Vol. 6, No. 78, October 1, 2024
In This Issue…
- I Am An American: A Tribute to WWII’s Japanese American Soldier
- Norio Uyematsu Preserves JA Korean War Vets’ Legacy
- Go For Broke: Evening of Aloha
- Empowering the Future Japan-US Generation: Highlights from the Embassy of Japan Event
- Topgolf Fundraising Event Proposal
- Quiet Heroes (Extended Version)
- Volunteer Fundraising Director Needed
- Upcoming JAVA Events
I Am An American: A Tribute to WWII’s Japanese American Soldier
| Washington, DC. On September 18, 2024, a press event on Capitol Hill announced the upcoming “I Am An American” traveling exhibit, the first of its kind from the National Museum of the United States Army. The exhibit, developed in partnership with the National Veterans Network and The Army Historical Foundation, will honor the contributions of Nisei soldiers—Japanese Americans who served during World War II—focusing on units like the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service. U.S. Representatives Mark Takano and Jill Tokuda, along with retired General Eric K. Shinseki, were among the notable figures who spoke at the event. General Shinseki highlighted these soldiers’ patriotism, courage, and loyalty, saying, “American soldiers of Japanese ancestry delivered a powerful lesson in citizenship during World War II. Their values—loyalty, courage, patriotism—are timeless statements about being American.” The exhibit will include 25-35 wartime artifacts and is set to travel to 11 cities over five years. Its first stop will be the Presidio MIS Historic Learning Center in San Francisco in February 2026, followed by the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, and the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Additional venues will be announced later. The theme, “I Am An American,” is inspired by a photograph taken by Dorothea Lange in 1941, showing a sign placed by Japanese American store owner Tatsuro Matsuda in Oakland, California, declaring his American identity after the Pearl Harbor attack. The exhibit aims to highlight not only the heroism of Nisei soldiers in the European and Pacific theaters but also the struggles their families faced at home, including forced relocation to incarceration camps. An estimated 19,000 Nisei soldiers served in the U.S. Army during World War II, with the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team becoming the most decorated units in U.S. military history for their size and duration of service. Another 6,000 Nisei soldiers served as translators and intelligence officers in the Military Intelligence Service, playing a critical role in the Pacific campaign. The 1,500-square-foot exhibit will explore five thematic areas, offering a national perspective on the Japanese American soldier experience during World War II. It will also provide historical context about life in Hawaii and the War Relocation Authority camps, where over 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated. A unique gallery on the Nisei experience will be displayed at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, until 2025. The Army Historical Foundation supports the production of the traveling exhibit, which promises to bring this powerful story of sacrifice, service, and American identity to a broader audience nationwide. [Ed: Republished from the National Veterans Network Press Release on September 18, 2024] |
Norio Uyematsu Preserves JA Korean War Vets’ Legacy
| Los Alamitos, CA. On Friday, July 26, 2024, the 40th Infantry Division celebrated the 71st anniversary of the Korean War Armistice at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. The event paid tribute to Korean War veterans and the long-lasting partnership between the Division and Korea for more than 70 years. The Korean War ended with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. The event was attended by 250 people and presented by the California Army National Guard, the Association of the Republic of Korea Army-Los Angeles, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, and Korean War Veterans Association. Korean War veteran Norio Uyematsu was the only Japanese American veteran in attendance. Uyematsu has been active this year to preserve the Japanese American Korean War veteran’s legacy by donating his Japanese American Korean War Veterans (JAKWV) Royal Blue Jacket, his JAKWV Garrison hat, and his Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace medal, along with other post JA Korean War and VFW memorabilia from his activities with the JAKWV and the Kazuo Masuda Memorial VFW Post 3670 to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Military History Collection on Feb. 19, 2024. The story of his donation was published on the front page of The Orange County Register on Feb. 18, 2024. Uyematsu was surprised at how many people read the Register article, by the response he received on social media and by mail. The 93-year-old was the only veteran to be a supporter of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Day of Remembrance program on Feb. 19, 2024 in Washington, D.C. This event was a collaboration between the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, and the Japanese American Citizens League. His sentimental journey to Misawa Air Base in Japan in 2023 was published in the Graybeards