SoCalJapan | Japan Hollywood Network

(日本語) 2025年4月27日放送

April 27th 2025 O.A.

Southern California Gardeners’ Federation 70th anniversary

On Sunday, March 30, the 70th anniversary of the Southern California Gardeners’ Federation (SCGF) and its officer inauguration ceremony were held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo.

The SCGF, established in 1955, is a professional organization formed by gardeners. In addition to mutual support among its 160 current members, the federation also engages in community service activities.

The event began with an unveiling ceremony of a Memorial Plaque at the James Irvine Garden of the JACCC.

The plaque honors the gardeners who built the garden in 1979 and to those who have contributed to American society over the years.

Following the oath-taking ceremony for the new officers, SCGF President Brian Yamasaki celebrated the plaque’s completion and honored the pioneers’ efforts.

Next, leaders from Japanese American organizations gave congratulatory speeches, followed by a toast with all attendees.

After the lunch, Mr. Sunny Seki, author of Gardener’s Pioneer Story, gave a special lecture.

He went on to say, ”The gardening profession not only became a livelihood for people returning from the internment camps after the war, but also helped build an invisible yet invaluable asset for the Japanese American community: trust within American society.”

The event concluded with the presentation of the Special Awards.

Keiro Caregiver Conference

On Saturday, March 15th, Keiro held a Caregiver Conference at the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center.

Keiro is a nonprofit organization that provides welfare services for Japanese American older adults. The Caregiver Conference is an annual event organized by Keiro to share essential knowledge and caregiving skills with those who care for aging family members or friends, as well as with those receiving care.

This year’s conference featured a presentation by Roxy Kirakosyan, who oversees community education at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles.
She spoke about the basics of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, how caregivers can utilize available resources, and the importance of creating care plans.

In the panel discussion, which included a hospice worker and a legal expert, they covered how to approach conversations about wills and asset management with care recipients at the end of life and how to take the necessary steps in advance.

The event also included a resource fair with service providers and nonprofit organizations supporting caregivers. More than 100 participants attended, gathering information about services and plans, and seeking guidance for the future.

Keiro’s next Caregiver Conference is scheduled to be held in Gardena this October.

Pechanga Pro-Ama

On Tuesday, April 8, the Pechanga Pro-Am Tournament was held at Journey at Pechanga Golf Course in Temecula, featuring female professional golfers.

This annual event provides an opportunity for LPGA golfers to connect with members of the community, and this year marks the 12th time it has been held at Journey at Pechanga.

Journey at Pechanga is a championship golf course adjacent to Pechanga Resort Casino. Set amidst the rolling hills of Temecula Valley, it offers a challenging layout that takes full advantage of the area’s stunning natural landscape.

This year, 36 female professional golfers participated, enjoying their time on the course and engaging with guests and sponsors.

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April 13th 2025 O.A.

OCJAA New Year and Community Service Awards Banquet

The Orange County Japanese American Association 2025 Community Service Awards Banquet was held in Fountain Valley on Sunday, March 2nd.

The OCJAA was established in 1986. It is a nonprofit serving the Japanese American community in Orange County through cultural, educational, and welfare programs.

The ceremony began with a performance by Hikari Taiko. An inauguration for the new board members followed, with Mr. Yasuyuki Okazoe sworn in for his third term as president.

After a lunch break, greetings were delivered by the President of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, a representative from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Asahi Beverages America for their support of OCJAA’s activities, as well as to the Origami Kai group. In addition, three individuals who have long served as directors of community organizations were honored with Community Service Awards.

The event also featured Kadoso, a blend of flower arrangement and music, and guests enjoyed a pleasant afternoon.

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March 30th 2025 O.A.

Nikkei Professionals 2025

The Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) hosted a networking event for Japanese American students and professionals, “Nikkei Professionals,” on March 1 at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.

INC is an organization composed of Nikkei Student Unions from 12 universities in Southern California.

“Nikkei Professionals” is an annual event organized by INC to foster connections between students and experienced professionals within the Nikkei community.
This year, about 250 students attended.

The event featured a panel discussion with three professionals working in accounting, journalism, and film making.
They shared their experiences and discussed how they built their careers.

Following the discussion, students participated in workshops where they learned strategies for career development.

