SoCalJapan | Japan Hollywood Network

April 25th 2021 O.A.

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Re-Open

JAPAN HOUSE LA on Hollywood & Highland is reopening.

JAPAN HOUSE is a project of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foster awareness and appreciation for Japanese culture and technology around the world.

It was temporarily closed due to the spread of COVID-19 last year however, the gallery on the 2nd floor has reopened.

“NATURE/SUPERNATURE Visions of This World and Beyond in Japanese Woodblock Prints” is going on right now.

The exhibition displays parts of the Scripps College collection in Claremont, CA.
Over 60 prints by artists like Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Utagawa Kunisada are on display.

There are two parts to this exhibition.
The first half shows prints that depict 6 beautiful spots of Japan.

The other half shows prints of spiritual and supernatural beings.
Visitors can enjoy seeing woodblock techniques and how the Japanese felt about nature and spiritual things.

There are virtual tours of the exhibition and related contents on their website. Webinars will also be available from May 18th.

“NATURE/SUPERNATURE Visions of This World and Beyond in Japanese Woodblock Prints” will go on until May 31st.
Admission is free, however there are restrictions following COVID-19 guidelines.
Please check the JAPAN HOUSE LA website for more information.

The library and salon on the 5th floor will reopen once safety is ensured.

Pro-Am at Pechanga

Journey at Pechanga in Temecula hosted the LPGA Annual Pro-am Golf Tournament on Tuesday, April 6th.

This is the 14th time for the annual event, however it was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

Journey at Pechanga is a premiere championship golf course next to Pechanga Resort Casino.
It is known as a challenging course utilizing its landscape.

26 Asian LPGA golfers were invited and enjoyed their game at Pechanga as they met with their fans and sponsors.

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April 11th 2021 O.A.

Japanese Cuisine Special Goodwill Ambassador

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced their “Japanese Cuisine Special Goodwill Ambassador.”
Toshio Ueno of Sake School of America was chosen as one of them and his appointment ceremony was held.

MAFF has appointed 145 individuals who can effectively spread Japanese food and dietary culture in Japan and abroad as their “Special Goodwill Ambassador.”

Ueno cofounded Sake School of America in 2010 with the former president of Mutual Trading, late Noritoshi Kanai to spread Japanese sake and shochu in the US.
The school has brought up many sake sommeliers and shochu advisors.

He worked hard for Japanese sake by holding contests in China and establishing qualification courses.
This is the first time an individual outside of chefs to be appointed as the “Special Goodwill Ambassador.”

An appointment ceremony for David Schlosser of kappo-style restaurant “Shibumi” was also held.
Schlosser was appointed last year however, his ceremony had to be delayed due to COVID-19.

Schlosser uses different Japanese ingredients in his kappo-style dishes, giving him excellent reviews from the late and renowned food critic, Jonathan Gold.

“Shibumi” also became a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in 2019.

COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment

More and more people are becoming eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in California.

Currently, individuals over 50 years of age are eligible in LA County. Starting from April 15th, vaccination will be available for those over 16 years old.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends scheduling an appointment if you qualify and have no underlying health condition.
It is important to continue following the protocols of keeping social distance, wearing masks, and washing your hands even after
getting vaccinated.

Vaccines are free of charge.
Please visit MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule an appointment.
Appointments can also be made via the county and city websites.
Please check the page for COVID-19 on our website.

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March 28th 2021 O.A.

Love To Nippon 2021

Protests against the closure of Sakura ICF, a senior intermediate care facility, have been held in the Japanese-American community.

Sakura ICF is part of Sakura Gardens, a senior community located in Boyle Heights. The facility offers bilingual nursing for Japanese-American seniors that need healthcare.

Pacifica Cos., owner of Sakura Gardens, has officially announced its plans to close Sakura ICF for substantial financial loss on February 26.

Pacficia had been going forward with a plan to renovate Sakura ICF and build an apartment complex since last year. Although a detailed schedule was not stated in the release, residents and their families are at a loss.

When Pacific bought the facility in 2016, it did so with the approval of California Attorney General with the stipulation it will provide existing services for 5 years. However, with the contract coming to an end, the company has released its plans for closure of the facility.

Pacifica plans to relocate about 60 residents to other Pacifica-owned facilities.
Kei-Ai Los Angeles and Kei-Ai South Bay, however, had the biggest outbreak and deaths in nursing homes in Los Angeles.

Organizations and politicians protesting are currently peti-tioning for services to extend. Assembly Member Al Mu-ratsuchi and Miguel Santiago has introduced a bill to prohibit care facilities from ceasing or making significant changes to the care services for nursing facilities.
He is now asking for support so the bill passes the California State Legislature.

Protest organizations have been appealing to the California Department of Justice for an extension of the 5-year service, however they have been unable to hear a conclusive answer from not only Pacifica Cos., but from the facility’s former owners, Keiro Board of Directors.

Hate crimes against Asian Americans

Hate crime towards Asian Americans are creating a nationwide problem.

Hate crime was suspected for the arson and the vandalism of Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple that happened at the end of February.

Although nothing serious has happened in Little Tokyo and Chinatown yet, communities and Consulate General of Japan in LA are calling attention to be vigilant.

Report to the police for any hate crimes.
You can also report to the non-profit organization, Stop AAPI Hate in Japanese.

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March 14th 2021 O.A.

Protests Against the Closure of Sakura ICF