SoCalJapan – Japan Hollywood Network

March 8th 2026 O.A.

Emperor’s Birthday Reception 2026

On February 27, a reception celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor was held at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles.

The event is hosted annually by the Consulate General to mark the Emperor’s birthday on February 23 and to strengthen ties with the local community.

This year, about 400 guests attended, including representatives of Japanese American organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and leaders from state and city political and business communities.
They celebrated the Emperor’s birthday and reaffirmed community unity.

Consul General Kosei Murota shared an episode related to His Majesty the Emperor at the Consulate General.

He also highlighted three factors for further Japan–U.S. economic growth: collaboration with young Japanese Americans, stronger ties among Japanese companies beyond competition, and the expansion of Japanese food culture and Japanese-style education as a foundation for business development abroad.

Reflecting this spirit, rival travel agencies and airlines set up booths side by side to promote Japan.

The reception featured traditional sushi, street food such as yakitori, and contemporary Japanese cuisine by the restaurant Nobu, allowing guests to enjoy a wide variety of Japanese dishes and what Japan has to offer.

2026 JABA Award Dinner

On February 10, in downtown Los Angeles, JABA, the Japanese American Bar Association, held its officer installation ceremony and awards dinner.

The association was founded in 1977 by Japanese American legal professionals and currently has more than 300 members.

It works to expand opportunities for Japanese American lawyers through networking and mentoring young attorneys while also engaging in community service.

This year Gary Tokumori became the new president.

This year’s 49th anniversary dinner was attended by about 1,000 people, including members, their families, and representatives from government and related organizations, fostering connections.

2026 OCJAA Community Service Awards Banquet

On Sunday, March 1, OCJAA, the Orange County Japanese American Association, held its Community Service Awards Banquet in Fountain Valley.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, OCJAA is a nonprofit serving the Japanese American community in Orange County with cultural, educational, and welfare programs.

Following his reappointment as president last year, Yasuyuki Okazoe thanked the pioneers who built OCJAA over the past 40 years and shared his vision for engaging the next generation.

After lunch, greetings were delivered by the president of Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, the President of Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, and Kosei Murota, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the Shin-Sen-Gumi Restaurant Group, Nihon Yakken, and the Chado Urasenke Tankokai OC for their support of OCJAA’s activities.

The Community Service Award went to Mapfre Insurance and Seiichi Nagao of OCJAA.
Distinguished Service Awards were given to Mac Miyazaki and Akemi Miyake, both OCJAA President Emeritus.

The event also featured raffle tickets for fundraising, a blind auction, and entertainment, allowing members and guests to enjoy a pleasant afternoon.

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March 1st 2026 O.A.

Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs

A pictogram exhibition is currently being held at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles in Hollywood.

Pictograms are visual communication tools that convey information through images and symbols without using words.
They are used in public transportation and facility guidance, on maps and various types of signage, and in recent years, smartphone emojis have also become a form of pictogram.

The method of conveying information through images has existed since ancient times.
One of the key moments that led to pictograms being used in their modern form was the set of sport pictograms introduced at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

This exhibition was organized by the Nippon Design Center, the Japanese design firm that created the pictograms for the Tokyo Olympics.
The gallery introduces the history of pictograms, as well as the design concepts and techniques used to communicate information as clearly and effectively as possible.

There are also pictograms introducing Los Angeles, created from designs submitted by local K to 12 students.
In addition, playful photo spots are set up for visitors to enjoy.

The exhibition ”Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs” runs through May 3 at the 2nd floor gallery of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.
Admission is free.
For more information, please visit the website at JapanHouseLA.com.

2026 Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai Friendship Luncheon

On February 8 in Montebello, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai held its 2026 Officer Installation and Friendship Luncheon.

Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai is a nonprofit organization founded in 1964.
It has members from 36 prefectures across Japan and continues a variety of community service activities, including the preservation of traditional culture and awarding scholarships.

