By Maiko Kobayashi, translated by Bruce Rutledge

Tuna filleting has grown from something you’d see at restaurants around Tsukiji Fish Market to a popular Japanese and now overseas entertainment. Crowds gather as fishmongers wield steely knives with quick precision to clean the tuna. The sushi and
sashimi that follows is rich with umami and satisfying to both the eyes and the palate. These events are still rare in Seattle, but Ten Sushi in Queen Anne has attracted a lot of attention by holding regular tuna-filleting events.

The April 26 tuna fillet display involved a Pacific bluefin tuna from Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture. The tuna alone weighed a full 153 pounds! The tuna arrived from Japan the morning of the event. The overwhelming presence of this huge tuna on the cutting board was a moment made for social media. Before the event started, a crowd of people huddled in front of the tuna, snapping photos.

The MC kicked off the show as the crowd buzzed with excitement. First the chef put the knife, which was as long as a sword, into the tuna’s head. As the heavy-looking tuna’s head was chopped off, the crowd gasped. It then became a race against time to preserve the freshness of the tuna flesh. The fish expert in charge of this chore was Ten Sushi owner, chef and craftsman Shinichiro Takahashi.

This was a hatchery-raised Pacific bluefin tuna, branded as TSUNAGU. From birth through breeding, the fish receive high-quality care, with their water temperature and feed monitored closely before they are shipped out. While wild bluefin tuna population is decreasing with the globally increasing demand, hatchery-raised bluefin tuna is becoming a new sushi trend in Japan. TSUNAGU brand was recently released in late 2017 from
Kyokuyo Co., Ltd targeting high-end restaurants.

Because you can eat precious tuna right as it is sliced in nigiri sushi or maki sushi style, Ten Sushi’s tuna filleting events are always filled by customers who reserve their space ahead of time. The day included trivia questions involving sushi, fish and Japanese culture. People who responded correctly were served grilled tuna collar. “This is my first time to see the show,” said Angela, a trivia winner who attended with her son, Eddie. “I
was shocked at how big the raw tuna was!” Another customer, Leslie, who attended with her daughter Midori, said, “We just recently returned to the US after living for years in Okinawa. It was satisfying to be able to eat sushi in Seattle that tastes just like the sushi in Japan.”

Ten Sushi has opened a new store in the International District called Ten Sushi #35. Contact the restaurant for the next show schedule. Reservations are required for the show. The tuna filleting show can be also arranged for private or corporate parties.

Ten Sushi Seattle
500 Mercer St. C-2 2B, Seattle
(206) 453-3881
Ten Sushi Website

Read interview with Shinichiro Takahashi :

Japanese Restaurateurs – Ten Sushi Owner Chef Shinichiro Takahashi

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by Shirley Shimada,

On a beautiful spring cherry blossom day, we took a holiday trip from Osaka (Honshu) to Beppu (Kyushu) by ferry boat. A country with thousands of islands has many ferry routes, but this one was considered one of the best.

I was on my spring break as a 4th grade teacher in a US Army school. My Japanese was woefully inadequate, even though I had attended Japanese language school. My Issei grandparents lived with us during my childhood.

The ferry’s three or four desks seemed to soar above us at the dock. My three Japanese traveling companions- Eiko, Sachiko and Michiko-entered our cabin with three bunks on each side and a bathroom down the hall. Eiko seemed to enjoy practicing her English skills for which I was thankful.

We were joined by a honeymoon couple in the same cabin! They held hands across the aisle when we went to sleep.

That evening we all dined in the massive dining room on the upper deck. We ate leisurely and walked around the ferry. The crowded ferry boat chuffed its way out of Osaka and through the Seto Naikai (Inland Sea). The water was smooth.

The next morning, the ferry was shifting up and down and even sideways. That didn’t bother us as we prepared to go for breakfast. For three of us, putting on our faces was a simple dab of cream, some lipstick (one color) and a quick brush.

Michiko pulled out her make-up casea small suitcase with a handle on top and a mirror inside the lid. Inside were two layers sectioned off for make-up bottles, round-lidded boxes and a number of brushes for hair, eye lashes, powder, lipsticks, creams for hands and face, eyelids. Each item had its place.

I had never seen such an array of products, except at a department store. After that short introduction to beauty and makeup, we left for breakfast.

By the time we reached the dining room, we discovered only a small group gathered for breakfast. I wondered what happened to the larger group from the night before. A waiter explained to Eiko we were going through the Shimonoseki Straits, separating the islands of Honshu and Kyushu and known for its rough waters. That kept most of the passengers in their bunks and near the bathrooms!

As we walked around the ferry, we watched a young man stepping up to the next level with his camera, trying to get a photo of someone. He overreached and before he could catch his camera it slipped from his hand. The splash could be heard as it hit the water. There was little he could do to retrieve it. It must have cost a great deal for cameras as they were not commonly available in the 1960s.

Before noon, our ferry docked in Beppu. We could see steam rising above this little town famous for its hot springs (over 2,000?). Bathing in the hot springs was said to cure several kinds of illness. We decided that we did not need to soak in the hot springs.

We wandered the streets until we found our hotel at one of the most popular onsen called the “Jigoku Onsen” or “Hell’s Hot springs. “There we could see eggs boiled in the natural hot water and smell the sulfur-ish scent of boiled eggs. Other smells floated in the stream as we walked up and down the wooden steps between the many boiling water pools.

The steam raised the temperature from a pleasant spring day to a warm and steamy summer. This was worth the ferry boat ride.

Shirley Shimada was born in San Jose. The family spent the WW2 years on farms in Colorado. After returning to San Jose, she attended San Jose State College. She received her teaching certificate in 1958. She currently lives in Kenmore and has a large garden. Shirley is active in the Seattle Betsuin and Omoide. She volunteers in the “Hiroshima to Hope” event each August 6th.

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By David Yamaguchi, The North American Post

NOW AND THEN, my curiosity gets the best of me. On March 23rd, I used a century-old postcard to illustrate the nearly forgotten era when Japanese prostitutes plied their trade around the Pacific Rim and American West. They were the daughters of poor farmers who were sold by their parents so that remaining family members could survive. While preparing that column, I began to wonder what is brush-stroked on the postcard. Readers too might have had their curiosity piqued.

I first approached the mystery by asking Post manager Misa Murohashi if she could transcribe the difficult to read kanji characters to Romaji, phonetic English syllables, for me.

I had to smile at Misa’s emailed reply, which was not entirely unexpected. For it is typical of working-age Japanese people today.

She wrote; “hmmmm…. Actually I cannot read that Japanese writing, as the writing form is such a[n] old way that current people never use.”

What Misa and her working-age peers face is the simplification of written Japanese that happened after World War II. A consequence of this is that young people can no longer read prewar text, whether typeset or handwritten. In this way, the Japanese are losing the ability to read their rich written history. Old writings have essentially become mere decoration to non-specialists. It is analogous to how Japanese Americans, now 3-4 generations on, are losing touch with their Japanese cultural roots. (Here, NAP Japan tour organizer Elaine Ko tells me that only half of JAs today travel to Japan. For the rest, it simply isn’t on their radar.)

Yet , there a re ordinar y people among us who can st i l l read old Japanese documents. After all, the postcard at issue is not so ancient. Its technology alone—that of hand-painted photography—places it after the US Civil War. Accordingly, I next turned to my always-smiling dance-class classmate Kiyoko Terao.

Readers may remember that Mrs. Terao came to Seattle postwar from Imabari, Ehime-ken, Shikoku, to help her sister care for a new baby. Terao-san ended up staying, as during that visit she received a marriage proposal. The key point for today’s article is that Kiyokosan attended prewar Japanese schools.

Kiyoko also demurred at first.

“Muzukashii… Samurai no kotoba mitai,” she had said. It is difficult… It is like the [antiquated] expressions of samurai.

Nonetheless, the next day, she called to say she had figured out the copy I had pressed into her hands. It is an undated note written by a man to his friend. As transcribed by Kiyoko, his long -ago words read;

“Haikei. Itsumo watashi no byouki o tazune kinishite kudasari meiwaku wo kakemashita.

“Sukoshi zutsu yoku natte orimasu ga, nakanaka omou you ni yukanaku shikatanai to omotte orimasu.

“Itsuka yakusoku shimashita jouka no juku wo hidari ni kakimashita kara, yoroshiku yoi niwa karai kudasai.

“Otagai ni [5] omotteiru koto wo [7] hanashiatte [5] yuutei no naka de [7] nakayoku shite [7],
nakama ni narimaseu.
“Chouzuke yori”

Note that above , I took the liberty to divide the poem into the 5-7-5-7-7-syllable style of Tanka to see if it fits that pattern. Its goal is to tell a complete story in 31 syllables.

As the poem has an extra line, it does not fit the standard model. Perhaps by the time it was written, Japanese poetry was already like it is now, where conveying feelings matters more than strict adherence to form. More knowledgeable readers will undoubtedly
see more into the poem’s structure than I can.

In any case, a translation might read:

“Dear Sir,

“Thank you for always inquiring about my sickness. While I am slowly improving, I think it is something that cannot be helped.

“As promised, I have written at left a verse about the women’s plight that I hope you can revise.

“To each other, Sharing our thoughts Within the teahouse, Let us become friends.
“From Chozuke”

Apparently, the postcard writer felt for the women. He believed that they helped and encouraged each other, as would most such stranded survivors in a strange land far from home.

P.S. During the two months I spent drafting this article, National Public Radio ran stories on (a) how Chinese women from rural villages are hired by wealthy men at the Beijing train station for work as mistresses; and (b) how Nigerian women are being tricked into traveling to Italy, only to find that the work available is prostitution.

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By Deems Tsutakawa,

Whenever I park my car and lock it up with the key fob, it puts a smile on my face. The original definition of fob is a small pocket near the waistline of your trousers for your watch, keys, or loose change. These days, we all think of the fob simply for use on our remote devices that open and close garage doors, car ignitions,　and various other electronic items. When we were first driving back in the day one had to manually push or pull each door lock one at a time to secure the vehicle from potential break ins. It is just so convenient to walk away from your automobile and touch the fob. We can even simply look out the window at night and lock the car from the house. For some reason, even though we’ve had the fobs for decades, it still makes me smile.

While driving through town, making a green light seems to put a smile on too. I like seeing dogs, happy children, cool fashions, live music, good foods, and sunny days as well. Certain aromas are very scintillating such as garlic in hot oil, fresh baked cookies with vanilla extract, and BBQ. You’ve probably noticed that I like to smile.

One of my high school teachers, I believe she taught language arts and her name was Ms. Tribble, told me that her philosophy of life is that it is the little things in our daily life that are most important and give our lives meaning. She loved people that are kind, storytelling, a well-made sandwich, or a catchy poem. If the song entitled “My Favorite Things” were rewritten today, it might have some new things to consider. I also love to watch sports on TV, program the DVR for shows to be seen later, and use my cell phone for a multitude of things. If we have our health, food on the table, and a few friends to laugh with then it seems that living mindfully and appreciating the simple things should put that smile on each and every day.

