Where There's A Need: Amy Phillips, One of NCI's Founders and Former Program Coordinator (NCI Amy Phillips Workshop)

Amy Phillips is one of NCI's core founders, who really advocated for the youth to have a respected voice in this community.  She is also a former NCI program coordinator and currently helps with NCI as a workshop leader.  In an interview, she talks about the need for NCI:

"Yeah I think there are a lot of young people who have a lot of skills and talents.  I think the other thing that was really apparent in the Spectrum conference is that a lot of the students who participated were already leaders, leaders of their campus organizations, leaders of their Junior YBA, or other youth groups.  They put on large events.  You know, you think about some of the NSU culture night or culture show type of things.  That’s project management.  That’s like hundreds of people.  They’re getting at UCLA at like 3000 people who show up to their event, which is more than what most of our community organizations are able to pull in.  So if you think about it that way, all the skills are there for a lot of these young people.

A lot of times, at that point at least, when they graduated from college, they were also graduating out of the Nikkei community, focusing on career things and there wasn’t a real bridge to community activities unless some people had some real specific things that they would be involved in.  But I think, in that sense, we still have thriving campus organizations and great leadership.  Not just great potential, but existing leadership and a lot of it is the question of how to translate that back into the community. 

And we’ve always been very aware of the fact that…and this is again, an intentional design for NCI…we’ve been aware of the fact that most people will not necessarily work in the non-profit sector.  And that’s okay.  And that’s why we take engineers and bio majors and whatever else.  You don’t have to be Asian American studies and what not because the future of the community is not just staff and institutions.  It’s about voluteers, it’s board members.  Those are all things that we want to cultivate and I think that will ALWAYS be a need.  That need will never go away in the Japanese American community. 

We have the things that we, the institutions that are really important that we want to preserve and at the other end of the spectrum you have the cultural practices, the food, the things that happen in the family, and in between you have all of these volunteers or gatekeepers, the person in the family who says, 'we gotta get together at Bachan’s house for Oshogatsu.'  And then you know, the person says, 'I’m gonna be the one to organize the volunteers for the next Nisei Week.'  You know, whatever it is.  So I think those skills, that need will always be there. "


--
NCI Amy Phillips Workshop

NCI Amy Phillips Workshop 2011

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Why NCI is Important: Kristy Shimosaka, Former NCI Northern California Coordinator (NCI 2008 Workshop)

Kristy Shimosaka served as one of the Northern California NCI program coordinators for the first couple of years after it was founded.  She reflects on one of the valuable aspects of NCI:

"There are so many reasons why I know that the NCI program is important.  However, one of the most important things that the NCI program provides is a way for young people, with leadership potential, to meet each other as well as other more established leaders in the community.  The program provides its participants the opportunity to meet leaders in the community that want to hear what they have to say, and the program encourages the young people to speak up regarding their beliefs, and ask for help in implementing their ideas.  These relationships that form over the summer, and stretch, over the years, are the relationships that interns have counted upon to help them implement various ideas back at school, and achieve various goals in their lives, while also enriching the Japanese American community."

--
NCI 2008 Workshop

NCI 2008 Workshop

Photo courtesy of NCI program

How it all Started: Jon Osaki, Executive Director of the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) (Supervisor David Chu and Executive Director Jon Osaki at 40th Anniversary Gala)

Jon Osaki (on right side of picture) is the Executive Director of the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) and played an integral part in pushing for the start of NCI.  In his own words, he talks about how it got started:

"NCI came about as the result of several community gatherings similar to the JACL Convention.

In 1998, LA hosted the Ties That Bind Conference.  At that conference, the CJACLC was formed, the need for leadership development was affirmed, and the youth in attendance articulated their desire to be mentored and involved in building the JA community for the future.

In 2000, SF hosted the Nikkei2000 Conference, which in addition to the conference tracks, included a forum for the youth attendees to discuss specific action steps that they could take to further integrate young people into the community.  This gathering led to the organizing of the Spectrum Nikkei Youth Conference in 2001.  It also initiated a subsequent planning process which was sponsored by the CJACLC and led by JCYC to go into various communities to document how young people were involved and what needs were not being met.

 In 2001, recommendations from the spectrum youth conference were integrated into the CJACLC planning document.  One of the recommendations from the document led directly to the creation of NCI.  A work group of folks from JCYC, LTSC, LEAP, and a few others designed the program and launched it in 2002.

 I know the evolution of creating NCI seems like a slow and drawn out process, but I believe the program is successful because it not only addresses the needs, cultivates the leadership potential of young nikkei, but it evolved out of a very organic process with young people as the driving influence vs. adults who think they know what's in the best interest of youth.  

 NCI is a critical program for the community for several reasons:

 1.  NCI identifies young people who have a strong interest in the community;

2.  The program provides an opportunity for young people to connect with peers who are like minded with regard to the community;

3.  NCI provides a unique opportunity for young people to connect with community leaders.  This connection allowed many alumni to continue their involvement in the community through a variety of opportunities (volunteerism, employment, community planning, etc.).

4.  NCI has also provided a forum for youth to engage in community planning initiatives (i.e. JACL Convention) and affirms for our community that there are plenty of youth with leadership potential if we collectively provide them with the right opportunities. "

--
Supervisor David Chu and Executive Director Jon Osaki at 40th Anniversary Gala

Supervisor David Chu and Executive Director Jon Osaki at 40th Anniversary Gala

June 19, 2010

Photo taken from: http://www.jcyc.org/news-events/about/

NCI Alumni Reflection: Eric Murata

"My experience with the NCI internship helped shape the way I view the Japanese-American community and the issues that affect it.  Working at the JACCC gave me a taste of what it is like to work in non-profit world and I still use the skills and lessons I learned throughout the internship in my career today.  Although I do not currently work in the JA community, for one summer, NCI gave me the experience of what it would be like if I had worked in the Little Tokyo JA community as a career.  It was one experience I'll never forget."

