It’s hard to believe two whole years have passed since I started introducing Japanese media available in English to The Yuuyake Shimbun readers.  A lot has happened in the manga and anime worlds during the last 24 months.  We have seen the demise of magazines NewTypeUSA and its follow-up, PiQ.  We have seen the death of anime giant Geneon, and ADV has taken its lumps.  Manga publisher Tokyopop recently cut a good chunk of its staff.
But it’s not all, or even mostly, bad news. Otaku USA is a much more fan-friendly magazine, and it is growing in readership every issue.  Anime is getting more exposure on late-night cable, and there are no less than ten Japanese series that can be seen which are directed at high-school-plus age viewers.  Like a tree shedding leaves, the number of manga titles published every month has been reduced recently, but the quality of titles coming out is going up and up. “Manga Conquers America” splashed the cover of WIRED Magazine late last year, and we have seen the manga shelves grow at Kinokuniya, as well as at local libraries.  As Dark Horse editor Philip Simon said recently in an interview for The Yuuyake Shimbun, “Not only is it a good time to be a manga fan, it is the BEST time to be one.”  I have to agree.
What convinced me more than anything that anime and manga fans really have nothing to fear was spending Labor Day weekend at the 6th annual Kumoricon held in Portland. Thousands of convention-goers spent three full days (and nights!) cosplaying (costume playing), reading, watching, gaming, singing, and most importantly, solidifying themselves as a community of American fans of Japanese pop-culture on many levels.  The experience was very vitalizing and inspiring. (Please check out my article on Kumoricon in next month’s issue.)
Choosing a Pick of the Month was hard, but using my complex scientific formula I call “un-put-down-ability” I have to give September to Takehiko “Slam Jump” Inoue’s new series, Real. Last month I introduced the unexpected, and surprisingly accessible, Me and the Devil Blues, a Japanese manga about an actual 1920’s blues guitarist from the American South. So I really shouldn’t have been surprised by a manga about wheelchair-bound basketball players. The truth is, Real is about so much more than basketball.
After a motorcycle accident that injures teen punk, Nomiya, much less than his almost unknown female passenger, the boy quits school, which also means he must quit the basketball team.  Nomiya doesn’t comprehend the meaning of that loss until it is really gone.  The afro-permed gangster-wannabe is a lead character that evokes genuine emotions.  His desire to be as good as his NBA heroes is challenged by a wheelchair-bound baller he meets at the hospital gym when visiting his now-mute accident victim.  The manga is titled Real for a reason; it pulls the brain one way and the heart another.  Seriously, check Real out.
The end of summer means the end of The Summer of Dororo.  The third volume of Osamu Tezuka’s samurai-age journey of a demon-hunting boy and his master-thief sidekick must finally meet its end.  I won’t go into the storyline again, but if there is any question that the three-volume Dororo is a worthy series to invest in, let me erase those doubts right here.
Dark Horse is doing a valiant effort in re-releasing all of Shirow Masamune’s manga in unflipped format, and this is becoming a growing archival-level collection. Shirow’s first publication was Black Magic and, like Blade Runner, it feels much undated.
This is a graphic novel in a very real sense of the word, as it opens up big and wordy (not an approach I love, as regular readers surely know) and the complex story of the Venus-managing supercomputer named “Nemesis” can be a little confusing. (Note to humanity: Don’t give supercomputer things names like “Nemesis”.)  After meeting military leaders and ESPers, the story boils down to the city tank police (a Shirow specialty) fighting super-powered humanoid robots. This is where the action is intense and makes the long-winded opening completely worth it. Sci-fi manga doesn’t get any better than Shirow Masamune, and this and his other series (Appleseed, Dominion, etc.) belong on every SF fan’s shelf.
Keiji Nakazawa was only seven years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on his hometown of Hiroshima. Nakazawa survived to write the ten-volume series Barefoot Gen. This series has been called the most important manga ever released in Japan, and has been read and discussed nonstop since its original release in Japan in the 1970s.  American publisher Last Gasp has accepted the task of bringing it to English-speaking readers in a re-release with a new English translation and introductions.  Manga fans often read books to escape this world, but this is one that should be read to learn about actual history and reality.  In no way does Barefoot Gen feel like a textbook. The first volume feels like a downward spiral as the student, Gen, and his family are persecuted because their father will not support Japan’s war effort and is considered a traitor.  Rejected by friends and beaten by neighbors for not accepting Japan’s emperor as the all-knowing deity leads Gen’s family to despair.  And that is before the bomb is even dropped.  Six volumes of Barefoot Gen are available now.

