day of walking, learning, and eating!
Learn more about Little Tokyo history while sampling delicious food on this Edible Adventure!
This Edible Adventure will start at 10AM and end at 2PM. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The price for this Edible Adventure is $45 for members and $55 non-members, which includes admission to the Museum.
Please RSVP early. This Edible Adventure is limited to 15 guests at maximum. Prepayment is required. Please call 213.625.0414 or download the pre-payment form. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance or no refund will be issued.
Photo Credits: Tsuneo Takasugi and Russell Kitagawa
To stay updated on our events, including this Edible Adventure, please visit our events page: janm.org/events
Enjoy autumn-themed crafts and activities at our November Target Free Family Saturday!
Join us this weekend for our Target Free Family Saturdays event on November 9th from 11am to 4pm! The day will feature a variety of autumn-themed crafts and activities, in addition to celebrating Veterans Day with the Go For Broke National Education Center.
Assemble your own Festive Fall Salad with Kidding Around the Kitchen!
The day will start at 11am with Kidding Around the Kitchen, as they will lead a fabulous make-it-yourself Festive Fall Salad, using the best that fall harvest has to offer. Also beginning at 11am will be a Comic Book Lounge, where guests can relax and read comic books in celebration of the Marvels and Monsters exhibition.
At 1:30pm (and again at 2:30pm) you can join in on an energetic drum circle by playing on a drum (no experience necessary)! Then at 3pm, join us for a reading of Thanksgiving at Obaachan’s with author Janet Mitsui Brown. Then stick around to decorate your own furoshiki (wrapping cloth) complete with your own mini omanju (traditional confection) to snack on!
Meet Japanese American WWII veterans at the Go For Broke Monument!
Most importantly, don’t forget to visit Go For Broke at their Monument, just outside of the National Museum. Not only can you view the monument, but there will be lots of family-friendly activities. You can even get baseball-style cards signed by Japanese American WWII Veterans!
Have Japanese American WWII veterans sign their baseball cards for you at the Go For Broke monument!
This Saturday’s Target Free Family Saturday is not limited to these activities, but will feature even more FREE crafts and activities ALL DAY! Including a camoflouge-print jump house in honor of Veterans Day, Ruthie’s Origami Corner, coloring, and more!
Photo Credits: Russell Kitagawa, Richard Murakami, Tsuneo Takasugi, Caroline Jung, and Esther Shin
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Be sure to check out Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics: 1942-1986, on view through February 9, 2014. Marvels & Monsters illustrates how evolving racial and cultural archetypes defined America’s perceptions of Asians through a selection of images from comic books representing four turbulent decades. For more information please visit: janm.org/marvels-monsters
For the full schedule and updates on the November Target Free Family Saturday (or to see what’s coming up for the December event), visit: janm.org/target.
Write an original monologue or short performance piece for a chance to be included in the 2014“Community Day of Remembrance” on February 15th at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
The 2014 Day of Remembrance (DOR) will mark the 72nd anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 which led to the unlawful forced removal of thousands of Americans of Japanese ancestry and the unconstitutional mass incarceration of 120,000 individuals in domestic concentration camps. DOR is co-presented with the JACLPacific Southwest District, Nikkei for Civil Rights Redress, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Manzanar Committee.
Photo: National Archives
To commemorate the Community Day of Remembrance, we’re looking for YOU to submit monologues or short performance works that tell the story of how Executive Order 9066 (E.O. 9066) has affected you, your family, your generation, and/or your community. The pieces can be happy, sad, touching, funny, or all of the above! They can be fictional or non-fictional!
Winning pieces will be selected by the DOR committee; winning authors will receive a small honorarium and the opportunity to present their pieces at the Community Day of Remembrance on February 15, 2014.
Entries must be emailed to losangelesdor@gmail.com as file attachments (.DOC, .PDF, .TXT, or .RTF file types accepted; email above if alternate file type is preferred). Please include your name, your generation (if applicable), and a telephone number where you can be reached. There is NO FEE to enter. You will receive an emailed confirmation of your submission.
RULES:
Entries must be received by no later than 5PM PST on November 22, 2013 to be considered.
The competition is open to all individuals, amateur or professional.
Entries when performed should be no more than five minutes long in total.
All types and genres of work that can be performed live are eligible, including musical and solo performance pieces. Any instruments, props, or media utilized in a presentation must be provided by and are the sole responsibility of the submitter.
Works will be judged on their originality and quality, as well as their complementarity with other selected works and their relevance to the E.O. 9066.
Winning submitters will be responsible for casting, staging, and directing their own presentations. JANM will provide space for one dress rehearsal before the showcase.
Authors retain all rights to their submissions. However, by submitting, selected authors agree to present their work at the Community Day of Remembrance on February 15, 2014, and to allow presentations to be taped for archival purposes.
