PJCI- The Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute
"The Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute (PJCI) exists to support Japanese cultural activities and organizations in the greater Pasadena community. The purpose of our organization is to preserve and promote the awareness of and the appreciation for Japanese language and culture"- pjci.org
What does she do?
Miyuki Takeda and her husband formed a Japanese community organization to help Japanese residents post World War II. Many Japanese residents were placed in internment camps during the war. And even after the war, the Japanese were continuously discriminated and people learned to hide their identities and culture so they can melt into the typical American community. Ms. Takeda helped to gather Japanese people to provide the place to enjoy Japanese culture and help each other with their day to day life. She is a confident and persistent woman who did not stay satisfied with the racism and continued to advocate for her own culture, which makes her an upstander.
"The greatest tree always started from the smallest sprout - Kanon"
"Don't ever give up. Even if it's painful, even if it is agonizing, don't try to take the easy way out- Zenitsu "
"You can cry, and you can run, but just remember to never give up- Miyuki Takeda"
What makes her an upstander?
Ms. Takeda is a 92-year-old woman who perseveres and continues to perpetuate gratitude and recognition for Japanese Culture. My first impression of an upstander is if they have courage and determination. She is the definition of these two words. The bravery and dedication she put into preserving the Japanese culture were beyond what most people would've ever thought of during that time. With help from her husband, both of them together helped create the PJCI institute where they would continue to honor and appreciate Japanese culture, in addition to helping the Japanese citizens in Pasadena with their daily lives. At first it started out limited with people, and considered insignificant, but she still insisted and continued to help assist this organization until nowadays became successful. Due to this, the awareness of Japanese culture has increased and was savored among many citizens in the community of Pasadena thanks to Ms. Takeda.
(Video explaining in more depth about my exhibit and the Power of one)