Ninkyo-style (or “chivalry film”) yakuza movies were popular in the 1960s, but many consider Hideo Gosha’s The Wolves to be the pinnacle of the genre.  Set in the late 1920s, this tale of the changing of the guard among rival yakuza families would be difficult for American audiences to understand if it weren’t for the amazingly expressive lead, Tatsuya Nakadai. There are plenty of babes, boozing and blood, but what makes The Wolves something fascinating these many years after its original release is Nakadai’s frightfully expressive acting.
The announcement of a new monthly manga anthology is big news, and Yen Plus, released by Yen Press has received a lot of attention in recent weeks.  One half is OEL manga and manhwa (read L to R) and the other is Japanese titles (read R to L).  In all, nine titles are introduced and at an $8.99 price tag doesn’t seem so bad…but overall I was not moved by the majority of titles, making it a hard value. This is a dissenting opinion among most critics, and I hope I can be persuaded by future issues of Yen Plus.

See more detailed reviews and Japanese media comments at www.mechamechamedia.blogspot.com.

Comments, questions, suggestions?  Contact John at mechamechamedia@gmail.com

Mika Inoue

Recent earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest have prompted emergency managers to remind the public to review their disaster plans and refresh their emergency kits. Shallow earthquakes of 4.0-magnitude and below have recently shaken residents up and down the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska, and across the Cascades into Idaho. And some aren’t that little-a recent series of tremblors along the Blanco Fracture Zone off the Oregon coast ranged from 3.7 to 5.6. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson, the spate of temblors is no cause for alarm, but no cause for complacency either.

“We live in a seismically active region, and while faults along the coast get a lot of attention, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and Idaho get their share of tremors,” said Reinertson. “Future activity cannot be predicted; however, people living anywhere in the Pacific Northwest could potentially experience a magnitude 5 or 6 earthquake. Planning is not prediction, but planning for the worst and hoping for the best is good advice in the disaster preparedness profession.”
Emergency managers have long encouraged all Americans to maintain 72-hour disaster preparedness kits with food, water, prescription medication and first aid supplies, battery-powered lanterns and radios, and extra batteries. Disaster preparedness kits, coupled with current family disaster plans, guarantee a degree of autonomy regardless of whether or not the emergency is driven by weather effects and other natural causes, pandemics or even terror strikes. Keep in mind that a 72-hour kit is an absolute minimum, and most agencies and experts recommend a seven-to-fourteen day kit.

Commonsense considerations in fine-tuning plans to incorporate seismic threats include:

Preparing your home for an earthquake

• Eliminate hazards by moving heavy items to lower shelves and securing heavy furniture and tall bookcases to wall studs. Secure hanging items, such as mirrors and paintings and never hang things over beds.
• Make sure that your water heater is secured properly to the wall studs. Your water heater weighs a few hundred pounds, and during an earthquake it could fall, breaking gas lines on the way down.
• Verify that your home is bolted securely to the foundation. Homes built before 1950 were not required to be bolted to the foundation. If unsure, have a licensed contractor check.
• Make sure that your chimney is securely braced. During an earthquake, it can topple over and fall through the ceiling, becoming a major hazard.

During an Earthquake

• If you are indoors, duck or drop down to the floor. Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. Hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move
• Stay clear of windows, fireplaces, woodstoves, and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall over. Stay inside to avoid being injured by falling glass or building parts. If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you are. Stay calm and encourage others to do likewise.
• If you are outside, stay away from power lines, glass windows, and large buildings. Move to a clear area.
• If you are driving, stop if it is safe, but stay inside your car. Stay away from bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Move your car as far out of the normal traffic pattern as possible. If possible, avoid stopping under trees, light posts, power lines, or signs.
• If you are in a mountainous area, or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rock and other debris that could be loosened by the earthquake.
• If you are at the beach, move quickly to higher ground or several hundred yards inland.

