Nitto, Nippon Airways partner on in-flight movie

Sept. 1, 2011

Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. has teamed up with Nippon Airway to sponsor a historical film that will be shown on the airline’s flights. Titled “The Untold Story of Ralph Carr and the Japanese: Fate of 3 Japanese-Americans and the Internment,” begins Sept. 1, 2011, on Nippon international flights.

"As a company with both American and Japanese roots, we felt we were uniquely positioned to help make people aware of Ralph Carr's story and how his life impacted so many Japanese-Americans," says Tomo Mizutani, president, Nitto Tire USA. "We are dedicated to telling this important cultural story and aim to prevent injustices like this from occurring in the future."

Produced by Fujisankei Communications International, Inc. (FCI), the documentary reveals how Colorado Governor Ralph Carr defended the Constitutional rights of Japanese-Americans fighting to prevent their internment in government camps during World War II.  The documentary marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese-American internment.

Following three Japanese-Americans, the documentary provides perspective from each individual experience during the 1940s. The feature also includes the heroic actions of Colorado Governor, Ralph Carr. A passionate defender of Japanese-American rights, Carr publicly opposed the internment.

Carr believed that denying any group its Constitutional rights would put the rights of all Americans in jeopardy. He granted Japanese-Americans a safe haven in Colorado at a time when other states refused their entrance.

Nitto Tire has factories and offices in both the United States and Japan. The company provides annual support to companies like FCI and the Japanese American National Museum in East Los Angeles which are dedicated to bring awareness to Japanese-American history and culture.