From various fields, including engineering, business, education, healthcare, and computer science, around 50 professionals volunteered to attend the event.
Students actively sought advice and engaged in networking efforts.

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March 23rd 2025 O.A.

NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND

The exhibition “NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND” is currently being held at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood, showcasing Japan’s samurai culture through immersive visuals.

This exhibition is organized with the cooperation of NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Japan, and NHK is launching various projects to commemorate this milestone.

Visitors can experience Japan’s cultural assets and architectural marvels through stunning visuals created using NHK’s latest innovations, including 8K resolution and 3D computer graphics.

Thanks to this technology, visitors can freely explore priceless Japanese treasures, usually off-limits for close viewing, adjusting angles and zooming in on details with a controller.

Additionally, the exhibition provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production of NHK’s historical drama series.
“NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND” is open to the public at Japan House LA’s second-floor gallery until September 1.
Admission is free.
For more details, visit the Japan House website.

My Life Burned

The Pacific Palisades fire that broke out in early January spread throughout Los Angeles, destroying more than 10,000 buildings.

Among those affected, the home of Fumiko Kometani, who lived in Pacific Palisades, was completely burned down.

Kometani came to the U.S. in 1960 on a scholarship as a painter.
Later, she married a playwright and started writing after giving birth to a child with a brain disability.
In 1985, she won the Akutagawa Prize and the Shincho Newcomer’s Award for her work “The Passover.”

Although Kometani’s life was spared thanks to her family, she lost all her artwork and the memorabilia from the Akutagawa Prize, along with other precious items, in the fire.

Currently, she is living in a senior apartment in South Bay, which was introduced to her by a friend.

Kometani, who has been involved in anti-war and anti-nuclear movements through her creative work, has a thought after experiencing this wildfire.

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March 9th 2025 O.A.

2025 JCCSC Installation of Officers and Award Luncheon

On Sunday, January 26, the Installation of Officers and Award Luncheon, organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC), took place in Montebello.

The JCCSC is a nonprofit organization that supports Japanese businesses in Southern California, promotes social welfare, and fosters U.S.-Japan goodwill activities.

The event began with a moment of silence observed by all attendees in memory of the victims of the wildfire that occurred in January.

15 newly appointed officers took their oaths, pledging their commitment to contributing to the community.
Haruo Takehana, now serving his fifth term as president, addressed the audience of approximately 100 attendees.

Following speeches by distinguished guests, including Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, an awards ceremony was held to honor individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community.

This year’s Nikkei Spirit Award was presented to Mr. George Sugimoto, the founder of an electronics components manufacturer with over 60 years of history.
He has actively supported various volunteer activities within the Japanese American community.

The Community Organization Recognition Award was given to the Okinawa Association of America.
Established in 1909, the association currently has approximately 800 member families and has contributed to the preservation of Okinawan culture and U.S.-Japan goodwill.

2025 Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai Officers Installation and Friendship Luncheon

On Sunday, February 9, the Officers Installation and Friendship Luncheon of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai took place.

Founded in 1964, the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai is a nonprofit organization composed of prefectural associations based in Southern California.
Currently, 37 associations are members, working together to preserve Japanese culture, provide scholarships, and support disaster relief efforts.

The ceremony began with nine newly appointed officers taking their oaths, pledging to serve the community.

This year, Kazue Kitagaito stepped down as president after dedicating efforts to fundraising for the Noto Peninsula earthquake relief.
Kihei Otani has now assumed the role as the new president.

Mr. Otani, originally from Ehime Prefecture, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of four.
While serving as the longtime president of the Ehime Kenjinkai, he has contributed to U.S.-Japan goodwill efforts.
On this day, he delivered his inaugural address before an audience of approximately 160 attendees.

The event also featured congratulatory speeches from distinguished guests, followed by the presentation of appreciation plaques to individuals recognized for their contributions to the community.

The evening concluded with entertainment, including the annual “hometown pride” presentations by various Kenjinkai.
Additionally, a guest from Japan performed a special musical number, bringing a warm and festive close to the gathering.

2025 Asian American Expo

On February 15 and 16, the Asian American Expo was held in Pomona.

This event, which brings together Asian products and businesses, is now in its 43rd year.
With special deals on food and goods, live performances, attractions, and a wide variety of Asian street food, the venue quickly filled with visitors as soon as the doors opened.

Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula also promoted a special campaign where a brand-new home was being given away.
Until May 30, Pechanga Club members who play slot machines or table games and activate their raffle entry every Friday will have a chance to win a newly built home in Temecula.

Additionally, Pechanga announced the reopening of its popular pool area, The Cove, which had been closed for the off-season, just in time for spring.
For more details on the home giveaway campaign and the pool area, visit Pechanga.com.

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February 23rd 2025 O.A.

2025 OAA New Year’s Party

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) held its New Year’s Party and Officer’s Osstallation on February 2 in Carson.

The OAA is a nonprofit organization with a history spanning over 110 years, dedicated to fostering friendships among its members, providing mutual support, and contributing to the local community.

This year’s New Year’s party welcomed over 400 attendees. True to the OAA’s commitment to preserving and passing down Okinawan culture and performing arts, the celebration opened with traditional Okinawan music and dance.

For the second consecutive term, Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi was inaugurated as the OAA president.
California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who was born in Okinawa, served as the installer, leading her and the newly appointed officers in their oath of office for the new term.

After this, representatives of the distinguished guests delivered speeches, followed by the sake barrel ceremony.
Attendees born in the Year of the Snake were invited to the stage, where everyone joined together in a toast to celebrate the new year.

Among the many Japanese prefectural associations in Southern California, the OAA is the largest. However, it faces the challenge of engaging younger generations.
During the period when activities were restricted due to COVID-19, many volunteers who had supported the association’s efforts disengaged.

Japanese Government Wildfire Aid

The Japanese government has donated 2 million dollars to the American Red Cross to support the victims of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The handover ceremony took place on February 5th in Los Angeles.

The Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Kenko Sone, attended the ceremony and handed over the donation certificate to Joanne Nowlin, the CEO of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.

The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is providing information related to wildfire assistance and waiving passport application fees for disaster victims.
For more details, please visit the website of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

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February 9th 2025 O.A.

Anime x Japanese Food Round 2

A An anime and Japanese food event is happening in Little Tokyo, where you can get anime merchandise just by enjoying Japanese cuisine.

Titled “Slime x Little Tokyo,” this event is part of JFOODO’s campaign under JETRO to promote Japanese food internationally.
The campaign is a collaboration with the popular anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, encouraging people to experience Japanese cuisine through their love of anime.

A total of 11 restaurants in Little Tokyo are participating in this campaign.
Such as scallops, yellowtail, sea bream, Wagyu beef, and Japanese tea, premium ingredients imported from Japan are featured in limited-time menu items at each restaurant.

This is the campaign’s second run since last November.
Guests can receive exclusive anime stickers and pins, and collecting digital stamps from three restaurants earns a special keychain.

“Slime x Little Tokyo” runs until February 16. For more details, search for “Slime x Little Tokyo” online!

Gum Disease Awareness Month

January and February are designated as awareness months of gum health.

One common gum issue is gum recession, where tooth roots become exposed.
This can be caused by conditions such as periodontal disease, improper brushing, or aging.

Once gums recede, they do not grow back on their own without treatment.
One common treatment involves grafting, where tissue from the inside of the mouth is transplanted to the affected area.
However, this method requires stitches and a healing period.

This clinic in Alhambra has been offering the Pinhole Surgical Technique, an alternative to grafting, for nearly 20 years.

To maintain healthy gums, daily oral care is essential. ‘
Proper brushing, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, quitting smoking, and regular checkups help prevent periodontal disease.

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January 26th 2025 O.A.

JBA 2025 New Year’s Party

On January 17, in Torrance, the JBA (Japanese Business Association of Southern California) held its annual New Year’s gathering, the Gashi Kokan-kai.

JBA is a nonprofit organization of about 500 Japanese companies in Southern California, aiming to support member companies, foster Japan-U.S. business understanding, and contribute to the community.

This annual event celebrates the New Year and fosters member networking. However, this year, in light of the major wildfire that struck Los Angeles, the event’s focus shifted to a theme of recovery and community support.

The ceremony featured remarks from JBA President Minamiura and Japanese Consul General in Los Angeles, Takehiro Sone, among other distinguished guests.
They expressed solidarity with those affected by the disaster and conveyed hopes for a swift recovery.