After an earthquake

• Check for injuries on yourself and others and perform necessary first aid.
• At this point emergency services and phone lines are overloaded, so only use the phone to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Know where your utility connections are, and how to shut off utilities to prevent further damage to your home.
• Put out small fires with your fire extinguisher. Remember, if you smell gas or think that it may be leaking, evacuate your home immediately and shut off your utilities.
• Expect aftershocks and be prepared to take cover when they occur.

Emergency Supplies List

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days, but consider storing a two-week supply if your home has enough space for it. Store these items in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, or covered trash containers. These are the basics to have on hand for any emergency:
• Flashlights with spare batteries. Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain no gas leaks exist.
• Battery-operated radio with spare batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or used for emergency purposes, so radios will be your best source of information. An automobile radio is a good substitute.
• First aid kit; first aid knowledge. Have a first aid book such as the Standard First Aid & Personal Safety by the American National Red Cross. Have members of your household take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses.
• Fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires. Some extinguishers are only good for certain types of fires–electrical, grease, or gas. Class ABC extinguishers are designed to be used safely on any type of fire.
• Food. It’s a practical idea to keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and be replenished on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and canned juices for at least three days, but preferably two weeks.
• Water. Water should be stored in airtight containers and replaced every six months. Most people need to drink at least two quarts (64 ounces), which is equal to eight cups, of water each day. The amount of water you need will also depend on the total amount of juices, soups, other drinks, and high moisture foods that are available. Children, nursing women, and ill people will need more. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing your activity level. Additional water will be needed for food preparation and hygiene. In general, store at least one gallon of water per person, per day of expected need.
• Warm clothes and blankets. Have enough warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags to survive subzero winter temperatures.
• Special items. Keep on hand at least a week’s supply of medications and special foods needed for infants or those on limited diets.
• Tools. Have a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water mains.
Note
Water can be disinfected with household chlorine bleach. Only use plain bleach for this purpose; do not use any bleach with added ingredients, like perfumes or other additives. Use the following proportions: for one gallon of clear water use 1/8 teaspoon of bleach; for one gallon of cloudy water use ¼ teaspoon.

Mika Inoue Farmers Insurance Group  •  503/443-1780  •  Auto Home Fire Life Commercial

John Kodachi of KODACHI LAW takes a minute out for a photo in his new office in downtown Portland, Oregon.

By James Hill

Prominent local attorney John Kodachi has left his former law firm to establish his own firm, John A. Kodachi, P.C.  The new law office is situated in Suite 1110 of the Umpqua Bank Building, which located in downtown Portland at 1 S.W. Columbia Street, overlooking the Willamette River and Hawthorne Bridge.
“I have a great relationship with my former firm, but it’s exciting to establish your own practice after working 16 years for other attorneys,” said John Kodachi.  “I’m looking forward to serve the many legal needs of individuals and businesses in the community.”  The firm will specialize in the areas of business, immigration, and employment law, including litigation in state and federal courts.  “I want to make sure people feel they have someone who they can turn to for answers,” he added.
As the founder, Kodachi said he has been able to control many aspects of his office, including fee structure, accessibility, and even the design of the firm’s logo, which depicts a stylized origami shuriken or throwing star.  “Lawyers resolve disputes with pen and paper, so I thought a shuriken was appropriate.”
Kodachi received his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1992 and recently served as president of the law school’s alumni board.  He has also been an active community volunteer serving as past president of the Portland chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, which was nationally recognized in July as chapter of the biennium. He also currently serves as the corporate secretary for the Japan America Society of Oregon, which recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary.

Portland, Ore. – Grown in Japan since the 8th century, the chrysanthemum is the official flower of Japan, and along with the Japanese maple, it is considered the quintessential symbol of autumn and a constant motif in literature and art. The highest Order of Chivalry is called the Order of the Chrysanthemum, and the Imperial crest features a 16-petalled chrysanthemum. Kiku Matsuri, the Chrysanthemum Festival, honors this beloved flower and is the fifth of the cycle of five annual Go-Sekku festivals in the traditional Japanese calendar.

Each year, the Portland Japanese Garden celebrates Kiku Matsuri with a two-day Ikebana International Chrysanthemum Exhibition of flower arrangements to be held this year on the weekend of October 25-26. This year the Garden is pleased to announce the addition of a special horticultural display of chrysanthemums on view outdoors on the East Veranda of the Garden Pavilion from October 18-November 2. Both events are free with regular Garden admission.

