By KENJI G. TAGUMA
Nichi Bei Times

Sixty-five years ago, he was assigned to inform those of Japanese descent that they were to be forcibly evacuated from their West Coast homes, and then guarded their temporary detention center in San Bruno, Calif. Decades later, through good fortune and a twist of fate, the former soldier would honor the former inmates by placing a plaque to remember one of the darkest chapters of American history.

MEXICO CITY (Kyodo) — Riyo Mori of Japan won the Miss Universe 2007 beauty pageant May 28 in Mexico City, becoming the second Japanese contestant ever to win the crown, the Miss Universe Organization said.

By ALISON BRADY
Kyodo News

LOS ANGELES — When 50-year-old H-san was diagnosed with HIV in 1995, he decided to attend an HIV awareness group to learn more about the virus and what options he had for treatment in Japan.

LIVINGSTON, Calif. — The Yamato Colony, the first of Issei pioneer Kyutaro Abiko’s three Japanese Christian farming colonies in California’s Central Valley, will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its settlement in June. Many descendents of the early settlers will be “coming home” to Livingston, Calif., located between Turlock and Merced in the San Joaquin Valley, on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17.

By JEFF ASAI
Nichi Bei Times Columnist

It is often said that Japan has four seasons. I always thought it was a ridiculous thing to say, since most countries in the world have four seasons. But I’ve finally understood what the fuss is about.

VILNIUS (Kyodo) — Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited a monument in Lithuania on May 26 to pay homage to the late Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who helped save about 6,000 Jews from the Nazi Holocaust by issuing them transit visas.

By KATHY AOKI
Nichi Bei Times

Green tea in salt and chocolate. Miso and oranges with chicken. Persimmons in Grand Marnier. These are only some of the flavor combinations suggested by Eric Gower, author of recently released “The Breakaway Cook: Recipes that Breakaway from the Ordinary.”

By BEN HAMAMOTO
Nichi Bei Times

Entertainment industry people are always quick to tell you they are changing the world. When you plop down $9 ($12 in some places) at your local multiplex, they’d have you believe you’re getting more than a car chase or an explosion — you’re getting a positive social message with your popcorn. “Crash” was marketed on this idea almost entirely. Even when you watch “X-Men,” “Spiderman” and “Star Wars”— films that are marketed as pure escapist entertainment — it’s hard not to grasp the messages the writers and directors are intentionally trying convey.

The 2007 Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) Track Meet, continuing the more than 50-year-old tradition of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), will be held on Sunday, June 24.