Class 6

Career- Finance- Retirement Plan Consulting

--
NCI Alumni Reflection: Aya Ino

Photo courtesy of Stacy Toyota

NCI Alumni Reflection: Aya Ino

NCI 2006 (Class 5)

Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC)

 I interned at the JCCCNC in the Development Department under Chris Hirano.  My main job was to work with the donor base on the annual fundraiser event called Love Letters, a play starring and reuniting stars James Shigeta and Nancy Kwan.  I learned how to solicit donations over the phone, in letters and in press releases.  Because of my fluency in Japanese, I also collaborated with the Programs Department in preparing for Shinzen, a basketball exchange program held for eighth graders from the Kobe YMCA in Japan and the United States.  From our weekly networking days, I also had the opportunity to meet many community leaders in San Francisco Japantown.

 After graduating from UCLA and coming back from the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, I was able to land a full-time position as the Program Associate at the JCCCNC and the Project Coordinator of the California Nisei College Diploma Project.  My responsibilities included improving and coordinating programs and events for young people and students to learn about Japanese culture and/or experiences around the Japanese American internment.  My involvement with the JCCCNC also allowed me to work on greater issues affecting San Francisco's Japantown, such as organizing young adults of an independent group called nihonmachiROOTS, to have a voice in building the future of the community.

 I currently live in New York City and am getting my Masters in Education at Columbia University.  Through this experience, and as an advocate for the Asian American community, I am hoping to explore ways of educating and empowering the next generation to create a difference within their communities.

--
NCI Alumni Reflection: Aya Ino

Photo courtesy of Stacy Toyota

NCI Alumni/Coordinator Reflection: Mickie Okamoto

I was a part of NCI class 4 in the summer of 2005.  I just finished my freshman year at UCLA when I did the program.

 NCI was a big turning point in my life.  I didn't have a clear vision as to what I wanted to do in my life.  I was a first year.  I knew I was good at planning and coordinating because I was a part of leadership in high school, NSU in college and used to planning so many different programs and events.  What I didn't know was that there was a career for that.  I was introduced to the world of nonprofits, first through the comforts of Little Tokyo and LTSC.  They really helped develop me as a fundraiser/development staff and showed me the career and gave me all the basics that I needed.  After I came back from Japan (I spent 9 months there), I knew that I wanted to stay in nonprofit work and fundraising as a career.  That's where I'm at now! 

 I am currently working as the administrative and special events coordinator at a nonprofit called Westside Children's Center in Culver City.  I am still involved in Little Tokyo by participating in groups such as LT Roots, being on the board for Kizuna and volunteering for JACCC/LTSC.  Right after college, I worked at the Little Tokyo Service Center CDC for 2 years as their Donor Relations Associate.  

--
NCI Alumni/Coordinator Reflection: Mickie Okamoto

Photo courtesy of Stacy Toyota

NCI Alumni Reflection: Cory Hayashi

When I first applied for NCI, I was mostly looking for a summer job that allowed me to get involved with the JA community.  What I got instead was a lifetime commitment to a community that has given me so much.  While working as an NCI intern, I was more than a summer volunteer at JACL, but instead a valued staff member learning how to operate within a vast non-profit community.  Besides my duties with JACL, I found myself working alongside key figures from a host of other organizations at festivals, events, and community meetings.  I learned that the "JA community" wasn't just a few organizations that met once a month to put on basketball leagues and scholarship programs for youth or host social events for like-minded people, but instead an intricate network of organizations taking care of the needs of its people, whether they be political, social, cultural, economic, entertainment, or anything else that may come up.  As we see an influx of mixed race and non-Japanese in the JA culture, many fear for the loss of our culture, however as long as our non-profits thrive, the spirit of our community and culture will remain unchanged.

Since completing NCI, I have stayed in touch with the program serving briefly as Alumni Coordinator, and more recently helping conduct interviews for prospective interns.  In addition, I have had extensive involvement with two JA non-profits.  I am a founding member of Little Tokyo Roots, an organization for young adults invested in revitalizing the Little Tokyo community through social events to stimulate the local businesses as well as advocacy work to protect the interests of the tenants of Little Tokyo.  I am a volunteer with the Nisei Week Foundation, serving as a Hospitality Committee member, as which I help introduce the Little Tokyo community to visitors of the festival, and also as the chair of the World Gyoza Eating Championship, an event designed to bring a large, mostly non-JA audience to Little Tokyo   and introduce them to a staple of Japanese cuisine, gyoza.  Through this contest, I hope to bring media attention from all over the world and for one day, have it focused on the thriving community and culture within Little Tokyo.

--
NCI Alumni Reflection: Cory Hayashi

Photo courtesy of Cory Hayashi

NCI Alumni Reflection: Kristin Fukushima (Kristin Fukushima NCI Alumni)

I did NCI in 2008, and I really, really loved it. It's still probably one of my favorite summers ever. I can pretty definitively say that I would not be where I am if it weren't for NCI. Prior to NCI, I didn't do any JA stuff, only AAPI activities. This meant that I barely identified with being JA, since I didn't really know how to. NCI helped me discover my passion for the JA community and Little Tokyo, and for community work. It also showed me that working in the community is a viable option as a career, or in whatever way I want to be involved (it also helped me realize how much I did NOT want to go to law school!). But on an even more personal level, NCI helped me connect with my Japanese American identity and the community.

After graduating from college, I went to work for the JACL PSW, the same site as my internship. I also become active in Little Tokyo, JTown Voice, and Tuesday Night Cafe. Today, I work at a new organization in Little Tokyo that I helped start - Kizuna. I am also a board member for the Little Tokyo Community Council, and am part of a young adults group in Little Tokyo - LTroots. I also work in the Asian American Studies Dept. at the Claremont Colleges. 

