From Newsprint to New Media: The Evolving Role of Nikkei Newspapers, April 2, 2011

Licensing

Discover Nikkei presented the public program, "From Newsprint to New Media: The Evolving Role of Nikkei Newspaper," on April 2, 2011 at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum of the Japanese American National Museum.

Nikkei community newspapers served an important role for a century as the glue that held together groups of immigrants with news and information about their communities as well as the latest from Japan. Later, their place in the community evolved as they served English-speaking Nisei and Sansei. But in recent years, the media industry has been in an upheaval, and many Nikkei community newspapers have shut down.

Moderator:  Gil Asakawa

Presenters:
- Gwen Muranaka, The Rafu Shimpo 
- Kenji Taguma, Nichi Bei Foundation / Nichi Bei Weekly
- Shigeharu Higashi, Cultural News 
- George Johnston, Nikkei Nation
 

The program included a historical overview by Gil Asakawa and presentations by the panelists, followed by a moderated discussion and questions from the audience covering topics such as the coverage of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as local relief efforts; the viability of Nikkei media and the closing of some longtime newspapers in recent years; how can Nikkei media change to be relevant to younger demographics without alienating older generations; and the use and role of social media.

* This program was organized by Discover Nikkei, a project that provides opportunities to connect with others and share the Nikkei experience. The program was presented by the Japanese American National Museum with The Rafu Shimpo, Nichi Bei Foundation/Nichi Bei Weekly, Cultural News, and Nikkei Nation. Sponsored by DCA, LA County Arts, and The Nippon Foundation.

Discover Nikkei is a project of the Japanese American National Museum, made possible with major funding by The Nippon Foundation.

Slides in this album 

Welcome by Akemi Kikumura Yano

Akemi Kikumura Yano, President & CEO of the Japanese American National Museum, opened the program by welcoming the audience and then introduced Gil Asakawa.

Akemi Kikumura Yano at "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

Historical Overview by Gil Asakawa

Gil Asakawa presented a historical overview of Nikkei community newspapers, starting with the early Issei pioneers and their efforts to serve immigrant communities, the introduction of English language sections and publications to serve the growing Nisei (2nd generation) population, and Japanese American journalists' efforts during and after World War II, …

Gil Asakawa presentation at the "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

Presentation by Gwen Muranaka, The Rafu Shimpo

Presentation by Gwen Muranaka, English editor of Los Angeles-based bilingual newspaper, The Rafu Shimpo.

In her presentation, Muranaka talks about The Rafu Shimpo's current efforts to stay relevant through their website and social media via Facebook and Twitter, and video.

Gwen Muranaka presentation at "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

Presentation by Kenji Taguma, Nichi Bei Weekly

Presentation by Kenji G. Taguma about the history of the Nichi Bei Times and the creation and transition to the non-profit Nichi Bei Foundation and Nichi Bei Weekly.

Kenji G. Taguma at the "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

Presentation by Shigeharu Higashi, Cultural News

Presentation by Shigeharu Higashi about why he started Cultural News in 1998 and how he changed its focus to sharing about Japanese culture and events in Los Angeles.

Shigeharu Higashi at the "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

Presentation by George Johnston, Nikkei Nation

Presentation by George Toshio Johnston about his background and experience in journalism, especially in Nikkei media, and how it led to his establishing an online-only Nikkei specific news site, NikkeiNation.net.

George Toshio Johnston at the "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

Panel Discussion / Q & A / Closing remarks

Discussion with the panelists moderated by Gil Asakawa, including questions and comments from the audience, with closing remarks by Darryl Mori of the Japanese American National Museum.

Topics covered included the various publications' coverage of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as local relief efforts; the viability of …

Panel Discussion / Q & A / Closing remarks at the "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor

THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this program together!

Group photo of program participants following the program:

Front (from left): Gil Asakawa, Gwen Muranaka
Back (fron Left): Darryl Mori, George Johnston, Shigeharu Higashi, Kenji G. Taguma

Group photo at the "From Newsprint to New Media" program
Contributed by: editor


Login or register
to contribute to the Nikkei Album

Coming in 2025

We are working on a new and improved Nikkei Album that will feature a modern design and streamlined process for uploading and editing. Until then, we are pausing the ability to add new albums. Check our Project Updates page to learn more about our redesign and expansion project!

Browse the Nikkei Album

Get updates

Sign up for email updates

Journal feed
Events feed
Comments feed

Support this project

Discover Nikkei

Discover Nikkei is a place to connect with others and share the Nikkei experience. To continue to sustain and grow this project, we need your help!

Ways to help >>

A project of the Japanese American National Museum


The Nippon Foundation