The traditional raffle featuring various prizes donated by member companies was replaced this year with a secret auction to support recovery efforts.
The proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

The New Year’s Party is JBA’s largest annual event, attended by nearly all member companies.
Over 500 participants deepened their ties while expressing hopes for the swift resolution of the wildfire crisis and the continued growth of Japanese businesses and communities in Southern California.

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January 12th 2025 O.A.

#SupportSAKE Photo Campaign

A celebration offering the experience of a Japanese New Year took place on January 1st in Little Tokyo.

Hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC), “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” celebrated its 27th year.
As a beloved annual New Year’s tradition in Little Tokyo, the festivities drew large crowds to Weller Court and the Japanese Village Plaza.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Haruo Takehana, President of the JCCSC, and Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles.

This was followed by a ceremonial sake barrel opening by community representatives.
Traditional lion dances and mochi tossing ceremonies were also held, wishing for happiness and prosperity in the new year.

The stage showcased performances, including calligraphy by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai members, martial arts demonstrations such as aikido and kendo, a kimono contest, and traditional folk songs and dances, creating a lively atmosphere for the New Year.

The venue also featured numerous booths offering a wide range of attractions. Visitors enjoyed traditional New Year treats like amazake and mochi, a mini Shinto shrine, as well as food stands selling items such as yakiudon and yakitori.
Activities for children were also very popular.

The Koyasan Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles also welcomed many visitors for hatsumode, the first shrine visits of the year.
Worshippers drew omikuji fortune slip and purchased protective charms, praying for peace and well-being in the coming year.

With favorable weather on New Year’s Day, many people gathered in Little Tokyo to enjoy the start of the new year.

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December 22nd 2024 O.A.

#SupportSAKE Photo Campaign

A photo campaign awards ceremony for the best Instagram posts about Japanese sake was held on December 2 in Hollywood.

This photo campaign was organized by #SupportSAKE, an organization promoting Japanese sake in the U.S. Under the theme “Sake Moments,” they invited photo submissions this fall.
On this day, an awards presentation event was held, inviting campaign participants and influencers to celebrate the winning entries.

#SupportSAKE is an initiative by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to support sake breweries facing a shrinking domestic market.
It aims to connect Japanese sake fans in the U.S. through social media and build a community.

Japanese and American sake producers, distributors, and restaurants are also participating as supporters.
At the event, participants had the opportunity to enjoy tasting a variety of sake.

At the ceremony, a status report was presented on the sake breweries in Ishikawa Prefecture affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1 of this year.
Additionally, the winner of last year’s photo contest shared a report on their tour of sake breweries.

The awards were then announced, with the grand prize winner receiving a round ticket to Japan as their prize.

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December 15th 2024 O.A.

Nagoya Day

On Saturday, November 2nd, “Nagoya Day” was held at a shopping mall in Century City.

This event was hosted by the Los Angeles and Nagoya Sister City Affiliation (LANSCA) to commemorate the 65th anniversary of their sister city relationship.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from both cities, who came together to celebrate their enduring friendship.

At the venue, businesses and organizations from Nagoya and the Chubu region showcased their products, services, and tourist attractions, promoting the unique charm of the area.

Visitors also had the chance to experience Japanese culture through activities such as calligraphy, origami, and kimono dressing.

Samples of Nagoya’s iconic dishes, including miso pork cutlet, deep-fried chicken wing, and grilled eel on rice were offered, delighting attendees.

The stage featured samurai shows and traditional Japanese dances, allowing visitors to enjoy various aspects of Nagoya and Japanese culture

In the evening, a commemorative dinner was held at a neighboring hotel, attended by representatives from Japanese and American businesses and cultural organizations.
The event provided an opportunity to deepen mutual exchanges.

Los Angeles and Nagoya both host international trade ports, and their sister port relationship also marked its 65th anniversary.

During the ceremony, the Port of Los Angeles honored Japanese companies working to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions within the port through hydrogen-based solutions.

The Sustainability Innovation Award was presented to three companies: Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Tsusho America, and Mitsui E&S.

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December 8th 2024 O.A.

Master of Carpentry

An exhibition of Japanese carpentry is currently at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood.

This exhibition highlights the spirit and craftsmanship of carpenters preserving traditional Japanese architectural techniques.

