Hiroshima-Nagasaki Hibakusha @ 71

This past weekend marked the 71st Anniversary of the dropping of the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima. As done for the last 30 years, The Koyasan Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo hosted the annual Commemorative Service in conjunction with the ASA (Atomic Survivors Association) and the JACCC. As per tradition, this years well attended service was held on the first Sunday in August to comemorate the twin tragedies and hear from guest speakers and our resident Hibakusha (Survivors). How fortunate they are still alive to speak with us.

Over the years we have come to know Ms. Kazu Suyeishi and were pleased to see she was more vibrant than in recent years past. She was 14 years old when the attack came and recalled how she could actually see the Enola Gay as it appeared in the crystal blue sky that morning of August 6th, 1945. Part of her story became an inspired component of our illustrated Children's book Ichiro Dreams in Color. Another poignant survivor who attends every year is former ASA President Mr. Junji Sarashina. Still alive and happy to see all who come to this ceremony. Both survivors now in their twilight years bear no grudge for the loss of their families or the scars they have borne. They come every year to speak on the horrors of nuclear weapons and share their annual message of Peace. Candles, Sutras, and Goeika are annually offered each year before the Hiroshima Flame that was originally brought here 40 some years ago from Hiroshima with the intention of remaining a lit until that last nuclear weapon is no more. While this may sound like a lofty and unrealistic aspiration, it's intention is a peaceful one to inspire hope for an age where there are no more wars of this sort and no more future Hibakusha. We do not know how many more years we have with Ms. Suyeishi or Mr. Sarashina, but we cherish each encounter with them and in one sense feel blessed by them. For people who have suffered so much at the hands of others, their faith in mankind and love of this country is one to be learned from. As stated by the guest speaker Dr. Dr. Gloria R. Montebruno Sadler PHD reminded us, "The Americans did not know at the time about the effects of radioactive fallout. No one could have envisioned what consequences would come of such a weapon at that time." Thus, it is perhaps President Truman who authorized the weapons use in Japan forbid General MacArthur from using it five years later in Korea. As we write about this let us reiterate one thing before anyone comments is that the debate over why the bomb was dropped is irrelevant. We look at this as a wartime tragedy that changed the world and luckily has not been repeated. That is the whole point of remembering those lost and those left to tell the tale. We at American Mishima have in the past and will continue to wish all those connected by this chapter in our human history continued peace and hope one day this one solemn flame can be extinguished in peace for all mankind.

Honoring Japanese Americans at JACCC's Vietnam Memorial

Seen here on the 50th anniversary of the US Marine Expeditionary Force Landing at Da Nang Republic of Vietnam, is the newly completed Veterans Memorial at the JACCC Plaza honoring those American of Japanese Ancestry whose lives were lost in the Vietnam War. 

Most notable name on this memorial is that of Jimmy Nakayama who was killed by friendly fire during the Battle of the Ia Drang November 1965. His story and tragic death is featured in the film Once We Were Soldiers and Young by Retired General Hal Moore & Former UPI Reporter Joseph Galloway. We won't show you the scene here for it is as horrific as it is sad. We at American Mishima honor these brave men with both a military salute and a respectful bow. Like the Vietnam saying goes: All Gave Some - Some Gave All. Rest in Peace.

If you wish to see the clip from Once We Were Soldiers, here is the link: Jimmy Nakayama Scene

Kotohajime 2014

No New Year’s celebration in Little Tokyo is complete without the JACCC’s annual Kotohajime (First Performance) show at the Aratani Theater.  This being UMA - Year of the Horse has ushered in some notable changes in the both the show and the JACCC. What remains consistent as in years past is the shows strong visual presentation which never disappoints the packed audiences who attend year after year often making it part of their own New Years traditions. This year’s Hatsu-Kagami (First Mirror) was by no means an exception. Directed by Hirokazu Kosaka, this year’s Kotohajime opened with the hues of a subtle blue backdrop amidst the classical ethereal sounds of ancient Japan by the Kinnara Gagaku. Gagku as defined by translation as Elegant Music which dates back to the 7^th Century. This was once the sole domain of the Imperial Court. Kinnara is a Sanskrit word which is described in the shows program as being a Buddhist term for Celestial Musician which suits its sense of mystic ambiance that Kinnara Gagaku brings to Southern California. Kinnara Gagaku would perform three musical pieces which in its third piece included the rarely seen Bugaku dance which featured two masked dancers in colorful costumes which moved in slow precise regal movements that once entertained Japanese Nobility.

The second segment featured a crowd favorite of two back to back Natori dances by Wakayagi Hisami: Hana no Kai. The first dance titled Toto-Jishi was performed by Wakayagi Haruka in a beautiful red kimono to a most traditional dance which was later followed by Jyudo performed by Wakayagi Hisami who performed her dance with great refined elegance and grace elevating this high art form to a level deserving of its rich cultural heritage.

The show next picked up the pace with a unique improvisational harmonica solo performance by Mr. Tetsuya Nakamura (a former member of the legendary group WAR) who once played with Los Lobos, Hiroshima, Snoop Dog, and the legendary Carlos Santana. What struck us was his phenomenal sound that when paired with a drum took off into a whole new dimension of musical appreciation. It could be said that his performance once conjoined with the earlier than expected arrival of the LA based Kyudo Group IKKYU made for a strange juxtaposition if not an ingenious pairing with the Zen archery taking place evoking the imagery of Western influenced Samurai films of the 1960s. As with every year, IKKYU’s Ending Rite of Purification fired the traditional first arrow of the year which upon striking its designated target unleashed a flurry of colorful streamers onto the stage signaling the conclusion of this year’s show. 

As with every year, the select group of invited dignitaries take to the stage to deliver their new year’s greetings and participate in Kagamibiraki (breaking the Sake barrel) before the audience participates in the traditional sake toast. Following the Sake toast as per Kotohajime tradition, the assembled dignitaries then tossed out bags of mochi into the audience for good luck which often sends people scurrying to their feet to catch good fortune and delicious mochi treats rolled in one. Given how The Year of the Snake has treated this author, we made it a point not to go home empty handed. This year’s notable attendees in attendance were Japan Consul General Jun Nimi, former LA City Councilwoman Jan Perry, Singer/Songwriter Jackson Browne, and outgoing JACCC Chairwoman Sandy Sakamoto.

This year’s Kotohajime was undoubtedly a Japanese affair noting some absences of some of regular groups we have seen in the last four years reflecting some the changes taking place. While popular, the show itself remains a consistent visual cultural presence not found in other parts of the country making Little Tokyo and by that of the continued efforts of the JACCC to bring to the City of Angels a series of unique and rarely seen traditional Japanese cultural performances not seen anywhere else in the country. We wish JACCC continued success in that endeavor.