SoCalJapan | Japan Hollywood Network

June 16th 2024 O.A.

Kaizuka Meditation Garden

The restoration work for “Kaizuka Meditation Garden”, a Japanese garden in Culver City has finished, and a commemoration was held on May 12th.

“Kaizuka Meditation Garden” was donated by Kaizuka city in Osaka prefecture.
The garden was originally built in 1974, celebrating the two Sister Cities who established their relationship in 1965.

The garden was being restored as part of a commemorative project for the 60th anniversary of sister city relations and the 50th anniversary of the completion of the garden.

Kaizuka Mayor Ryo Sakai attended the ceremony.
In addition, a team of internationally known garden masters along with gardening specialists from Japan, LA, and London worked on the project with the Sister Cities Committee.
A celebration was held to mark the project’s completion.

The mayors of both cities planted a commemorative tree in the garden wishing for stronger friendship and mutual development between Culver City and Kaizuka.

Koreisha Senior Care & Advocacy Bazaar 2024

Sunday, May 26th was the Fundraising Bazaar held by the Koreisha Senior Care & Advocacy (KSCA) at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple in Costa Mesa.

KSCA is a non-profit organization that ensures the welfare of seniors by advocating for the continuance of Japanese culturally sensitive healthcare facilities and senior services.

This Fundraising Bazaar is held to rebuild the Nikkei nursing home, and and this is the 3rd time.

62 SoCal organizations including the Japanese Prefectural Associations, cultural groups, and businesses brought a variety of used and second-hand goods.

Many of the participants were elderly, but there were young volunteers too.

Many Japanese American community members who came to the US after WWII are now older than 65 and need assistance with health and daily living issues.
Additionally, KSCA promotes the need for a nursing home by holding health fairs and offering online medical seminars.

The event raised approximately $11,000 this day.

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June 2nd 2024 O.A.

OC Japan Fair “Nakamise Street”

“OC Japan Fair” happened for 3 days at Costa Mesa from April 19th through 21st.

“OC Japan Fair” is a festival that began in 2009 introducing Japanese culture, food, and entertainment.
It is an event that happens every fall, but this year, it also took place in spring entitled “OC Japan Fair Cherry Blossom.”

Long lines formed for the entire day at the entrance.
Various booths lined up and guests were able to enjoy Japanese culture through shopping and eating Japanese food.

This year’s highlight was “Nakamise Street” which connected the venue and main area.
It was designed in the image of Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street produced by the non-profit organization, KIMONO CON that introduces Japanese culture and kimono.

There were 4 kimono stalls at Nakamise Street, and guests were able to look for a kimono that they liked.

Tea ceremony demonstration, ikebana flower arrangement workshop, and booths introducing traditional Japanese cultures were also available.
Apparels inspired by Japanese culture and food booths offering original products that incorporate Japanese essence such as rice cake sweets, tea, and miso were also available.

Many guests enjoyed the martial arts demonstration and kimono show that was performed on stage.
OC Japan Fair will be held again in October.

“TORISOBA TONSHO’ Grand Open

“TORISOBA TONSHO,” a ramen restaurant specializing in chicken ramen, had its grand opening in West Hollywood.

“TORISOBA TONSHO” is a new location of the Shin-Sen-Gumi Restaurant Group known for serving tonkotsu ramen in Hakata style, and yakitori.

The characteristic of “TORISOBA TONSHO” is a ramen soup called “foam style”.
The soup is stirred in a blender to emulsify the water and fat, creating a soup that is rich in flavor, yet creamy and smooth. Also, the foamy soup coats the noodles better.

The noodles are straight mediumthin whole grain noodles.　On top is a Chicken Chashu.

With “The ORIGINAL”, you can enjoy different flavors by adding black pepper and truffle oil as you eat.

You can choose from 3 different flavors including “The DANDAN” that is spicy with some heat using chili pepper and sesame paste, or “The LEMON BUTTER” that has a refreshing, tangy taste.