Deems Tsutakawa is a local Sansei musician. He can be reached at deemst@deemsmusic.com.

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JAPAN FAIR 2018
Date: Saturday July 7th & Sunday 8th
Place: Bellevue Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Website: japanfairus.org

• Japan Fair 2018 TOP
• Japan Fair Main Stage Programs
• Japan Fair Exhibitors
• Support Japan Fair

Japan Fair 2018 Seminars

Japan Fair Seminar Time Table

Saturday, July 7th

Sunday, July 8th

* Seminar room door opens five minutes before each program.
* Programs are as of June 20th and may change.

July 7th 12:00 pm 4F seminar room
Puppet Show “Kolobok, The Little Roll“ by Mimibunko

“Kolobok, The Little Roll“ is a Russian folktale about a rolling bun that escapes from an elderly woman’s oven. As he rolls out of the house, he meets Robert the bird, a bear, and an owl while singing a delightful tune. As he arrives near the end of his journey, he meets a hungry fox along his path… This puppet show is for babies, toddlers and kids of all ages. Come and join their interactive puppeteering.

July 7th 1:45 pm 4F seminar room
The Secrets to Japanese Cooking: The World of Fermentation & Umami in Japanese Cuisine by Asako Sullivan

Learning about Koji; the culture in the center of Japanese traditional fermentation. Sullivan will discuss the wonderful benefits of food fermented with Koji, and will introduce Japanese traditional ingredients such as Miso, Soy Sauce, and Amazake as well as applications of those ingredients in American kitchen and table. Workshop is not totally hands-on, but some tasting will be involved.

July 7th 2:50 pm at 4F seminar room
Sake tasting with Sake Specialist Sachiko Miyagi

Miyagi demystifies sake at Japan Fair

One of the more anticipated events at Japan Fair this year is the sake-tasting seminar led by Sachiko Miyagi. During the 50-minute seminar, Miyagi will attempt to demystify the famous brew. “There is so much variety,” she says, “so many flavors and types such as koshu, sparkling, ginjo and daiginjo.”

In a recent phone interview from her home in Los Angeles, Miyagi explained that things like the temperature and the drinking vessel affect sake greatly. “For every 5 degrees Celsius, sake has a different name,” she says. “There’s hitohada, atsukan, hanabie … it’s very poetic.”

During her lecture, she’ll talk about the ways a drinking vessel can affect a sake’s taste and give some tips for drinking sake at home or in a restaurant. “In Seattle, we are very lucky,” says the former Seattle resident who recently moved to L.A. to take a job with Mutual Trading. “If you go to the Uwajimaya in Bellevue and see the collection of sake, it would be very hard to find that sort of thing in a Tokyo supermarket.”

Right now, Miyagi says she is enjoying the array of sparkling sake hitting the market. “I may have some special sake as a reward for making the lecture,” she says, but she also notes that sake-tasting will be done throughout the Japan Fair at the Mutual Trading and Co-Ho Imports booth. If you miss the seminar, stop by the booth for a chat and some sake.

The seminar is first-come, first-served on Saturday at 2:50 pm. It’s free and open to anyone who is at least 21 years old.

July 7th 4:10 pm 4F seminar room
Kawaii vs. Cool Manga Character Design by Ro Higashi
Ro Higashi is a Seattle-based manga artist and illustrator, working on an upcoming original WEBTOON called Half of the Crown. Her character designs have placed a few times in Sakuracon’s Mascot Contest, and she loves to speed draw anime versions of Seattlelites. At her Japan Fair seminar, you can learn basic drawing tips to give your manga character design some personality and depth. Come practice some of the current trends that can make your character cool or cute!

July 7th 5:10 pm at 4F seminar room
The Tanabata Festival and Japanese Waka Poetry
by Prof. Paul S. Atkins

Tanabata: A love story explained

The first day of this year’s Japan Fair — July 7th — is also Tanabata, one of the most famous festivals of the traditional Japanese calendar. To celebrate this serendipity, University of Washington Professor Paul Atkins will offer a free lecture on the Tanabata legend at the fair.

Tanabata, based on a Chinese legend, commemorates two lovers, the Weaver Girl and the Herder Boy, who were turned into stars (Altair and Vega) that meet in the heavens only once a year. Altair is in the Aquila constellation; Vega, also known as the harp star, is in the Lyra constellation.

Today in Japan, Tanabata is an occasion for writing down your wishes on strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo trees. Colorful streamers adorn the exteriors of homes, businesses and city streets.

For centuries Tanabata has been an important topic in Japanese waka poetry. Atkins will explain the rich history of the Tanabata festival and why it has inspired poets through the ages.

Atkins is professor of Japanese and chair of the Department of Asian Languages and Literature at the University of Washington.  His field of expertise is classical Japanese language, literature, and culture.

July 8th 3:00 pm 4F seminar room
Ah-breathing Meditation from Mt. Koyasan

Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple is a Japanese Vajrayana Buddhist temple, serving Seattle downtown community for 70 years. Rev. Taijo Imanaka will share an experience of a mindfulness meditation, transmitted for 1200 years on Mt. Koyasan.

July 8th 4:10 pm at seminor room
Translator Battle presented by Chin Music Press

Rubin vs Davisson: a translator battle

How will literary translator and academic Jay Rubin fare when he has to translate dialogue bubbles from Shigeru Mizuki’s Kitaro series, a body of work he has never read? And will manga translator Zack Davisson do justice to passages of the ever-popular novelist Haruki Murakami? Those will be the questions answered at this bound-to-be popular workshop at 4:10 pm on Sunday at the Japan Fair.

Rubin and Davisson did a version of this workshop at Sakura-Con to wide acclaim, and those who couldn’t attend have clamored for an encore. This time around, the two translators will prepare new translations to compare with the published versions.

Rubin is publishing a new anthology of Japanese literature later this fall. He is best known for translating some of the most popular novels and short stories of Haruki Murakami, but he has also published Natsume Soseki and other turn-of-the-century Japanese writers. Davisson translates a wide range of Japanese comics, including the works of Shigeru Mizuki, and has written a series of books on Japanese folklore. The two will take questions about their craft and talk about the differences and similarities of translating Japanese fiction and manga. The workshop is free and open to the public. No prior registration is required.

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JAPAN FAIR 2018
Date: Saturday July 7th & Sunday 8th
Place: Bellevue Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Website: japanfairus.org

• Japan Fair 2018 TOP
• Japan Fair Main Stage Programs
• Japan Fair Exhibitors
• Support Japan Fair

JAPAN FAIR 2018 EXHIBITORS

Agape Japanese Language School
www.agapejapaneselanguageschool.org
Located in Lakewood, WA, Agape Japanese Language School is one of the only Japanese Language Schools in the south area. The school offers pre-school classes, children’s classes (ages 4-18 years old) and adult classes.

AKI SOGABE – Fine art, Paper cutting
www.akisogabe.com
Aki Sogabe introduced kiri-e (Paper Cutting art) to the Northwest in 1978. Her works are included in the collection of the State of Washington, The State of Oregon Public Art, Fort Lewis Base, and many other private collections. Her works are displayed at more than 30 public schools from elementary through college in Washington State. Her public art is installed in the Pike Place Market and Uwajimaya Village in Seattle.

All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd
www.ana.co.jp/en/us
Following the “Inspiration of Japan” high quality service, ANA has been awarded the respected 5-Star rating from SKYTRAX for six consecutive years starting in 2013. ANA has been recognized by Air Transport World as “Airline of the Year” three times in the past 10 years – 2007, 2013 and 2018, becoming one of the few airlines winning this prestigious award multiple times.

ANCEA-Sakura-Conn
www.sakuracon.org
Sakura-Con is the Pacific Northwest’s oldest and largest anime convention. Presented by the 501(c)(3) Asia-Northwest Cultural Association, Sakura-Con will celebrate its 22nd year of bringing cultural arts, media, education and entertainment to our region in 2019.

Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Academy – Bellevue
bellevue.aopsacademy.org
AoPS Academy is a selective after-school enrichment program for academically motivated students in grades 2-12. Their math and language arts courses are designed to prepare students for the rigors of top universities and highly competitive careers.

Awesome Anime
At the Awesome Anime’s booth, you will find high quality Japanese stuffed animals.

Beauty secrets of Japan
www.beautysecretsofjapan.com
Beauty Secrets of Japan is a small soap making company located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company was formed in 2006 in response to the increased popularity of their organic handmade soap, bath bomb, lip balm and other skincare products. Their signature soaps are safe, natural, therapeutic alternatives to conventionally mass produced soaps.

Chikuma & Co., Ltd
www.chikuma.co.jp
Founded in 1903, Chikuma is a high-end fabric and apparel producer in Osaka. The company sells fabrics and garments for men, women, and children, as well as school and office uniforms. Bellevue Children’s Academy started to use their uniform for their students in 2018.

Chin Music Press
www.chinmusicpress.com
Chin Music Press is an independent book publisher located in historic Pike Place Market. It specializes in making, beautiful, engaging and affordable books, many of which have been translated from the original Japanese. It also has published many books about Seattle’s rich ethnic history.

Consulate General of Japan in Seattle
www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp
The Consulate General of Japan in Seattle assists Japanese nationals in Washington, Montana and Northern Idaho and works with local communities as the representative of the Japanese government to promote Japanese culture and facilitate a variety of exchanges for strengthening bonds between Japan and the Pacific Northwest.

Crystal Angels
www.crystalangels.net
Crystal Angels Jewelry is designed for “Style + Empower”. Each piece of jewelry comes with a label defining the characteristics of its primary stone. All of their original jewelry pieces are hand made from energetically cleansed crystals. Crystal Angels Jewelry is a wonderful treat for yourself or a great gift for those who are very special to you. Wearing crystals you like increases your level of happiness.

Darlene Dihel
www.sumi.org
At Darlene Dihel’s booth, you will find treasures of Japanese Art, called SUMI-E. Prices range from $2 to $300. Darlene is a member of the prestigious group called Puget Sound Sumi Artists. The organization’s goal is to promote sumi and calligraphy by sharing what they do at group shows. Besides art sale, Darlene will be demonstrating sumi painting during the Fair.

Edward Jones
www.edwardjones.com
Edward Jones is a full-service financial services firm offering a complete range of investments and services to individual investors. It is dedicated to helping clients develop strategies to reach important long-term financial goals, such as paying for a child’s education, retiring on your terms or creating a legacy for your family.

Fran’s Chocolates
www.frans.com
Fran’s Chocolates is a family-owned, Seattle-based company that has created premium, artisan chocolates since 1982. Fran’s offers a selection of luxurious confections created with the finest, all-natural, local and organic ingredients.

Hobby fan.com
www.hobbyfan.com
Hobby Fan returns to Japan Fair with many new and currently pop culture anime character plush. Their products include cute designer animal plush, Gashapon charms and keychains. All officially licensed merchandise are directly imported from Japan.