“In Japan, Kiku Matsuri is traditionally celebrated with elaborate displays of chrysanthemums on the grounds of the Imperial Palace, as well as in temple courtyards, botanical gardens, and public spaces throughout the country every autumn. This year, we are delighted to be expanding our own Chrysanthemum Festival,” said Diane Durston, Curator of Culture, Art, & Education at the Garden, “and we are very pleased to collaborate with Rich Kibbons of the Portland Chrysanthemum Society to make this happen.”

The Portland Japanese Garden has been proclaimed by his Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, former Ambassador of Japan, to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” The Garden is above Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Drive in SW Portland, Oregon. The Garden is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Hours are 10am-4pm October 1-March 31, and 10am-7pm April 1-September 30.

By James Hill

During a recent visit to Yoshi Japanese Restaurant in Vancouver, Washington, I had a pleasant conversation with the owner, Nakao Yoshihiro, concerning his plans for the future. Unfortunately, he intends to sell the restaurant due to health issues surrounding his recovery from a stroke he suffered four years ago and a second one he experienced this year. He feels it is unfair to his many loyal customers to remain open indefinitely if he is no longer physically capable of running the restaurant at the same high standard they have come to expect for the last fourteen years.

I visited Yoshi restaurant because my family and I ate there before Yoshihiro-san became ill, and we all remembered the excellent quality of the food, service and atmosphere in the small comfortable restaurant.
He has tried his best to keep the restaurant going, but the demands of running a restaurant - even a small one - are great, and the strain is beginning to have an effect on the business. Yoshihiro-san remains friendly and upbeat, but he has tired and is ready to move on to what will, hopefully, be a less challenging phase of his life.
The restaurant has “good bones,” but is in need of some updating. With that said, it remains a comfortable and relaxing place to eat and is a favorite gathering place in the Vancouver area. The main reason for this is that Yoshihiro is an outstanding sushi chef who has a profound knowledge of fish and sushi. He is something of a sushi historian, and many have wished that he would write a book on the subject (perhaps that would be a worthy goal for him after he no longer faces the daily grind of operating a restaurant).
Yoshihiro, aged 57, is a native of Tottori-ken and has many friends in the Vancouver community. Despite his health problems, Yoshihiro looks and acts ten-years younger than he is, and is a pleasant and personable man who it is fun to be around. He first trained as a sushi chef 28-years ago at Horiyama Japanese Restaurant, a high-end establishment in Los Angeles. He says it takes at least two years to be confident with a sushi knife and learn the cuts associated with preparing sushi. He said that Kurata-san in Lake Oswego is the best sushi chef in the Portland area. I’ve spoken to many who agree with him.
Lunch and dinners are priced well; maybe a little too well. I was served miso soup that was tasty and not too salty, and had lots of seaweed and tofu. I also enjoyed a delicious a Japanese potato salad. The sushi was well prepared and tasted as good as it looked. Tea is served also at no cost. I also got to try the chicken teriyaki bento, and I ate all the chicken and the fresh garden salad - I was stuffed.
My server’s name was Keiko Okayama very polite person who was a good, intelligent conversationalist and very wise in a down-to-earth, worldly way.

Other items on the menu included Age Dashi Tofu at $4.00; Ika No Karaage (Fried Squid) for $7.00; Lunch specials are pretty awesomely priced at $5.00 teriyaki bento box, for example; Dinners are well priced with Tonyaku at $9.00 and Chicken Tempura Combo for only $12.00; Sushi Deluxe is $18.00 and Chef’s Choice Sashimi can be had for $16.50. A great selection of rolls and futomaki as well as nigiri sushi is available and averages $3.50. Desserts include Green Tea, Mochi, and Tempura Ice cream.
Yoshi Japanese Restaurant o located in Vancouver, WA at 330 NE Chkalov Dr. Suite C (there is plenty of free parking available). The telephone number is 360) 604-0252. And though the restaurant does show some expected wear and tear, it is well worth visiting.

(Yoshihiro-san is selling the restaurant for $12,000. Although I suppose some might disagree, I believe the restaurant has a fine location and there is no competition because it is the only Japanese restaurant in the area. With new furniture, a new paint job, and some fresh greenery, this 30-plus seat restaurant is a great opportunity for someone wanting to get into the restaurant business.)

