He didn't play basketball, at least I don't think he did. He loved racing cars. But what Paul Newman really cared about was making the world a better place.

I was moved and inspired by this tribute from Newman’s Own, the food company founded by the actor and his author friend, A.E. Hotchner.

The Los Angeles Times reports today that Little Tokyo in LA will be getting a new gym. Backers hope it will lure young JA's back to the historic community hub and give the area an economic jolt. Teresa Watanabe writes:

To Japanese American community backers, the gym represents far more than a sports facility: It is a linchpin in their efforts to preserve Little Tokyo's cultural identity and economic vitality because it is seen as the most effective way to attract their youth back to the area.

That's because Japanese American basketball leagues, which were mainly established in the 1930s, are thriving today as a cultural phenomenon involving more than 10,000 youths and adults participating in year-round leagues and tournaments. The community also plays host to volleyball leagues with an estimated 3,000 players.

"Basketball is more than a sport, it's a way of life in the Japanese American community," said Wesley Tanaka, a 58-year-old Torrance resident whose wife and daughter play in the leagues. "The gym is a huge deal. It will help revive Little Tokyo."

The following article about Gene Nakamura's retirement appeared in the Berkeley Daily Planet on Feb. 27. 2007:

By Riya Bhattacharjee

As the Donahue Gym at Berkeley High School exploded in thunderous applause during the host school’s 63-14 win over El Cerrito High on Feb. 16, it was not the game that was the center of everyone’s attention, but the man who helped win it.

Coach Gene “Nak” Nakamura, who had coached the Berkeley High girls’ basketball team for the last 25 years, retired that day, following his school’s last basketball game of the season.

By Ricardo Sanchez Jr., MEDIANEWS STAFF
Feb. 17, 2007

BERKELEY — Berkeley High girls basketball coach Gene Nakamura stood at center court wearing a big smile that wouldn't rub off. It's the other side to the legendary coach known for his drill-sergeant type demeanor and strict no-nonsense attitude.

"It's just pure happiness," Nakamura said.

After coaching his last regular-season game on Friday, which ended in a 63-24 win over visiting El Cerrito, Nakamura was honored in a post-game ceremony that commemorated his legacy.

One after another, former players, each holding a single rose, lined up to give him a hug. Family members, old friends and colleagues surrounded him to do the same. His current players walked in from the north corner of the gym holding a parade-sized banner displaying Nakamura's accomplishments.