Every week, that was always the routine. Ever since I was a little girl, Monday was the day to spend with Mamu and Papa.
Not Grandma and Grandpa.
Not just Mamu, or just Papa. Mamu and Papa.
Nothing about Mamu and Papa has changed since I was little. The large house. The tall driveway. The big pool in the backyard next to the looming hill sprouting kaki and nashi pears, or the cupboard stacked with Fugetsu-do mochi. Every Monday, same routine. As the world around us changed, time continued to tick. Time continues to tick, and tick, and tick. But not with Mamu and Papa.
Time. Another one of the many things that never changed about Mamu and Papa. Time and time again, Monday rolls around and we all gather to enjoy Mamu’s home cooked tonkatsu and sunomono. My mom asks Papa how his back is feeling, as Mamu wears her same bright blue apron in the kitchen to listen to her opera and make more tsukemono appetizers.
“So Dad, how’s your back feeling?” My mom says, reaching over to grab a slice of tonkatsu.
“It’s good, it’s good,” Papa says, pouring tonkatsu sauce over his plate. “Went to the doc the other day to check it out. Everything’s normal.”
“That’s great!”
My brother and I quietly slice our food, listening to the chatter amongst everyone else — the same, routine conversations and catch-up small talk. Mamu has changed the radio station to basketball, and turned it on the TV. The Los Angeles Lakers are playing.
Mamu and Papa have loved basketball ever since their youth. Raising my dad and uncle, they helped manage his basketball team to watch them grow up and play. Papa was the coach, and Mamu always prepared the refreshments for the game. Following in their footsteps, my parents now help around with me and my brother’s basketball team. My dad is the coach, and my mom helps bring the snacks. Basketball is a big part of our lives.
Of course, basketball was our sport. Since the moment my brother and I could run, we were playing basketball every Sunday for the JA League (Japanese American League).
As time continued to tick, we were starting to play more games. Sunday was always game day, and Game Day was always at Terasaki Budokan.
I was never a star-player for basketball, and my brother was always better than me. I only went to play the games for the sake of my teammates and our “after-the-game” walk to Marukai Market, or a quick brunch at Cafe Dulce.
Mamu and Papa were always at my games. I’d be sitting on the player bench the entirety of the game, and they never left. Time, and time again. Mamu and Papa always watched my games.
One day, after one of my games, my parents had left me with Mamu and Papa to spend the day with them. I picked up my oversized basketball bag that made me look like a floating head from the back, and walked over to where Mamu and Papa sat on the bleachers.
Mamu, sitting with her book, and Papa, with his bulky fall-proof iPad, got up from the bleachers and made their way over to me.
“Mamu and Papa! Hey!” I exclaimed, speeding up the pace.
“Hey there kiddo, nice game today,” says Mamu, nodding her head with that same sweet smile she always wears.
“Ready to go?” asks Papa.
“Yeah, let’s head out. Where are we going next?” I say, beaming with excitement.
We walk out the door, and head down the sidewalk back to the parking lot. I grab Mamu and Papa’s hand as we walk slowly together, one step at a time.
We arrive in front of Weller Court, and pass by the Kizuna Friendship Knot on our way to find something quick to eat. After a few loops around the plazas, we decided we wanted red bean manju—Papa’s favorite.
Mamu suggests that we make our way over to a quieter, more peaceful spot to enjoy our manjus. Papa and I nod our heads in agreement, while in reality, the only thing in our heads is that sweet, red, delectable dessert.
Since the beginning of our walk, I haven’t let go of Mamu and Papa’s hands. The only time was to allow Mamu to pick up the bags with the red bean manju.
“Hey, let’s take a break here. I’m getting a little tired, kiddo, the walk has been pretty long.” Papa sighs, slowly coming to a stop.
“Okay, we’ll rest here,” I say, nodding my head as Papa lets go of my hand to pull up a chair and sit under the shady Aoyama Tree.
Mamu, who was a few steps ahead, turned around after noticing our footsteps weren’t trailing anymore.
“Gosh, you guys, you could’ve given me a warning before I started walking too far,” Mamu complains, swinging her arm up out of frustration. She slumps back over to the table, Papa grinning a sly smile.
“Okay now what’s that face for — stop laughing at me!”
