Normally at this time, I would be submitting a article to the Nichi Bei Times highlighting some food factoid, random wine ramblings or an occasional restaurant review. However this coming Thursday's publication will be the last copy of the original Nichi Bei Times as we know it. It started some 62 years ago as a way to get the Japanese American community back in touch with each other after the harsh years of incarceration in internment camps. What originally started as a Japanese language paper eventually included a section in English for younger generations of readers. Several years ago each side split and published their own weekly paper that highlighted events within the Asian American community. I started contributing as a columnist almost 7 years ago with a simple monthly column that eventually became a biweekly event.
Though most print media are struggling to survive (and it's even tougher for ethnic print media), Nichi Bei Times Vice President and English Editor, Kenji Taguma admirably weathered the toughest of storms. However when that perfect storm surges, even the most gallant effort may not save the ship and in this case, the decision by shareholders to fold the publication.
However the Phoenix may yet rise from the ashes. Kenji along with several community leaders in the Bay Area are taking that heroic step to resuscitate the publication that's about to flatline. They have formed a non-profit; the Nichi Bei Foundation whose primary mission is to keep the community connected through a weekly publication. If the IRS grants 501(c)(3) status to the Foundation, contributions may be tax deductible. If you've enjoyed just one column that I've written, if I made you forget the daily grind that we call life if only for a moment or perchance brought a smile or tear for remembering a long lost food memory, I humbly ask that you consider a donation to the Nichi Bei Foundation.
Nichi Bei Foundation
P.O. Box 15693
San Francisco, CA 94115
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