Hyogo Business & Cultural Center
www.hyogobcc.org
The Hyogo Business and Cultural Center was founded by Japan’s Hyogo Prefectural Government to strengthen the sister state relationship with Washington State. The organization assists business activity, cultural programs, and Japanese education.

IACE Travel
ace-usa.com/en
IACE is a travel agency mainly providing discount air tickets and travel packages to Japan and the arrangement of a variety of travels. They offer wide range of travel plans including group tours related to cultural exchange programs.

ICC Consultants (USA) Inc.
www.iccworld.co.jp
Established in 1973, ICC Consultants is an international study consulting company, headquartered in Tokyo, offering an array of international exchange programs. ICC’s commitment to excellence, and unique approach to exchange study programs continues to earn the trust of over one thousand participants annually.

Japan-America Society of the State of Washington
www.jassw.org
Founded in 1923, JASSW promotes mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Japan and Washington State by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.

Japanese Art Miyabi
miyabionlyoneforyou.jimdo.com
Miyabi is a Japanese art and craft shop. Their handmade products include Washi paper dolls, Temari balls, Origami, Obi Art and more using traditional techniques.

Japan Business Association of Seattle (Shunju Club)
www.jbaseattle.org
Japan Business Association of Seattle, known as Shunju Kai, is joined by members of Japanese businesses and their supporters in order to foster friendship, enhance their children’s education and to promote economic relations among members and the community through mutual understanding. At Japan Fair, they will showcase Japanese rituals, mainly during OBON season in the summertime, and Japanese zodiac

Kayanoya USA
usa.kayanoya.com
Kayanoya is an authentic dashi brand produced by a soy sauce manufacturer that was established in 1893 in Fukuoka. Kayanoya brand contains no chemical seasonings or preservatives, and its production is supervised by the head chef of the Kayanoya’s natural food restaurant in Fukuoka.

Kawabe Memorial House
www.kawabehouse.org
Kawabe Memorial House is an apartment for the elderly located in the Central District that was built by Harry Sotaro Kawabe, an early Japanese community leader. In addition to the organization’s annual events, which include a health fair and street festival, the building has become a center for the local community with social and fundraising events held throughout the year.

Kenjin Kai
A Kenjin Kai is a social group of those who came from the same prefecture in Japan, some of which were formed over 100 years ago by early Japanese immigrants. It is said that Kenjin Kai was the oldest form of Japanese organizations established in the Seattle area. Visit their booth to find Kenjin Kai that represent a prefecture that you can connect to.

Kimono Art and NPO and
love Kimono Yukinokai
kimonoart.org | you-and-yu.com
Kimono Art provides beautiful rental kimonos, dressing services, photography services, and sell kimonos to introduce you to the enchanting world of kimonos and propose new ways to enjoy them within the western lifestyle. Services are supervised by Yu Ugawa, a kimono master, dedicated to reviving Japan’s national costume and introducing it to the next generation.

Kiru-Co Kimono
Kiru-co Kimono sells authentic handsewn Japanese kimono and related textiles as “Art To Wear.” They offer a wide range of pre-owned silk kimono and haori for men, women and children plus cotton yukata and silk garments for summer. One might even find hidden treasures in their displays like ‘farmer’ handspun kasuri cotton work clothes from the Meiji period. Please be sure to visit this amazing presentation!

Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
www.kizuki.com
Kizuki Ramen’s philosophy is to serve the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan. At Japan Fair, they will offer their food samples and gift card sale.

Konnichiwa Seattle!
www.KonnichiwaSeattle.com
Konnichiwa Seattle is the central hub for people to find Japan related culture in the greater Seattle area and Pacific Northwest – from community organizations, cultural events, educational programs, movies and much more. ようこそ!

Kochi Prefecture
www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/english
Kochi is a land of lush forests, blue seas, and people who have learnt to harmonize with their rich and varied environment. With a total area of 7105 square kilometers, Kochi is the largest prefecture of the four on Shikoku Island, and 18th largest in Japan. 84% of this land area is covered in forest, with a population of 764,456 (2010 National Census).

LazyLabo
www.lazylabo.com
LazyLabo is a group with people who loves technology deeply. The group is based in Seattle. Love technology and share our passion with people all around the world! At Japan Fair, they will showcase hands-on demo of LED craft, sample robots and sample 3D printed materials.

Linda Hoshide
www.etsy.com/shop/kimonomono
Linda Hoshide creates jewelry and accessories from her stash of Japanese fabric. Her work can be found online at her Etsy shop and also at Kobo at Higo and Wing Luke Museum. She is also now a Pike Market vendor.

Lydia Rush
Japanese Antiques and Textiles will have a variety of New, Vintage, and Antique products from multiple prefectures from around Japan. There are many things handmade from materials from Japan. We will have many styles, new and pre owned kimono,( Houmongi, Komon, Furisode, and Ushikake , Cotton Yukata, Haori Jackets. And Obi ( Maru, Fukuro,and Nagoya).

Sweet Co. and Caferoid
sweet-bakery.co.jp | caferoid.jp
SWEET Co. is a Japanese bakery founded in Seattle in 1913 by Soshichiro Watanabe. Soshichiro moved back to Matsumoto, Japan in 1923 and the company has been providing handmade baked products in the area since then. The current president, Kyota Watanabe, is the great-grandson of Soshichiro. In 2013, the centennial anniversary of the company, Kyota researched the company’s history and developed a vision for the next 100 years including their plan returning to Seattle market.
Caferoid is the world’s first, fully automatic coffee machine with roaster. Caferoid can make coffee from green beans, roast, mill and drip, in one automatic machine. This coffee robot is cool and can enrich your daily life.

Ming’s Gallery
www.mingsgallery.com
Ming’s Gallery offers a collection of unique antiques, fine furniture, art and accessories. Their products represent 5,000 years of history and tradition through the Imperial Dynasties of Japan, China, Korea, Myanmar, Cambodia, Tibet, Thailand and Nepal. Ming’s Gallery has been a direct importer since 1966.

Nancym4 and Happiboshi
Nancym4.artfire.com
Happiboshi.Artfire.com
Nancym4 and Happiboshi specialize in cute plushies and handmade crafts for the home, office and travel. They features all things kwaii with the use of high quality fabrics, including Japan imported fabrics.

Michael’s Subaru of Bellevue
www.michaelsautomotivegroup.com
Michael’s Automotive Group is a family owned and operated dealership that places customer satisfaction as it’s highest priority. We feature three of America’s most popular automotive brands: Toyota, Volkswagen and Subaru.

Mutual Trading and Co-Ho Imports
lamtc.com | cohoimports.com
Mutual Trading is an importer/distributor of Japanese foods, liquors, and restaurant equipment. Established in 1926, the company’s mission is “Bringing the Flavors of Japan to the People of the World.” In collaboration with their Pacific Northwest distributor Co-Ho Imports, Mutual Trading will provide sake sampling at their Japan Fair booth. The company’s sake specialist Sachiko Miyagi will host a Sake lecture and tasting on Saturday at the Fair’s seminar room.

Neely Mansion and Japanese American Bath House
www.neelymansion.org
The Neely Mansion Association is a non-profit historical society with the mission to restore the Victorian Neely Mansion located near Auburn WA. In 2016, the Association restored a historic Japanese American bath house standing behind the mansion. The bath house was built in 1930 by the Shigeichi and Shimano Hori family, who leased the Neely property and lived in the mansion with their five children, while running a produce and dairy farm. The bath house is now a designated King County Landmark and open for tours.

New York Life Insurance Company
www.newyorklife.com
Life doesn’t fit into any one plan. Start a plan that flexes with yours. Whether you’re starting out in life or preparing to make the most of retirement, New York Life has insurance and investment options designed to help you meet your goals—for today and for all days to come.

Nisei Veterans Committee and
NVC Foundation
www.nvcfoundation.org
The mission of the Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) and NVC Foundation (NVCF) is to preserve and honor the legacy of the Japanese American veteran and to provide community programs that meet the educational, cultural, heritage, and social needs of the broader community.

Noevir Skincare
www.NoevirLifestyle.com
What if there really is a Fountain of Youth? With 50 years of research and development, Noevir offers the safest, most advanced, and high performance natural skincare available. Visit the Noevir booth to learn about and experience the beauty secret Japanese women have known for decades. Noevir is Japan’s premier line of luxury products and is guaranteed to give you soft, smooth, radiant and younger looking skin – so you’ll feel gorgeous no matter what your age! The Japan Fair booth is presented by Kathryn Stueckle ((206)992.5530 / Kstueckle@aol.com).

North American Subaru, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States.

PandaKids.biz
www.pandakids.biz
PandaKids.biz is an online children boutique that specializes in products for babies up to 6T in age. Since 2013, PandaKids.biz offers boutique quality products with the rare quality of organic cotton, Japanese cotton, and cashmere fabric as few others do in the fashion couture line.

Pacific Northwest JET
Alumni Association (PNWJETAA)
www.pnwjetaa.org
The Pacific Northwest Chapter of JETAA encompasses Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana and focuses most of its activities in and around the Puget Sound area. Working with the local Consulate of Japan, it promotes and fosters Japanese/American cultural exchange, assist with and facilitate personnel recruitment for the JET Program, and provide support and assistance to new JET returnees. Check our Calendar to see how you can become involved. JETAA is an association for those who have participated in the JET Program.

PSP Inc
www.pspinc.com
As a small business, we know how much work it takes to be successful, which is why we’re committed to helping businesses thrive in an online world with professional websites, email services and effective online marketing. Our solutions get you online quickly and help you increase sales – with the help of a dedicated support team.

Puget Sound Bonsai Association
www.pugetsoundbonsai.org
Formed in 1973, Puget Sound Bonsai Association is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the education of its members and the general public in the art and culture of bonsai. Club members have bonsai experience that ranges from beginner to recognized experts in the art. Visit their booth to enjoy their bonsai display.

Ro Higashi x Sushi You Can Hug
facebook.com/rohigashi
sushiyoucanhug.com
Ro Higashi is a local illustrator, and an upcoming webtoon artist. She has attended manga school and is the official colorist/digitizer for Sushi You Can Hug. Sushi You Can Hug is original handmade art, plush toys and accessories inspired by cute food and pop culture.

Sankaku Connection
www.sankakuconnection.org
Sankaku Connection Rent their product “Willfon,” which allows you to watch Japanese TV programs and Karaoke with internet connection. At their Japan Fair booth, they will demonstrate “Willfon” service and you can register their rental service on-site.

Sankei Travel
www.sankeitravel.com
Sankei Travel is a travel agency providing wide range of travel services including airplane tickets, hotel reservation, JR pass, rental car reservation, tour package and cell phone rental.

Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple
www.seattlebuddhist.org
Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji Nichiren Buddhist Temple is a community dedicated to the study and practice of Nichiren Buddhism in the greater Seattle area.