November-December 2023 magazine issue by the Korean War Veterans Association as a featured article. In being the only Japanese American Korean War veteran attending the Korean War Veterans Memorial “Wall of Remembrance” unveiling in Washington, D.C. in 2022, Uyematsu has found a new sense of purpose to highlight this time in history, and his motivation continues to inspire others to remember those that fought and served in this “Forgotten War.” Each time he goes out, someone says, “Thank you for your service,” and he is surprised and touched that people say that to him to this day for what he did to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service as an interrogator of prisoners of war. Last Sunday, he rode in the 82nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival Parade as one of the surviving Japanese American Korean War veterans. This was an honor for him since he last rode in the Nisei Week Parade in 2013 as a Nisei Week Pioneer from Orange County. He hopes that the more limelight that is placed on these veterans and this time in history will bring more opportunities for exhibits, educational materials, and remembering those that made the supreme sacrifice. “We need to honor these Japanese American Korean War veterans before they pass away since many of us are in our 90s and who knows how much time we have left,” Uyematsu said. “We were honored to follow in the footsteps of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion but we also lived in incarceration camps as the Nisei generation during World War II and our service needs to be recognized as our WWII heroes who came before us. As my friend Bob Wada said, ‘To Forget Would Be a Dishonor, To Remember Will Be Everlasting,’ and I feel these words tell it all,” Uyematsu concluded. By Patti Hirahara [Ed Note: The original article was published by The Rafu Shimpo which you can find on their website. JAVA would like to thank Patti Hirahara for sharing her article with us and Rafu Shimpo for allowing us to republish the article in our newsletter.] |
GFBNEC PRESENTS THE 23rd ANNUAL EVENING OF ALOHA GALA
| As a proud Steel Sponsor of the Go For Broke National Education Center’s Evening of Aloha, JAVA reaffirms our dedication to Nisei Veterans, their families, and our future. On a beautiful day in Los Angeles, we were inspired by the opportunity to connect and grow with attendees who share our passions, including Nisei veterans and community leaders. We were honored to share our table with the next generation of leaders who embody the Go For Broke spirit. JAVA remains committed to inspiring, embodying, and educating others about the principles of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice that define the Nisei spirit worldwide. E-Tourch Original Article Los Angeles, CA. Thank you to all our guests, veterans, sponsors, and supporters who attended Go For Broke National Education Center’s 23rd Annual Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner this past Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in downtown Los Angeles! It was a magical evening celebrating the Go For Broke spirit and legacy of the American WWII soldiers of Japanese ancestry and their relevance to the contemporary issues of social justice, civil liberties, and democracy. The theme of this year’s Gala, “Living the Nisei Veterans’ Dream,” recognized their fight to ensure that all Americans and future generations have the freedoms and liberties to pursue their dreams and passions. The evening included updates on GFBNEC’s new building project, The Go For Broke Plaza and First Street North Residences, the impact of our traveling exhibit, Courage and Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American World War II Experience at the Idaho State Museum in Boise, Idaho and our robust Next Gen programs, including The National Torchbearers and the Go For Broke Journalism Institute. The program was recorded and will be aired on GFBNEC’s YouTube channel shortly. Evening of Aloha is GFBNEC’s primary fundraiser, and the annual hallmark gathering where the community collectively pays tribute to the more than 33,000 Japanese American men and women who valiantly served during the war. David Ono, ABC7 News Anchor and member of GFBNEC’s Board of Directors, served as co-host along with Sierra Katow, the granddaughter of a WWII MIS veteran and host of GFBNEC’s video series “Living the Nisei Dream.” |
The GFBNEC Torchbearers, Go For Broke Journalism students and community leaders presented their unique connection to the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) veterans and their commitment to ensuring that the soldiers’ story is not just a great Japanese American story, but rather a great American story with significance and relevance to today.
“Our Evening of Aloha Gala is such a special opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate our Nisei WWII veterans,” said Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, GFBNEC President & CEO. “This year, we were excited to gather over 500 guests, including five Nisei veterans, descendants and our dedicated supporters. With the generous contributions from our Gala, we can continue to creatively evolve our work to preserve and share their core story of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice.”