The night began with a Members Gallery Talk that took place half an hour before the exhibition’s Preview Reception. The Members Gallery Talk allowed JANM members to take an exciting and intimate gallery tour with curator Jeff Yang.
The Preview Reception was free and open to the public with delicious food from Esaan Thai and free drinks throughout the night.
The evening continued with welcoming and opening remarks from the President & CEO of JANM, Dr. Greg Kimura; Chair of the JANM Board of Trustees, Mr. Gordon Yamate; YPN President, Kira Teshima; Office & Gallery Manager from NYU’sAsian Pacific American Institute, Ruby Gomez; and Marvels & Monsters curator, Jeff Yang.
The highlight of the night was Marvels & Monsters: Unbound—a showcase of short performances inspired by the new exhibition. The showcase commemorated the National Museum’s West Coast premiere of Marvels & Monsters by rethinking, subverting, deconstructing, or satirizing the eight Asian pop culture archetypes depicted in this exhibition.
Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986 is on display at JANM through February 9, 2014. For more information about the exhibition, visit janm.org/marvels-monsters.
Check out these photos from the Marvels & Monsters Preview Reception!
JANM President & CEO, Dr. Greg Kimura, welcomes guests to the “Marvels & Monsters” Preview Reception
Chair of the JANM Board of Trustees, Mr. Gordon Yamate, makes a few opening remarks.
Kira Teshima, President of the JANM Young Professionals Network Board, shares a few words about YPN, hosts for the Marvels & Monsters Preview Reception.
Office and Gallery Manager of NYU’s Asian Pacific American Institute, Ruby Gomez, shares a few words about Marvels & Monsters.
Monsters & Marvels curator Jeff Yang shares his excitement about the opening at JANM, and some insight into the exhibition itself.
Maritess Zurbano kicks off the showcase with “Magical Girl” – written and performed by Zurbano herself.
Carin Chea, Victor Chi, and Robert Covarrubias perform in “Jumper” – a performance written by Chea and inspired by the archetype, “The Alien”.
Written by Joey Damiano, and performed by Greg Watanabe, “The Audition” was inspired by the archetype, “The Brute”.
Marcus Choi and Jon Jon Briones perform the musical number, “Evil is a Yellow Face” – a song written by Mark Brown that portrays “The Manipulator” archetype.
Grace Li and Steven Chan perform in “Overwrite”, a performance written by Robert Allison and inspired by the archetype, “The Brain”.
Harrison Pak performs in “X-Wings of Defeat,” written by Raymond Hui.
“Cute Asian Girl” is written and performed by Deanna Myers. This performance is inspired by the archetype, “The Temptress”
Maritess Zurbana closes out the showcase with her performance of “Tommy the Adequate”
After the showcase, the writers of the winning pieces sit down with Jeff Yang for a Q&A session.
The actors and actresses join the writers for the Q&A session.
Photo credits: Tsuneo Takasugi
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Our next exhibition opens next week. Go For Broke: Japanese American Soldiers Fighting on Two Fronts chronicles the history of Japanese American Nisei soldiers from the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and Military Intelligence Service who served during World War II to prove their loyalty to the nation that had disowned them.
The exhibition opens next Tuesday, November 12, but if you’re a current JANM member, join us for a special Member Preview this Sunday, November 10, 2PM – 4PM. See the exhibition before it opens to the public and hear remarks by Eric Saul, Director, Japanese American Wartime History Project. To RSVP, contact specialevents@janm.org or 213.625.0414 x2222.
The Convention of Pan-American Nikkei (COPANI) is the most important Pan-American Nikkei event. First held in 1981, it is a biannual meeting point for Nikkei from the Americas and Japan where they can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and above all, create friendship bonds beyond frontiers.
This year, the17th COPANI was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 12-14 2013. It was organized by the Centro Nikkei Argentino and a youth staff of approximately 80 young Argentinian Nikkei.
Approximately 500 people attended, including JANM’s very own Discover Nikkei Project Manager, Yoko Nishimura.
Chef Takehiro Ohno’s presentation was one of the highlights of the convention. Photo Credit: COPANI 2013
This is not the first year Discover Nikkei, an international project of JANM, has been a part of COPANI. In 2005, former President/CEO of JANM, Akemi Kikumura Yano presented at COPANI 2005 in Canada. Since then, Yoko Nishimura has participated in every COPANI, starting from COPANI 2007 in Brazil, COPANI 2009 in Uruguay, COPANI 2011 in Mexico, and this year’s COPANI in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Carlos Kasuga, Director General of Yakult S.A de C.V., was asked what “Nikkei” means to him.