Seattle Go Center
www.seattlego.org
The Seattle Go Center teaches and promotes the Asian game of Go. This 4000 year old strategy board game continues to fascinate players from around the world. The Seattle Go Center was established in 1995, with its own building in the University District of Seattle, thanks to the generosity of a Japanese professional Go player, Iwamoto Kaoru. It is now a self-supporting nonprofit corporation.

Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple
www.seattlekoyasan.com
Seattle Koyasan is an official branch of Kongobuji, the Head Temple of Koyasan, Wakayama. The temple has been serving the community for 70 years, located in downtown Seattle. Its mission is to rescue beings from their suffering, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Seimei Foundation
www.seimeifoundation.org
The Japanese Art of Seimei is a non-touch technique from Japan that enables and promotes health, healing and connection. Since its founding by Toshihisa Hiraki in 1984, more than 15,000 Japanese have become practitioners. Free demonstrations of this powerful technique, which is safe and non-invasive, will be available at their booth.

Sugamo Advance School
www.sugamoadvance.com
Sugamo Advance School is a Japanese tutoring school in Redmond.

Sundance Energy Services
www.sundanceenergy.com
SUNDANCE Energy will be showing state of the art heating and cooling equipment from top Japanese Manufacturers that make Puget Sound homes more comfortable, healthier, safer and more energy efficient.

The North American Post and
Soy Source
napost.com | soysource.net
The North American Post is a community newspaper that celebrates Japanese culture in the Greater Seattle area. Founded by 1st generation Japanese-Americans in 1902, the publication is one of the oldest minority-owned newspapers in the region. Today, combined with a Japanese language newspaper Soy Source, its publisher connects readers with diverse cultural backgrounds to Seattle’s Japanese community with their bilingual articles.

Tomoshibi Library
facebook.com/tomoshibilibrary
Tomoshibi library has been serving the Japanese community on the Eastside since 1991. Started by five volunteers who began collecting donated Japanese books, the library today has over 20,000 books. The library is currently located inside Bellevue Children’s Academy campus.

Two Squirrels and A Nut
www.etsy.com/shop/twosquirrelsandanut
Two Squirrels and A Nut showcases Japanese traditional and modern designs through eye-catching fabrics from Japan. Collaborating with local artist Enfu, we can now bring you original artwork on textiles and other goods.

Uchida Yoko Co.,Ltd.
www.uchida.co.jp
Since its foundation in 1910, Uchida Yoko has played an important role in the development of Japan’s economic development by providing information system solutions, educational materials, teaching aids, and educational equipment to governments, offices and educational institutions.

Uchikura & Co.
www.uchikura.co
Uchikura & Co. works as an agent for Japanese companies who aim to market their products in the North American market. At Japan Fair this year, it will sell Nisimoku Wood Products and other items from Japan.

UV Performing Arts
www.uvperformingarts.com
UV Performing Arts is a place where students of all ages and ability participate in an array of performing arts such as dance, music and drama class with professional instruction.

Uzura
uzura.etsy.com
Uzura offers eco-friendly products such as hemp, organic cotton and bamboo women’s apparel and men’s t-shirts featuring original hand screen-printed designs inspired by scenes from Pacific Northwest nature along with aesthetic hints of the designer’s Japanese heritage.

Uwajimaya
www.uwajimaya.com
Uwajimaya is an Asian specialty supermarket providing the widest variety of Asian groceries and gifts and freshest meat, seafood and produce.

Washington Shotokan Association
www.washingtonshotokan.com
Washington Shotokan Association is a non-profit organization that has served the Eastside community for over 43 years teaching thousands of students the traditions of Shotokan Karate, while providing a safe and respectful environment for learning. When you visit the main dojo in Bellevue, Washington, you begin to understand why WSA is such a special place loved by children and adults alike.

Zojirushi America Corporation
www.zojirushi.com
Zojirushi was established in 1918, and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Always thinking of ways to improve our customers’ quality of life, Zojirushi continues to develop quality products that are safe to use, from rice cookers to water boilers, to vacuum insulated bottles and mugs.

Washington State Kyoto Jin Kai
www.kyotojinkai.org
Washington State Kyoto Jin Kai is a group of people who are native to, have lived in or have any relationship to Kyoto.

* Booth exhibitor list is as of June 20th and may change. Please contact Japan Fair for further information.

MEET AN EXIBITOR

Dashi Tasting at Kayanoya USA

Kayanoya is an authentic dashi brand produced by a soy sauce manufacturer that was established in 1893 in Fukuoka Japan. Because of its rich flavor and all-natural no-chemical ingredients, Kayanoya brand is one of the most popular dashi brands among health-conscious foodies in Japan. At Japan Fair 2018, they will have dashi tasting, free product sample & recipe booklet give-away and more at their booth. Kayanoya shares one of their signature recipe with Post readers.

Summer Vegetables and Chicken in Vegetable Broth

During the height of the summer bell peppers entertain us with various bright colors, crunchy texture and great taste. In this dish they are cooked with eggplant and chicken in a very flavorful vegetable broth based on Kayanoya Original Vegetable Stock Powder. The taste is enhanced by the umami-rich vegetable stock powder.

Ingredients (serves 2)

■ 3 ½ ounces chicken breast, boned and skinned
■ 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
■ 3 ½ ounces yellow bell pepper without stem and seeds (half of 1 medium size)
■ 3 ½ ounces red bell pepper without stem and seeds (half of 1 medium size)
■ 7 ounces green bell pepper without stem and seeds (1 medium size)
■ 2 ounces eggplant
■ 1 thumb size ginger
■ 2 tablespoons olive oil
■ 1 cup water
■ 1 tablespoon butter
■ 1 contents of packet Kayanoya Original Vegetable Stock Powder

Instructions

❶ Cut the chicken breast against the grain into a bit less than ½ inch thick slices. Insert the knife slanted so that you can make a wider-cut slice. Transfer the chicken slices to a small bowl and sprinkle with the flour. Toss the chicken with fork until each slice is evenly coated with the flour.

❷ Cut each bell pepper into 1 inch size pieces. Cut the eggplant into 1 inch size pieces. Cut the ginger into thin slices.

❸ Place a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. When the oil is hot add the chicken without overlapping the slices and cook them until the bottom is lightly golden. Turn the chicken over and cook until the other side is lightly golden. Remove the chicken slices from the skillet and transfer them to a bowl.

❹ Return the skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the sliced ginger and cook for 20 seconds or until fragrant, stirring. Add the bell peppers and eggplant and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes.

❺ Add the water and Kayanoya Vegetable Stock Powder to the skillet. Return the pre-cooked chicken to the skillet, cover with a lid and cook over low heat for 7 minutes. Divide and serve the vegetables, chicken and cooking broth in two serving bowls.

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JAPAN FAIR 2018
Date: Saturday July 7th & Sunday 8th
Place: Bellevue Meydenbauer Center
Website: japanfairus.org

• Japan Fair 2018 TOP
• Japan Fair Main Stage Programs
• Japan Fair Exhibitors
• Support Japan Fair

Japan Fair is a free, two-day festival that showcases Japanese traditional and modern culture. The event is operated by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Asunaro d.b.a. Japan Fair. When you purchase a raffle ticket and Friends of Japan Gala tickets, you’re supporting the financing of next year’s Japan Fair. The raffle prizes are all donated by Japan Fair raffle sponsors.

Raffle Tickets

AIRLINE RAFFLE

1 ticket for $20, 3 tickets for $50

• ANA Seattle-Tokyo Round Trip for two
• Delta $200 Airline Voucher
• Aero Zypangu Project 50 min Private Flight for up to two guests

FESTIVAL RAFFLE

1 ticket for $5, 5 tickets for $20, 11 tickets for $40

• Zojirushi IH Pressure Rice Cooker & Warmer (NP-NVC10– 5.5 cups)
• Stainless Mug (SM-SD48)
• Restaurant gift cards (Sushi Kashiba, Ten Sushi, Tom Douglas Seattle Kitchen and etc.)
• And more !!

Raffle Tickets are available at Raffle Table near the main stage in the exhibitor hall.

About Aero Zypangu Project

Founded by Shinji Maeda, who is the first Japanese handicapped one-eyed pilot, Aero Zypangu Project is committed to inspiring people to overcome their own challenges and to pursue their dreams despite their disabilities or difficult circumstances. In the field of aviation, pilots with disabilities can fly in the skies of the United States. However, there are many people who don’t know the available options for becoming a pilot and simply give up on their dream. Aero Zypangu Project strives to provide and disseminate information and educate people regarding aviation industries.

Festival Food

Japanese Festival Foods are available in the main exhibitor hall dining area.

FOOD MENU Chicken Katsu Curry, Gyu-don (beef bowl), Vegetable Yakisoba, Chef’s Asian Tofu Salad, Takoyaki (6 pieces), Chicken Kara-agé & Potato Croquette, Edamame, Katsu Sandwich (from TRES Sandwich), Strawberry & Cream Sandwich (from TRES Sandwich), Futomaki & Inari (from Uwajimaya), Seasonal Wagashi (from Tokara)

DRINK MENU Ramuné Soda, Calpico, ITO EN Green Tea, Japanese Beer, Sake

Friends of Japan Gala

Venue: Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue
Time: 6:00 pm Registration & Reception (Cocktail Hour), 7:00 pm Door Opens
Fee: Table Sponsor (10 seats per table) $1,250, Individual Seat $125

Enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, and an auction, all with live entertainment as we come together to strengthen the ties, grow our businesses, and enhance personal relationships between our local America

n and Japanese communities. The Friends of Japan Gala supports Japan Fair that celebrates and promotes local artists, musicians, craftsman, businesses, and community organizations who practice Japanese cultural arts or have ties to Japan. To register, visit http://japanfairus.org/page/gala.

* All information in this page is as of June 20th and may change. Please contact Japan Fair for further information.

Thank you for Japan Fair Sponsors and Supporters!

You can donate for Japan Fair online

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JAPAN FAIR 2018
Date: Saturday July 7th & Sunday 8th
Place: Bellevue Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Website: japanfairus.org

• Japan Fair 2018 TOP
• Japan Fair Main Stage Programs
• Japan Fair Exhibitors
• Support Japan Fair

Japan Fair Main Stage Time Table

Saturday, July 7th

Sunday, July 8th

* Stage programs are as of June 20th and may change.

Meet the Stage Emcee

Tomo “Hoku” Angie has been a bilingual emcee for years in Hawaii and Seattle. Her talents expand as event promoter, interpreter, translator and tour coordinator. Visit htomohokuangie.com to know more Hoku.

Editor’s Pick from the Stage Performances

July 7th 4:45 pm at the main stage
Sophie, Makena & Kaia

Sophie, Makena, and Kaia met when they became neighbors in 2017. They quickly discovered their shared love of singing, and immediately started creating beautiful harmonies together.
Sophie, age 17, was born in Japan and moved to Bellevue, WA, when she was 12. Fully bilingual in Japanese and English, Sophie has grown up with a deep appreciation for both Japanese and American cultures. A veteran of many local musical theater productions, she most recently starred in the Bellevue High School spring musical, Crazy for You, and is looking forward to releasing her first album with Agenda Records for the Japanese market. You can follow Sophie on Instagram (@sophiiart).