For more information about “TORISOBA TONSHO”, visit their website at TorisobaTonsho.com.

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May 19th 2024 O.A.

INC Nikkei Formal 2024

Saturday, April 20th was the Nikkei Formal held by the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) at JACCC.

INC is a coalition of collegiate Nikkei Student Unions and associations throughout Southern California Universities.
Their mission is networking Nikkei students with one another and socializing with the local community, and 12 NSUs are currently active.

“Nikkei Formal” is an event held at the end of the academic year.
190 NSU board members from each university attended this year celebrating the end of the school year.

Each university reported their activities at the event.
Then, Jared Nakahara of UCLA and Ashley Omiya of UC San Diego were introduced as the next year’s co-presidents.

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May 12th 2024 O.A.

KAWAII is Art

“Yes, KAWAII is ART – EXPRESS YOURSELF” exhibition is happening at JAPAN HOUSE LA introducing Japanese Kawaii culture.
This is the first exhibition of artist, Sebastian Masuda in LA.

“KAWAII” became a word known throughout the world.
In 1995, Masuda opened an apparel shop in Harajuku named “6%DOKIDOKI.”
His unique design became popular, and he became the king of Japanese Kawaii culture as an artist and art director.

First, the origin of Japanese “KAWAII” is explained at the exhibition. Once guests enter the gallery, they will explore Masuda’s dazzling creativity.

Everything looks colorful and cheerful at first glance.
But this is “Anger” that is expressed through “KAWAII.”
This one is “Jealousy” expressed through “KAWAII.”
And this one is titled “Destroy.”
Not only is it cute and adorable, but various emotions are expressed as well.

The exhibition ends with a small room.
The inner words of Masuda who struggles as an artist, lead to the microcosm expanding within him.

“Yes, KAWAII is Art – EXPRESS YOURSELF” is happening at Ovation Hollywood’s 2nd floor JAPAN HOUSE gallery until November 3rd with free admission. For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE website.

Caregiver Conferences 2024

Saturday, April 13th was the Caregiver Conferences at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center.

This event was held by Keiro that offers various welfare services to the older members of the Japanese American community.
Approximately 140 caregivers participated.

It is said 10 thousand people turn 65 every day in the US, and nursing care has become a major issue for the country.

This year is the 22nd time for Keiro to hold this conference.
They share essential information and support the lives of elderly members.

Social Worker, Lisa Pahl was invited for the Keynote Presentation and spoke about “How to discuss issues related to end of life with your care recipient.”
There, she introduced a card game called “The Death Deck,” which is useful for discussions on challenging topics.

There was a demonstration of lifting, transferring, and positioning which are essential skills for nursing as well as a lecture on “Connecting the Dots With Technology: Innovative Caregiving Solutions.”

Additionally, 14 nursing companies and organizations participated in a Resource Fair to discuss daily issues or nursing plans and services that caregivers face upon providing care.

Japanese Student Association “UNDOKAI”

April 14th was the Japanese Student Association (JSA) UNDOKAI Sports Festival at the Bolsa Chica State Beach.

JSA is an organization formed by Japanese and Japanese American college students.
This UNDOKAI Sports Event was organized by JSA volunteers from SoCal universities for socialization purposes, and this is the 7th year.
9 universities participated.

250 students began the event by doing radio calisthenics as a warmup.
As corporate booths supporting the event set up, students divided into teams representing their respective universities, competed in staple sport events like: obstacle race, beech flag, 9 legged race, and cavalry battle deepening their friendships.

Pro-Am at Pechanga

Tuesday, April 9th was the Character Media’s 17th Annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Journey at Pechanga.

This is the 17th annual event where LPGA golfers can interact with members of the community, and this is the 11th time that Journey at Pechanga served as the venue.

Journey at Pechanga is a championship golf course adjacent to the Pechanga Resort Casino.
It is known as a challenging course with gently undulating terrain.

The 30 invited LPGA golfers, mostly of Asian descent, enjoyed playing at Pechanga while interacting with the fans and sponsors who attended.

