questions://for.wataru

* Where are you from? If you mean where I'm "really" from, I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland is that wonderful city on America's North Coast, on the Erie shore. When I was about a year old, my family moved to Strongsville, Ohio. It was a small town of about 10,000 people when I was growing up there in the 70's, but today it has grown to a large suburb of Cleveland (a much different place than I remember). I went to Cleveland State University as an undergrad, and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio for graduate school. I still consider myself an "Ohioan", and Strongsville, Ohio is still my "hometown". We might be living in different places throughout our lifetime, but there's always a place we're "from".

* And where are you living now?   I live in LA, California -- the city of "Lost" Angels, the northeast side near Pasadena. For the moment, I'm planning to be here for a while. Here's a picture looking down my street. I like being able to see the mountains.

* So, what's it like living in Los Angeles? Some stereotypes are true -- smog, fires, freeways, earthquakes, and entertainers. But there hasn't been a riot in a while, though, OJ is over, and I haven't been shot driving on the freeway yet either. LA is a city of contrasts with much social and ethnic/racial diversity.

* You have a very interesting name, what kind of name is Wataru?   Please click [here] for more details.

"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you." --A quote from Leilani's mom (via Taiji)

* So, who are you really?   A philosophical question? Click [here], if you "really" want to know.

* What's most important to you in life?   Hmm... I'll need to think on this some more. I guess, the very important things will always be the basic foundations of living and survival -- like health, food, shelter, good friends and family. I've been extremely grateful to have these things. If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have the opportunity to do the other things in life that matter, nor would we care enough to do them. With life, there are wonderous things that pass in front of us every day. I've done some soul-searching recently, and found my soul and sole(s) to be right under my feet. Dreams are important too -- big or small, it doesn't matter, and to be able to realize them in some way. Dreams can also be in a spiritual force to do things that realize beauty and compassion, and to make a difference to the world. A Story About Rocks From "The Invitation" by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

* What do you think about computers and technology?   Computers are amazing machines. They put into our hands the power to do things we could only imagine before. However, it's good to keep in mind that computers are still only machines, and they depend on our own human wisdom to make the best use out of them. Regardless of what we think, computers will change our society, and things won't ever be the same again.

* And what do you do now?   I'm presently on staff as the Information Systems Manager (the computer and network guy) at the Little Tokyo Service Center in downtown, Los Angeles. It's a job that keeps me on the move, but it is great to be appreciated and needed. It's a job that satisfies both my community and technical interests. I'm very fortunate to be here, and to be surrounded with a wonderful bunch of co-workers and volunteers. One major reason for being in Los Angeles and my present joy is to work in and experience the Japanese American and Asian Pacific American communities. I live and breathe in the Little Tokyo community -- it's my "other" home. It's a joy to be in touch with its daily life and happenings. I'm also on the staff of the dIS*orient Journalzine, and helping out with organizations like MANAA. It's important for the Asian American community to have a voice in speakng for itself. And when I get overexposed to too much electromagnetic radiation from the computer monitor, I like to relax by going hiking, visiting friends, or by taking some time to write. Some of my other hobbies (past and present) are amateur astronomy and SETI, photography, math and science, rock climbing, ice skating, and just traveling and wandering around.

* I've never been to Little Tokyo. Where is it? What is it like?   Little Tokyo (J-Town) is located in downtown Los Angeles, very close to the Civic Center. In addition to the businesses, restaurants, stores, it is also a Japanese American spiritual center with churches and temples. J-Town also has a cultural and community center, a museum preserving the JA heritage, and theatres and galleries presenting both JA and Asian American arts. There are also service organizations that provide assistance to those in need, and housing for the elderly and low-income families. Please drop by, if you're in the area. It's a great place to be -- with a friendly and caring community; it's a small town in the big city. Please visit JA*Net for more information. You might also visit some of these links: Asian Pacific American Network Little Tokyo Service Center Japanese American Cultural and Community Center Japanese American National Museum Visual Communications

* Is there an address where I can write to you?   Yes, my e-mail address is wataru@apanet.org. Do you have any more questions? I try to respond to most of my email, but if things get busy, it might take a while to get back to you. I welcome all nice letters from people everywhere. Also, you can contact me at the Little Tokyo Service Center. Wataru Ebihara Little Tokyo Service Center 231 East Third Street, #G104 Los Angeles, CA 90013 USA

* Does Wataru have a guestbook for visitors to this web page?   YES! And this means that I want to hear from visitors. If you took the time to read this page, now you know a bit about me, but I'm just as curious about you...   <- Please click this button.

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