Sisters Makena and Kaia, both one quarter Japanese, have been singing together all of their lives. Makena, age 15, is an accomplished musician who won a Silver award at the Golden Key Festival piano competition at Carnegie Hall and was recently selected for the WMEA All State High School Treble Choir. Kaia, age 12, is an aspiring songwriter and has been recognized for her original song, “I’m a Girl,” inspired by the Time’s Up movement. She has raised over $800 for the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. (“I’m a Girl” can be found on iTunes, Amazon music and most other digital platforms.) Like her sister, Kaia was also selected for the WMEA All State Youth Choir this year. Sophie, Makena and Kaia are so excited and thankful for the opportunity to sing at Japan Fair 2018.

July 8th 2:15 pm at the main stage
Kimono Show “Wayu-gi”

This year’s stage performance is a recreation of a show held in Kobe, Japan called ” Wayu-gi”. It is intended to show kimono worn with a individualistic and creative expression where the wearer is not tied to the boundaries of tradition but has fun showing off flair and style.This includes the usage of traditional Thai crafts, wearing pumps and high heeled shoes, and Obi tied in creative ways only YU Ugawa can claim. The men’s kimono will also be featured as a not- to- be- missed part in the show.

July 8th 3:00 pm at the main stage
Hogaku Ensemble
Songs of Hope (SOH) is a Seattle-based musician group established to support Tohoku (northeastern Japan) through a benefit concert series after the March 11th triple disaster in 2011. After more than seven years of activities in the Seattle community, SOH became the mother organization for the community choir “Chorus of Hope”, the bake sale group “Nadeshiko Bakery” and the study group “Seattle To Fukushima: Helping Mothers in Fukushima through Study and Activities.”
At Japan Fair 2018, SOH member Shiho Kurauchi will play traditional Japanese music including tanabata song with guest performers Marcia Takamura (shamisen), James Jennings (shakuhachi) and Jean Morishima (koto). Shiho Kurauchi and Jean Morishima are members of local Koto ensemble group, KOTO no WA. Another SOH member Fumi Tagata will join as soprano singer for tanabata song. In addition to the music performance, SOH member Miho Smith will perform Tanabata Story, in collaboration with Kurauchi’s Koto. Smith is one of the most sought-after storytellers in the Greater Seattle area, and co-founder of the Japanese Language Story Time program at the Lynnwood library.

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JAPAN FAIR 2018
Date: Saturday July 7th & Sunday 8th
Place: Bellevue Meydenbauer Center
11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Website: japanfairus.org

Greetings

Yoichiro Yamada, Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle

I congratulate Japan Fair in Bellevue for another successful year of creating what has now become a “must-see summer event.” Japan Fair coincides with the traditional Japanese festival Tanabata. If you are familiar with the age-old story, you can’t help but notice the similarity: Japan Fair is also a bridge, one that connects Bellevue and Seattle to Japan. Whether it is the food and music or the workshops and booths, there is something for everyone.
I thank Ms. Yuka Shimizu and all those who have helped to make this year’s Japan Fair another unforgettable event. The Consulate looks forward to continuing our support to the organizers and strengthening the friendly ties between Japan and the United States. I hope you can join in the celebrations and enjoy a weekend full of Japan-related summer activities.

Yuka Shimizu, Japan Fair 2018 Executive Chairperson

It has been three years since we carried on the legacy of ENMA’s Aki Matsuri.  Japan Fair introduces a wide range of cultural and educational experiences.  We offer everything from traditional Japanese art and culture to modern industries and products, educational experiences for children, and amazing performances and workshops. We brought about 20,000 people to the event last year! Japan Fair is the annual event where individuals, organizations, and community groups come together to celebrate Japanese culture – all in the heart of Bellevue!
We continue to show appreciation for previous generations of our Japanese- American community; due to their dedication, we now live in a thriving community.  Today we strive to enhance that community for our future generations.  Meydenbauer Center is centrally located, accessible to all, and has superior indoor facilities to host our fair. Please bring your family, friends and neighbors to our event!

Support Japan Fair

Japan Fair is a free, two-day festival that showcases Japanese traditional and modern culture. The event is operated by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Asunaro d.b.a. Japan Fair. When you purchase a raffle ticket and Friends of Japan Gala tickets, you’re supporting the financing of next year’s Japan Fair. The raffle prizes are all donated by Japan Fair raffle sponsors… Read more

Japan Fair Main Stage Programs

Find Japan Fair Main Stage Time Table and read stories about featured stage performers.. Read more

Japan Fair Exibitors

Find Japan Fair 2018 Exhibitor list and read storied about featured exhibitors. Read more.

Japan Fair Seminar Programs

Find Japan Fair 2018 Seminar Time Table and read storied about featured seminar presenters.. Read more

• Japan Fair 2018 TOP
• Japan Fair Main Stage Programs
• Japan Fair Exhibitors
• Support Japan Fair

BACK TO TOP

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By Misa Murohashi, translated by Bruce Rutledge

Interview with Kazufu Hotta of Necchu Elementary School

An abandoned old elementary school building in Takahata, Yamagata Prefecture, reopened in 2015 as Necchu Elementary School, one-of-a-kind school for adults with a theme of “Let’s look at the world like 7-year-olds again.” Necchu in Japanese means enthusiasm. Today, there are 11 such schools operating as far north as Tokachi, Hokkaido and as far south as Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture. Kazufu Hotta, one of the school’s founding members and caretaker of the project that helps recruit teachers, will offer a special lecture in one of the Japan Fair seminar rooms. We caught up with him to talk about Necchu Elementary and plans to bring a school to the greater Seattle area.

A school for adults from 20’s to 80’s
The daily schedule includes those old favorites: Japanese literature, math, science, social studies. Teachers include a venture capitalist, an executive at a large corporation, a film director, even a mountain climber and others working at the forefront of their fields. At Necchu Elementary, the program is enough to get adult students excited about learning. “All sorts of adults gather and exchange ideas,” explains Hotta. “That’s where new possibilities are born.”

Hotta himself becomes a student at the various schools throughout Japan on a half-year cycle. He said he was especially enthusiastic about a class taught by Ken Tamagawa, president of the fast-expanding SORACOM, a player in the IoT (Internet of Things) wireless transmission sector. “When he first started offering classes at our school, Tamagawa-san had just started his business. He would regularly return to Necchu as a teacher, and his venture kept getting bigger and bigger each time he returned.”

Tamagawa would share his vision and philosophy with the students. The students would offer their view of each part of his business, and a fascinating bond between students and teacher developed. “From the teacher’s perspective, having some distance from the specialists’ field of networks and explaining things to complete amateurs led to new discoveries,” Hotta explains. Teachers at Necchu’s adult classes volunteer to gather just these sorts of discoveries.

Invigorating regions, investing in people
Half of the operating budget for Necchu Elementary comes from Cabinet Office’s funds for revitalizing the outlying regions of Japan, and the other half is from funds of local governments where the schools are located. “A big problem in Japan today is the over-concentration of people in Tokyo. We must return people and jobs to the outlying regions,” Hotta said. According to information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, every year, about 100,000 people move to the Tokyo area, and most of them are in their 30s or younger. “Young people leave their regions for Tokyo to go to school or work, but when they get to family-raising age, the cost of living is expensive and they can’t lean on their parents back home, so they are reluctant to have babies,” Hotta explained. “That is one reason that the birthrate in Japan continues to fall. We must create conditions so that young people can choose to stay in their regions, or return to start their family.” The mission of the Necchu Elementary School project is to get adult exchanges going in the outlying regions and to bring people and jobs back to villages and towns, creating a vibrant environment.

“Efforts to revitalize regional economy used to be just inviting big firms and building infrastructure,” Hotta said. “But what we’re working on is an investment in people.” By invigorating exchanges between Tokyo and the outlying regions and from region to region, we can bring cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship networks accumulating in greater Tokyo to the regions. That’s how the investment in people works. In Takahata, students are leading a project to turn an abandoned field in the town into a wine grape vineyard. Kazuhiro Nishioka, a researcher in the University of Tokyo’s faculty of agriculture, was invited to teach cutting-edge agriculture technology using sensors and drones. The project arose from after-school socializing between teachers and students at local izakaya. “Necchu has created a system where if someone wants to try something new, we can send people with experience in that field to help. The school has been open only three years, and it is too early to expect actual business startups, but a lot of buds are starting to sprout!”

Necchu school coming to Seattle !!
Now there is activity toward opening a Seattle branch of Necchu Elementary. A friend of Hotta and a former Microsoft manager Ryuta Hosaka approached Hotta about bringing a school to this area. “Opening a school in Seattle, with its rapidly expanding high-tech sector would spark motivation in both Japanese teachers and students,” Hotta said.

Necchu Elementary has a system in place where people who attend one of the schools are eligible to attend the other schools. Some students get together and take a field trip to the other schools. “If we leapfrog Tokyo and connect Seattle with other regions in Japan and spread that individual network, we may be able to create something new and interesting.”

Hotta is 71 this year. He is an active businessman, serving as an advisor to or director at several high-tech firms. “Necchu Elementary is my lifework,” he offered. “The more I age, the more important it is for me to connect with younger people.” He lives in Yokohama, nearby Yamashita Park, home to the Hikawa Maru, which used to ply the waters between Japan and Seattle. Hotta’s boundless energy and Necchu Elementary may bring some new excitement to the Nikkei community in Seattle.

How you can create impactful movie – Necchu Elementary School’s special trial class  – July 7th 10:00 am 4F seminar room –

Necchu elementary school (www.necchu-shogakkou.com) is a one-of-a-kind school for adults. In advance of its opening in the Seattle area, Necchu Elementary School is inviting you to a free trial class at Japan Fair. After Hotta’s speach, Kanji Nakamura, CEO of Human Centrix will present a class “How you can create impactful movie.” Human Centrix supports more than 1,300 enterprise customers in Japan with its “movie presentation.”

Hotta Kazufu graduated from Keio University’s economics department and entered IBM Japan in 1969, where he served multiple leadership roles including director of the PC sales division, software operations, general system operations and managing director. In 1976, he received an MBA from Indiana University. After retiring from IBM in 2007, he became advisor and director of several high-tech firms including Uchida Yoko Co.. After the 2011 tsunami and earthquake, he formed Office Korobocl and began projects, including Necchu Elementary School, to revitalize outlying regions in Japan.

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Japan Fair 2018 TOP Page

Author Showcase – July 8th 11:00 am at main stage –

by Bruce Rutledge, The North American Post

The first time Doug Palmer met Bruce Lee was at a Seattle Bon Odori celebration in the summer of 1961. Their relationship would blossom into a warm friendship, but that first encounter was tense, Palmer remembers.

At the time, Palmer was a 16-year-old Garfield High School student who boxed at a local gym. Lee’s martial arts demonstration in Chinatown had caught Palmer’s attention. The Garfield High student wanted to study under Lee and asked friends to introduce him.
Of course, Lee had only heard that this big white guy named Doug was “looking for him.” For a kid who had been in his share of street fights in Hong Kong, that sounded like trouble.