--
Kristin Fukushima NCI Alumni

Kristin Fukushima NCI Alumni

From left to right: Stacy Toyota, Kristin Fukushima, Alan Nishiyo, Jessie Kikuchi

Photo courtesy of Kristin Fukushima

NCI Alumni Reflection: Stacy Iwata

Year 5 (2006)

I can honestly say that my involvement with the Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) has been one of the most memorable, rewarding, and fun experiences I ever had. I was an intern at the Pacific Citizen newspaper in 2006, when NCI was in its fifth year and still growing, so I am happy and blown away that the program has reached

the ten year milestone! Through NCI, I learned so much about the Japanese American/Asian Pacific American political issues, leadership, non-profit organizations, and most importantly, community; these are all lessons I will take with me wherever I go in life. I still keep in touch with my fellow NCI interns and try to stay somewhat involved with community events despite living far away from Little Tokyo. (Okay, San Diego is not extremely far, but it does make event planning somewhat difficult with the commute.) However, once I make my way back to Los Angeles (I plan on returning to school), I hope to become more involved in the community. After all, thanks to my involvement in NCI, I learned that community is where the home and heart are. Congratulations NCI on the 10th anniversary, and thank you for everything!
--
NCI Alumni Reflection: Stacy Iwata

Photo courtesy of Stacy Toyota

NCI Alumni Reflection: Katie Furukawa

My name is Katie Furukawa, and I am an alum of the NCI class of 2008. I can't believe NCI is a decade old! 

Currently I work in Product Presentation for Nike at their San Francisco store, which is not what I thought I'd be doing two years out of college. I had different plans for my post-college life, but thanks to the community that NCI initiated me into, I've been able to deal with all of the economic setbacks of the past few years.  Even though I work in retail, I am able to be involved in the issues I care about and both serve and participate in the Japanese-American community. Last year I was able to work retail and have an internship with JACL, and I was a founding member of nihonmachiROOTS, which is a progressive grassroots group of youth and young adults in the SF Japantown community. We've been able to do a lot of different things that engage young people around different issues in the community, and I definitely would not have had the confidence to do something like that without my NCI experience. Some of the things we take on have to do with city planning policy, which is what I am really passionate about. I'm also involved with Nakayoshi Young Professionals. This year we are going to have our own noodle booth at the Nihonmachi Street Fair; one of the things I got to do in NCI was co-chair the "Children's World" at NSF in 2008. 

 It's really great that I still see some alums fairly often…I run into alums at couple times a month at the very least. The people in my NCI class and the folks who I've met through the whole experience feel like a family of people that I always know I can count on for information, advice, and inspiration. And they are all a lot of fun to just hang out with. I don't see a lot of the folks who live in Southern California that often, but when I do it feels like I just saw them last week. I love that we all clicked like that and that I was able to expand my Nikkei network beyond the people I had met on campus in college. We're all getting a little bit older now and starting to see some of the really great things that have come out of NCI. It's gonna be great to see how the next 10 years of NCI is able to create!

--
NCI Alumni Reflection: Katie Furukawa

Photo courtesy of Katie Furukawa

NCI Alumni Reflection: Craig Ishii (NCI Alumni Craig Ishii)

NCI is an incredible program because it's done what no other program in the Japanese American community has ever done; NCI has actually created a set of next generation leaders who will probably be involved in community work for the rest of their lives.... How many programs can boast that they've created lifetime activists?

 But what is most special about what NCI does, is it really empowers its participants to envision how they want to be involved in the community.  The program also encourages them to think themselves and create new programs, events, campaigns and organizations.

I personally started working for the JACL Pacific Southwest District as a direct result of doing NCI. Community work wasn't even a consideration before doing the program. But while with the JACL, I utilized skills and empowerment gained during NCI to take part in building a cadre of programs that then spread this idea of next generation involvement to more and more people. So NCI's influence goes beyond the individual and touches the lives that those people interact with.

 Supporting NCI, means investing a future for the community. No one should be asking what NCI has done for this community.... it should be very clear, look at the community, look who's involved, and look at how far we've come. I credit that to NCI.
--
NCI Alumni Craig Ishii

NCI Alumni Craig Ishii

Photo courtesy of Stacy Toyota

NCI Alumni Reflection: Christy Sakamoto

NCI Class 5

Education Coordinator- Japanese American National Museum

NCI fostered that inclination I had to work in the community and turned it into my career and passion.  It literally set me up with my first real job at the Japanese American National Museum, my former intern site.  More importantly though, it instilled the desire to contribute to the community I had come to intimately know through NCI.  The program also introduced me to others who shared my commitment.  Together, with individuals from varying NCI classes, we formed Little Tokyo Roots, a group of young adults dedicated to educating, advocating and participating in Little Tokyo.  We've hosted fundraiser events benefiting the various organizations in the community as well as taken on campaigns to spread awareness about Little Tokyo issues like public transportation proposals.  NCI gave me the confidence and investment to feel like I knew and could represent our community, leading me to be a part of the 2010 Nisei Week court.  I am really grateful to NCI for cultivating a mere interest and turning it into something I really care about.

NCI Alumni Reflection: Beth Uno (NCI 2010 alumni Beth Uno)

NCI class of 2010, intern at Pacific Citizen, UCLA Class of 2011

 NCI was a very memorable and rewarding experience.   While working at Pacific Citizen, I was exposed to issues affecting all Asian Americans and had the amazing opportunity to attend the 2010 National JACL Convention in Chicago.  I also enjoyed learning about various Japanese American community organizations.  Through NCI, I became motivated to continue to be active in the Japanese American community because NCI showed me that it is the responsbility of my generation to continue to lead the community, address issues, and solve problems affecting the Japanese American community.  Finally, I met some of now closest friends through NCI and am very grateful for the experience.  In my future I hope to continue to be involved with the Japanese and Asian American communities through volunteer work.
--
NCI 2010 alumni Beth Uno

NCI 2010 Alumni Beth Uno
Photo courtesy of Beth Uno

San Francisco Japantown

San Francisco's Japantown, permanently established after the Great 1906 Earthquake, was originally a gateway for Japanese immigrants.  Like the other two Japantowns, it suffered greatly during the evacuation of Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II and urban renewal.  It now prospers vibrantly as a place of gathering for the JA community and home to important community organizations such as the Japanese Community Youth Council, the National Japanese American Historical Society, and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center Northern California.

For more information, visit: http://www.sfjapantown.org/
--
Japantown, San Francisco looking across Post Street north on Buchanan Street.

• Photographer: Christopher Beland
• Date: 14 July 2005

San Jose Japantown (San Jose Japantown Obon Festival)

San Jose's Japantown, also over a century old with its roots with the Japanese immigrants who settled in the Santa Clara Valley, is home to a thriving cultural community.  Similar to the other Japantowns, it's livelihood relies on its dedicated, zealous community members.

