PASADENA — The short film “Lil Tokyo Reporter” and a book talk on “A Rebel’s Outcry” will be given on Sunday, June 23, at 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute, 595 Lincoln Ave. in Pasadena.
Both works focus on Issei community leader Sei Fujii (1882-1954), who founded a newspaper (Kashu Mainichi), established labor unions, led race relations, and fought for the Nikkei community before the civil rights movement we know today. Collaborating with fellow USC Law alumnus J. Marion Wright, he won two major Supreme Court cases, establishing the Japanese Hospital and overturning the Alien Land Law, allowing all immigrants the right to own land in California.
Panelists include Oscar-winning filmmaker Chris Tashima, who plays Fujii in the film, and director/publisher Jeffrey Gee Chin. There will be a light reception.
RSVP by Sunday, June 16, by calling or texting June at (626) 487-9184.
UPDATE: This event has been postponed. The Little Tokyo Historical Society will make an announcement when a new date is scheduled.