Lee tapped Palmer on the shoulder and said, “I heard you were looking for me.” Palmer remembers Lee standing a pace or two away. “He leaned slightly back from the waist, his eyes hooded, a neutral expression on his face.” It was as if Lee were ready for a fight.

“Facing Bruce, I was initially nonplussed,” Palmer writes. “On an unconscious level, I understood that his stance, although un-menacing and not overtly martial in appearance, was one from which he was prepared to react to whatever I did. Later, I realized it was a variation of the way he taught us to stand if faced by a potentially threatening situation. The idea was to be in a position where one could defend or counter-attack instantly, yet not appear to be hostile. It gave the appearance of alertness without concern, confidence and readiness without aggressive intent.”

Palmer, a lawyer with HCMP Law Offices in Seattle and husband to Noriko Goto Palmer, is working on a memoir of his time with Bruce Lee. After that Bon Odori meeting, Palmer became the second youngest member of Lee’s “dojo,” held in the backyard of one of the students. He and Lee became fast friends over time, and Palmer even spent a summer with Lee and his family in Hong Kong. Over a decade of friendship, Palmer writes, “I learned from him not only martial arts, but also many valuable life lessons that stuck with me and served me many times in good stead.”

The memoir, still being completed by Palmer, offers a rare glimpse into the man who became an international martial arts sensation. It also paints a fascinating picture of Lee during his Seattle years. Palmer writes extensively of those early lessons. The students were of various ethnicities and races, which didn’t seem unusual to a Garfield High kid but was virtually unheard of in the world of gung fu at the time.

“There were black, Chinese, Japanese, and white students with judo backgrounds,” Palmer writes, “and others with boxing backgrounds. Others were simply tough dudes who knew a lot about street fighting and recognized an approach that was more efficient and effective.”

Palmer remembers the 135-pound Lee arm-wrestling and beating a tough 225-pound kid, and later doing one-handed push-ups with the same kid on his back. But he also adds to our understanding of Lee by recounting his love of corny jokes and talking about his years working in Ruby Chow’s restaurant. When the manuscript is published, it will provide further insight into the man who was Bruce Lee.

Palmer will be talking about his memories of Bruce Lee as part of the Author Showcase at Japan Fair, held on the Main Stage from 11 to 11:45 on Sunday, July 8.

Read Japan Fair 2018 Programs on North American Post

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Onigiri -Japanese Rice Balls-

Onigiri (or Omusubi) is Japanese soul food. From simple rice balls mother makes for school lunches or picnic, to fancy versions using premium brand rice and fillings that are sold at high-end delis, onigiri holds a special place in everyone’s heart.

As a child, I was obsessed with onigiri. Whenever I saw my mother make my favorite sujiko (cured salmon roe) onigiri before school, I would be completely distracted through morning classes with anticipation for the scrumptious onigiri lunch I could enjoy. Onigiri has magic qualities that get you hooked. It has a distinctive and comforting shape. Its cold rice, nori (dried seaweed) and savory filling offer a perfect balance of saltiness and umami. And it’s very easy and fun to make for everyone in the family!

There are a couple of common recipes – onigiri made with plain white rice and a filling, and with takikomi gohan (seasoned mixed rice). In this article, I am sharing a Sake (salmon) onigiri and corn takikomi gohan onigiri for the summer.

Sake Onigiri

Makes 6 onigiri
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus 3-8 hours to cure salmon)
Cook time: 40 minutes including cooking time for rice

Ingredients 

■ 2 Japanese rice-making cups (360 ml.) short grain rice
■ 6-8 oz. skin-on salmon fillet
■ 2 Tbsp. salt
■ 1 full sheet of nori, divided into 8 (4×1.8 inch) rectangular pieces
■ 1-3 Tbsp
■ black or toasted white sesame seeds

Instructions

Broil Salmon
❶ Sprinkle ½ – 1 Tbsp. salt over the salmon fillet and refrigerate it for 8 hours if possible for full curing, but a few hours should be fine to get satisfying salty flavor. You can freeze the cured salmon for later use.

❷ Place the salmon on parchment paper on a cookie sheet on the middle rack and broil 3-5 minutes on one side until the surface starts sizzling, flip the salmon and cook another 5 minutes until fully cooked.

❸Cool the salmon enough to touch, then remove the skin (and you can eat is as a crisp snack!) and break the fish into coarse flakes. Set aside.

Cook rice
❶ Put rice in a large bowl and add water to cover it. Without stirring much, discard the water. With your hand, polish rice gently using a circular motion. Add fresh water to cover rice, stir again, and drain. Repeat these steps a few times until water is clear. Drain rice well and transfer it to a Dutch oven or electric rice cooker.

❷ Using a rice cooker: Place rice in cooker and fill with water to the “sushi rice” level. Cook according to rice cooker instructions. Using a Dutch oven: Put rice and 1¾ cups water in Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off heat and leave lid on for another 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a spatula.

Form Onigiri
❶ Have water in a small bowl, salt and sesame seeds in separate plates, and a small rice bowl set up on the table.

❷ While cooked rice is still warm or hot enough to handle, put rice in a small bowl (approx. 3 to 4 oz) and make a shallow dent with your finger in the center of the rice.

❸ Put about 1 tsp. of salmon flakes in the dent.

❹ Wet your hands with water and put a sprinkle of salt in your palms and rub both hands. Place the rice along with the filling onto one palm.

❺ Using both hands, form a round shape around the filling and cover the filling completely. Do not press the rice too hard. You want to keep the fluffy texture of the rice ball. Sprinkle sesame seeds on the surface.

❻ Rotate the rice ball in your hands several times and shape it into either triangle or cylindrical form. Put a sheet of nori around the onigiri and serve, or you can wrap the finished rice ball in a plastic wrap for on the go.

Corn Takikomi Gohan Onigiri

Makes 6 onigiri
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes including cooking time for rice

Ingredients
■ 1 ear of fresh corn, shucked (reserve silk for the tea recipe)
■ 2 Japanese rice cups (note: one Japanese rice cup equals 180 ml) or 1 ½ U.S. cups of short-grain white rice
■ 1 tbsp. sake
■ 2 tsp. sea salt, divided
■ 1 full sheet of nori, divided into 8 (4×1.8 inch) rectangular pieces

Instructions

Make corn takikomi gohan
❶Put rice in a large bowl and add water to cover it. Without stirring much, discard the water. With your hand, polish rice gently using a circular motion. Add fresh water to cover rice, stir, and drain. Repeat these steps a few times until water is clear.

❷ Drain rice well and transfer it to a Dutch oven or an electric rice cooker. If using a Dutch oven, put 1 tablespoon sake in a measuring cup and add water to bring the total amount of liquid to 400 ml. If using a rice cooker, pour sake directly into the cooker and add water up to the line for 2 cups of regular rice. Add salt, and soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking.

❸ Stand the ear of corn vertically on a cutting board and slice down along the cob to remove the kernels. Alternatively, to prevent kernels from flying around and creating a mess, you can stand the ear in a deep bowl instead of on a cutting board. You can also lay the ear flat on the cutting board and remove the kernels by cutting along the sides.

❹ Place the kernels and cob on top of the rice in the Dutch oven or rice cooker.

❺ If using the Dutch oven, bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the lid on for another 15-20 minutes. If using the rice cooker, follow the procedure in the instructions.

❻ When the rice is cooked, remove the cob and fluff the rice and corn with a spatula, gently combining them. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and/or butter if you like.

Form Onigiri
❶ Have water in a small bowl and another small rice bowl set up on the table.

❷ While cooked takikomi gohan is still warm or hot enough to handle, put rice in a small bowl (approx. 3 to 4 oz).

❸ Wet your hands with water and place the rice onto one palm.

❹ Using both hands, form the rice into either triangle or cylindrical form. Put on a sheet of nori around the onigiri and serve, or you can wrap the finished rice ball in a plastic wrap on the go.

Recipe by Kanako Koizumi | www. kozmokitchen.com
Kanako, a native of Akita, Japan, is a chef, author and instructor focused on authentic Japanese homecooking. Chef Kanako also offers in-home private cooking classes for groups up to 12. You can reach her at info@kozmokitchen.com.

Kanako’s Hands-on Onigiri Workshop
Learn more on how to make onigiri at Japan Fair!
Kanako’s onigiri workshop will be held at Japan Fair 4F seminor room on July 8th at 11:05.

Go to Japan Fair Page 
Read Japan Fair Programs of North Americacn Post 

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Los Angeles—Discover Nikkei, a web-based project of the Japanese American National Museum, has launched the seventh edition of its Nikkei Chronicles, an annual theme-driven online journal with an open call for writings. This year’s theme is Nikkei Roots: Digging into Our Cultural Heritage.

Nikkei (emigrants of Japanese descent) can be found all over the world, living diverse lives and adapting to a variety of environments. The one thing that binds Nikkei together is their common heritage as people of Japanese ancestry. Previous editions of Nikkei Chronicles have explored the ways Nikkei express their culture, whether through food, language, or tradition. This year, the focus goes deeper—all the way down to the roots.

Through its rich multimedia website, Discover Nikkei strives to promote a more profound understanding of the complex histories and insights of multicultural, multiracial, and multinational people of Japanese descent around the world. This edition of Nikkei Chronicles will publish a wide range of texts exploring the many questions and issues related to the theme of Nikkei Roots. What does being Nikkei mean to you? How does your Nikkei identity reveal itself in your day-to-day life? What activities do you engage in to maintain traditions from Japan? Most importantly, how do you stay connected to your roots, whether individually or collectively? When or how do you really feel like a Nikkei?

Subjects that may provide inspiration include genealogy, family trees, food, rituals/traditions, festivals, music, sports, religion, and travel. Writers may submit personal stories, essays, memoirs, academic papers, book reviews, or other prose works until September 30, 2018, at 6 p.m. PDT.
Multiple entries are welcome. All submissions that meet the project guidelines and criteria will be published in the Discover Nikkei Journal on a rolling basis as part of Nikkei Chronicles 7: Nikkei Roots: Digging into Our Cultural Heritage.

For more information and to read already published Nikkei Roots stories, visit 5dn.org/roots.

About Discover Nikkei

DiscoverNikkei.org is a major online resource that brings together the voices and experiences of Nikkei (Japanese emigrants and their descendants), who have created communities throughout the world. The multilingual website—available in English, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese—documents Nikkei history and culture and provides learning and networking tools for Nikkei around the world. At the same time, it seeks to explore the diverse and ever-changing meaning of the term Nikkei. The site’s rich multimedia content includes excerpts from life history interviews, first-person stories and essays, journalistic profiles, research papers, opinion pieces, short fiction, lesson plans, and listings for events worldwide. After thirteen years in operation, Discover Nikkei has published articles by nearly 900 writers worldwide and presented excerpts from over 170 video life history interviews. The content currently spans 15 countries around the globe, and continues to grow.

