Local News
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“No Experience Required” at Yerba Buena Gardens Bon Dancing Festival
Sep 15, 2019By Andy Yamashita, Contributing writer SAN FRANCISCO — You can hear the music before you ever see the festival. Less than a half-mile from the buzz of cars and tourists at Union Square, the low deep rumble... -
New San Jose Uzumaru Dance Group Blends Traditional and Modern Japanese Dance
Aug 24, 2019By John Sammon SAN JOSE — It’s a brand new form of Japanese dance in the U.S. that its members describe as like a whirlpool, although it could also be likened to a colorful undulating cloud,... -
Photo, Book and Interview Project Gives Identity to Nameless Victims of WWII Imprisonment
Jun 18, 2019By John Sammon Paul Kitagaki Jr. is pursuing a project that is filling in a blank piece of history, finding out the identities of Japanese American incarceration victims during World War II, who up until now... -
New Book “Rising Son” Details Man’s WWII Heroism in the MIS
Jun 18, 2019By John Sammon Sandra Vea’s newly released book “Rising Son,” recounting the World War II experiences of Masao Abe, will show the contributions of the little known Military Intelligence Service (MIS). It will also dispel the... -
Community Volunteer Offers Skills to Enrich Lives
Feb 14, 2019By John Sammon SAN FRANCISCO — One of the reasons San Francisco remains a cultural hub is the work of Miki Novitski, whose volunteerism as emcee of the city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade and... -
Woman Thanks Grandfather for Contributions
Dec 15, 2018By John Sammon Sonia Prasad Quesada found a unique way to thank a departed ancestor for contributions to her life as well as the country and to pay tribute to the struggles her grandfather faced in... -
“American Sutra” to Look at World War II Camps through Buddhist Perspective
Dec 8, 2018By John Sammon A new book titled “American Sutra” will take a unique and different look at the experiences of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II; showing how their Buddhist faith gave them strength and... -
Tennis Star Recalls Groundbreaking Career
Dec 2, 2018By John Sammon Ann Kiyomura-Hayashi, one of the first Japanese American tennis stars to popularize the sport for women worldwide, is also partly responsible for the mega million dollar prize winnings today’s female stars enjoy.... -
Obituary Announcement
Dec 1, 2018Thomas Yukio Okumura, died on Nov. 27 at his home in Summerlin, Las Vegas, surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Okumura is survived by his wife, Bertha, and his two children: Mark Okumura, Lorie Foerschler. He also... -
Man Turns Toys into Art
Nov 18, 2018By John Sammon SAN FRANCISCO — The traditional Japanese genius for vibrant colors and imaginative designs in art adorning everything from kimonos to stylized 19th century water color paintings also extends to toys—a career Mark Nagata...