The ceremony began with the oath of office by the 13 officers for the current term.
George Howard succeeded Kihei Otani, who served as president last year, becoming the first non-Japanese president in the history of Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai.

George Howard, a native of the South Bay area, has been studying Japanese traditional culture since the 1980s and has long been active in the Japanese American community, including serving as president of the Gunma Kenjinkai.

After lunch, government officials including California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and community representatives gave congratulatory remarks.
Awards were then presented to recognize outstanding contributions.

The annual showcase of hometown pride by prefectural representatives was also held.

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February 22nd 2026 O.A.

2026 Southern California Gardeners’ Federation New Year’s Celebration

On February 1 in Montebello, the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation held its New Year’s celebration and officers’ installation ceremony.

The Southern California Gardeners’ Federation is a professional organization of Japanese American gardeners founded in 1955.
It currently includes 11 chapters and approximately 270 members.
The organization engages in mutual supportand community service.

At the beginning of the event, 8 new officers for the current term took the oath of office.

President Brian Yamasaki, who began his second term this year, addressed the attendees and expressed his New Year’s resolution, saying he hopes to serve as a bridge to the next generation.

Following this, representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles and major Japanese American organizations delivered congratulatory remarks.

After the toast, members, families, and guests enjoyed fellowship.

Following lunch, an awards ceremony was held to honor distinguished member, and Sogetsu-ryu Ikebana School instructor Yoko Kitajima gave an ikebana demonstration and lecture.

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February 15th 2026 O.A.

2026 JRA New Year’s Reception

On January 26, the Japanese Restaurant Association of America held its New Year’s reception at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance.

The association is a nonprofit organization made up of owners of Japanese restaurants and food-related businesses.

Currently, about 200 companies are registered in Southern California alone, and the association works to promote authentic Japanese food culture through hygiene guidance as well as Japanese food events and community service activities.

Along with JRA members, about 100 representatives from Japanese American organizations attended.
Consul General Murota of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles spoke about the outlook for promoting Japanese cuisine in other states, while President Shinji Kugita shared his goals for the coming year.

After the toast, guests enjoyed sushi and drinks while networking with one another.
The event concluded with President Kugita presenting certificates of appreciation to three major food wholesalers for their contributions.

2026 Pechanga Lunar New Year Celebration

A variety of Lunar New Year celebration events will be held throughout February at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

Pechanga Resort Casino runs its annual Lunar New Year promotion at this time every year, and on February 3 an overview of this year’s program was presented to Asian media.

The highlight is a grand raffle with prizes totaling $888,000. The first prize winner will receive a Ferrari in celebration of the Year of the Horse.

During the period through February 28, Pechanga Rewards members can earn entries simply by playing slots or table games.
Membership in Pechanga Rewards is free. The final drawing will be held on February 28, when the Ferrari winner will be announced.

Pechanga is currently decorated throughout the resort to create a festive New Year atmosphere.

Through March 8, three of the resort’s Asian restaurants are offering special Lunar New Year menus.

In addition, on February 21, a free lion dance performance will be held, providing opportunities to enjoy the Lunar New Year in many ways beyond the casino.

For more details, please visit the “Lunar New Year” page on the Pechanga Resort Casino website.

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February 1st 2026 O.A.

2026 OAA New Year’s Party

The New Year’s Party and officer installation ceremony of the Okinawa Association of America, or OAA, was held on January 18 in Carson.

The OAA is a nonprofit organization with a 117-year history.
It promotes friendship among its members, supports the local community, and preserves Okinawan culture.

This year, all officers continued from last year, including President Vicki Oshiro-Nishiuchi for the third year.
During the installation ceremony, the oath of office was administered by Al Muratsuchi, a California State Assembly member born in Okinawa.

At the ceremony, a commemorative plaque was presented to architect Skyler Kogachi, AIA, who was involved in the renovation of the OAA Center in Gardena, the association’s headquarters.

