A Tale of Two Visionaries—Harry and Harold
Hidden in a quiet residential section of the northeastern San Fernando Valley, Nikkei Senior Gardens stands in silent tribute to two determined Japanese Americans: Harry Nakada and Harold Muraoka. Unrelated by blood but united in their dream of an assisted living facility for Japanese American seniors in the valley, the two men tenaciously advanced their […]
Exec Balances Careers with Vineyard, Uber
Jason Mikami is a modern-day Renaissance Man who is proving that it’s possible work for a major corporation while also tending to his family’s 123-year-old enterprise. Mikami, 48, is somewhat of an enigma. He currently serves as Head of Efficiency, Site Reliability Engineering, for global transportation giant, Uber, and holds degrees in computer science, electrical […]
Mary Mitsuda’s Journey of Wonder
Meeting Mary Mitsuda for the first time is like catching up with long lost friend. Over tea and her favorite focaccia bread from the neighborhood bakery, we talked story about art, family and life. According to an article in a 2014-2015 issue of Kahala Magazine, “Mitsuda has had her work featured at over 150 exhibitions […]
Custom and Creative: The Artistry of Cabinetmaker Milton Kanda
“He wasn’t cookie cutter, he was like an artist,” Jolene Backman said of her father, custom cabinetmaker Milton Jiro Kanda. For decades, Milton transformed pieces of oak, alder and walnut into finely crafted cabinets. He was born on January 31, 1932 in Pahala, Hawaii, a small sugar plantation town, where his father worked as a […]
Janice Suetomi, Himeyuri: A Story of War, Death, Life and Peace
Arriving to our interview, Janice Suetomi (born Fumiko Tamaki) smiled, oshare in white pants, and a purple and lavender floral blouse. But, her smiles turned to sorrow, as she recalled her time in the caves. “Tsurakatta,” she says with a soft voice. Pain, bitterness, and heartbreak showed on her face as she began to talk […]
Etsuko Tani: Sakae Sushi, Gardena
Etsuko Tani is the heart of Sakae Sushi, the beloved sushi restaurant in Gardena that is keeping true to the original flavors and high standards set decades earlier. The traditions at Sakae Sushi remain very much the same since the small restaurant was opened by Aya and Sumizo Tani in 1962. Their signature white box […]