Critical Ages in 2008: Men ages 16, 24, 40 (maeyaku), 41 (honyaku), 42 (atoyaku) - born in years 1992, 1984, 1968, 1967 and 1966; Women ages 12, 18, 31 (maeyaku), 32 (honyaku), 33(atoyaku) - born in years 1996, 1990, 1977, 1976 and 1975.

Registration is from 10:30 a.m., and ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is located at 17720 Crooked Mile Rd., Granite Falls, WA 98252 and can be reached at 360-691-6389 or Kannushi@TsubakiShrine.org.   

Entitled “Fighting for Civil Rights in an Era of Terror,” the program features two distinguished guest presenters, Alton Chung and Elden Rosenthal.

Alton Chung grew up with the stories, superstitions, and magic of the Hawaiian Islands. This combined with his Japanese and Korean roots, gives him a unique perspective to tell cultural tales and personal stories with a deep sense of reverence and authenticity. The renowned storyteller will present two pieces from his one-man show, Okage Sama De. The first, “My Friend Ted,” talks about the internment and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team through the eyes of a Nisei from California. This story talks about the camps and a battle to take a hill in Italy. “Heroes” talks about the same subjects, but through the eyes of a Nisei from Hawaii.

Award-winning Civil Rights Attorney, Elden Rosenthal, is featured in the second half of the event. In 2006, Rosenthal made national headlines for his work as co-counsel in settling claims on behalf of Oregon attorney, Brandon Mayfield, against the FBI. After incorrect fingerprint identification, Mayfield was arrested and detained by the FBI. The federal government was forced to pay Mayfield and his family $2 million and apologize for his ordeal. Rosenthal describes his presentation for the JACL event as: “What it is that makes us Americans, patriotism, civil rights, the Patriot Act, and the danger of taking things for granted.”

The Portland JACL strives to secure and uphold human and civil rights for all and to participate in the development of understanding among all social and ethnic groups. According to Chapter President Jeff Selby, “This educational and captivating event is for anyone who is interested in the history of the Japanese-American interment and the state of our civil rights today. Our goals are to honor the Japanese Americans who were unjustly detained as a result of Executive Order 9066, and to educate the community about the internment and other civil rights threats we all face as Americans.”

This Day of Remembrance Event is co-sponsored by Portland State University Center for Japanese Studies. The Portland JACL encourages you to attend and to let your family and friends know as well. George C. Hoffmann Hall is located at 1833 SW 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. For more information, please visit http://www.pdxjacl.com/.

Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Jeff Selby is an Army brat who started his involvement with the JACL at the tender age of seven in 1976, the inaugural year of the Hoosier JACL Chapter. He says those years helped him learn and understand the importance of two things: pride in Japanese and American cultures, and the importance of civil rights for all. His late father was a JACL President and as the newest president of the Portland Chapter of the JACL, Jeff is proud to continue that legacy.

A ten-year Army combat veteran who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, in 1992, he was named Army Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the Secretary of the Army in the annual worldwide media competition.

After his Army career, Jeff worked for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Florida where he served as Guest Service Manager, Stage Manager, and, ultimately, Show Writer and Graphic Designer. As the founder of AIW Creative, Jeff uses his professional experience to help business owners improve their public relations efforts, company culture, marketing, and branding in all media. The talented 39-year-old local business owner offers one-stop shopping for your print, broadcast, trial graphics, consulting, multimedia needs, and more. For more information and his portfolio, you can visit www.aiwcreative.com.

In addition to his involvement with the JACL, Jeff is active in his community where he serves on the board of the Roseway Neighborhood Association and is a member of Portland International District. Jeff is a member of JASO and helped with public relations and communications efforts during that organization’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Jeff has identified three areas upon which the Portland JACL will focus in the coming years: Public Relations, Fundraising, and Kaizen (continuous improvement). He believes that to remain relevant, the JACL needs to have a bigger voice, and must step-up public relations efforts and get the word out about the JACL’s mission with more frequency and to the broader community. He will focus on fundraising as well because more funding means more scholarship opportunities, educational programs, and community events. Finally, the Japanese term for continuous improvement is Kaizen. He hopes to have the chapter look at everything it does and think of how it can be done better.