This year, in collaboration with COPANI, Discover Nikkei, organized a photo activity asking the question, “What does ‘Nikkei’ mean to you?” There was a wide range of participants from 13 different countries, and from ages 15-84. Check out the diverse pool of statements, mostly recorded in Spanish, on Discover Nikkei’s website: 5dn.org/copani2013
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The Convention ofPan-American Nikkei (COPANI) is an international biennial convention that is coordinated by the Pan American Nikkei Association, a multi-national, non-governmental organization with members from 14 countries. The host country of each convention is selected from members’ countries. Learn more about COPANI and the Pan American Nikkei Association at www.webapn.org.
Discover Nikkei is a community website about Nikkei identity, history, and experiences. The goal of this project is to provide an inviting space for the community to share, explore, and connect with each other through diverse Nikkei perspectives, culture, and history. The DiscoverNikkei.org site is a project of the Japanese American National Museum, with major funding by The Nippon Foundation. Visit Discover Nikkei at: DiscoverNikkei.org
Earlier this week, la.cityvoter.com announced that the Japanese American National Museum was voted “Best Museum” on the 2013 Los Angeles Hot List. JANM was runner up for Best Museum in 2011 and 2012, but this year, LA voters placed JANM on top of 38 other great museums—including institutions like the J. Paul Getty Museum, and the L.A. County Museum of Art—for the number one spot!
Public Programs, such as October’s comics-themed Target Free Family Saturday, helped JANM reach the #1 spot on LA’s HOTLIST!
JANM was voted not only for its unique exhibitions, but for it’s public programs and exceptional staff and volunteers as well!
To all of those who voted for JANM, thank you so much! Also, thank you to our visitors, Museum members, staff, and dedicated volunteers for making JANM an amazing and vibrant institution!
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Fall is a great time to check out the Museum, be sure to view our exciting exhibitions and upcoming public programs:
Marvels & Monsters: Unmasking Asian Images in U.S. Comics, 1942-1986 is now open! Come view a selection of images from comic books representing four turbulent decades. This exhibition illustrates how evolving racial and cultural archetypes defined America’s perceptions of Asians. For more information please visit: janm.org/marvels-monsters
Mark your calendars for the upcoming exhibition, Go For Broke: Japanese American Soldiers Fighting on Two Fronts, opening on November 12, 2013. This exhibition chronicles the resilience and bravery of WWII Nisei soldiers both on and off the battlefield. For more information and updates please visit: janm.org/goforbroke
Stop by the Museum for November’s Target Free Family Saturdays: Awesome Autumn from 11AM – 4PM on November 9th! We’ll have a variety of FREE activities including crafts, origami, a bounce house, a reading of Thanksgiving atObaachan’s with author Janet Mitsui Brown, and more! For details, please visit: janm.org/target
The day was jam-packed with loads of entertainment and activities! From a guided Gallery Tour with curator Jeff Yang, to a Photo Booth that snapped photos of guests in their costumes, there were activities that took place all day for people of all ages and interests! Thanks to all the visitors who joined us, and a BIG “Thank you” to every staff member and volunteer for helping!
Our November Target Free Family Saturdays: Awesome Autumn is next weekend! It’s FREE all day and will take place on November 9th from 11AM – 4PM. For details: janm.org/target
Check out these photos from the October Target Free Family Saturdays event!
[Click on the photos to see full images]
Kidding Around the Kitchen inspired guests to choose and cut up their own trail mix.
Kidding Around the Kitchen leads children, teens, and adults in making their own healthy popcorn trail mix.
Carefully decorating a butterfly-shaped mask.
Showing off a one-of-a-kind mask!
JANM’s School Programs Developer, Lynn, busily assists and leads guests in creating their own superhero capes.
“Superboy” decorates his personal cape.
Even toddlers can decorate their own capes with the help of their parents!
Children pose as a superhero with their masks and capes, and can have their photo captured and printed.
WWII veteran and JANM docent, Hitoshi, transforms himself into a superhero!
Jeff Yang worked with artist Jeremy Arambulo in an interactive activity where they lead the audience in collaboratively creating an original comic-book superhero character!
Artist A.L. Baroza joined Jeff Yang in collaborating with the audience to “Build a Villain”.
Jeff Yang signs copies of the “Secret Identities” anthology.
A group of buddies team up to take down villains in superhero video games brought to JANM by GameTruck.
A caricature artist from Cartoon Slinger is busy at work turning children into comic-book characters!
Siblings mask their identities with their customized masks and capes, and pose with their caricatures.
“Supergirl” and “Superboy” pose for the camera with their caricatures.
On November 2, 2013, JANM held a premiere film screening for the documentary, Unexpected Journeys: Remarkable Stories of Japanese in America in the Atsuhiko & Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Democracy Forum. 