This was followed by a kagami biraki ceremony.
Participants born in the Year of the Horse were invited to the stage to join a toast with approximately 450 attendees.

The event concluded with members performing various Okinawan arts, celebrating the start of the new year with enjoyment.

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January 25th 2026 O.A.

JBA 2026 New Year’s Party

On January 16, the Japanese Business Association of Southern California, or JBA, held a New Year’s Party in Torrance.

The JBA is a nonprofit organization with about 430 Japanese companies in Southern California as members.
It provides mutual support for its members, promotes Japan-US business understanding, ontributes to the local community, and celebrates its 65th anniversary this year.

More than 500 members and guests attended the New Year’s Party, which offered an opportunity to network and celebrate the new year.

At the ceremony, JBA President Fujinami gave a greeting and encouraged members to apply the association’s strengths in their daily activities.

Next, Consul General Murota of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles took the stage and expressed his hopes that Japanese companies work together to discover business opportunities unique to this region.

The event ended with a raffle of prizes from member companies, including round-trip tickets to Japan.
Amid smiles and cheers, the New Year’s Party concluded.

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January 1st 2026 O.A.

2026 Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo

On New Year’s Day January 1, Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo was held in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles.

This annual event began to offer people in Los Angeles a chance to experience Japanese New Year traditions. This year marked its 27th edition.

Although rain was a concern this year, the weather included occasional sunny breaks, and many visitors gathered at Weller Court, the main venue.

The event is organized by JCCSA, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, a nonprofit organization that supports Japanese American businesses in Southern California and promotes cultural activities.

At the opening ceremony, New Year’s greetings were delivered by Jeff Yamazaki, who became President of JCCSC this year, followed by Consul General Kosei Murota of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

This was followed by a traditional kagami biraki ceremony performed by representatives, celebrating the start of the New Year.

Afterward, demonstrations of Japanese culture such as calligraphy and martial arts were presented. Songs and dances were also performed, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere at the venue.

Along Onizuka Street, booths offered street food like yakisoba and New Year specialties such as mochi, amazake, and sake, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the area.

A stage was also set up at Japanese Village Plaza, attracting many visitors.

Shops and temples around Little Tokyo also saw lively New Year crowds.

At the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin of Los Angeles, long lines formed for the first shrine visit of the year.
Families and couples purchased good luck charms and drew fortune slips, praying for safety and peace in the year ahead.

#Support SAKE Night

An event organized by #SupportSake, which promotes sake in the United States, was held in Hollywood on December 8.

#SupportSake is an initiative by the Japan External Trade Organization, JETRO.
It aims to support sake breweries facing a shrinking domestic market in Japan. The initiative uses social media like Instagram to connect sake fans in the United States and create a community.

On this day, an awards ceremony was held for a photo campaign. Now in its third year, the contest invited participants to share photos of how they enjoy sake.

Under the theme My Favorite Sake, prizes were given to top entries from over 300 submissions.

The grand prize, which included a plane ticket to Japan, went to Stephanie from Georgia. The result highlighted the growing popularity of sake across the United States.

The event featured a report on a tour of Japanese sake breweries by last year’s grand prize winner and a trivia quiz about sake.
It was filled with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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December 28th 2025 O.A.

Southern California Amamikai 50th anniversary

On November 22, the Amami Shimauta and Oshima Tsumugi Show was held in Torrance.
The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Southern California Amamikai, a social association formed by people from the Amami Islands.

The Amami Islands are part of Kagoshima Prefecture and consist mainly of eight inhabited islands, including Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima, located between southern Kyushu and Okinawa.

On this day, an Amami product fair was also held at the venue.
One item in particular drew attention, Oshima Tsumugi.
Oshima Tsumugi is a traditional silk textile primarily produced on Amami Oshima and is regarded as one of the world’s three great textiles, alongside France’s Gobelin tapestries and Iran’s Persian carpets.

