Movie Review: "Lil Tokyo Reporter (2012)" A Short Film Directed By Jeffrey Gee Chin.
Fig. A scene from “Lil Tokyo Reporter”.
“I was read the story of a small samurai ....."
(Courtesy of Leap Man Productions )
time: 1935
place:Los Angeles, California
Fujii:
“I was read the story of a small samurai who traveled to a far off island to defeat demons and ogres.
I came to America with that same dream.”
Fujii exposes the criminal activities of the Japanese club on the front page of his paper.
Fujii shot
(Courtesy of Leap Man Productions)
Fujii survives
After a police raid, the club was shut down. Fujii continued to defend the Japanese of Los Angeles his whole life.
I never knew Fujii before I stumbled on this movie.
Directed by Jeffrey Gee Chin, the 30-minute short film “Lil Tokyo Reporter” delves into the life of Fujii (1882–1954). Born in Iwakuni, Japan, Fujii embarked on a transformative journey when he moved to America at the age of 20. He was incarcerated by the US government, but this setback did not deter him.
Fujii’s passion for justice and community welfare led him to establish California Daily News (Kashu Mainichi) in Los Angeles, California.
In this movie, his mission was twofold:
1. Expose the exploitation of the poor by local gambling establishments.
2. Foster acceptance of the Japanese community in Little Tokyo as loyal and trustworthy Americans.
Due to racially-biased laws, Fujii was unable to acquire a law license, and would only represent in court with his law school classmate J Marion Wright. Instead he founded a newspaper; armed with the power of the press, Fujii took on the gambling houses, corrupt government officials, and those willing to take advantage of the Japanese people.
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Portrayal of Fujii (acted by Academy Award® Winner Chris Tashima) appears to embody traditional Japanese principles. Born in 1882, only 14 years after Japan’s feudal period ended, Fujii must have been significantly influenced by the Japan’s traditional culture. His grandmother’s samurai lineage further underscores this connection [1].
The authenticity of the film is highlighted by the accents of the Japanese language. They include Mrs. Sato’s (acted by Keiko Agena), the Hoodlums' among others. As for Mr. Sato (acted by Eijiro Ozaki), his internal struggle and eventual decision to turn to the police are well-executed, showcasing his complexity.
Details of Fujii's life is well documented in [1], [2].
[1] Sato, K., "Los angeles Giggyu Ondo", Zen Hon Sha, Tokyo, 1983
[2] Jeffrey Gee Chin and Fumiko Carole Fujita, "A Rebel's Outcry:Biography Issei Civil Rights Leader Sei Fujii (1882-1954)", based on [1], Little Tokyo Historical Society, Los Angeles, 2021
This book won gold with the California Book Award and Independent Publishers Award.
The following is a photo of real Fujii with his handwriting in the background (from [2]).
Fig. Cover Image of "A Rebel's Outcry" Biography, original photograph from Fujii Akiyama Family Archives
Ongoing Projects on Sei Fujii with the Little Tokyo Historical Society include:
2013 - Short Film - “Lil Tokyo Reporter” - 30 Minutes - Won over 21 Festival Awards, Screened with U.S. Embassy in China, Korea, and Japan.
2015 - Monument - “Sei Fujii Memorial Lantern"
2019 - Historic Designation - “Japanese Hospital - National Historic Monument”
2021 - Biography - "A Rebel’s Outcry”
- Won Gold 91st California Book Award & 26th Independent Publisher’s Award, Finalist in Writer’s Digest (Independent Publications)
Plans include an upcoming graphic novel and feature film.
Acknowledgement: I thank Jeffrey Gee Chin for providing me with data as well as images.
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