The program incorporated the unique traditions of the Gala that honor the Nisei veterans, including the Missing Soldier’s Table and “In Memoriam” acknowledgments; on-stage Nisei veteran recognition; and the 5th Annual Living Nisei WWII Veteran Photo Tribute.
Another unique feature of this year’s Evening of Aloha was the dinner menu created and prepared by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Founder & Owner of Roy’s Restaurants, and member of GFBNEC Board of Directors and The Westin Bonaventure Hotel’s Chef Andreas Nieto. The dessert was prepared by King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant Innovation Pastry Chef Heather Campbell.
Pre-dinner entertainment was provided by Marlene Yamane Chau and Scott Nagatani, and featured performances included Grammy Award-winning musician, composer and producer Daniel Ho, Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani and Lead Actor of the Hamilton National Tour Cast, Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama.
The annual “Fund the Future” campaign, launched at the Gala each year, supports GFBNEC’s dynamic educational programming and outreach during these challenging economic times. Contributions made now through the end of the year will provide vital funds to support GFBNEC’s new educational initiatives, including expanded national outreach, enhanced online and social media presence and dynamic online programming to engage younger, more diverse audiences. To make a “Fund the Future” gift, visit goforbroke.org/fund-the-future/.
A big thank you to all 75 businesses and individuals who generously donated items and experiences to our silent auction! The 2024 Evening of Aloha Gala major sponsors included: Emerald Sponsors – MUFG Bank, Ltd., Bill & Christy Seki/Dennis & Lorraine Kimura and U.S. Bank; Platinum Sponsors – King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant, Nikki Kodama & Family, The Pacific Bridge Companies, Sugimoto Family Foundation and Joyce Yamane & Stephen Waite, In Memory of Kazuo & Mary Yamane; Gold Sponsors – The Haruo Hayashi Family, Pacific Global Investment Management Co., Seki, Nishimura & Watase, PLC, Shinto Family Foundation and L. Scott & Susan Takahashi; Silver Sponsors – Doyle & Naomi Derr and Kenneth & Candace Watase, Fukui Mortuary, Inc., Terry & Gayle Hara, Frank & Betty Hiji, Nancy Sagawa & Family, Hiro Watanabe Foundation, Roy Yamaguchi, and Tokuji Yoshihashi Family.
Thank you again to all who were able to join us for this celebratory annual event honoring the courage, patriotism, and sacrifice of our Nisei veteran heroes. “Okage Sama De,” because of you, we are.
[Ed Note: The original article was written and published by the GFBNEC. JAVA would like to thank them for putting on this event every year and is happy to support their endeavors this year as a sponsor]
Empowering the Future Japan-US Generation: Highlights from the Embassy of Japan Event
| Washington, DC. On September 19, 2024, Minister Masaru Sato (Head of Chancery) held the Japanese in America Mixer at the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC to foster U.S.-Japan relationship. The gathering featured an insightful panel session highlighting the experience of scholarship recipients while further strengthening the Japan-US relationship. The event closed out with a reception with Japanese comfort food such as Onigiri, Tamago-yaki, Yaki-soba, etc, for guests to bond over. Minister Masaru Sato, Head of Chancery, delivered an empowering opening remark for the panel session by recognizing the importance of US-Japan relationship and how Japanese American (JA) organizations, to include JAVA, help strengthen such ties through the effort of educating future generations. The main panel session was focused around inspiring younger generations to continue learning about JA heritage, and bridging the identity gaps among generations by showcasing a few of the scholarship opportunities offered by Japanese American Citizen League (JACL) and Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD). The panelists, Jack Shimabukuro from JACL and Tomoko Mullaney from JALD, both provided a diverse perspective of discovering their “Japanese American” identity, and how their respective scholarships guided them to their journey of self-discovery. Guests enjoyed community-building opportunities by breaking bread with young leaders from JACL, JADL, military veterans, authors of “But, Where Are You REALLY From?”, and representatives from the Japanese embassy. The event allowed JAVA to engage with young community leaders to collaborate on future partnership efforts to further promote the spirit of patriotism and national pride, especially those with Japanese Ancestry JAVA engaged with young community leaders to collaborate on future partnership efforts to further advance the spirit of patriotism and national pride. JAVA members enjoyed an opportunity to speak with David Dichoso, Management Diplomatic Assistant of the embassy, who recently finished 5 years of active duty with the rank of captain. Though David is of Filipino ancestry, JAVA connected with David through the shared appreciation of patriotism and the appreciation of those who paved the way for the AANHPI-military leaders. The event underscored the intergenerational differences within the Japanese American (JA) experience yet reaffirmed JAVA’s core mission of inspiring young JAs to carry forward the proud legacy of service, sacrifice, and education. By bringing together voices from different generations, the event fostered meaningful dialogue on how best to preserve the legacy of Japanese American veterans. Through such partnerships, JAVA can reinforce the values of service and loyalty exemplified by the WW2 Nisei soldiers, ensuring that these ideals resonate with new generations of Japanese Americans. This ongoing engagement also aligns with JAVA’s mission to preserve the history and contributions of JA veterans while cultivating a spirit of patriotism among younger leaders. Written by Kenta Tanaka |
Empowering the Future Japan-US Generation: Highlights from the Embassy of Japan Event
Bethesda, MD.
