As we approach April 11, one month after the Japan earthquake and tsunami, Japan continues to suffer through it’s worst crisis since World War II, as the country’s prime minister said. First the earthquake, then the tsunami, and now the erosion of nuclear power plants in the affected area is creating an emergency equal to Chernobyl.

The Minami Tamaki LLP law firm and Inspirational Opportunities for Youth and Seniors (IOYS), a nonprofit foundation, have been working together to raise funds for victims of the Northern Japan earthquakes and tsunami. To encourage support through this campaign, Minami Tamaki and IOYS pledged to match 50 percent of your donation up to a combined $10,000. As of April 6th, they have exceeded their second target of $100,000 by raising $192,000 in combined donations and matches. All donations and matches raised to date have been sent to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) so that they can put the donations to immediate use towards citizen relief efforts in the most affected areas. Watch a thank you video from JCCCNC Executive Director Paul Osaki.

Because the need in Japan continues to be so great, they are pressing on and have set a new goal of $250,000 in combined donations and matches. With the help of new campaign partners, they will continue to match 50% of donations up to pledged amounts through April 30, 2011.

Donate today in support of their new goal

James Hong, one of the most celebrated APA actors in Hollywood attended the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences event May 11, "Asian Pacific Americans in TV: Then & Now."

Hong plays "Ping" the goose father of "Po", the panda bear star of Kung Fu Panda, and Kung Fu Panda 2 debuting in theaters nationwide on May 26, 2011.

Hong's career spans over 50 years and includes more than 350 roles in film, television, and video games.

AsianConnections is attending the Los Angeles red carpet premiere of Kung Fu Panda 2. Stay tuned for our stories from the red carpet!

Click here for the full story at www.emmys.tv

From July 20 through August 2, a display of my photographs titled “In Rehearsal” will be on view in the Library of Congress’ Asian Division Reading Room, located in Room 150 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The hours of the Asian Division Reading Room are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Drawn from the Lia Chang Theater Portfolio in the Library’s Asian American Pacific Islander Collection, the photographs on display feature rehearsals of David Henry Hwang’s play, “ChingLish,” which premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago this summer and is bound for Broadway this fall; and rehearsal shots from “Bakwas Bumbug!,” a pop opera by Samrat Chakrabarti and Sanjiv Jhaveri, which recently made its off-Broadway debut.

Among the more than 60 events and performances on the schedule for 2011 are a host of new features, including a performance by Morning Musuko, a 15-member brassy J-pop big band; a specially commissioned contemporary dance work by the respected Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company; and a Puzzle Plaza where visitors can immerse themselves in with Sudoku, kakuro, LaQ and the legendary game of go.

Returning favorites include performances by Okinawan-pop stars happyfunsmile and martial artists Samurai Sword Soul, plentiful manga and anime activities including signings by famed manga artists and a live collaboration between Veronica Taylor (the voice of Pokemon) and artist Misako Rocks!, and several hands-on activities for kids to enjoy.