“The exhibition is divided into five sections: “Nature and the Japanese Forest,” “Tools,” ”The Shrine and Temple Carpenters,” “Japanese Joinery,” and “Teahouse Carpenters.”
Visitors can explore not only the intricate techniques of wooden architecture and woodworking but also the tools and philosophy that underpin them.

The exhibition’s highlights include a scale model of the hipped roof of the Tōindō Hall, a National Treasure located at Yakushiji Temple in Nara.
Another notable feature is a life-sized replica of the Sa-an teahouse, designed by the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyū.

Additionally, the exhibition features over 70 items, including examples of traditional Japanese joinery and carpentry tools.

The exhibition “Master of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit” is being held at the JAPAN HOUSE Gallery in Hollywood until January 22.
Admission is free.
For more details, please visit the JAPAN HOUSE website.

Sushi and Sake Festival 2024

On Sunday, November 3, the Sushi and Sake Festival was held in Little Tokyo.

Organized by the Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA), this event aims to promote Japanese cuisine and sake and celebrated its 23rd year.
It is traditionally held around this time of year to commemorate Japan’s “Sushi Day,” which falls on November 1.

The festival, offering all-you-can-eat sushi and sake, has become so popular that all 1,000 pre-sale tickets were sold out.
Once again this year, Japanese food enthusiasts formed long lines even before the event started.

The festivities began with a traditional sake barrel opening ceremony by representatives of the community.
This was followed by an impressive live demonstration of filleting a massive 360-pound tuna on stage.

For many attendees, sushi was the highlight of the event. Guests enjoyed expertly crafted sushi prepared by chefs from renowned restaurants.

The food served at the event was made possible through the cooperation of JRA member organizations and companies.
In addition to sushi, the indoor food corner featured a variety of Japanese dishes, sweet breads, beer, and soft drinks.
Outdoors, popular street foods such as ramen, takoyaki, and yakitori were also available.

In the alcohol section, attendees were treated to an extensive selection of beverages, including junmai, ginjo, daiginjo, and shochu, with numerous brands showcased by sake brewers.
Guests delighted in sampling the diverse flavors.

Founded in 1999, the JRA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing technical and sanitary standards in the Japanese food industry, supporting businesses in legal and operational matters, and promoting Japanese cuisine across the United States.

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December 1st 2024 O.A.

Anime x Japanese Food

A collaboration event featuring anime and Japanese cuisine is currently taking place in Little Tokyo.

The event “Slime x Little Tokyo” offers a special promotion at participating Little Tokyo restaurants.
By ordering campaign menu items, customers receive a pin badge from the popular anime “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” and a digital stamp.
Collecting three or more stamps earns a limited-edition T-shirt.

This campaign is organized by JFOODO, an organization under JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), as part of their effort to promote Japanese cuisine overseas.
The initiative aims to encourage people to explore Japanese food through their love for anime.

This campaign features participation from 11 restaurants in Little Tokyo.
Each restaurant offers exclusive menu items made with a variety of ingredients imported from Japan, including seafood such as scallops, yellowtail, and sea bream; tea and rice; and premium Wagyu beef.

“Slime x Little Tokyo” is currently being held in Little Tokyo until December 8.
Additionally, a second round of the event is scheduled for February next year.
For more details, please search for “Slime x Little Tokyo.”

INC Beach Day 2024

The networking event of the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) was held on October 19 at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa Del Rey.

INC is an organization formed by the Nikkei Student Unions from 13 universities in Southern California. Its goal is to foster connections among Japanese American students across different schools and build a stronger Japanese American community.

This “Beach Day” is an annual gathering held in the fall, coinciding with the start of the new academic year, for students from member universities to socialize.

This time, approximately 300 people participated. Initially, participants gathered by their respective schools, but gradually warmed up to each other through games and activities.

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November 24th 2024 O.A.

Global Stage Hollywood 2024

From Friday, November 1, the “Global Stage Hollywood” film festival was held in Hollywood over three days.

This event, now in its sixth year, introduces a variety of Japanese content to the U.S., with a focus on film. This year, works from Canada and Taiwan were also featured, fostering interaction between Japanese representatives and other participants.