Pechanga’s Great Oak Steakhouse, one of the resort’s fine dining restaurants, has reopened.
The restaurant offers 8 kinds of steak and guests can enjoy a selection of Japanese Wagyu beef.

Also, the popular Japanese restaurant “Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar” expanded their area.
For more information, visit the Pechanga Resort Casino website.

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April 28th 2024 O.A.

Charm of Japanese music

An event happened at Culver City on April 9th to promote the charm of Japanese music to the US, and Japanese all-female band “ATARASHII GAKKO!” performed.

This event was held by ATARASHII GAKKO!’s American record label, 88rising to promote Japanese music to the US which JETRO’s LA office cosponsored.
Industry individuals and media were invited.

The event began by Yusuke Nakagawa representing ASOBISYSTEM, the management company of “ATARASHII GAKKO!” stating his greeting.
Followed by 88rising’s CEO Sean Miyashiro giving his speech stating his strong hopes for Japanese musicians expanding to the US music industry.

88rising is a record label known for working with many Asian artists.
On April 14th, the company hosted a special stage “88 Rising Futures” at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the US.
Along with Asia’s top stars, 4 Japanese artists, “YOASOBI”, “ATARASHII GAKKO!”, “Awich”, and “Number_i” performed at the event.

And appeared “ATARASHII GAKKO!” performing 4 songs including their newest number.
The group made a global debut in 2021 through 88rising and grew into a group with over 15 million followers on their social media accounts.
They have fans all over the world despite their lyrics being mostly Japanese.

“ATARASHII GAKKO!” call themselves “The representatives of Japanese youth.”

Sakura Gardens’ Sushi Day

Saturday, March 30th was “Sushi Day” for Sakura Gardens, a retirement home located in Boyle Heights.

This event is held by the Japanese Restaurant Association of America, and sushi chefs served sushi to the residents.
JRA is a nonprofit organization that is made of restaurant managers and food companies.

This is the 25th year for Sushi Day at this retirement home. The chefs from “Katsuya” and “Sushi Gen” served “Nigiri” and “Makimono” to the residents, showing their appreciation.

120 sushi were served with ingredients from 8 food companies for free.
25 volunteers including the sushi chefs served them to the residents saying “Arigato.”

Jina Maleksarkissians who became the executive director of the retirement home stated her thanks for the Sushi Day.

And a appreciation plaque was sent to President Shinji Kugita of JRA.
Orchids were also sent to other companies by the residents as well.

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April 7th 2024 O.A.

#SupportSAKE

An award ceremony for Seafood X Sake Pairing Instagram campaign held by #SupportSAKE happened on March 18th in Hollywood.

#SupportSAKE is a community space started by JETRO where those interested in sake come together to support the shrinking Japanese brewing industry.

They are mainly active on Instagram however, they also participate in various events through booths and are expanding their community.

For this campaign, participants shared photos of their favorite seafood and Japanese sake pairings on Instagram.

Different prizes went to the winners chosen based on the number of likes and the selection committee.
March 10th was the deadline. Winners and influencers were invited to the awarding ceremony introducing the winning photos.

A brewery in Wajima city, Ishikawaprefecture that underwent devastating damage in this year’s Noto earthquake was connected live during the event.
The brewery stated how drinking sake supports the industry but also how they are currently unable to make any at the moment.

Restaurants and businesses were awarded with a certificate of appreciation for working with the campaign as they shared different ways of enjoying Japanese sake.

Lastly, the grand prize winner was announced, and they received an airline ticket to Japan.

Several Japanese sake and food using Japanese ingredients were served.
There also were demonstrations for cocktails using Japanese sake, and the event was filled with many attractions of Japanese sake.

Shohei Ohtani Mural

MLB baseball is in season. Fans are excited for Shohei Ohtani who just joined the LA Dodgers and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

In the meantime, a mural of Ohtani in Little Tokyo was unveiled, and a ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 27th.