For more information, visit: http://www.jtown.org/
--
San Jose Japantown Obon Festival

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Mark
Taken from thinkbiggersanjose blog, "Japantown: one of the few remaining in the nation"

LA's Japantown, Little Tokyo (Little Tokyo's First Street)

There are currently only three remaining Japantowns in the nation!  These three Japntowns, located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose, are the sites of the Japanese American community-based organizations where NCI interns are placed.  NCI strives to preserve and revitalize the spirt and livelihood of these Japantowns through community exposure and involvement.  Due to the fact that these Japantowns are constantly changing whether it be the result of redevelopment, the economy, or public demands, new problems and issues arise that threaten their existence.

Little Tokyo is home to community organizations such as Little Tokyo Service Center, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.  

This historic street in Little Tokyo was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1995.  This block of land located on First Street between San Pedro and Central has been around for over a century and carries a rich history with it.

For more information, visit: http://littletokyola.org/
--
Little Tokyo's First Street

This is a photo of Little Tokyo's First Street

Photo taken by J. Mapes in 2005

USC Geography website: http://dornsife.usc.edu/geography/la_walking_tour/civic_center/historic_little_tokyo.html

San Jose (NCI 2011 San Jose Opening Retreat)

This year, NCI 2011 interns were welcomed to opening retreat at the Akiyama Wellness Center, where they practiced their handshakes at a Networking Workshop, learned a little about their fellow interns during their Journey Map presentation, and took a tour of San Jose's Japantown.
--
NCI 2011 San Jose Opening Retreat

NCI 2011 welcomed at Akiyama Wellness Center in San Jose

June 2011

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI Sponsors (NCI 2011 Southwest Plane Ride)

Southwest is the official airline of NCI, who has graciously sponsored this program for many years.  Union Bank is also a significant contributor to NCI, who has shown full support since the very beginning and continually looks for more ways to stay involved with NCI and the community.  Among NCI's other sponsors are The Aratani CARE grant, Asian American Studies Center, UCLA, Sansei Legacy, Japanese American Community Services, CJACLC Board Members, Nikkei Community Internship Alumni, JACL San Fernando Chapter, JACL Sacramento Chapter, and JACL San Jose Chapter.

I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our generous sponsors!

In this picture, Southern California NCI 2011 interns and Alan Nishio, the current Chair of CJACLC, the sponsoring organization of NCI, take a plane ride back to LA from San Jose for opening retreat.

Kim Delevett, Southwest Airlines Corporate Community Affairs Manager, had this to say about the continual support of the NCI program:

"With an emphasis on leadership, education and outreach, Southwest is passionate about giving back to the many diverse communities we serve. Southwest is proud to sponsor the NCI Nikkei program, because our young leaders need opportunities to better understand the past in order to help preserve the three remaining Japantowns for future generations.

--
NCI 2011 Southwest Plane Ride

NCI 2011 SoCal interns with Alan Nishiyo on Southwest plane ride back home to LA from San Jose.

June 2011
Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2011, Class 10

Hiromi Aoyama, Jason Hata, Ryan Hata, Kyle Ichikawa, Maya Kochiyama, Ken Matsueda, Mari Miyamoto, Stuart Mizokami, Lisa Mizuiri, Alison Sunahara, Lindsey Sugimoto, Nick Tasaka-Mejia, Alison Tominaga
--
Hiromi Aoyama, Jason Hata, Ryan Hata, Kyle Ichikawa, Maya Kochiyama, Ken Matsueda, Mari Miyamoto, Stuart Mizokami, Lisa Mizuiri, Alison Sunahara, Lindsey Sugimoto, Nick Tasaka-Mejia, Alison Tominaga

NCI 2011

Photo courtesy of NCI program

CJACLC & JACL Nikkei Conference 2011

NCI 2011 interns attend the CJACLC & JACL Nikkei Conference 2011.  There were a variety of educational and inspiring workshops throughout the day that included, but were not limited to Historical Preservation, Art and Culture, Community Preservation, and U.S.-Japan Relations.  Each workshop included a presentation from a panel of experts followed by a discussion.  In this picture, NCI intern, Lindsey Sugimoto, voices her opinion at the Civil Engagement and Leadership Development Workshop facilitated by Craig Ishii.
--
NCI 2011 attend CJACLC & JACL Nikkei Conference 2011: Civil Engagement and Leadership Development Workshop

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Youth CAN Joins NCI at Midsession Retreat

NCI 2011 interns join Youth CAN, a program to get high school students involved in the JA community, at the Midsession Retreat in the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel.  They played ice breakers and broke out into smaller groups for discussion about JA issues and identity.
--
Youth CAN Joins NCI at Midsession Retreat 2011

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2011 Alumni Dinner

Current NCI 2011 interns and 10 years of NCI alumni meet for a dinner get-together in Little Tokyo during Midsession Retreat.

After a decade of success for NCI, Amy Phillips talks about NCI's future:

"I think the fourth point of our mission statement is that people would feel inspired to get involved in the Nikkei community or whatever other communities…to which they belong.  There’s an understanding that going through NCI doesn’t always mean that you’ll necessarily be a Nikkei community leader.  And people move and there might not be a Nikkei organization or what not.  But we hope that everybody will walk away with an understanding of the Nikkei community, with experiences or skills that they can apply and networks when there are questions or when something happens, that you have friends or mentors or people you can talk to, so you’re not isolated.  There are some interns who we keep in touch really regularly and others who come back and say hi or email or join a conversation out of the blue and others who we haven’t really heard from much at all.  Still, we know that they’ve gotten involved with something else that’s their passion.  I think ideally, we would want everybody to be contributing to the Nikkei community in some way and we do have a pretty good number of people who have gone on to work at community based organizations.  Even if they’re not in a Japanese American organization, if they’re in an Asian American or any other non-profit, we can [still] have that relationship with the organizations, with the NCI intern as the bridge….

