Remembering Steve Tatsukawa (1949-1984)
May 1, 1972 - Steve Tatsukawa at the USC Asian American Student Conference
Photographed by Visual Communications, George T. Ishizuka & Harukichi Nakamura Asian American Movement Collection
February 27, 2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of the passing of Steve Tatsukawa – Visual Communications’ (VC) founding Executive Director and beloved community activist. Today, we recall his impact, his humor, and positive influence he had on those around him. Through stories and shared memories, we keep alive the memory of Steve Tatsukawa, ensuring that his legacy will be passed on for generations to come.
Mid-1970s - Steve Tatsukawa handles sound recording duties during the annual Pacific Pioneer Wildflower Tour to Ojai, CA
Photograph from Visual Communications, Steve Tatsukawa Tribute Collection
In 1970, Steven Tatsukawa brought his interests in media making and social justice to the VC space. Fondly referred to as the APA independent cinema community’s “Will Rodgers” for his earnest sense of humor, Tatsukawa produced many of VC’s late-1970s productions (including HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER in 1980) and served as Executive Director until his untimely passing at age 35 in 1984.
August 1980 - During HITO HATA's evacuation scene, Steve Tatsukawa with crew members Stann Nakazono and John Esaki
Photographed by Ed Ikuta, Steve Tatsukawa Tribute Collection
August 1980 - Steve Tatsukawa shows an extra how to hold a rifle during a break in the filming of HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER
Photographed by Ed Ikuta, Steve Tatsukawa Tribute Collection
In the 1980s, arts funding across the country declined dramatically as conservatives gained power in government. Many staff reluctantly departed to secure employment or start families, and VC dwindled to a core group of Nancy Araki, Linda Mabalot, and distribution specialist John Rier. Tatsukawa had become program director at KCET but continued to advise the staff.
August 26, 1973 - Early production activities of Visual Communications, the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts organization.
From Left to Right: Robert Nakamura, Duane Kubo, Steve Tatsukawa, John Ito
Photographed by Alan Ohashi, Visual Communications Collection
Under Steve Tatsukawa, VC presented the first Asian American International Film Festival at a newly opened Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles Little Tokyo in October 1983. The festival became known as The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, which has grown to showcase the artistic achievements of many media artists of Asian Pacific ancestry, and is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year.
“[VC executive directors Steve Tatsukawa and Linda Mabalot] People who did amazing things for the community. When you were around them, you found that they were just really good, normal people, but they had such extraordinary drive and determination”
January 17, 1970 - Steve Tatsukawa at Outdoor demonstration for Asian Americans for Peace Rally
photographed by robert nakamura, George T. Ishizuka & Harukichi Nakamura Asian American Movement Collection
As we honor Steve’s memory, we celebrate the impact he made on the lives of others, recognizing the indelible mark he left in the community. His values serve as a guiding light for our practices, anchoring us in a tradition of activism, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Steve Tatsukawa Was a Yellow Pearl is a tribute to Steve featuring Mia Yamamoto and Band with an original song to spotlight this unique merry prankster and the impact he had on all of us from VC, Gidra, and the movement community.
Remembering the Life and Legacy of Steve Tatsukawa