It is a huge mural drawn on the wall of Miyako Hotel Los Angeles that is about 150 ft tall and 60 ft wide.
Muralist, Robert Vargas from Boyle Heights finished it in 20 days.

The mural is also very unique. If you put your smartphone to the mural after scanning a QR code placed next to the entrance of Miyako Hotel, Ohtani gets animated along with the voice of Dodgers’ sportscaster, Vin Scully.

Takoyaki in Dodger Stadium

The following day, March 28th was the Dodgers opening day, and Gindaco opened at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.

Gindaco is a takoyaki franchise with about 500 locations globally. The Dodger Stadium food stand will be their 2nd location in the US.

4 kinds of takoyaki are available at the Dodger Stadium location, including exclusive menus like “Cheese & Guacamole” and “Tempura & Sweet soy sauce.”

Consul General Kenko Sone, Dodgers officials, and Morio Sase, president of Hotland Co, a parent company of Gindaco attended the ceremony and stated their greetings.

Gindaco was awarded with a certification of Japanese Food and Ingredients Supporter Stores Overseas by Executive VP, Nakazawa of JETRO.
This is a certification program established by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries which certifies restaurants and retail stores overseas for using Japanese ingredients.

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March 24th 2024 O.A.

Little Tokyo Nutrition Services

Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) is providing Japanese food for those who are over 60 years old and are living in Little Tokyo and East LA.

The service is mainly offered to low-income individuals who are living alone and have difficulties going grocery shopping or cooking due to physical disabilities.

LTNS was founded in 1976 with their mission of “Maintain the health of the body and mind to older adults” and has been providing food as well as interacting with older adults of the community.
However, their biggest issue is getting the operation funds.

They were able to hold luncheons prior to the pandemic however, their service shifted to delivery and government subsidies are starting to stop.
Therefore, providing the service has become more difficult.

The service is offered 5 days a week with 1 meal costing $3.50.
They provide nutritious meals while cutting the cost as much as possible.

Many older adults are suffering from the rise of the cost of grocery and rents due to inflation. Therefore, providing healthy Japanese food at a low cost is essential for older community members for their mind and health.

About 20 volunteers are working hard on a daily basis so they can continue providing this service.

The service not only provides food, but they also focus on communication.

Socialization is important since it offers emotional support to older adults who are living alone.

Some of the volunteers have been active for over 30 years.
Everyone emphasizes the importance of helping out one another.

LTNS plans to seek support from administrations in different districts to cover their organization funds, but they are also asking for donations within the community as well.

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March 10th 2024 O.A.

Emperor’s Birthday Reception

A reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan was held at the official residence of Consul General of Japan in LA on February 29th.

Every year, diplomatic establishments all over the world hold receptions celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan which is February 23rd.
This reception is one of them and about 500 people from local government officials working closely with the Japanese American community to cultured persons were invited to the event.

First, the national anthems of Japan and the US were sung. Then, Consul General Kenko Sone stated his greetings.
Followed by introducing His Majesty’s global duties as well as stating the importance of the two countries working hand in hand leading the international society together.

Next, local government officials congratulated His Majesty’s birthday, and stated their hopes for a stronger friendship and further economic growth of both Japan and the US.

Patricia M. Wyatt of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center made the toast.

Festive Japanese food like sushi and drinks like Japanese beer and sake were served at the reception after the celebration.

Booths promoting Japanese subculture like Godzilla and anime were seen at the site.
Furthermore, Tochigi Prefecture set up its own booth, aiming to attract tourists.
There were tea ceremony demonstrations and shamisen performances, and guests were able to enjoy different things Japan has to offer.

2024 OCJAA Community Service Awards Banquet

Sunday, March 3rd was the Orange County Japanese American Association (OCJAA) 2024 Community Service Awards Banquet held in Fountain Valley.

OCJAA is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1986, and currently has about 350 members.
They provide cultural, educational, and welfare services in Orange County.