So I think some people might feel like, okay well do we have the same needs?  There’s always something so I feel like you don’t want to be complacent about anything…you always have to have people who are ready and willing to do something when something happens because you don’t know when something will happen, so the only constant is that there will always be needs.  And I think that with NCI then, because the different institutions are evolving, and again as our cultural identities continue to evolve, that there’s always a new discussion with every group of students. 

Again, there’s that balance where we’re trying to integrate the new and still educate about those foundational things, history or values that we want to continue.  There are some people who are like, ‘oh, whatever, the youth, they don’t know anything.’  And there are younger people who tend to say, ‘oh, we have to change everything that’s old cause that doesn’t apply anymore’ and I’m kind of in the middle where I feel like, gosh, there are a lot of great ideas.  There are a lot of things that are worth preserving, not in a packed away mothball, like untouchable way, but that both sides are so important to our cultural identity, our community identity, and our progress that I hope that we can continue to integrate that through NCI.   

When I asked if she thought NCI had accomplished its goal, she said:

"It’s not the kind of goal that has a clear ending or sunset date, so it’s an ongoing thing and I do feel like yeah, we have been able to introduce young people to different aspects of the Nikkei community and yeah, I think that the organization that have hosted interns have largely had a positive experience and got something out of their interns.  Yeah, I think that people continue to be, continue to come back and be part of the organizations in visible and less visible ways too.  I think it’s accomplishing its mission."
--
Current NCI 2011 interns and 10 years of NCI alumni meet for a dinner get-together in Little Tokyo during Midsession Retreat.

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Team Building (NCI Team Building Workshop)

During mid-session retreat, workshop leader, Debbie Ching, facilitates a Team Building workshop.  Interns have to help each other build lego cars without talking, forcing the interns to utilize other methods of communication and strategy.
--
NCI Team Building Workshop

NCI Team Building Workshop

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt (NCI 2011 Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt)

During Midsession Retreat, NCI 2011 interns went on a Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt, where they explored Little Tokyo's historic treasures and surprises.

NCI interns, Alison Sunahara and Mari Miyamoto, strategically plan out their route.
--
NCI 2011 Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt

During Midsession Retreat, NCI 2011 interns went on a Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt, where they explored Little Tokyo's historic treasures and surprises.

NCI Alumni Booth at JACCC's Chibi-K Fun Run 2011

NCI alumni came back to the JA community and sold shaved ice at JACCC's Chibi-K Fun Run 2011.
--
NCI Alumni Booth at JACCC's Chibi-K Fun Run 2011

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2010, Class 9

Blake Tamaki, Todd Kushigemachi, Mark Hara, Jared Wong, Masao Taylor, Greg Yamaguchi, Stephen Yoshizawa, Sami Michishita, Casey Ikeda, Corey Yamamoto, Michael Murata, Emily Furutani, Megan Sawamura, Sara Seto, Jessica Kanai, Beth Uno, Michelle Mitsuda, Molly Serizawa

San Jose Obon (NCI 2010 San Jose Obon)

NCI 2010 interns attend the San Jose Obon during their Midsession Retreat.
--
NCI 2010 San Jose Obon

NCI 2010 San Jose Obon

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI with Project community (NCI 2009 with Project Community)

NCI 2009 interns join Project Community, a high school program that "create[s] a space for high school youth to learn more about themselves and their roles within the Little Tokyo community," in a workshop.  Workshops "focus on developing leadership skills, identity, the importance of Little Tokyo, grassroots organizing, and the importance of preservation in the Little Tokyo community."

For more info, visit: http://www.jaclpsw.org/Project__Community%21.html
--
NCI 2009 with Project Community

NCI 2009 with Project Community

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Go For Broke (NCI 2009 goes to Go For Broke National Education Center)

NCI 2009 Southern California interns visit the Go For Broke National Education Center and chat with Nisei World War II veterans.

"Our mission is to share the legacy of the Japanese American soldiers of World War II who served in segregated units and fought with unmatched bravery in Europe and the Pacific Theater.

Through the generous support of our community, we have recorded the life stories of over 1,150 of these veterans; taught over 3,000 educators in Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Texas, Maryland and Virginia; reached over 100,000 students through our web-based digital curriculum; and welcomed over 100,000 visitors to the Go For Broke Monument near downtown Los Angeles.

Our work continues as we reach out to more states, more students, more citizens to share a remarkable story of humble men who, in the words of President Clinton, '...did much more than prove they were Americans; they made our nation more American. They pushed us toward that more perfect union of our founder's dreams.'"

For more info, visit: http://www.goforbroke.org/default.asp
--
NCI 2009 goes to Go For Broke National Education Center

NCI 2009 goes to Go For Broke National Education Center

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Tuesday Night Cafe: The Party

NCI 2009 interns attend Tuesday Night Cafe: The Party, Tuesday Night Cafe's annual summer concert fundraiser at the JACCC plaza, during their Midsession Retreat.
--
NCI 2009 interns attend Tuesday Night Cafe: The Party, Tuesday Night Cafe's annual summer concert fundraiser at the JACCC plaza, during their Midsession Retreat.

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Making Mini Goldfish Nebuta for Nisei Week parade (NCI 2009 Making Mini Goldfish Nebuta for Nisei Week parade)

NCI 2009 interns make mini goldfishi nebuta for Nisei Week parade at Little Tokyo Service Center.
--
NCI 2009 Making Mini Goldfish Nebuta for Nisei Week parade

NCI 2009 interns make mini goldfishi nebuta for Nisei Week parade at Little Tokyo Service Center.

Photo courtesy of NCI program.

Tuesday Night Cafe

Every year, Southern California NCI interns attend one Tuesday Night Cafe to learn about this artistic community effort and the impact that it's had.  They always put on such a great show with live singers, musicians, and comedians and also have community artwork on display.  You can always count on good people and good vibes.

"On the face of it, Tuesday Night Project (TNP) hosts a free open mic event called the 1st & 3rd Tuesday Night Cafe in Little Tokyo, Spring through Fall – but since 1999 the people behind the project and the series have grown into an actual community fiercely devoted to creating venues where art and community connect. It is a community of artists, organizers, activists, professionals, independent business owners, educators and community members of different generations, a myriad of artistic disciplines and all walks of life."

