By MAS HASHIMOTO
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — For nearly a century (1912-2007), Oda's Barber Shop served the people of the Pajaro Valley. Fred Utaka Oda, son of Tokuzo (1884-1967) and Toku Oda (1897-1997) of Hiroshima Prefecture, retired after 57 years of service, from 1950 to 2007.

"The Great Unknown & the Unknown Great"
By GREG ROBINSON
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

One of the essential elements of Japanese American community life has been the continuing contribution of women. However, a lot of their work has been in less glamorous and visible positions — the tedious organizing work, event planning, meetings, and administration men have shunned. Even when they have found a public voice, they have not necessarily attracted attention.

By LISA MASAI
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

Since her 1974 debut in Japan, Hello Kitty's wide-set eyes, simple outlines and red bow placed "just so" have captivated girls and their pocket change all over the world. No longer bound to coin purses and stationary, her face can now be seen on items ranging from rice cookers to pajama sets. It was only a matter of time before Hello Kitty went couture.

By APRIL ELKJER
Nichi Bei Times

Today, family trees are not always so linear (if they ever were) and they branch off in many directions. In California, one in ten Asian Americans is now of mixed heritage and transracial adoptions have become more prevalent (think Maddox Jolie). This sets up a huge need and a huge market for these multicultural sprouts.

By AKIKO MINAGA
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

Of course, it's great when you get a gift. However, what's even greater is getting something unexpected and fun that you'd never think of actually getting for yourself. And you know all the reasons ("because it's impractical/expensive/frivolous/I don't need it. . ."). So whether your budget is $5 or $500, here are some fun and fabulous gifts that people are sure to appreciate.

"He Got Games"
By KENT WONG
Nichi Bei Times Video Game Columnist

Festivus ’07 is coming around the bend, and with three consoles and hundreds of games, what do you buy? Even Santa can have a hard time with so many titles and platforms out there.

By ALEC YOSHIO MACDONALD
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

In high school, participating in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) was just an excuse for Mindy Kubota and Tina Sen to hang out and enjoy each other's company. Although their FBLA entrepreneurship team won the Central Valley regional competition that year, the two friends don't see the experience as having been all that significant — but it did turn out to be kind of prophetic.

The Kaeru Kid
Nichi Bei Times Travel Columnist

I told Mrs. KK, "I am so happy we retired to Las Vegas." I love the world-class restaurants, I get to see the best entertainers, and there are many fun activities besides the strip. I even love the weather. I guess growing up in Poston acclimatized me to the desert. Below 100 degrees it's fine with me; over 100 degrees, two words: air conditioning.

NEW YORK (Kyodo) — The Cleveland Indians said Tuesday they have signed Japanese closer Masahide Kobayashi to a two-year contract through the 2009 season with a club option for 2010.

By BEN HAMAMOTO
Nichi Bei Times

Not too long after Adrian Tomine began publishing his understated, character-driven comics on a photocopier, the press began to label the young Nikkei cartoonist, "the voice of his generation" — a title he had never attempted to court, and does not necessarily feel comfortable with. As Tomine skyrocketed to become one of the most prominent names on the comics scene, some Asian Americans saw in him a potential "voice of Asian America," another title he was not intent on courting.

By MARIKO YASUMOTO
Kyodo News

HANNO, Japan — Mina Sakai wanted to improve the status of her people and their self-esteem in a way that would also entertain the public, not through a bookish history lecture that might lull them to sleep.