The banquet began with the performance by the OCO Kibou Taiko.
A toast took place after the sake barrel breaking ceremony, and OCJAA President, Yasuyuki Okazoe stated his greetings after a lunch in between.

Followed by the representatives of Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal, and Consul General Kenko Sone giving their congratulations.

Certificates of Appreciations were awarded to Yutaro Mukumoto of HONDA-YA and Japan Hollywood Network for supporting OCJAA, and the Community Service Award went to OCJAA Vice President, Sachiyo Miller.
Additionally, relief funds from OCJAA for the Noto earthquake were handed over to the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai.

Fundraisers like raffle tickets and silent auctions were held, and there were entertainments like a koto performance, dance, and singing performance as well.
And guests enjoyed their afternoon together.

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February 25th 2024 O.A.

Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA) New Year’s Reception 2024

February 13th was the New Year’s reception of the Japanese Restaurant Association of America at the official residence of Consul General of Japan in LA.

JRA is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 to educate its members on the advancement of culinary techniques and restaurant management, and its members are restaurant and business individuals.

They also contribute to the local community and promote Japanese food by serving food at Sushi Day for the senior living community “Sakura Gardens” in Boyle Heights, or hold “Sushi Sake Festival” for the public.

After the toast following the breaking of the sake barrel, members socialized and made connections by enjoying Japanese food and sake.

After Kentaro Masuda of Kagura Restaurant served as president for 4 years, Shinji Kugita, the executive chef of KATSU-YA Group, took over and became the new president, delivering his greetings.

President Kugita spoke about the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries established by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and hoped for the betterment of restaurant services.

Lastly, Teruo Shimizu of Miyako Oriental Foods was named the Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, and the reception came to an end.

Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai Officers Installation & Friendship Luncheon 2024

Sunday, February 11th was the Officers Installation & Friendship Luncheon of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai (NKK) at Montebello.

NKK is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 and has 38 Prefectural Associations as their members.
They work hard to strengthen the US-Japan friendship by helping out one another as well as spreading Japanese traditions, awarding scholarships, and assisting disaster reliefs.

129 representatives and related individuals of each association attended, and this year’s officers installation took place.

Kazue Kitagaito will be serving her 2nd term as the president.
Kitagaito spoke about the 2024 Noto earthquake that happened in January as she comes from Ishikawa prefecture.
She gave her appreciation to the donations as well as emphasized on the importance of the association’s continued support.

Followed by guests like Consul General of Japan in LA, Kenko Sone and Assemblymember, Al Muratsuchi giving their greetings.
There were entertainments like different prefectural associations promoting their hometowns too.

NKK is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year and will be having a memorial event in June.

INC Nikkei Professionals 2024

“Nikkei Professionals” an event held by the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) happened on February 10th at JANM in Little Tokyo.

INC is a coalition of collegiate Nikkei Student Unions and associations and 12 universities currently join.

“Nikkei Professionals” is annually held by INC to connect students with active professionals. About 150 people participated this year.

3 professionals working in accounting, public health, and consulting had a panel discussion at the event. The panelists talked about how their studies affected their career and how one should build up their career based on their own experience.

Afterwards, students were divided into groups and attended a　workshop.
They were given advice with what paths they can take after graduation.

The other group of students ate lunch and exchanged information as they waited their turn and networked with 25 volunteers who are also actively working.

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February 11th 2024 O.A.

Design Museum Japan: Bridging Design and Life

“Design Museum Japan”, an exhibition showcasing unique designs that are seen throughout Japan is happening in JAPAN HOUSE.

This is an exhibition where 6 professional artists working in the fields of product design, film, fashion, textile, and architecture introduce the “design treasures” they found by visiting different areas of Japan.

Colors, shapes, or patterns are often associated with design, but artists offer a different approach with what “design” is.

Shapes or patterns of earthenware or clay figurines are often the highlight of designs for the Jomon period, but the artist that visited Jomon archaeological sites in Iwate prefecture sees in their design the creativity of human settlement since this is when people started to live in a settled place.