The show opened with a Ryukyu-style lion dance performed by Shishigumi LA.
Representing the guests from Amami, Amami City Mayor Sohei Yasuda delivered a greeting, expressing respect and gratitude for the association’s 50 years of activities.

For the Shimauta performance, two singers active in Amami were invited and showcased the appeal of the island songs through traditional pieces as well as collaborations with modern dance.

In the Oshima Tsumugi fashion show, the versatility of the textile was presented through designs ranging from traditional kimono to Western-style dresses.

The event concluded with performers and audience members coming together in lively Amami-style dancing and singing, creating a festive and energetic finale.

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December 21st 2025 O.A.

Nanka Ehime Kenjinkai 115th anniversary

On Sunday, November 9, the Nanka Ehime Kenjinkai held its 115th anniversary celebration in Montebello.

About 150 members and community representatives attended the ceremony.
The event began with a greeting from Kihei Otani, president of the Nanka Ehime Kenjinkai.

Next, representatives of the local Japanese community in Los Angeles spoke, followed by greetings from visiting officials from the Ehime Prefectural Assembly and Government Office.

After the meal, a lecture was given by Tomio Moriguchi, president of Uwajimaya, a Japanese supermarket with its main store in Seattle.

Uwajimaya was founded by an Ehime native and is a pioneer among Japanese supermarkets that have continued since before World War II.
“At the ceremony honoring long-time contributors to the Nanka Ehime Kenjinkai, Vice Governor Kan of Ehime Prefecture presented certificates to each recipient.
Hidejiro Matsu, an advisor to the Nanka Ehime Kenjinkai and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, spoke on behalf of the honorees to express his gratitude.”

The winning entries of an essay contest held to celebrate the 115th anniversary were also announced. Winners from the elementary, middle, and high school divisions read aloud their essays expressing their thoughts about Ehime Prefecture.
During the ceremony, there were also calligraphy performances and a raffle drawing.

The event concluded successfully.

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December 14th 2025 O.A.

November 23rd 2025 O.A.

JRA Sushi and Sake Festival

On Sunday, November 2, the Sushi and Sake Festival was held in Little Tokyo.

The event is organized by the Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA), an industry group founded in 1999 to improve skills and hygiene in the U.S. Japanese food industry and to support legal and business needs.

The festival aims to further promote Japanese food culture in Los Angeles and is now in its 24th year.
It is held each year around this time because November 1 in Japan is Sushi Day.

Because the event offers unlimited food and sake, advance tickets sell out every year.
This year as well, Japanese food fans formed long lines even before the event began.

The main attraction for attendees was, of course, sushi.
They enjoyed sushi prepared by chefs from well-known restaurants.

On stage, a giant tuna carving demonstration was held as one of the attractions, creating great excitement among the crowd.
The carved tuna was prepared on the spot and served to visitors as sushi and sashimi.

In addition to sushi, the food area offered wagyu beef, yakitori, oden, and various drinks.
Outside, ramen, okonomiyaki, and many other types of Japanese food were served with the cooperation of JRA member organizations and companies.

In the alcohol section, numerous varieties of sake, including junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo from various breweries, were introduced. Participants enjoyed tasting and comparing the different flavors.

This year, the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association also set up a special shochu section. 12 distilleries hosted booths, offering lectures and other activities to promote shochu.

The event also featured a booth by the Association for the Advancement of the Japanese Culinary Arts (AAJ), considered the oldest organization of Japanese cuisine chefs in Japan.

AAJ aims to preserve Japanese culinary techniques, develop new Japanese cuisine, and promote it worldwide.
In the United States, it conducts the bronze-level certification exam under the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture’s program for cooking skills abroad.

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November 23rd 2025 O.A.

LTSC Mental Health Conference

On November 1, a conference on mental health was held in Little Tokyo.

Titled ‘Ebb and Flow,’ the conference was hosted by the Little Tokyo Service Center and was held for the third time this year.
The event aims to deepen understanding of mental health within the Asian American community, with a particular focus on Japanese Americans.