JAVA’s fundraising season is just around the corner. This year, we wanted to try something new. We have heard your requests for social events for our members. To have camaraderie in a relaxed atmosphere. This year, we would like to propose a Topgolf Fundraising Event.
For those unfamiliar with Topgolf, Topgolf is a driving range fit for any golf level. They have a variety of golfing games from virtual versions of real-life golf courses, to accuracy games, to golf Angry Birds, Topgolf caters to the most experienced golfers to absolute beginners. The venue offers comfortable seating, food, and drinks.
You can find more about them at their website: https://topgolf.com
We are currently considering the following locations for the event:
National Harbor (Washington, D.C.)
San Jose, California
Los Angeles, California
SanFransisco, California
But Let Us Know What You Think!
Tell us if you think this idea appeals to you. We cannot continue with this social event unless we reach a certain level of interest. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please fill out the survey below. If not, tell us why you have no interest in the event.
The survey only takes 5 minutes. If we have enough interest, we will turn this event into a reality.
Survey closes October 4th at 11:59 PM ET.
If you have any questions or comments or would just like to volunteer your services to help plan the event, please contact Antoinette Phelps at [email protected].
Quiet Heroes Singing Their Praises (Extended Version)
Los Angeles, CA.
In the July edition of JAVA’s e-advocate, Robert Horsting shared with us Harold Payne’s story and his composition Quiet Heroes. On September 14th, Mr. Horsting shared with us the extended version of this song. It includes a message from Mr. Payne and 39 additional WWII Veteran Portraits. Please enjoy!
Original Article
Growing up in Gardena, Harold Payne became very familiar with three Japanese American men who were well-known and respected in his neighborhood. Harry’s Texaco was where his family brought their cars for servicing, enjoying the confidence that he would keep their rides road-ready. Harold recalled that Harry Komatsu was a jovial and colorful guy, a fun person to be around. This is also where Payne met Hiroshi “Horse” Tadakuma, a mechanic you didn’t want to distract when concentrating on diagnosing a car’s issues, stating, “He was like a surgeon.” The third man was Frank Fukuzawa, a teacher who, along with his wife Nami, Harold described, “were the nicest unconditionally helpful people.” Even though these men were very well known to him, he was unaware of a secret from their past, which went undiscovered until he was in his late teens or early 20s.
One day Harold went to Harry’s Texaco station. Noting he hadn’t seen Harry in a while, he asked where he had been. Mr. Komatsu told him he had just returned from a trip to France, where they had just held a parade for him and his friends. Curious to hear more, Harold asked what the parade was for. Harry explained that while in the army, his regiment liberated the town of Bruyeres, which celebrates that event annually. They even named a street honoring them, ”Rue du 442eme Regiment Americain D’Infanterie” or ”Rue de 442nd Regimental Combat Team.” Now the secret was out!
The history he was never taught in school was now being told to him because the timing was right, and Harold wanted to hear more. He had never heard about the segregated 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat, let alone the fact that many of his neighbors were forced to leave behind belongings that they couldn’t carry and were among the 120,000 people of Japanese heritage forced into America’s concentration camps. Two-thirds of them were American-born citizens, just like him, and the remainder weren’t allowed to become naturalized citizens by law, despite having lived in the U.S.A. for 20-plus years, and even those who were U.S. army veterans of WWI.
