The latest edition of JACL News Notes in now online, with features honoring the late Senator Inouye; news on Terry Shima receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal; the new chapter board for 2013; and an introduction to Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae. Members also receive this newsletter via regular mail – but would you prefer electronic versions only? Let us know!
Posted in Japanese American Citizens League
Tagged Inouye, News Notes, newsletter, Sasae, Shima
The Washington, DC Chapter board members were sworn in at the Installation Lunch held January 26 at Meiwah Restaurant in Chevy Chase.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear National JACL Executive Director Priscilla Ouchida, in her keynote speech, lay out her vision for greater youth involvement in the organization. This course, Ouchida pointed out, included offering younger people roles of true leadership and responsibility. Historical icons such as Martin Luther King, Jr. earned leadership roles while in their 20s, she noted, and the same path has to be opened within JACL.
Jeff Moy, chair of JACL’s youth program and emcee for the event, reminded attendees of that younger members may approach issues from a different perspective, but that approach can produce results as powerful as their predecessors’. Moy added that just because people are young does not mean they should automatically get relegated to the technology-related tasks, especially at the expense of gaining more comprehensive roles.
Board members inducted for 2013: Janice Nakano Faden and John Tobe, co-presidents; Leona Hiraoka, vice president; Georgette Furukawa-Martinez, secretary; Linda Sato Adams, membership chair; Jack Tobe, scholarship chair; Jeffrey Moy, youth chair/advisor; David Inoue, anti-hate liaison; Michelle Amano, district council delegate; Kaitlin Inamasu, communications liaison; Jason Hata and Amy Watanabe, program chairs; Craig Uchida, treasurer ex oficio (non-voting member). Congratulations to these officers, and may they lead the chapter through an engaging and prosperous 2013.
More than 200 JACL members and guests celebrated at the December 2012 Mochitsuki. Young and old alike enjoyed bento plates and cheered during 
traditional rice pounding and mochi making at North Bethesda Middle School. The Crafty Ladies provided a wide assortment of handmade crafts for holiday shoppers to choose from. And attendees got to bid farewell to Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, a long-time supporter of the Japanese American community whose term in the U.S. ended a few weeks later. JACL Chapter President Janice Faden presented the Ambassador and his wife, Fumiko, tokens of appreciation from the chapter.
JACL-DC reminds all members to vote this coming Tuesday! “The issues facing this country are weighty,” says Chapter President Janice Faden (pictured left, with board member Leona Hiraoka). “It’s a critical election year. Everyone should make sure they’re heard at the ballot box.”
Posted in Uncategorized
The Congressional Gold Medal awarded in 2011 to Japanese American World War II soldiers will be on exhibit in a seven-city national tour starting in January. The Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service has partnered with the National Museum of American History and the National Veterans Network to create this tour and share the story of these U.S. soldiers who bravely fought for their country while family members were unjustly held in internment camps in the United States. Visit the NVN site for more on the tour (city stops include New Orleans; Honolulu; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Portland, OR; Chicago; Houston) and the proud history behind the medal.
Posted in Related Organizations
Some 100 people gathered over bento boxes and green tea on September 15 to honor elders in the community, celebrate children, and thank Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki for his gracious partnership with the Japanese American community. As attendees enjoyed homemade sushi, chicken, desserts, and more, chapter President Janice Faden noted to the crowd that the day’s celebrants encompassed four generations – fitting for Keiro Kai and Family Day. The day was rounded out with a performance from the Washington Toho Koto Society and activities for the children. On December 8, the chapter will host another celebration – Mochitsuki – so mark your calendars now!
(Photos by Miya Hiraoka Sluchansky)
Above: Janice Faden (center), with Ambassador Fujisaki and wife Yoriko.
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Below: (left) Long-time members enjoy pre-lunch festivities;
(right) even the youngest members pitch in.
Posted in Japanese American Citizens League
Tagged Family Day, Fujisaki, Keiro Kai
The National Cherry Blossom Festival organization is currently recruiting Goodwill Ambassadors to be a part of the spring 2013 cherry blossom festival. This is a great opportunity for university students and recent graduates living in the Washington DC area to get involved in the community and experience the cherry blossom celebration! Check out the official website for more information– the deadline this year is Friday, October 5!
Posted in Related Organizations
Join in festivities honoring the wisdom of our elders and the promise of our youth at 2012 Keiro Kai and Family Day! The Washington Toho Koto Society and JACL-DC Top Chef David Inoue are part of the food, games, and entertainment slated for Saturday, September 15, from 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m., at North Bethesda Middle School (8935 Broadmoor Drive, Bethesda, MD ). All welcome! Free for JACL members. Non-members: $10 per person, or $20 for family of four. Please RSVP now for planning purposes to Janice Faden (jfaden1@verizon.net).