Jeff lives in Portland with his wife, Geneiva, whom he met when they both worked at Disneyworld. He enjoys the New York Yankees, cooking, and experiencing some of the best breweries and wineries in the world, an interest he shares with his wife.

Principal Anderson has 23 years experience as an administrator and educator serving students, parents and teachers in diverse school communities across Portland Public Schools. Under her leadership, Richmond was rated an exceptional school by the Oregon Department of Education for 2006 and 2007, and received the prestigious Goldman Sachs Award for Excellence in International Education for the school’s Japanese Immersion program in 2005. She manages the recruitment of hundreds of volunteers in the Richmond School community and has overseen myriad enhancements to school programs and facilities.

A strong measure of Principal Anderson’s success and commitment to the Richmond community is the phenomenal growth in enrollment from 306 students in 2005 to a projected 551 in 2008. An indication of the program’s renown is that 17% of its students now come from outside the Portland Public School boundaries, some from as far away as Salem or St. Helens.

Last month, Sapporo’s Miyanomori Elementary School sent three teachers and its principal to Richmond, January 9-16 to formalize teacher and student exchanges. This was their first visit to Portland, and was coordinated with the help of Scott Guptil, from PGE and the Sapporo Sister City Association. The Consul General hosted a dinner on January 15 to honor the visiting Miyanomori School delegation, Richmond School staff, and the Portland/Sapporo Sister City Association. Consulate General Egawa told guests that Richmond “was in the forefront of Japanese immersion education” in the USA and our growth has propelled Oregon to the top of US states for enrollment in Japanese immersion.

The dinner also included many community and educational leaders from Portland and Beaverton, including the director of The International School in Portland and the principal of the Beaverton International School. The event was reported to have several moving expressions of heart felt appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to these special visitors from Japan. Special thanks should go to the Consulate general of Japan Egawa and his staff for recognizing and reaching out to these fine educational institutions that are building bridges across the Pacific one child at a time.

Former student Hannah Hogness had a chance this fall to meet and visit with the Emperor and Empress of Japan in Tokyo. Hannah’s grandfather was the recipient of a very prestigious science award, given by the Emperor every year, and Hannah had the honor of introducing her grandfather to the royal couple in fluent Japanese. The Emperor was very impressed with Hannah’s skillful Japanese, particularly given the fact that neither parent speaks Japanese, and apparently asked Hannah many questions about Richmond’s Japanese immersion program. Hannah attended Richmond from Kindergarten through grade 4, moving with her family to northern Washington during the summer of 2007 due to an important job change for her father.

The growing ties between Richmond and the community are illustrated by the recently formalized relationship between Richmond and the Japanese Garden to support the educational programming of both entities. As part of this partnership, Richmond and the Garden staff paired up to celebrate O-Shogatsu at the Garden on Sunday, January 13. School families were attended O-Shogatsu and its interns helped Daigo-sensei, Richmond’s talented and dedicated calligraphy teacher, with the calligraphy activities.

Richmond has a new before and after school program in place called Art4Life that provides a cadre of professional artists to work with children on unique art projects. This fall, students have produced a short film, written and directed a play, and created a wide range of beautiful visual artwork. Every teacher has a master’s degree in fine arts and is a practicing artist in his/her own right.

The school has raised approximately $21,000 (two-thirds of the funds needed) to complete the Japanese garden plan for the front of the school. Sadafumi Uchiyama, the nationally renowned landscape architect profiled in the January of the Shimbun, designed the garden plan.

Special thanks go out to:
Richmond families who raised enough funds in the spring of 2007 to fund one-half of the salary costs for a new 1st grade teacher from Kyoto, Japan. This new teacher, Aya Mishina, is a very talented teacher and a published author of children’s books in Japanese.

200 Kaiser Permanente employees gathered at Richmond on January 21 for a full day of painting to brighten the interior of the hallways and classrooms.

Opus Construction who completed $70,000 in renovations to the school’s playground with the installation of a second new playground structure on January 6. Opus Construction donated all the workers, equipment and materials to install the new structure as well as $15,000 for the structure itself.

Note: For anyone wanting to contribute to this fine school and the new garden, donations can be given to the Oya No Kai parent support group. Please visit http://www.oyanokai.com/ for more information