“Am I not allowed to smile at my wife?”
“Smile at me again, and you’ll betcha’ no red bean manju!” Mamu says, as she swipes the plastic “Thank You!” bag behind her chair. Papa leans back and chuckles.
I watch the two of them, happy to be here. Happy to be with them. For a moment, time comes to a brief, yet long halt. I sit at this old, still, bench next to two people who have been my life since the start. I’m used to this reminiscent feeling by now. I enjoy my time with them. We all bite into our manjus.
Papa begins to tell stories after we all eat, and I’ve been folding origami with Mamu. We have many conversations about time in the war, and afterwards we visit the Aratani Movie Theater to watch a movie. We watch a movie, and I notice the wall of people’s names I’ve never seen before. In gold, I read Mamu and Papa’s names outloud. Mamu and Papa then talk about how they met at this theater for their first date after college, and they both made the donation to get their names placed on the wall. They got their names on there because even to this day, their names signify that they are still together in the same moment of time, as if they never actually left.
When we finish eating, we make our way past the hall of greenery and toward the Go For Broke Monuments with the list of people’s names. I walk around and Papa shares stories of his time in the war, memories, and moments.
We talk about his childhood, how he remembers driving away from his house and watching the looters raid his home as he drove farther and farther. He talks about his sister being born in the horse stall there because of the conditions, and how hard it was for him to leave behind his home and other friends. Mamu doesn’t remember because she was too young, but her recollection was of packing her things, and she loved her red fancy coat dress. She even wore that little red fancy coat dress in one of the pictures at the internment camps. Her same, bright sweet smile, and short black hair.
I check my phone and realize it’s getting close to the time we were supposed to return home. We absorb one last look at the monument, and walk back to the car.
On the car ride home, we all sing songs together and laugh about our adventures around Little Tokyo. Time is all mine. Nothing can interrupt this endless moment.
When we return to Mamu and Papa’s house, my parents are there to pick me up. In the car, I watch the trees and buildings zoom by and my eyes fall heavy and close.
Tomorrow is Monday.
The school bell rings and I walk to the car to catch a ride home. Once home, I pack my homework and head to the car. Today is Monday.
Mamu meets me at the bottom of the steps and we tend to her garden at the front. We all gathered around to enjoy Mamu’s home cooked tonkatsu and sunomono. Mom asks how Papa’s back is feeling, and Mamu is in the kitchen. Same routine. While we eat, Papa brings up the topic of college and we discuss what I plan to do for my future — which is weird, since I never would’ve considered him to be interested in that sort.
When dinner ends, I help bring the dishes to the sink and put things away.
Papa comes up to me after dinner, which isn’t part of our routine. I normally don’t talk to him apart from dinner on Mondays. He looks up at me.
“I won’t be here much longer, but I’ll try my best to stick around to watch you graduate from college.” Catching me off guard, I process what he says.
For the first time in my life, as I stared at Papa, time started to move differently. Instead of Mamu and Papa, it was my surroundings and the outside world that seemed to stay still and freeze for a moment, and I stared as my time with Mamu and Papa flashed before my eyes. For the first time in my life, I could see the way they aged.
I noticed the missing grey hairs that used to fill the top of his head, and the glasses that changed as his eyesight got worse.
I noticed the creases under his eyes and the corners of his sweet smile that couldn’t reach as high up on his face as it used to.
I noticed Mamu’s hair had gotten shorter, and lighter. I noticed how much slower they walk, how their hearing has worsened.
I noticed how my mom’s normal question about Papa’s back wasn’t such a normal question anymore.
I finally realized I’m not their little girl anymore.
PHOTO BY J.K. YAMAMOTO / RAFU SHIMPO From left: Youth category judges Yoko Hata, Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson, Carmela Tomek.
I’m not their little girl who could barely reach the top of the table with my mini pink chopsticks. I’m not their little girl with her high-pitched voice singing in the car ride with them anymore. I’m not their little girl that fits right into their laps anymore and they can tuck me in and read me bedtime stories.
And as I stared at Papa, I thought to myself. For the first time in my life, I had realized — that I was running out of my time with you.