Its purpose is "to build space for people to connect through the artistic expression of the API and L.A. communities and to provide time for cultural, social, and political awareness with opportunities for involvement, collaboration, real relationship-building and action."

For more info, check out: http://www.tuesdaynightproject.org/
--
Tuesday Night Cafe in Little Tokyo

2009

Photo courtesy of NCI

Journey Map (NCI Journey Map)

The Japanese American community has a vibrant history spanning more than a century and four generations in the United States. Japanese Americans have before them the tremendous task of defining and addressing the needs of the present community to ensure its future vitality. The participation of young people is one of the keys to sustaining the rich culture and traditions of the Nikkei heritage. This was the primary focus at Spectrum, a conference organized by and for young Nikkei in April 2001.

In response, the California Japanese American Community Leadership Council (CJACLC) funded an initiative to plan and implement a statewide summer internship program the following year. This pilot program, coordinated by the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) in San Francisco and theJapanese American Citizens League, Pacific Southwest District (JACL PSW) in Los Angeles, grew into the Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) program.

The goal of NCI is to develop the next generation of community leaders by:

1. Giving young people greater exposure to opportunities and needs in the Japanese American community,
2. Promoting interaction and networking between existing Nikkei organizations and institutions,
3. Connecting interns with mentors in the Japanese American community who inspire and pique their interest in the work of our organizations, and
4. Providing a fun learning experience that creates energy and a desire to participate in the Japanese American community and other communities to which they belong.

This is a picture of two Journey Maps that NCI interns made to represent their "journey to NCI": what got them interested in the program, Japanese American culture, and community involvement, and a brief insight into how they define their identity.
--
NCI Journey Map

Interns create a "Journey Map" of their path to NCI.

Photo courtesy of Nikkei Community Internship

NCI 2009

NCI 2009, Class 8

Michelle Chan, Kat Hirayanagi, Kisa Ito, Traci Kanamori, Alyssa Kato, Jamie Kozono, Takehiro Kurosawa, Bryan Maekawa, Mike Nakamura, Mark Nitake, Michael Oguro, Emi Sawada, Jason Thai, Kacie Yoshida
--
Michelle Chan, Kat Hirayanagi, Kisa Ito, Traci Kanamori, Alyssa Kato, Jamie Kozono, Takehiro Kurosawa, Bryan Maekawa, Mike Nakamura, Mark Nitake, Michael Oguro, Emi Sawada, Jason Thai, Kacie Yoshida

NCI 2009

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Activism Workshop (NCI Activism Workshop )

NCI 2008 interns participate in an advocacy training and activism workshop led by Diane Ujiye, Asian Pacific Islanders California Action Network (APIsCAN) Executive Director, and California State Assemblyman, Warren Furutani.  Interns learned about education, advocacy, and lobbying and demonstrated their activism abilities in a mock campaign.

APIsCAN is a "catalyst for public policy and community development that promotes health, social, and economic equity for the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities through organizing, collaboration, leadership development and education."

For more info, visit: http://apiscan.org/
--
NCI Activism Workshop

NCI 2008 interns participate in an advocacy training and activism workshop led by Diane Ujiye, Asian Pacific Islanders California Action Network (APIsCAN) Executive Director.  Interns learned about education, advocacy, and lobbying and demonstrated their activism abilities in a mock campaign.

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2008, Class 7

Fiona Potter, Kristin Fukushima, Janet Hiroshima, Annie Kim Noguchi, Katie Furukawa, Megan Terasaki, LiAnn Ishizuka, Wendy Sekimura, Mimi Yang, Tristan Sedillo, Nate Imai, Max Nihei, Edward Kobayashi, David Oda
--
Fiona Potter, Kristin Fukushima, Janet Hiroshima, Annie Kim Noguchi, Katie Furukawa, Megan Terasaki, Li Ann Ishizuka, Wendy Sekimura, Mimi Yang, Tristan Sedillo, Nate Imai, Max Nihei, Edward Kobayashi, David Oda

NCI 2008

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute

The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) has been a contributor to the NCI program since 2008, hosting site visits and interns.  In this picture, Executive Director, Alison Kochiyama, gives Southern California NCI interns a tour of the main GVJCI Heritage Center and upstairs classrooms.

"The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center housing various classes, services, and programs for seniors, non-senior adults, and youth in the South Bay for over 40 years.  Our mission is to serve the needs of the local Japanese American community through educational, cultural, and social programs that share the Japanese and Japanese American cultural heritage.

The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute serves the needs of the Japanese American community of the South Bay area through educational, cultural and social programs by:

• Providing programs and activities, sensitive and relevant, to the needs of our senior citizens and youth;
• Offering use of facilities and support to community organizations which foster the best interests and welfare of the community; and
• Striving to create an environment for better inter-generational understanding, for perpetuating the ethnic heritage of Americans of Japanese ancestry, and for promoting cultural pride and respect for all humanity. "

  For more info, visit: http://www.jci-gardena.org/

Communication Styles Workshop (Communication Styles Workshop NCI)

NCI interns demonstrate the different styles of communication during a workshop with Debbie Ching.  After tallying up points pertaining to four different communication personalities, interns map themselves on a graph, landing in one of four quadrants: Driver, Expressive, Amiable, and Analytical.  Then, interns are matched up with other interns of the same communication style and are instructed to present a daily routine in their opposite communication style.
--
Communication Styles Workshop NCI

Communication Styles NCI Workshop with Debbie Ching

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2007, Class 6

Jeffrey Chu, Lindsay Chu, Elizabeth Ishida, Eric Murata, Paul Matsushima, Mike Mikawa, Tyler Moore, Karen Nakasato, Christa Ogata, Colleen Oinuma, Monica Sakata, Risa Taira
--
Jeffrey Chu, Lindsay Chu, Elizabeth Ishida, Eric Murata, Paul Matsushima, Mike Mikawa, Tyler Moore, Karen Nakasato, Christa Ogata, Colleen Oinuma, Monica Sakata, Risa Taira

NCI 2007 

Photo courtesy of NCI 2007

NCI 2006, Class 5

Vanessa Hatakeyama, Karynn Ikeda, Aya Ino, Stacy Iwata, Sally Kikuchi, Lauren Miyamoto, Tenley Mochizuki, Kim Nakamura, Reed Nakamura, Lisa Okuda, Courtney Okuhara, Christy Sakamoto, Lisa Sasaki, Kristen Yasukawa
--
Vanessa Hatakeyama, Karynn Ikeda, Aya Ino, Stacy Iwata, Sally Kikuchi, Lauren Miyamoto, Tenley Mochizuki, Kim Nakamura, Reed Nakamura, Lisa Okuda, Courtney Okuhara, Christy Sakamoto, Lisa Sasaki, Kristen Yasukawa

NCI 2006

Photo courtesy of NCI program

LTSC Visit (Little Tokyo Service Center NCI visit)

NCI 2006 interns visit the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), one of the community based organizations where NCI interns are placed.

