Mr. Shibasaki: Keeping History Alive |
by Beth A. Shibata
| There are few things more startling than a camera's flash saying, "Gotcha!" That could easily be the motto of Mr. Shiyu (Bob) Shibasaki. While the reserved, smiling demeanor is of a Community Center member best known for his nearly 35 years as the Chief Instructor of the Karate Club, Mr. Shibasaki has been found nearly as long behind the lens of his 35-mm Canon camera. He has been happily serving as historian for the Community Center chronicling and documenting in pictures many events at the Venice Japanese Community Center and elsewhere. |  Mrs & Mr Bob Shibasaki |
While he is certainly not the only person who has contributed to the pictorial history of the Center, Mr. Shibasaki has been doing it for more than 30 years. Since the early 1970s he has captured nearly every major event on film for the VJCC from Shinnen-Enkai to Bonnenkai to the semi-annual cleanup to the local Miss Nisei candidates.
He is quick to make it clear that photography is his hobby. "I'm not a professional. I'm always a student, like with karate."
His love of photography developed in his "kid days." He would hang around the photographer who lived next door in Shingu, Wakayama prefecture, Japan. The photographer was his cousin.
Mr. Shibaskai did not study photography formally, but learned his craft the traditional way, "on the job" as an assistant. For several years he assisted Mr. James Tanabe. At the time Mr. Tanabe was in charge of photographing events. He also learned from Mr. Takematsu and Mr. Toki Ouchi. Over time, his skills developed, and when Mr. Tanabe retired, Mr. Shibasaki took over. For a while, he had Jim Nagao as an assistant.
Mr. Shibasaki learned tricks and techniques for shooting in situations where the lighting is difficult from Mr. Ken Inada, Mr. Katsuya and Mr. Jimmy Fujisawa, and other photographers. Mr. Wayne Wakino, a young photographer, also helped. Through the years they have provided invaluable advice and critiques that helped him take better photographs.
"I was very lucky because my teachers came to me—they wanted to learn karate," he grinned.
Typically he shoots two to three rolls for an event and has three cameras loaded and at the ready so he won't miss anything. Then there are times when he takes hundreds of pictures for large groups where everyone wants a close-up, requiring three to four shots per person.
The proof is, as they say, in the prints, which are in albums at the Community Center and have found their way into projects such as the VJCC commemorative 30th anniversary book.
One of his more memorable shots, taken during Nisei week, took first place in a Rafu Shimpo photography contest, although he admits Mrs. Shibasaki and a friend selected the picture that he submitted.
While Mr. Shibasaki enjoys shooting all kinds of events, he is particularly fond of shooting stage events and has been known to frequent the Japan America Theater and events at other community centers to take photos.
"He always insists on the larger prints," said Mrs. Shibasaki. "He wants to make sure everyone can be seen."
"As a historian, I try to do my best," he said. "I learn techniques and practice. Like karate, good photography takes lots of practice."
It's easy to see that his practice has paid off. Mr. Shibasaki's photographs, as well as those contributed over the years by others, are a rich part of the historical record of people and the events that chronicle the times -- our times. His main hope is that there will be other photography enthusiasts who will donate their time and energy to keeping the historical record going.
"I was lucky. I had good teachers and made friends. I wouldn't have without help through the Community Center."
So, next time you see his smiling face with his camera pointed your way, get ready to smile right back.
Visions for the VJCC
Interviewed by Colin Miyamoto
Article by Gail Sharp
 |
It’s hard to coax an interview out of some people unless you have a trick up your sleeve. Ken Sogabe ran into one such secret weapon at the VJCC Festival and couldn’t say no. Ken is the V.P. of Membership on the Executive Council and is on the VJCC Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Westside Eagle’s Golf Club and R.A.P., and a former VJCC President. When asked about the building project adjacent to the conference room and R.A.P. lounge, Ken responded, “This new addition will help our senior nutrition program because they need the additional space. The new expanded conference room will benefit all members.” Because he is a member of the VJCC Fundraising Committee, we were curious to know Ken’s thoughts on what is needed to reach our cash goals for the next expansion project. Ken says, “We have already started our fundraising efforts through the Super Raffle Drawings, Legacy Tree and Annual Golf Tournament. We are continuing to strategize on other methods of raising funds. It is certain that we will need every member to help us achieve our common goal. The Committee will be sharing its other ideas soon.” |