Josephine Takiguchi is an incoming junior at Granada Hills Charter High School. Growing up in Los Angeles, she joined the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, where she played basketball and volunteered at cultural events. Josephine was a member of the LAUSD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, where she contributed as the students’ voice on improving student experience. This year, she participated in the 21st Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program. Josephine also founded a nonprofit for food allergy awareness to advocate for those with food allergies like her. As with most teens, she enjoys spending time with her friends and going out. She also comes from a big family and enjoys spending time with and babysitting her baby cousins.
Rockport native Arthur Barragan is turning hometown pride into purpose through his locally-owned company called Brightview Exterior Cleaning, a business rooted in service quality and community commitment.
Barragan, who grew up in Rockport, says building a business in his hometown was always the goal. After spending nearly a decade as a specialty welder, he launched Brightview during the COVID pandemic, seeking stability and control over his future.
Today, Brightview Exterior Cleaning provides residential and commercial services, including soft house washing, window cleaning, pressure washing, and trash can cleaning, serving waterfront properties, neighborhoods, and local businesses across Rockport.
Now in its fifth year, the company has grown from about 100 customers to more than 700, a success Barragan credits to consistent customer service and strong relationships with other local businesses.
Giving back is central to Brightview’s mission. The company supports Church Unlimited, local youth sports, and community events, reflecting Barragan’s belief that business growth should benefit the entire town.
For Barragan, success is measured not just by numbers but by service to the community that raised him.
Brightview Exterior Cleaning can be found online at brightviewexteriorcleaning.com and on Facebook and Instagram under Brightview Exterior Cleaning, where the company regularly shares photos and updates from recent projects.
“This town gave me everything, Barragan said. Now I get to give back.”
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging youth across the state in grades K-12 to submit their original artwork of any Tennessee native fish for the national Art of Conservation: Fish Art Contest. The contest was created by the nonprofit Wildlife Forever to encourage youth to become connected to the outdoors.
The contest is free to enter, and students can submit one 2D piece and one 3D piece. All participants must enter original artwork of a Tennessee fish in a natural habitat and may not replicate another artist’s work. Photos or videos used as a source material for inspiration of the artwork are allowed. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi are not eligible for this contest.
Additionally, TWRA is adding its own specialty award this year, The Bill Dance Signature Lakes Award – in honor of the legacy of fishing legend Bill Dance and the TWRA’s work to develop premier fishing destinations across the state. To be considered for the award, students should enter artwork of largemouth or smallmouth bass or art featuring bass fishing.
All submissions must be entered through an online entry form. More information regarding rules, submission form, and requirements can be found on the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation website. The last day for submitting artwork is Feb. 28, 2026.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
The Centennial Cougars won their game at Centennial Sports Arena against the Champlin Park Rebels on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, ending 7-4.
The Rebels took the lead in the middle of the first period, with a goal from Paul Pazandak. Derek Roehl assisted.
The Cougars tied it up 1-1 with a goal from Nick Carls halfway through the first, assisted by Joey Hemr.
Five goals were scored in the second period, and the Cougars led 4-3 going in to the third period.
The Cougars increased the lead to 5-3, only 43 seconds into the third when Cooper Daikawa netted one, assisted by Keegan Julik.
Kaden Johnson made it 6-3 with a goal three minutes later, assisted by Gavin Cunningham.
Paul Pazandak narrowed the gap to 6-4 with a goal three minutes later, assisted by Gabe Contons and Brody Girard.
Gavin Cunningham also increased the lead to 7-4 with a goal eight minutes later.
The teams will face off once again at Champlin Ice Forum on January 9th.
Coming up:
The Cougars will go up against the Forest Lake Rangers at Centennial Sports Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, while the Rebels will battle Maple Grove on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Maple Grove Community Center.
Read more prep coverage
Scoring:
Minnesota, Centennial Sports Arena
6th December 2025
Champlin Park Rebels at Centennial Cougars
7-4
1st period:
Champlin Park Rebels, 1–0 (9:44) Paul Pazandak
Centennial Cougars, 1–1 (12:20) Nick Carls
2nd period:
1–2 (23:20) Kaden Johnson, 2–2 (23:42) Max Peterson, 3–2 (25:30) Rhys George, 3–3 (30:55) Joey Hemr, 3–4 (32:25) Nick Carls
3rd period:
3–5 (41:43) Cooper Daikawa, 3–6 (44:48) Kaden Johnson, 4–6 (47:13) Paul Pazandak, 4–7 (55:39) Gavin Cunningham
Automated articles produced by United Robots on behalf of The Rink Live.
