Apart from the inherent danger, violence and injustice of prison life, one theme emerged repeatedly in the anthology — one that surprised me in its universality: love.

An ember lights the shoot, then dies
The canvas is spread, waiting for the artist / No blade can pierce the bullet
But her gaze will.

The 39th Annual Nikkei Student Union (NSU) Cultural Night took place on Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Royce Hall Auditorium. As the curtain fell and thunderous applause echoed through the hall, one could only marvel at the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the cast and performers, as well as the synergy between this year’s production and its annual theme: 懷古 (Kaiko), or Nostalgia.