About the Japanese American National Museum (JANM)

Established in 1985, the Japanese American National Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories and strives to provide a voice for Japanese Americans as well as a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Since opening to the public, JANM has presented over 80 exhibitions onsite and traveled 20 of its exhibitions to locations around the world, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Ellis Island Museum in the United States, and several leading cultural museums in Japan and South America. For more information visit janm.org or call 213.625.0414.

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An abandoned old elementary school building in Takahata, Yamagata Prefecture, reopened in 2015 as Necchu Elementary School, one-of-a-kind school for adults with a theme of “Let’s look at the world like 7-year-olds again.” Necchu in Japanese means enthusiasm. Today, there are 11 such schools operating as far north as Tokachi, Hokkaido and as far south as Kobayashi City in Miyazaki Prefecture. Kazufu Hotta, one of the school’s founding members and caretaker of the project that helps recruit teachers, will offer a special lecture in one of the Japan Fair seminar rooms. We caught up with him to talk about Necchu Elementary and plans to bring a school to the greater Seattle area.

By Misa Murohashi, translated by Bruce Rutledge

A school for adults from 20’s to 80’s

The daily schedule includes those old favorites: Japanese literature, math, science, social studies. Teachers include a venture capitalist, an executive at a large corporation, a film director, even a mountain climber and others working at the forefront of their fields. At Necchu Elementary, the program is enough to get adult students excited about learning. “All sorts of adults gather and exchange ideas,” explains Hotta. “That’s where new possibilities are born.”

Hotta himself becomes a student at the various schools throughout Japan on a half-year cycle. He said he was especially enthusiastic about a class taught by Ken Tamagawa, president of the fast-expanding SORACOM, a player in the IoT (Internet of Things) wireless transmission sector. “When he first started offering classes at our school, Tamagawa-san had just started his business. He would regularly return to Necchu as a teacher, and his venture kept getting bigger and bigger each time he returned.”
Tamagawa would share his vision and philosophy with the students. The students would offer their view of each part of his business, and a fascinating bond between students and teacher developed. “From the teacher’s perspective, having some distance from the specialists’ field of networks and explaining things to complete amateurs led to new discoveries,” Hotta explains. Teachers at Necchu’s adult classes volunteer to gather just these sorts of discoveries.

Invigorating regions, investing in people

Half of the operating budget for Necchu Elementary comes from Cabinet Office’s funds for revitalizing the outlying regions of Japan, and the other half is from funds of local governments where the schools are located. “A big problem in Japan today is the over-concentration of people in Tokyo. We must return people and jobs to the outlying regions,” Hotta said. According to information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, every year, about 100,000 people move to the Tokyo area, and most of them are in their 30s or younger. “Young people leave their regions for Tokyo to go to school or work, but when they get to family-raising age, the cost of living is expensive and they can’t lean on their parents back home, so they are reluctant to have babies,” Hotta explained. “That is one reason that the birthrate in Japan continues to fall. We must create conditions so that young people can choose to stay in their regions, or return to start their family.” The mission of the Necchu Elementary School project is to get adult exchanges going in the outlying regions and to bring people and jobs back to villages and towns, creating a vibrant environment.

“Efforts to revitalize regional economy used to be just inviting big firms and building infrastructure,” Hotta said. “But what we’re working on is an investment in people.” By invigorating exchanges between Tokyo and the outlying regions and from region to region, we can bring cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship networks accumulating in greater Tokyo to the regions. That’s how the investment in people works. In Takahata, students are leading a project to turn an abandoned field in the town into a wine grape vineyard. Kazuhiro Nishioka, a researcher in the University of Tokyo’s faculty of agriculture, was invited to teach cutting-edge agriculture technology using sensors and drones. The project arose from after-school socializing between teachers and students at local izakaya. “Necchu has created a system where if someone wants to try something new, we can send people with experience in that field to help. The school has been open only three years, and it is too early to expect actual business startups, but a lot of buds are starting to sprout!”

Necchu school coming to Seattle !!

Now there is activity toward opening a Seattle branch of Necchu Elementary. A friend of Hotta and a former Microsoft manager Ryuta Hosaka approached Hotta about bringing a school to this area. “Opening a school in Seattle, with its rapidly expanding high-tech sector would spark motivation in both Japanese teachers and students,” Hotta said. Necchu Elementary has a system in place where people who attend one of the schools are eligible to attend the other schools. Some students get together and take a field trip to the other schools. “If we leapfrog Tokyo and connect Seattle with other regions in Japan and spread that individual network, we may be able to create something new and interesting.”

Hotta is 71 this year. He is an active businessman, serving as an advisor to or director at several high-tech firms. “Necchu Elementary is my lifework,” he offered. “The more I age, the more important it is for me to connect with younger people.” He lives in Yokohama, nearby Yamashita Park, home to the Hikawa Maru, which used to ply the waters between Japan and Seattle. Hotta’s boundless energy and Necchu Elementary may bring some new excitement to the Nikkei community in Seattle.

Office Korobocl

About Hotta Kazufu

Hotta Kazufu graduated from Keio University’s economics department and entered IBM Japan in 1969, where he served multiple leadership roles including director of the PC sales division, software operations, general system operations and managing director. In 1976, he received an MBA from Indiana University. After retiring from IBM in 2007, he became advisor and director of several high-tech firms including Uchida Yoko Co.. After the 2011 tsunami and earthquake, he formed Office Korobocl and began projects, including Necchu Elementary School, to revitalize outlying regions in Japan.

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By Deems Tsutakawa,

Whenever I park my car and lock it up with the key fob, it puts a smile on my face. The original definition of fob is a small pocket near the waistline of your trousers for your watch, keys, or loose change. These days, we all think of the fob simply for use on our remote devices that open and close garage doors, car ignitions,　and various other electronic items. When we were first driving back in the day one had to manually push or pull each door lock one at a time to secure the vehicle from potential break ins. It is just so convenient to walk away from your automobile and touch the fob. We can even simply look out the window at night and lock the car from the house. For some reason, even though we’ve had the fobs for decades, it still makes me smile.

While driving through town, making a green light seems to put a smile on too. I like seeing dogs, happy children, cool fashions, live music, good foods, and sunny days as well. Certain aromas are very scintillating such as garlic in hot oil, fresh baked cookies with vanilla extract, and BBQ. You’ve probably noticed that I like to smile.

One of my high school teachers, I believe she taught language arts and her name was Ms. Tribble, told me that her philosophy of life is that it is the little things in our daily life that are most important and give our lives meaning. She loved people that are kind, storytelling, a well-made sandwich, or a catchy poem. If the song entitled “My Favorite Things” were rewritten today, it might have some new things to consider. I also love to watch sports on TV, program the DVR for shows to be seen later, and use my cell phone for a multitude of things. If we have our health, food on the table, and a few friends to laugh with then it seems that living mindfully and appreciating the simple things should put that smile on each and every day.

Deems Tsutakawa is a local Sansei musician. He can be reached at deemst@deemsmusic.com.

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As we rehearse our Bon Odori dance moves and get ready to be part of the festival this July 21, let’s take a moment to honor those who put this Seattle tradition in motion. This will be our 86th Bon Odori as far as the records go, and it will be hosted by Seattle Betsuin, which was founded in 1901. Those are some deep Seattle roots.

According to the book Mukashi Mukashi by Ronald E. Magden, the first Seattle Bon Odori was held in 1932. Reverend Yoshi Iwanaga was introducing traditional folk dances to Japanese communities on the West Coast. A tofu manufacturer sponsored the reverend’s trip to Seattle, where he taught the Bon Odori dance moves to Fukoku Nakatani, a Japanese classical dance teacher. “In turn, she taught Corky Kawasaki and his wife, Yuri, along with Masaru Harada, Hatsumi Tachiyama, Yudai Arakawa, and Ayako Shinoda. Without much advance notice, those six dancers organized the first Seattle Bon Odori in front of the church on August 15, 1932.”

Magden writes that the “Bon Odori was an overnight success. The daily newspaper features and photos of the colorful ceremony ensured a large crowd for the next year.” And so the annual tradition had begun.

The North American Post talked with Seattle Betsuin Rev. Katsuya Kusunoki and temple board member (and Bon Odori Chair) Ron Hamakawa about the history of Seattle’s Bon Odori, the temple itself and its brand of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu. Reverend Kusunoki is relatively new to Seattle, having arrived in April 2017, but he spent several years at a Buddhist temple in Lodi, California, after moving to the US from Nagasaki in 2010. Excerpts of the conversation follow.

by Bruce Rutledge

Please tell us a little bit about the history of Seattle’s Obon festival.

Ron Hamakawa This is our 86th Obon. We refer to it as the reported 86th because that’s as far back as we can confirm in terms of archived information. In some years because of the Vietnam War and World War II, there are some iffy questions as to whether it occurred or not. During some high racial tension points, the city asked us to suspend it here, and it was moved to the Seattle Center where I think the police thought they could be more protective. That was during the 1970s.
It was our forefathers who had the idea of really trying to be inclusive and fitting in to Seattle culture. We are one of the longest, community-sanctioned events at Seafair.

Rev. Kusunoki One of the differences between Seattle’s Bon Odori and the California ones is that Seattle focuses on the Bon Odori. The main entertainment is the Bon Odori. In California, the food bazaar is the main activity. But here, the Bon Odori is the main event. In Lodi’s case, the Bon bazaar is two days, but the Bon Odori is only Sunday night, 7pm to 9pm. But here, the Bon Odori is on Saturday and Sunday – both days – from the beginning to the end. Five hours of dancing each day. Seattle really focuses on dancing!

Ron We have a lot of dances.

Rev I feel this is a more traditional style. Sometimes, I feel that Japanese Americans are keeping traditions alive more than the people in Japan. In Japan, only a few temples do Bon Odori. Japanese people should learn from the Japanese Americans.

Has the purpose of the Bon Odori changed over the decades?

Ron For us it is really about remembering and being grateful toward those who have passed away, whether they were directly related to you or had an impact on your life somehow. Regardless of your ethnicity or faith, we all have people who are no longer here to whom we are grateful. That is why we celebrate Bon Odori in Seattle.

How did Seattle Betsuin come to be?

Rev In the United States, the first temple was started officially in San Francisco in 1899. Two ministers came from Japan, and after that, in some cities like Sacramento, Seattle, Fresno, there were Japanese communities that built temples. (Betsuin was formed in 1901). It’s one of the oldest temples in the United States. This is the third building. The first one was in the International District. At first, they were just using somebody’s house, renting the place. They would get together on Sunday or some other weekday. As the congregation gradually got bigger and bigger, they built a temple. In 1941, they built this building, just before World War II. When the Japanese Americans were sent to the camps, the US Navy used this facility.

After the war was over, and the Japanese Americans came back to Seattle, they re-opened the temple.