This year’s opening film was the Japanese movie Six Singing Women.
It is a surreal suspense film about two men who wander into a mysterious village deep in the forest, inhabited by six peculiar women. Director Yoshimasa Ishibashi and actress Asami Mizukawa traveled from Japan to attend the festival and participated in a Q&A session after the screening.

During the festival, in addition to film screenings, an event was held to promote Kyushu as a location for film shoots. Representatives from Kyushu attended the event, along with Kengo Oishi, the Governor of Nagasaki Prefecture, who was visiting Los Angeles.

In addition, at the film festival, many works were screened, including feature films, short films, documentaries, and animations, including world premieres.

Community Health Fair

On Sunday, October 26, the Community Health Fair was held at the Maryknoll Japanese Catholic Center in Little Tokyo.

This event offered free health consultations for the Japanese American community and was organized in collaboration with Koreisha Senior Care & Advocacy (KSCA) and the Japanese American Medical Association (JAMA).

The fair featured 25 specialists, including those in internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology, dermatology, clinical psychology, and chiropractic care.
Each specialist provided careful consultations in Japanese or through Japanese interpreters for the participants.

Additionally, blood tests and prostate exams were offered to those who wished, for a fee.

This Health Fair originally started in 1971 as an event by the Taisho Club, an association of hobbies, and had been held for many years as an opportunity for health consultations in Japanese.
However, due to the aging of its members, the event was discontinued.
It was resumed last year by KKSCA and others.

KSCA and JAMA have expressed their intention to continue this event annually in the future.

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November 11th 2024 O.A.

JFC Food Expo 2024

On Saturday, October 12, the JFC Food Expo was held in Costa Mesa.

This event, organized by Japanese food importer and wholesaler JFC International, aimed to promote Japanese food culture and expand distribution in the North American market for food industry professionals. Although typically held annually, it was suspended due to COVID-19 and resumed this year after a four-year hiatus.

About 80 vendors participated this time, showcasing their products for both retail and foodservice buyers from restaurants and grocery stores.

JFC also promoted its own branded products, including convenient frozen foods for easy preparation at home, in line with post-COVID trends.

The event saw many visitors throughout the day and concluded successfully.

OCJAA Senior Citizen Appreciation Day

On Saturday, October 12, the “Senior Citizen Appreciation Day,” hosted by the Orange County Japanese American Association (OCJAA), was held in Anaheim.

This event honors people who have contributed to building and developing the local community.
This year marks the 38th event, which had been held online for the past four years due to COVID-19.
This year, it returned in person for the first time in five years.

About 250 free bento meals were prepared for attendees over 60 and delivered to those unable to attend.

The ceremony opened with greetings from leaders in the Japanese-American community, who expressed gratitude for the seniors’ contributions.
The Senior Citizen Award, which honors those over 80, was presented to 16 people this year.

The Nerio Japanese Culture Scholarship Award, recognizing young people who preserve Japanese culture, was given to Naomi Hanabusa, who practices Aikido.

The event also featured a tea ceremony, a fundraising raffle, and stage performances of song and dance.
It ended on a high note with the Kawachi Ondo dance, allowing participants to connect and enjoy a memorable day together.

Irvine Global Village Festival

On Saturday, October 5, the Irvine Global Village Festival was held at Great Park in Irvine.

This annual event, organized by the City of Irvine, aims to promote understanding between people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
This year marks the 23rd time for the event.

The spacious grounds were divided into areas like sports, kids, and culture, where families enjoyed various attractions and activities.

In the cultural exhibits, booths representing Asian countries like Korea, Taiwan, and India, as well as Middle Eastern countries like Iraq, Syria, and Palestine, were set up by local cultural organizations. Each booth showcased traditional clothing, crafts, and demonstrations.

The Japanese community set up an “All-Japan” booth with support from the Japanese Business Association of Southern California (JBA), Japan Foundation, and Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Volunteers from various Japanese organizations collaborated on this effort.

The booth offered workshops like calligraphy and origami to introduce Japanese culture.
The Southern California Ishikawa Kenjinkai promoted local attractions and raised awareness for support following the 2024 Noto earthquake.

Food booths sold dishes from various countries, and a diverse range of performances was showcased on stage.
From Japan, a taiko drumming and folk song group participated, entertaining the audience with lively music perfect for the festival.

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