KCETLink Debuts JAPANESE AMERICAN LIVES in Recognition of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Mon

Series Presented by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)

Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi Featured in Stories from Tohoko

BURBANK, Calif. - April 28, 2014 - In recognition of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May, KCETLink introduces a compelling series, JAPANESE AMERICAN LIVES, during three nights in May, beginning Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. PST on Link TV (DirecTV 375, DISH Network 9410) and Friday, May 9 at 9 p.m. on KCET.

Presented by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), JAPANESE AMERICAN LIVES explores the rich and diverse history of Japanese Americans with stories that go beyond the history books. From a 99-year-old female judo master, and the complex story of a Japanese immigrant family disrupted by WWII, to founders of the Asian American jazz movement, and Japanese Americans helping to rebuild Japan after the devastating tsunami and earthquake, the series is an important look at the inspirational stories of Asian Americans who have made a difference.

Mrs. Judo - Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. PT on Link TV/Friday, May 9 at 9 p.m. on KCET

Using rare archival footage, exclusive interviews and plenty of on-the-mat action, director Yuriko Gamo Romer eloquently brings to life the inspiring story of a remarkable woman and judo master. At a time when women went from childhood home to wife and homemaker, Keiko Fukuda made an unpopular choice and took a different path, saying. This hour-long documentary beautifully showcases the life of 99-year-old Sensei Fukuda, presenting her as not only a pioneer for women but as an inspiration to us all.

Honor & Sacrifice & Dont Lose Your Soul - Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. PT/Friday, May 16 at 9 p.m. on KCET

Honor & Sacrifice by Lucy Ostrander tells the complex story of a Japanese immigrant family ripped apart by WWII. The Matsumoto family included five sons -- two who fought for the Americans and three who fought for the Japanese. The eldest, Hiroshi (Roy), became a hero, fighting against the Japanese with Merrills Marauders, an American guerrilla unit in Burma.

Dont Lose Your Soul by Jim Choi and Chihiro Wimbush showcases two unsung Asian Americans in the music world. This intimate portrait follows two Asian American musical legends: bassist Mark Izu and Grammy-nominated drummer Anthony Brown, both founders of the Asian American Jazz Movement.

Stories From Tohoku - Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. PT on Link TV/Friday, May 23 at 9 p.m. on KCET

Stories From Tohoku chronicles survivors stories of courage and resilience three years after the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan. This powerful documentary featuring Olympic Gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, explores both the endurance and frustration of survivors and the hope inspired by visitors. Told through the voices of ordinary people, we meet survivors facing an uncertain future with hope and strength, and Japanese Americans committed to help and support in Japans recovery.

ABOUT KCETLINK

KCETLink is the national independent public transmedia organization formed by the merger between KCET and Link Media. A viewer-supported 501c(3) organization, its content is distributed nationally via satellite on DirecTV (375) and DISH (9410), in Southern and Central California via broadcast, as well as through various digital delivery systems. The combined organization reaches a wide broadcast audience that includes Link TVs 33 million satellite subscribers and KCETs 5.6 million households in Southern and Central California. KCETLink is committed to driving public media innovation with smarter ways to access content that engages all audiences with global storytelling. For additional information about KCETLink productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org or linktv.org.

LINK:	http://www.kcet.org/about/pressroom/press-releases/kcetlink-debuts-jap...
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