"The mission of the Little Tokyo Service Center, a Community Development Corporation, is to meet the critical needs of people and build community.

For over 29 years, the Little Tokyo Service Center, a Community Development Corporation (LTSC CDC), has been an important resource for the residents of a diverse community. Founded in 1979, LTSC CDC is a nonprofit charitable organization serving Asian and Pacific Islanders throughout Los Angeles County who are in need, especially those facing language or cultural gaps, financial need, or physical disabilities."

For more info, visit: http://www.ltsc.org/
--
Little Tokyo Service Center NCI visit

Little Tokyo Service Center NCI visit

NCI 2006

Photo courtesy of NCI program

APALS Reception (NCI 2005 APALS Reception)

Stacey Toda, formerly staff for Assemblyman George Nakano, chats with NCI 2005 interns at the Asian Pacific American Legislative Staff (APALS) Reception.
--
NCI 2005 APALS Reception

Stacey Toda, formerly staff for Assemblyman George Nakano, chats with NCI 2005 interns at the Asian Pacific American Legislative Staff (APALS) Reception.

Pacific Citizen (NCI 2005 Amy Ikeda interns at Pacific Citizen)

NCI 2005 intern, Amy Ikeda, shows off her a newspaper article, "JA Activist Yuri Kochiyama Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize," she wrote for Pacific Citizen during her internship.

"Celebrating its 82nd anniversary this year, the Pacific Citizen is an award-winning Asian Pacific American semi-monthly newspaper with a distribution of 30,000 throughout the United States and Japan. Its popular Web site averages over 550,000 hits per month. 

Published by the JACL (www.jacl.org), the nation's oldest and largest APA civil rights organization, the Pacific Citizen is committed to delivering the most incisive coverage of important APA stories that are often ignored by other media outlets."

For more info, visit: http://www.pacificcitizen.org/site/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx
--
NCI 2005 Amy Ikeda interns at Pacific Citizen

NCI 2005 Amy Ikeda interns at Pacific Citizen

2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

JACL PSW (NCI 2005 Jessie Kikuchi Interns at JACL PSW)

Jessie Kikuchi, an NCI 2005 intern, works diligently at her desk in the Japanese American Citizens League Pacific Southwest (JACL PSW) District office.

"Informed by the history and experience of the Japanese American community, The mission of the JACL Pacific Southwest District is… 

To advocate for civil rights and a vibrant community (economically, socially and culturally) through empowerment and activism for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and other disenfranchised communities."

JACL PSW hosts a number of youth programs in Little Tokyo such as Camp Musubi, Bridging Communities, and the Collegiate Japanese American Internship.

For more info, visit: http://www.jaclpsw.org/Welcome.html
--
NCI 2005 Jessie Kikuchi Interns at JACL PSW

NCI 2005 Jessie Kikuchi interns at JACL PSW

2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Nichi Bei Times (NCI 2005 Nichi Bei Times Site Visit)

NCI 2005 Norcal interns visit Nichi Bei Times in San Francisco.  Established on May 18, 1946, Nichi Bei Times is the oldest Japanese American bilingual newspaper in Northern California.  Upon its closing in September 2009, Nichi Bei Weekly was founded.  "The Nichi Bei Weekly is grounded by a strong and focused mission of keeping the community connected, informed and empowered. It strives to be the glue that holds the community together."  

For more info, check out: http://www.nichibei.org/
--
NCI 2005 Nichi Bei Times Site Visit

NCI 2005 NorCal interns visit Nichi Bei Times.

2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2005, Class 4

Heather Harada, Amy Ikeda, Jessie Kikuchi, Laura Marshall, Jennifer Nakamoto, Lynne Nakamura, Conrad Ohashi, Ryan Ono, Mickie Okamoto, Matthew Shingai, Kent Watanabe, Cindi Yorita
--
Heather Harada, Amy Ikeda, Jessie Kikuchi, Laura Marshall, Jennifer Nakamoto, Lynne Nakamura, Conrad Ohashi, Ryan Ono, Mickie Okamoto, Matthew Shingai, Kent Watanabe, Cindi Yorita

NCI 2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Japanese American National Museum (NCI 2005 Japanese American National Museum Site Visit)

The Japanese American National Museum has long been a supporter of and intern community-based organization for NCI.  In this picture, Koji Sakai is giving NCI 2005 interns a tour of the Childrens' Courtyard right outside of the museum.

"The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to fostering greater understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by preserving and telling the stories of Americans of Japanese ancestry.  Since its incorporation in 1985, the National Museum has grown into an internationally recognized institution, presenting award-winning exhibitions, groundbreaking traveling exhibits, educational public programs, innovative video documentaries and cutting-edge curriculum guides.  The National Museum is one of only 15 institutions in Southern California that has received accreditation from the Association of American Museums.

Another way that the Museum is expanding its reach is through its web projects.  In addition to the janm.org site, the award-winning Discover Nikkei (discovernikkei.org) is an international network that celebrates cultural diversity and explores both global and local identities.  The project connects generations and communities by sharing stories and perspectives of the Nikkei, people of Japanese descent who have migrated and settled throughout the world."  

For more info, visit: janm.org
--
NCI 2005 Japanese American National Museum Site Visit

NCI 2005 SoCal interns visit Japanese American National Museum.