The 3D structure of the uniforms made by a sportswear manufacturer in Toyama Prefecture is introduced by the artist as being inspired by the making of ‘andon’ lanterns at the local ‘Andon Festival’.

Piano from Shizuoka, tableware from Ishikawa, toys from Hyogo, and the Yamakasa float from Fukuoka offered wide varieties of “design” that is more than just shapes and colors.

There is a section where visitors can write and share “What does design mean to you?” towards the end of the exhibition.

“Design Museum Japan: Bridging Design and Life” is happening in JAPAN HOUSE until April 14th with free admission.
For more information, please visit the JAPAN HOUSE LA website.

OAA New Year’s Party 2024

January 21st was the New Year’s Party and inauguration of the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) in Carson.

OAA is a non-profit organization with a long history of more than 110 years. Their mission is socializing as well as helping out one another, and contributing to the local community.

OAA’s New Year’s party started off bright and merry as they focus on passing down Okinawan customs and traditions as well as entertainment.

Followed by the inauguration of this year’s board members, and Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi took over as the new president after Edward Kamiwa worked as the president for 6 years.

Sake barrel breaking ceremony took place after the New Year’s greetings, and many performed on stage as members enjoyed their meals.

Participants also bet on Okinawan prizes through silent auction, and booths offering Okinawa goods were also available. Guests celebrated the new year under a festive Okinawan mood.

JCCSC Officers Installation & Awards Luncheon 2024

Sunday, January 28th was the Officers Installation & Awards Luncheon for JCCSC at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello.

JCCSC is a non-profit organization that supports Japanese businesses in LA, friendships between Japan and the US, and volunteers for the local community.

133 representatives of different organizations attended.
First, 14 new board members took oath and Haruo Takehana took the post of president once again.

President Takehana spoke about the 2024 Noto earthquake as well, and encouraged members to support the devastated area.

The awarding ceremony took place after representatives said their greetings.

Little Tokyo Business Association was awarded with the Community Organization Recognition Award.
They were founded in 1959 to support local business as well as preserve traditions and contribute to the development of Little Tokyo.

The Nikkei Spirit Award went to Masashi Shikai. He holds the 7th rank and works as the Head Instructor of Chuo Kendo Dojo. In 2006, he was the coach of team US for the international kendo convention and defeated Japan for the very first time in history. He has devoted his career to spreading kendo in the US.

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February 4th 2024 O.A.

Fukui’s BEST PREMIER Produce Collection

Curated selection of food from Fukui prefecture, “Fukui’s BEST PREMIER Produce Collection” is happening at Nijiya Market in Torrance.

This event promotes Fukui prefecture’s processed food overseas and was also held in France and England.

The event is operated with the help of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Fukui Prefectural Government. February 1st was the first day, and food companies as well as government officials from Fukui prefecture paid a visit.

9 foods will be test-marketed in-store. Wide range of foods are selected, from foods that are loved in Fukui for generations like soba and snacks to soy sauce and miso that follow a traditional recipe.
Unique foods like frozen sushi using an original technology as well as gluten free noodles are also available, and food companies also promoted their products.

Fukui’s BEST PREMIER Produce Collection will be held in Nijiya Market Torrance store until February 14th.

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January 28th 2024 O.A.

JBA New Year’s Party 2024

January 19th was the New Year’s Party for the Japan Business Association of SoCal in Torrance.

JBA is a non-profit organization with about 500 SoCal companies as members. They thrive to spread mutual understanding among businesses and also contribute to local communities as well.

This is an annual event held every new year where members gather together.
President Masahiko Yamamoto spoke about the disasters and incidents that happened in Japan, but also stated his hopes for the new year in his greetings.

Consul General Kenko Sone also gave his condolences to the victims of the 2024 Noto Earthquake, and also stated his hopes for SoCal Japanese businesses as well as the Japanese American community.

After giving a toast, members enjoyed the New Year’s Osechi dish made by Ise-Shima Restaurant in Torrance, and socialized as well as exchanged business cards.
This year’s theme of the party was “Connect and Create.”