It opened with a panel discussion featuring survivors of the Pacific Palisades and Eaton wildfires, held at the Terasaki Budokan.
Panelists spoke about the trauma they experienced and the process of healing.

One of the speakers, artist Miki Yokoyama, lost her home and all of her previous works in the Eaton fire.

Afterwards, seminars on therapy, caregiving, and addiction were held in English, Japanese, or both.
One of the sessions focused on understanding and supporting Japanese unhoused individuals.

Many Japanese nationals in the community have become homeless for a variety of reasons.
Some are seniors who came to the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, lived without legal status, and can no longer work due to age.
Others are young people struggling with drug dependency or mental health issues.
Some are women who lost their homes due to divorce or domestic violence.

The Little Tokyo Service Center offers many programs and staff who can provide support in Japanese for those facing difficult situations.
More information is available on the website LTSC.org.

OCJAA Senior Citizen Appreciation Day

On Saturday October 26 the Orange County Japanese American Association hosted Senior Citizen Appreciation Day in Fountain Valley.

The event honors elders who have contributed to building and developing the local community and this year marked its thirty ninth anniversary.

The ceremony began with a speech by OCJAA President Yasuyuki Okazoe followed by representatives of the Japanese American community.
They congratulated the seniors thanked them for their community contributions and wished them health and long life.

Fifteen seniors turning eighty this year received certificates honoring their achievements and longevity.
The winners of the Nerio Japanese Cultural Scholarship were also announced. The scholarship supports young people who preserve Japanese culture.

The venue featured a tea ceremony experience and children read messages they had written for the elders along with other entertainment on stage.
Approximately two hundred forty participants enjoyed a peaceful time together while eating boxed lunches.

OCJAA also operates the Senior Shiawase Project.
The project provides free lunches each month to about one hundred Japanese Americans over eighty in Orange County. It also helps prevent isolation and supports a safe and caring environment for seniors.
This event is part of that ongoing effort.

Fuji-kan Theater Monument

A historical marker has been installed at the former site of the Fuji-kan Theater, which opened in Little Tokyo in 1925, and its unveiling ceremony was held on October 30.

The marker commemorates the 100th anniversary of the theater’s opening. It was made possible by the Little Tokyo Historical Society in partnership with the City of Los Angeles.

The Fuji-kan Theater is known as the venue where Japanese silent films were first shown in Los Angeles in 1926, and for many years it presented Japanese films with live narrators known as benshi.
The theater closed in 1942.

At the ceremony, representatives from the City of Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, and the Little Tokyo Business Association delivered remarks.
They spoke about the importance of preserving Little Tokyo’s history and culture for future generations.

Following the ceremony, a lecture on Sessue Hayakawa, who began his acting career in Little Tokyo and became a Hollywood star in the 1920s, also covered the long standing ties between the Japanese American community and Hollywood. The lecture was delivered by Professor Daisuke Miyao of UC San Diego.

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November 16th 2025 O.A.

Intercollegiate Nikkei Council “Beach Day”

INC, the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council, held an event on October 18 at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey.

INC is made up of Japanese student unions from thirteen universities across Southern California.
Its goal is to build connections among students across different schools and strengthen the local Japanese community.

The Beach Day, held annually at the start of the new academic year, brings together students from all thirteen member universities for a networking event.

This year, approximately seven hundred people attended. Participants first gathered by school but quickly mingled through games and activities.

LA Welcomes Consul General Murota

Kohei Murota Welcomed at Assumption of Post Reception as Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles on October 17.

Consul General Murota assumed his post in August this year.
Before coming to Los Angeles, he served as a senior director in the National Security Secretariat and has held key security and foreign policy posts since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994.

The reception was attended by members of the Japanese American community and political, business, and cultural leaders from Los Angeles. Speakers expressed hope for further Japan-US cooperation and exchanges.

