In this Nichi Bei Times exclusive series, Dr. Greg Robinson, author of “By the Order of the President: FDR and the Internment of Japanese Americans,” examines little-known but prominent figures in Japanese American history.

By GREG ROBINSON
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

Not long ago, when actor/activist George Takei publicly affirmed that he is gay, it was a major step forward for Japanese Americans. It might seem odd that in this day and age, the coming out of even such a celebrated representative of the community could cause much stir. After all, gays and lesbians in Japan have become increasingly accepted, even as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) Asian Americans have become visible in diverse fields.

By YOSHIYUKI KOMURATA
Asahi Shimbun

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs will vote June 26 on a resolution demanding that Japan accept historical responsibility and apologize for the “comfort women” issue, a committee official said June 18.

(Bay City News Service) — Each of the four family members fatally shot Monday night in Tilden Regional Park died from a single gunshot wound to the head, according to Contra Costa County Sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee.

By ANSHO MAS UCHIMA and MINORU SHINMOTO

On January 26, 2000, Brigadier General Clarence Mert Agena was appointed as deputy adjutant general for the Department of Defense, State of Hawai‘i. In January 2000, then-Governor Ben Cayetano promoted Agena to the rank of brigadier general, State of Hawai‘i.

By DIANE MATSUDA
Special to the Nichi Bei Times

One of the best things about living in Sacramento during the week is to drop in and see Rinban Oshita of the Sacramento Buddhist Church-or Rev. Bob as he is known to his sangha and those that have known him since his pre-ordainment days.

By CYNTHIA HORIGUCHI
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

Bon Odori and Obon festivals have evolved into one of the most popular Japanese American cultural traditions.

Bon Odori is a type of Japanese folk dance which is performed at many Obon festivals. It was brought over to the United States by the Reverend Yoshio Iwanaga more than 75 years ago.

By CYNTHIA HORIGUCHI
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

SAN JOSE — For 73 years, San Jose’s Obon has celebrated Buddhism and Japanese culture, filled hungry stomachs with gyoza and shaved ice, entertained with game booths and live music, and filled the streets with dancing. Out of all the things that San Jose’s Obon has to offer, the festival dancing, or Bon Odori, is one of the most spectacular.

2007 Northern/Central California Obon and Bazaars

2007 Southern California and Out-of-State Obon and Bazaars

Selected Bon Odori Festivals in Hawai‘i

By CYNTHIA HORIGUCHI
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

Ramen, thin Japanese noodles served in broth, had been noticeably lacking in San Jose’s Japantown since the closing of the only ramen house in recent years � except perhaps in the instant form sold in Santo’s Market and Dobashi-turned-Nijiya. However, two New York restaurateurs filled Japantown’s need last September when they opened Kumako Ramen on East Taylor Street.

By KENT WONG
Nichi Bei Times Columnist

The much-heralded PS3 was greeted by wakes of faithful Sony-heads, a couple stabbings, and much anticipation. Sony’s new device has loads of potential but isn’t without its flaws.