The party ended with the annual raffle, and winners won prizes like airline tickets to Japan.

Asian American Expo 2024

Asian American Expo, an event where Asian products and businesses get showcased happened on January 13th and 14th at Pomona.

It is an annual event that happens near Chinese New Year and originally started as “Chinese American Expo” in 1982. This year is their 42nd time.

At the expo, each building has its own theme such as merchandise and anime, with various products being put up for sale.
Furthermore, between the buildings, food booths offering Asian street food were lined up, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Like the name suggests, different Asian companies participated and Japanese businesses also promoted their main and new products too.
The Japanese government also promoted Japanese scallops as a part of boosting sales of Japanese seafood products.

Other companies promoted their business and services that are targeted to their Asian customers.
Pechanga Resort Casino located in Temecula also promoted their Lunar New Year Drawings that will be held in February.

Pechanga is also offering a promotion where members have the chance of winning up to $5,000 in EasyPlay.
Restaurants will also be offering exclusive Lucky Lunar New Year Dining Specials during the celebration, and there will be a free Lucky Lion Dance performance on February 10th.

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January 14th 2024 O.A.

Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo 2024

January 1st was “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo.”

This is an event held by JCCSC where visitors can experience Japanese style New Years celebration. It took place at Little Tokyo’s Weller Court and Japanese Village Plaza.

JCCSC President, Haruo Takehana and Consul General of Japan in LA, Kenko Sone stated their greetings at the opening ceremony.

Followed by greetings of community and organization representatives and the sake barrel breaking.
A lion-dance performance, mochi tossing, and prayers wishing a good year also happened.

Afterwards, there were demonstrations of calligraphy and martial arts on stage.
Minyo and dances livened up the New Year’s Day.

Different booths were available at the event. Not only were food and drinks enjoyed during New Years like amazake or mochi were offered, but also takoyaki, yakisoba, and karaage.
Other booths include a miniature shrine and merchandise. Activities for kids like mochi pounding and making paper airplanes were very popular.

Many people paid their first visit of the year to the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin of LA, too.
Visitors drew their fortune strips and bought their good luck charm, wishing for a blissful year.

It was a great day with great weather, and many enjoyed their New Year’s Day.

Anime Los Angeles – Love Live ! Sunshine!!

Anime Los Angeles happened at the Long Beach Convention Center for 4 days from January 4th.

It is a Japanese anime convention that happens every January with this year being the 19th time.
It has been held at Long Beach since 2 years ago.

Anime fans looked forward to the opening.
About 450 booths filled the exhibition hall, and everyone bought goods of their favorite anime and artists.

Signings of voice actors and shows livened up the entire event.

JFOODO, the Japan food product promotion center, also joined the booths.
JFOODO is a part of the JETRO organization aiming to boost exports of Japanese agricultural and food products to all over the world.

JFOODO featured the popular anime series “Love Live! Sunshine!!” and sold three different types of “Onigiri bentos” using different ingredients with the characters from the anime introducing their favorite Japanese food.

The bento included a rice ball using Japanese rice, Japanese scallop, a hamburg steak with Wagyu beef, a croquette using Japanese vegetables, and desserts like Japanese mandarin and matcha.
There also was a black, spicy rice ball that was inspired by the anime and attracted many fans.

A special tote bag was given to those who answered the questionnaire, and the organization did some research about Japanese food, too.

The bentos that were sold at the event are also available at Onigiri Sun located inside Daikokuya Annex for a limited time.

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December 24th 2023 O.A.

Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Square

Saturday, December 9th was the unveiling ceremony of the Sadao S Munemori Memorial Square located in front of Glendale City Hall.

This is a project by the Glendale City Council to commemorate fallen soldiers.
The intersection in front of the Veteran’s Memorial has been designated as Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Square.