2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Nisei Diploma Project

NCI 2005 interns attend a Nisei Diploma Project Ceremony, a JCCCNC project in which Nisei students whose educations and graduations were interrupted by World War II incarceration, were given honorary degrees by their colleges.  Guest speaker, California State Assemblyman Warren Furutani speaks, "[This] is an opportunity for our state to honor Americans of Japanese descent who suffered a significant injustice."

Hokubei Times (NCI 2005 Hokubei Times Site Visit)

Northern California NCI 2005 interns visit Hokubei Mainichi newspaper in San Francisco3, which was a Japanese language newspaper published from 1948-2009.
--
NCI 2005 Hokubei Times Site Visit

NCI 2005 NorCal interns visit Hokubei Times

2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Current Interns and NCI Alumni Plan Event

Mickie Okamoto, 2005 NCI intern, leads a discussion about planning an alumni-intern get-together, where old and current NCI interns can network and talk about their experiences with the program.
--
Mickie Okamoto, 2005 NCI coordinator, leads a discussion about planning an alumni-intern get-together, where old and current NCI interns can network and talk about their experiences with the program.

2005

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Steve Nakajo (of Kimochi, Inc.) Gives Tour of SF J-town (Steve Nakajo (of Kimochi) Gives Tour of SF J-town)

Steve Nakajo, Executive Director of Kimochi, Inc. gives NCI 2004 interns a tour of San Francisco's Japantown.  Kimochi, Inc. "is a nonprofit organization that provides culturally sensitive care for seniors primarily serving the Japanese American community."

For more info, visit: http://www.kimochi-inc.org/index.htm
--
Steve Nakajo (of Kimochi) Gives Tour of SF J-town

Steve Nakajo, Executive Director of Kimochi gives NCI 2004 interns a tour of San Francisco's Japantown. 

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Opening Luncheon (NCI Opening Luncheon 2004)

NCI kicks off to a start with the Nikkei Community Internship Community Leadership Luncheon during opening retreat.  This is where interns meet and greet with local, influential community leaders and members.  Where the networking begins...
--
NCI Opening Luncheon 2004

NCI's Opening Luncheon.  2004

Photo courtesy of NCI program

CJACLC Symposium in Sacramento

NCI 2004 intern, Mike Morita, speaks at the CJACLC Symposium in Sacramento.
--
NCI 2004 intern, Mike Morita, speaks at the CJACLC Symposium in Sacramento.

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2004, Class 3

Tamiko Forrest, Cory Hayashi, Lauren Kawabata, Jessica Kawamura, Kenyon Mayeda, Bridge Mei, Lauren Miyake, Lori Monji, Mike Morita, Lenna Onishi, Yumi Sakugawa, Doug Sekimura, Machiko Uyeno
--
Tamiko Forrest, Cory Hayashi, Lauren Kawabata, Jessica Kawamura, Kenyon Mayeda, Bridge Mei, Lauren Miyake, Lori Monji, Mike Morita, Lenna Onishi, Yumi Sakugawa, Doug Sekimura, Machiko Uyeno

NCI 2004

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI goes to the Capitol

NCI 2003 interns take a trip to the state capitol, where they meet with political leaders.
--
NCI 2003 goes to the Capitol

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2003, Class 2

Mayling Chung, Nicole Iwamasa, Michael Iwanaga, Kristin Iwata, Ran Kimura, Jennifer Murakami, Eric Nakano, Dawn Omori, Michelle Otani, Diana Sakata, Erica Terry, Megumi Tomatsu
--
Mayling Chung, Nicole Iwamasa, Michael Iwanaga, Kristin Iwata, Ran Kimura, Jennifer Murakami, Eric Nakano, Dawn Omori, Michelle Otani, Diana Sakata, Erica Terry, Megumi Tomatsu

NCI 2003

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI Interns Eating Natto (Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt) (NCI Interns Eat Natto (Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt))

A 2003 NCI intern completes one of the tasks by eating a container of natto.  As you can tell by his expression, clearly one of his favorites foods!
--
NCI Interns Eat Natto (Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt)

A 2003 Nikkei Community Internship program intern completes one of the tasks by eating a container of natto.  As you can tell by his expression, clearly one of his favorites foods!

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI Workshop Leader: Debbie Ching (NCI Workshop with Debbie Ching)

Debbie Ching has been a dedicated supporter of the NCI program.  She graciously donates her time and expertise on non-profits and leadership to conduct workshops about time management, finance, team building, and communication.  Debbie expresses why she thinks NCI is important: 

"As a volunteer trainer for the NCI program since 2003, I am continually impressed with the interest of the interns as we talk about issues of culture, identity, organizations and community. NCI has been a highly successful program in engaging Japanese American college students in their cultural community. The success and impact of the NCI program is evident in the alumni, many of whom have chosen careers in community service or are employed with Japanese American organization or continue to volunteer with community organizations. Many confirm that they would not have made those choices had the NCI experience not exposed them to a community of their heart."

--
NCI Workshop with Debbie Ching

NCI Workshop with Debbie Ching

Photo courtesy of NCI program

Manzanar Service Project (NCI Manzanar Service Project)

In 2002, the first NCI Southern California class interns spend a day at Manzanar National Historic Site doing a service project with National Park Service interns.
--
NCI Manzanar Service Project

In 2002, the first NCI class Southern California interns spend a day at Manzanar National Historic Site doing a service project with National Park Service interns.

Photo courtesy of NCI program

NCI 2002, Class 1

Kae Arima, Christine Hamilton, Stephanie Hirata, Erin Kagehiro, Jamie Lee, Lisa Masai, Juli Matsumoto, Emily Mayeda, Sarah Sasaki, Kyle Tajima, Stacie Tsuji, Michael Uyeda, Lisa Wada
--
Kae Arima, Christine Hamilton, Stephanie Hirata, Erin Kagehiro, Jamie Lee, Lisa Masai, Juli Matsumoto, Emily Mayeda, Sarah Sasaki, Kyle Tajima, Stacie Tsuji, Michael Uyeda, Lisa Wada

NCI 2002

Photo courtesy of NCI program