“Why Does the Japanese Man Engage Them?”

a film documentary on Yosuke Nagai, founder and executive director of Accept International

Sunday, November 8, 5 pm PST

J-Sei is pleases to co-sponsor, together with the Buddhist Church of Oakland, an on-line documentary screening of Why Does the Japanese Man Engage Them? – Understanding Realities of Armed Conflict Resolution.

For more than 15 years, Accept International has worked in conflict-affected countries and regions. The short documentary ,“Why does the Japanese man engage them?” follows their work with individuals engaged in armed conflict in Somalia. They will introduce the challenges they face, their approach, and their recent activities.

ABOUT ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL

Accept International is a Japan-based international NGO working in conflict zones such as Somalia and Yemen as well as in conflict-affected regions of Kenya, Indonesia, and Colombia. They accept and empower individuals who have disengaged from non-state armed groups, supporting their rehabilitation, reintegration into society, and contributing to reconciliation and sustainable peace. In 2025, Accept International USA was established in Texas to expand their work from the United States.

Please join us on November 8 at 5 pm for this on line documentary screening of Accept International’s efforts to create a more peaceful world.  Following the screening, there will be a question and answer session, and Accept International staff will facilitate a discussion among participants and provide information to those interested in contributing to their efforts.

Accept International works in Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Indonesia, Colombia, Japan and beyond.  For more info, visit Accept International.

The 100th Seeds of Aloha

A special test screening, with live music, and Q&A with producer/director Steve Sue

Sunday, November 15, 1 pm

Be among the first to experience THE 100TH: Seeds of Aloha, a feature-length documentary honoring Hawaiʻi’s legendary 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The afternoon will include a welcome, a live music soundtrack performance by Music Director Harold Payne, a 110-minute screening of the film, and a Q&A with producer/director Steve Sue. Guests are invited to participate in the discussion and share their feedback to help refine the film before its official release.

Amid the chaos of World War II, the 100th Infantry Battalion – a unit predominately made up of Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJAs) from Hawaiʻi – fought heroically to liberate Italy and France, earning the name “The Purple Heart Battalion.” Their losses were so dire that they were eventually combined with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team including the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion (both also primarily AJA soldiers from Hawaiʻi) to become one of the most decorated units in US military history. But this isn’t just a tale of war – it’s a testament to soldiers who raised the bars on heroism and valor through applying the Spirit of Aloha, both during the War and for 80 years after.

Join us for an afternoon of film, live music, community, and remembrance as we honor the extraordinary legacy of the WWII Nisei veterans.

RSVP for screening.  Limited seating available.