Glendale is Sadao Munemori’s hometown. He was a Nisei who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team for the European Theater of Operations during WWII.
For sacrificing himself to save comrades in Italy, he became the first Japanese American to be awarded the highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Glendale mayor, the director of Go For Broke National Education Center, Consul General of Japan LA, and a relative of Sadao Munemori, James Nakakihara attended the ceremony.

A reception was held inside the city hall, and related individuals celebrated Sadao Munemori’s service for the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Commendation 2023

Earlier in August of this year, Toshio Ueno was commended by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his career-long devotion in promoting Japanese cuisine and Sake in the US.
December 6th was the presentation ceremony at the official residence of Consul General of Japan LA.

Every year, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honor those who contributed towards international friendship and goodwill of Japan and the US.

Ueno joined MTC, Mutual Trading that specializes in importing/distributing Japanese food.
He was involved in the establishment of the Sake School of America by MTC, which focuses on Japanese alcoholic beverages, primarily sake. Currently, he serves as the school’s Executive Instructor.

He has been endorsing Japanese Sake sommelier and Shochu advisor certifications for 12 years.
He has certified 2700 people.

That is how Ueno was recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for spreading Japanese culture in the US and was commended.

Ueno wishes to expand his school and enlightenment to Europe and Central America as well.

Kagura in Los Angeles

A Kita-Hiroshima kagura performance was held at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo on November 19th.

Kagura is an artform that is dedicated to the Gods in the form of songs and dances.
It is said that kagura started 1300 years ago.

The tradition of kagura can be seen throughout Japan however, Kita-Hiroshima is particularly known for its vibrant Kagura performances, with about 70 kagura groups.

The town of Kita-Hiroshima made this performance possible, and 18 performers from different kagura groups volunteered to perform.

The group performed “Momiji-gari”, where the protagonist fights a demon living deep in the mountains.

“Yamata-no-Orochi”, a story based on Japanese mythology, was performed at the second half.

Passionate acting, elaborate costumes, a beautiful ladies changing into a demon, and an intense battle with a serpent.
The stage was filled with lots of exciting elements and captivated the audiences.

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December 10th 2023 O.A.

American Film Market 2023

The American Film Market (AFM) happened for 6 days from October 31st at Santa Monica.

AFM is the largest trade fair for films in North America where film production companies, buyers, and sponsors from all over the world attend. About 250 industry related companies and organizations exhibited at the event this year.

JETRO LA office also had their own booth.
They promoted their online catalog “Japan Street” where buyers can directly contact the Japanese companies about the entertainment content they offer, and contributed to the sales of Japanese content.

The Japan Film Commission participated in the filming location section.
They introduced the incentive that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan began and promoted Japan as the next film location.

When selected as a filming location for big Hollywood productions, the substantial on-site budgets contribute to significant economic impact.
This leads to societal benefits such as the employment of local production crews and the acquisition of new technologies.
Consequently, countries around the world actively engage in efforts to attract film productions to their own territories.

Asian World Film Festival

The ninth “Asian World Film Festival” happened at Culver City on November 8th to 17th.

This festival showcases over 50 Asian films, with a focus on submissions from various Asian countries for the Academy Award’s International Feature Film category.

November 10th was the screening of “Perfect Days”, a Japanese film directed by Wim Wenders starring Koji Yakusho, and Consul General of Japan LA, Kenko Sone stated his greetings.

November 10th was “Japan Film Days” and a reception also happened before the actual screening.
Japanese sake, scallops, as well as some fruits imported from Japan were served to the invited guests promoting Japanese food and ingredients.

Anime Expo Chibi

November 11th to 12th was Anime Expo Chibi held at the Ontario Convention Center.

This is the small version of Anime Expo, an annual event that happens every summer in LA.
About 200 merchandise booths and 300 artist booths participated. Anime fans dressed in their favorite characters were able to enjoy shopping and live performances at the event.

Japanese foods like ramen, yakitori, takoyaki, and onigiri were available at the food section with the help of the Consulate General of Japan LA and JETRO.

Scallops from Hokkaido were also promoted at the event as the Japanese government is working hard to PR their Japanese marine products.

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