September 11th 2022 O.A.

Shin-Sen-Gumi 8th Charity Summer Festival

Shin-Sen-Gumi Restaurant Group which provides yakitori, ramen, and other foods had their 8th Charity Summer Festival at Torrance on September 3rd.

Shin-Sen-Gumi Summer Festival is held every 5 years, and this year commemorates the group’s 30th anniversary.

In 1992, Shin-Sen-Gumi opened its first location “Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori (Original)” in Gardena.
Hakata ramen and chanko hot-pot also followed in Gardena 2 years later. They were the first ramen shop to introduce authentic tonkotsu soup in LA and led the current ramen trend.
Today, the restaurant group has 15 locations mainly in the LA area.

Shin-Sen-Gumi Summer Festival is held to thank the community and their customers, as well as to familiarize and spread Japanese food and culture.

This year, it was also held hoping that the festival will give dreams, hopes, and courage to those who suffered during the pandemic.

From set up to operation, the festival was taken care of by the entire Shin-Sen-Gumi staff. They all prepared for the event while doing their usual jobs. Stores closed on the day of and the following day since it requires the entire crew.

The festival begins with an opening taiko performance, followed by the group’s president, President Kamiya declaring the start of the festival.

It used to be held at the parking lot of the original Gardena location, but they have expanded by moving to Torrance Cultural Arts Center this year.

About 45 booths lined up, half of which were decorated and managed by actual Shin-Sen-Gumi staff.

Taiko performers from Japan performed on stage.
Also, a small concert was held by “singer song farmer” Kazuma Tei.
A cosplay contest that the public was able to participate in happened too.

And the “Extra Noodle Challenge.

Each performance was full of energy, adding extra heat under the strong sunlight, making it an exciting festival.

Kenshiro Teraji, WBC Light Flyweight World Champion was also invited as a special guest and held a free autograph session.

Inside the recreation center, “Calmommy”, an organization that provides parenting support held an event.
Kids performed and different activities were available for the kids and their parents to enjoy.

Everyone including the staff had fun at the closing concert and ended the 1-day festival.

The money raised at this event will be donated to various organizations within the community.