Imagine Harold’s surprise hearing this story of strife and perseverance about the people he already held in such high regard, referring to them as “role models.” Now, he had even more reason to respect them for the way in which they carried themselves. Seeing how they not only looked forward, to re-establish their lives but strived to build better lives for their children impressed Harold. To learn more, he read and heard firsthand accounts about the 100th/442nd’s accomplishments as the most decorated unit of its size and length of service in U.S. military history, and that other Japanese Americans (JA) served in the Pacific Theatre as interpreters and interrogators in the Military Intelligence Service. Having learned this history Harold marveled, “So while their families were put in “internment camps” they volunteered to serve, despite that, to prove their loyalty.” This not only impressed Harold but these memories would later inspire him to write the words and music to honor these veterans, Quiet Heroes.
Though originally written and performed in 1997, Quiet Heroes has recently been featured in two high-profile events. The Harry Manaka-produced Sansei Rocker concert at the Aratani Theatre featured Harold singing Quiet Heroes as a member of the nine-member band, and he performed a solo for the Veterans Memorial Court Alliance Joint Memorial Day Service in Little Tokyo at which Actor Tamlyn Tomita provided the Keynote message.
Thinking over the words he wrote Harold said, “I had the honor to write and perform a song and dedicate it to the three guys on my block who were part of the 442nd, Harry Komatsu, Hiroshi “Horse” Tadakuma & Frank Fukuzawa.”
To see Harold’s Quiet Heroes music video homage to these American heroes, link to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyIh1VdgoRM&t=0s
By Robert M. Horsting
Volunteer Fundraising Chair Needed!
Bethesda, MD.
Organization Overview:
The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) is an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom. Our members include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. JAVA provides educational programs, advocacy, and community outreach to honor the legacy of WWII Nisei Soldiers. Although most of our members are Americans of Japanese Ancestry, our members are not exclusively Japanese Americans.
Position Title: Fundraising Director (Volunteer)
Location: Remote.
Time Commitment: Flexible.
Position Summary:
JAVA seeks a dedicated, experienced volunteer to serve as our Fundraising Director. This key role will lead efforts to develop and implement fundraising strategies to support our organization’s mission and programs. The Fundraising Director will work closely with the Executive Council and staff volunteers to identify funding opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, and oversee fundraising campaigns and events.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Develop Fundraising Strategy:
- Collaborate with the Executive Council to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with JAVA’s mission and goals.
- Identify potential funding sources, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donors, and fundraising events.
2. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:
- Build relationships with current and prospective donors, sponsors, and partners.
- Develop personalized cultivation strategies to engage donors and secure financial support.
- Implement stewardship activities to recognize and thank donors for their contributions.
3. Fundraising Campaigns and Events:
- Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising campaigns and events, including online campaigns, fundraising dinners, and virtual events.
- Mobilize volunteers and coordinate logistics to ensure successful fundraising activities.
4. Grant Writing and Management:
5. Fundraising Communications:
- Research grant opportunities and prepare grant proposals and applications.
- Manage grant reporting requirements and ensure compliance with grantor guidelines.
- Collaborate with the Communications Director to develop fundraising materials, including appeal letters, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
- Ensure consistent messaging and branding in all fundraising communications.
6. Budget Oversight:
- Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop and monitor fundraising budgets.
- Track fundraising progress, analyze results, and report regularly to the Executive Council.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of successful donor cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising campaign management.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage supporters effectively.
- Strategic thinker who can develop and implement fundraising plans that align with organizational goals.
- Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Passion for supporting veterans’ organizations and promoting Japanese American history and culture.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to significantly impact the success and sustainability of JAVA’s mission.
- Gain valuable experience in nonprofit management, fundraising strategy development, and donor relations.
- Develop leadership skills and expand professional networks within the nonprofit sector.
Application Process:
If you have any questions or desire to apply for this exciting opportunity, feel free to contact [email protected]. For applications, please submit your resume, and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest. Thank you.
Upcoming JAVA Events
Monday, November 11th. Veterans Day Program, National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II, Washington DC.
Thursday, November 14th, 7 pm ET. Spark Matsunaga Elementary School Veteran’s Day Concert.