St. Joseph’s Bella Bartolovic is a member of the 2025-26 basketball team. (Submitted by Bella Bartolovic)
Springdale’s Robby Simmen is a member of the 2025-26 basketball team. (Submitted by Robby Simmen)
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Bella Bartolovic
School: St. Joseph
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Bartolovic dropped a season-high 27 points against Leechburg on Tuesday. She then followed that up with 19 against Eden Christian on Thursday to lead St. Joseph to a 2-0 week. The sophomore guard leads the Spartans with six double-figure scoring games and 20.5 points per contest.
St. Joseph is 5-2 (3-0) and will prepare for a meeting with Aquinas Academy (6-0, 2-0) on Monday.
What do you believe is the potential of this team, even with it being a young one?
It is a great start, and we look to continue this streak. I believe this team has a lot of potential this season to make it far, even though we’re young.
What has been working well for you as you’ve taken a scoring leap?
I have a very supportive team and coaching staff, which allows me to play without the worry of making mistakes.
If you maintain your scoring, how will you respond when teams begin to put you at the top of the scouting report?
I will take this as a compliment. I will continue to work on improving my game and trusting my teammates.
What can you say about the contributions the team has gotten from senior Kasey Cienik and junior Jocelyn Spinelli?
Their leadership has been very important because they encourage us all to do our best and boost our confidence.
What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?
Play more basketball
What is the best basketball shoe out right now?
Sabrina’s
What are your plans for the holidays?
To spend time with family and friends
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“Jingle Bell Rock.”
You have a matchup against Aquinas Academy on Monday, a rematch of last year’s No. 2 teams in Section 1-A. What will be the keys to staying undefeated in section play against the Crusaders?
The keys to Monday will be staying composed and working as a team.
Robby Simmen
School: Springdale
Class: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: Simmen went off for a season-high 39 points to lead Springdale to a Section 1-2A win over California on Tuesday. He then scored 15 in an overtime loss to Bentworth on Friday. Simmen has reached double digits in all six games for the Dynamos (2-4, 1-2) and leads them with 20.5 points a game.
After graduating eight seniors last year, how have you and other underclassmen stepped up and filled in leadership roles?
Many of our current juniors and our senior that have been on the team last year know what it takes to be a leader from experiencing our games and practices. The past seniors and our coaches set a great example for us. We stepped up by continuing to do what makes us better as a team, which is lifting each other up as well as giving everyone the confidence they need on and off the court.
What has been the biggest improvement in your offensive game this season?
In the offseason, I work on all of my skills. I feel I improved most in my speed and strength. It gives me a lot more opportunity to be an all-around threat on offense.
In three out of five games this year, the team has had two double-digit scorers. Liam Dexter has two of those games. How have you seen him grow as a player in your three years together?
Liam has always had the skill to do what he does. We’ve played together on a youth basketball team since third grade. His ability to shoot and play in the paint makes him a difficult player to guard.
What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?
When I’m not playing basketball or in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Who is your favorite music artist, and is it the same person for pregame?
My favorite artists are probably Zach Bryan or Drake. Drake is more for pregame, though.
What are your plans for the holidays?
Go spend time with family.
What Christmas movie is a sneaky contender for the best of all time?
The Commanders will have nearly two dozen players hit free agency in March, so these final three games are a lot like preseason games, as glorified tryouts. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a Commanders sixth-round pick in 2023, stuck around with the regime change in ’24 and has really come on this season to become the team’s de facto starter after Austin Ekeler went down with an Achilles injury. He will be a restricted free agent in March, and as Washington tries to revamp the entire roster, his play this evening could carry significant weight in deciding his future here.
Rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt could play heavily into that. Bill has shown flashes of his quickness, speed and vision behind the line of scrimmage, and leads the team in both rushing yards (646) and rushing touchdowns (five) through Week 15. But his development into a complete back, who can block and catch passes out of the backfield, will be key to him becoming more of a featured back.