Seattle Betsuin is an associate temple of Honganji in Kyoto. The school of Buddhism is Jodo Shinshu. In English, we call it True Pure Land Buddhism. Japan is a Buddhist country, and there are so many different schools. But Jodo Shinshu is one of the biggest religious organizations. A lot of people emigrated to Hawaii first, then came to mainland United States. While most Americans were going to church on Sundays, the Japanese had no place to go, so that was one reason to build a temple. Then, for the younger people’s education – because there was no place to learn Japanese culture or traditions and Buddhism – the temples were built so everyone could gather on the weekend or even the weekdays. One aspect of this temple is to be a social place for Japanese people. It’s a little different from the temples in Japan.

Ron Sensei, would you say that as the Nisei were being born, many of the Issei parents wanted them to have an understanding of the language? And that’s why a lot of temples had a Nihongo Gakkoo (Japanese language school)?

Rev Yes. Before I came to Seattle, I was at Lodi Buddhist Temple. In Lodi’s case, they built the language school first, then they built the temple. You can say that one of the purposes of a temple is to have a language school.

Ron I also think that some of the racial tensions in the postwar period created a cultural need to have a place to gather. There was still a lot of prejudice.

Reverend, I understand that your family comes from a long line of temple ministers.

Rev My family has maintained a temple for more than 350 years. My older brother is now the 17th generation. In Japan, that is the regular way to maintain the temple. In most of the family businesses, the oldest son takes over the father’s position.

Our head temple, Honganji, just had the 750th memorial service for the head minister a few years ago. Officially, our organization started more than 750 years ago. Right now, the 24th generation has taken over the temple.

Before the Meiji Era, monks couldn’t marry, but the Jodo Shinshu founder had a family. So our temple is different from other Buddhist denominations.

Ron We were considered heretics at the time. We were considered heretics for a number of reasons. Shinran (Shonin, the sect’s founder) taught farmers, the poor, and women, which was really frowned upon.

How did Shinran get away with breaking so many conventions of the day?

Ron He was exiled from Kyoto. But his exile created an opportunity to spread his teachings. What started off being lemons, Shinran made into lemonade!

Rev At that time, Buddhism was for higher-ranked people. Some ministers were starting to question why we were teaching Buddhism only to the higher-ranked people? Some left their monasteries and started teaching in villages or where farmers gather. They traveled all over Japan to spread Buddhist teachings. Our founder was the same way. He left his monastery, and found his teacher. And his teacher also left the monastery. They started teaching in downtown Kyoto, and our founder was exiled to Niigata. Our founder’s master was exiled to Shikoku. That’s when they started thinking this was an opportunity to spread the teachings outside of Kyoto. This is one of the karmic conditions for spreading the teaching.

Our founder went on to the Kanto area to spread the teaching. When he was around 60 years old, he went back to his hometown of Kyoto. But 750 years ago, being 60 years old was super old! He lived until he was 90. However I think he started thinking about where he wanted to die, and he choose his hometown. But there are probably so many other reasons. He started writing lots of books until the end of his life, and those books give us the teachings of Jodo Shinshu.

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Sam Takahashi, For The North American Post

Eddy was my mentor, music teacher and dear friend. I first met him at Riverside Inn, a country music dance hall in Tukwila by Green River in 1970. One evening, I found a photo of a handsome-looking young man dressed in a tuxedo at the entrance. He looked like a Japanese. That was Eddy singing and yodeling with his own country music band. Big applause from all guests for his Columbus Stockade Blues.

Eddy came to Los Angeles in 1968 from Tokyo by invitation of Billy Vaughn, who sponsored him for a green card, trusting Eddy’s talent for music arrangement. Later, Eddy toured with Buck Owens’ country band based in Bakersfield, California. Eddy played with most of the top entertainers of those days in Yokosuka, Yokota and other military bases in Japan and here in the US including Nashville. Eddy was popular because of his entertainment skill and special talent in singing and playing instruments. In Seattle, he played at Nisei Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Everett, Elks Club, etc. and taught music to anyone wanting to learn with no charge.

His grandfather and father both worked in top positions at NYK Steamship, and the family lived in Denenchofu, kind of like Medina here. He went to Gakushuin. He told me Shimazu Takako, the princess, was his roommate. His band travelled extensively through the US and Europe, but in last few decades, he settled down and enjoyed his life in Bothell with his hobbies of golf, fishing and feeding higoi or carps.

I was reacquainted with him after my retirement to learn guitar and country music. He was a great friend. We shared all our life stories and cooked dinner together with many music-loving friends. He had a circle of more than a dozen close Japanese friends who would visit his house to eat and sing together.

In the beginning of this month, he fell off his chair while playing guitar at VFW and passed out on the scene. A week later, he passed away. More than 150 friends gathered at his farewell party. He was a true musician, all his life, with no other side jobs, lived on Samurai spirit and principle, loved American music and was loved by American people. My life was good to have had Eddy as my friend. I know he will start singing with his band in Heaven soon. God bless you, Eddy.

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by Bruce Rutledge, The North American Post

The third Japan Fair saw record crowds on July 7-8. Official statistics weren’t available at the time of printing, but estimates put the crowd on July 7 at around 25,000 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Visitors enjoyed food, music, dance and an eclectic assortment of cultural seminars and workshops.

Japan Fair is a nonprofit organization. It raises enough money each year to put on the two-day extravaganza and offer free parking for both days. That, of course, takes a lot of fundraising, and the fundraising for the fourth Japan Fair started on the evening of July 7 with the Friends of Japan Gala held at the Meydenbauer Center.

The dinner started dramatically, with members of ECG, Echo Chorus, Sound Singers and Chorus of Hope performing a dramatic rendition of Brindisi from La Traviata. The fundraiser dinner was as eclectic as the fair itself, with a stunning violin performance by 17-year-old Takumi Taguchi, a beautiful song written by 11-year-old Kaia Rubin for the #metoo movement and sung by Kaia, her older sister Makena and neighbor Sophie Ma, and even a playful roomwide round of rock-paper-scissors where the winner had to beat Tomio Moriguchi, the North American Post publisher, head-to-head to win a rare bottle of French pear juice made in Japan.

The gala raised a lot of money and built a strong sense of community, highlighted by the room of diners serenading Lori Matsukawa and Noriko Palmer with a rendition of “Happy Birthday to You.” If you’re interested in helping Yuka Shimizu and the rest of her team at Japan Fair build community and raise money, please visit japanfairus.org.

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by Atsushi Kiuchi, For The North American Post

Stella Cameron, Kirkland, one of the nation’s most prolific and bestselling mystery authors, will lead the Omoide (Memories) writing workshop at its monthly program on Saturday, July 21, from 1 pm-2:15 pm.

“We are honored to have Ms. Cameron lead our beginning group and to share some of her professional writing tips. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She received the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community,” said Dee Goto, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW) Omoide program.
Ms. Cameron has over fourteen million copies of her books in print in 26 languages throughout the world. She is currently working on her 6th edition of the popular “Alex Duggins” mystery series.

Ms. Cameron will share her story writing and publishing techniques with the Omoide group in a round table discussion format. She was originally scheduled in March; however, an illness resulted in a postponement until July.

The workshop is open to the public. The event is free.

The Omoide program is held at the JCCCW building, 1414 South Weller St. Seattle. Information is available by contacting Omoide@JCCCW.Com

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by M. Matsuzawa, NAP board member

On Fathers Day (June 17, 2018), former First Lady Laura Bush published an opinion in the Washington Post Newspaper about families traumatized by the incarceration of thousands of Japanese American by our government. She points out the similar happenings with the immigrants seeking legal asylum into the US.

In 1942, my family was affected by Executive Order 9066, the incarceration of Japanese Americans which is acknowledged as a “grave injustice” motivated by racial prejudice, war hysteria and the failure of political leadership. Decades later in 1988, President Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act to compensate more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent who were incarcerated in American concentration camps during World War II. The legislation offered a formal apology and paid out $20,000 in compensation to the surviving victims. I wonder if history will repeat itself again?

Yet, the incarceration trauma lingers to this day, in one form or another in many Japanese American families. What the Trump Administration is doing to these immigrant families will linger for a lifetime, and be a dark stain again for America.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is challenging the Trump Administration’s policy of forced family separation on the U.S. southern border with a lawsuit. The stupidity and ignorance professed by some politicians and their supporters of Trump is rooted in xenophobia and a brutish belief that somehow they’re different and not human. Challenging such thought and behavior is an expectation of a civilized humane society. I hope that America learns from history. Remember the Trump policy is arbitrary and we should choose a better solution, and it starts with making your opinion heard.

by Laura Bush, former first lady of the United States

On Sunday, a day we as a nation set aside to honor fathers and the bonds of family, I was among the millions of Americans who watched images of children who have been torn from their parents. In the six weeks between April 19 and May 31, the Department of Homeland Security has sent nearly 2,000 children to mass detention centers or foster care. More than 100 of these children are younger than 4 years old. The reason for these separations is a zero-tolerance policy for their parents, who are accused of illegally crossing our borders.

I live in a border state. I appreciate the need to enforce and protect our international boundaries, but this zero-tolerance policy is cruel. It is immoral. And it breaks my heart.
Our government should not be in the business of warehousing children in converted box stores or making plans to place them in tent cities in the desert outside of El Paso. These images are eerily reminiscent of the Japanese American internment camps of World War II, now considered to have been one of the most shameful episodes in U.S. history. We also know that this treatment inflicts trauma; interned Japanese have been two times as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease or die prematurely than those who were not interned.

Americans pride ourselves on being a moral nation, on being the nation that sends humanitarian relief to places devastated by natural disasters or famine or war. We pride ourselves on believing that people should be seen for the content of their character, not the color of their skin. We pride ourselves on acceptance. If we are truly that country, then it is our obligation to reunite these detained children with their parents — and to stop separating parents and children in the first place.

People on all sides agree that our immigration system isn’t working, but the injustice of zero tolerance is not the answer. I moved away from Washington almost a decade ago, but I know there are good people at all levels of government who can do better to fix this.
Recently, Colleen Kraft, who heads the American Academy of Pediatrics, visited a shelter run by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. She reported that while there were beds, toys, crayons, a playground and diaper changes, the people working at the shelter had been instructed not to pick up or touch the children to comfort them. Imagine not being able to pick up a child who is not yet out of diapers.

Twenty-nine years ago, my mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, visited Grandma’s House, a home for children with HIV/AIDS in Washington. Back then, at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the disease was a death sentence, and most babies born with it were considered “untouchables.” During her visit, Barbara — who was the first lady at the time — picked up a fussy, dying baby named Donovan and snuggled him against her shoulder to soothe him. My mother-in-law never viewed her embrace of that fragile child as courageous. She simply saw it as the right thing to do in a world that can be arbitrary, unkind and even cruel. She, who after the death of her 3-year-old daughter knew what it was to lose a child, believed that every child is deserving of human kindness, compassion and love.
In 2018, can we not as a nation find a kinder, more compassionate and more moral answer to this current crisis? I, for one, believe we can.

Editor’s note:The Laura Bush’s opinion article was originally posted on the Washington Post on June 17th.

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