Consul General Murota stated that he aims to strengthen Japan-US friendship through understanding gained from being in the local community.

Regarding the Japanese American community, he noted that the leading generation is reaching a transitional period. He expressed his intention to build cooperative relationships with the fourth and fifth generations and new Japanese Americans while learning from the history and experiences of the community.

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November 9th 2025 O.A.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California 120th

On Sunday, October 5, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, JCCSC, held a ceremony for its 120th anniversary. The event took place at Almansor Court in Alhambra.
The JCCSC is a nonprofit organization that supports Japanese businesses in Southern California and promotes community welfare and U.S.–Japan friendship.
“About 200 guests, including community representatives, attended the ceremony.
The event began with opening remarks from President Haruo Takehana.”

“Congratulatory messages followed from the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and others.

A video highlighting the chamber’s history was also presented.
“
“Established in 1905 under the name “Los Angeles Japanese Association,” the organization has supported Japanese immigrants in addressing a wide range of challenges.
After World War II, it focused on rebuilding the Japanese American community and continues today to promote education, cultural heritage, and stronger U.S.-Japan relations.”

Following lunch, awards were presented to eight companies and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the local community.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi also presented a certificate of recognition to President Takehana in honor of the chamber’s contributions to American society.

New Mitsuwa Opens in Cypress

Japanese supermarket chain Mitsuwa Marketplace has opened a new store in the city of Cypress.

The Cypress location is Mitsuwa’s 13th store in the United States. Ahead of the grand opening, a preview event for invited guests was held on October 31, where Cypress Mayor David Burke delivered a welcome speech.

The Cypress store is a mid-sized location for Mitsuwa, featuring a unified design that connects the supermarket and food court areas.

Another highlight is the large delicatessen section, featuring the “Nagomi” brand of sushi, bento, and other ready-to-eat Japanese foods, which occupies a significant portion of the sales floor.

Mitsuwa Marketplace Cypress is located along Katella Avenue, at the corner leading to the entrance of Los Alamitos Race Course, inside a shopping mall.

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October 26th 2025 O.A.

Global Stage Hollywood 2025

From Friday, October 3, the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival was held in Hollywood for three days.

This festival focuses on Japanese films and also features feature-length and short films from around the world, now in its seventh year.
This year featured films from Korea and Italy as well as Japan.

While the world is full of captivating stories, opportunities for global recognition remain limited.
By hosting the festival in Hollywood, organizers aim to give these films a platform to reach a wider international audience.

On opening day, actor Shofukutei Tsurube, star of the moving opening film The 35-Year Promise, walked the red carpet.

Also featured was veteran director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s The Killer Goldfish, a wildly imaginative film about goldfish attacking humans.
The project represents a new, independent production model using crowdfunding to realize creative freedom.

After the screenings, directors, producers, and lead actors took part in a talk session that explored filmmaking from both creative and business perspectives.

Irvine Global Village Festival 2025

On Saturday, October 11, the Irvine Global Village Festival was held at the Great Park in Irvine.

Organized annually by the City of Irvine to promote mutual understanding among people of diverse cultural backgrounds, this year marked the 24th edition of the event.

The vast venue was divided into themed areas such as Food, Kids, and Culture, where visiting families enjoyed a variety of attractions and activities.

In the Culture area, local community groups from Asian regions such as Korea, Taiwan, and China, and from Middle Eastern regions including Iraq and Palestine, among others, set up booths to showcase their unique cultures.

The Japanese American community hosted an All-Japan booth, coordinated by the Japan Business Association of Southern California, the Japan Foundation, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, with support from volunteers.

The booth featured ikebana and origami workshops, kimono dressing experiences, and other cultural demonstrations.
The LA Nagasaki-kai also promoted the attractions of Nagasaki Prefecture.

On stage, amid performances representing cultures from around the world, OCO Kibou Taiko from Orange County delivered a powerful taiko drum performance.

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October 12th 2025 O.A.

September 28th 2025 O.A.

MTC Japanese Food & Restaurant Expo

The Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo, organized by Mutual Trading, was held on September 25 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Targeting professionals in the food and beverage industry, the expo showcases current trends in Japanese cuisine in the United States.

Now in its 34th year, this year’s theme was “Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation,” highlighting the evolving potential of Japanese food in step with the times.

While the event typically draws over 2,000 visitors each year, attendance was limited to about 1,000 invitees this year.

The food section featured a wide range of products, from essential ingredients like seaweed, soy sauce, and tofu to noodles, soups, sauces, frozen foods, and premium items such as Miyazaki Wagyu beef.

Mutual Trading introduced its own original brands, Ultra-Low-Temperature Seafood, and this year, fresh fish delivered directly through an exclusive agreement with Tsukiji.

The non-food section showcased tableware, rice cookers, Japanese knives with live demonstrations, and various restaurant supplies.

The alcohol section presented a diverse lineup of beverages including sake, shochu, whisky, and beer.

Amid the challenges posed by the new tariff policies under the Trump administration, industry professionals were seen carefully examining each product.

Keiro no Hi Festival

On Saturday, September 13, the “Keiro no Hi Festival” was held at Nishi Hongwanji Temple in Little Tokyo.

The event was organized by Keiro, a nonprofit organization that provides welfare services for Japanese American seniors.

It was inspired by Japan’s “Respect for the Aged Day” and marked the festival’s eighth year.
About 700 pre-registered participants aged 60 and older gathered from across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties, many arriving by shuttle buses.

The venue featured game booths such as ring toss and Plinko, as well as origami and stamp craft tables, all run by Keiro board members and volunteers.

Numerous booths from local businesses also participated, allowing attendees to gather useful information and enjoy shopping.

Other attractions included a Japanese confectionery-making demonstration and various stage performances such as ukulele music and choral singing.
During lunchtime, free bento lunches were distributed, and participants spent an enjoyable day together.

Keiro also announced plans to open a small care home in Torrance for individuals with dementia and other related conditions.
The facility is expected to open after obtaining city licensing and completing renovation work.

Japan Film Festival Los Angeles 2025

The Japanese Film Festival Los Angeles was held from September 1 to 14.

The festival showcased a wide range of films connected to Japan, including movies made in Japan, works by Japanese or Japanese-American directors, foreign-language films featuring Japanese actors, and films themed around Japan.

This year, 55 feature and short films selected from public submissions were screened both online and in person throughout the festival period.
Many directors and actors attended the screenings and participated in question-and-answer sessions.

The festival began in 2003 as the Chanoma Film Festival and celebrated its 20th edition this year.

On the final day, September 14, an awards ceremony was held at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles in Hollywood, where founder and filmmaker Junichi Suzuki, the family of director Nobuhiko Obayashi who had participated as a guest in the past, and actor Tatsuya Nakadai congratulated the festival’s 20th anniversary via video messages.

Awards in various categories were presented to 16 films, with recipients expressing their joy and gratitude.

The festival concluded with filmmakers networking and sharing smiles, bringing this year’s celebration to a joyful close.

Muratsuchi Runs for California Schools Chief

A gathering to support California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who is running for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction in the 2026 election, was held on September 21 in Irvine.

Muratsuchi will reach his term limit as a state assemblymember next year.
He is running for superintendent, the top administrative position in California public education, to focus his efforts on education policy.

Muratsuchi was born in Okinawa.
A Democrat representing the South Bay area, he was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2012.

Since then, he has sponsored numerous bills supporting his local community, with a particular focus on education. Recently, a bill he co-authored to limit immigration officers’ access to school grounds was passed into law.

At the gathering, attendees were encouraged to support his campaign for superintendent to help create a better educational environment.

The California State Superintendent of Public Instruction election will be held in the state’s June 2026 primary.

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