Apr 22nd 2018 O.A.
“Tokyo City Cup” and Japan Family Day at the Santa Anita Park
Sunday, April 8th was the “Tokyo City Cup” and Japan Family Day at the Santa Anita Park.The Santa Anita Park became sisters with the Ohi Racecourse on 1995. Since then, “Tokyo City Cup” happens every Spring at Santa Anita and “Santa Anita Trophy” at the Ohi Racecourse on Summer strengthening their friendship. Tokyo City Cup is a high-stakes race betting for the grand prize of $100,000 at a 1.5 mile long distance course, and thoroughbred horses ran again this year. Jokey, Flavien Prat’s Hoppertunity chased Twentytwentyvision from behind and finished 1st place. Pictures were taken with a toast at the winner’s circle with the Ohi Racecourse representatives and the horse owners. Also, many Japanese cultures were introduced at the “Japan Family Day” that happened at the same day. Food booths like takoyaki and okonomiyaki lined up as well as pop cultures being introduced. Demonstrations of karate and sumo wrestling were also held. 15,000 people visited this day. Families enjoyed their nice, spring weekend.
the 42nd inauguration ceremony & the gala dinner of the Japanese American Bar Association
Wednesday, April 4th was the 42nd inauguration ceremony with the gala dinner of the Japanese American Bar Association at Downtown
LA. JABA was found to fulfill their purpose of assisting Japanese Americans obtain their civil rights and support Japanese Americans that are in legal professions. They are also active in the community and offer free legal consultation in Japanese several times a year. They also have scholarship programs honoring the Japanese American lawyers who experienced the concentration camps of WWII, and offer the opportunity for young adults to learn the law. Ryan Iwasaka took the office this year. Iwasaka stated “I shall pass down the history of not only ours but what our parents and ancestors experienced to the future generation.” LA Mayor, Eric Garcetti’s keynote speech was this night’s main event. Garcetti stated “The most important towards racism is the bonding of every one of us” as he mentioned the history of Japanese internment. The Community Trailblazer Award was awarded to 4th generation Japanese American NASCAR driver, Kyle Miyata Larson. He couldn’t be present for the award due to a race however, a video was shown introducing his family history and accepting the plaque.
The 2nd business mixer by the JCC of SoCal
The 2nd business mixer was held by the JCC of SoCal on Thursday, March 22nd and participants got the opportunity to network. JCC is a nonprofit organization focusing on networking Japanese businesses and strengthening US/Japan relationships. This event is held every month aiming to stimulate the community through business. Due to the cooperation of the SoCal Rinri Houjinkai, Nadeshiko-kai that spreads kimono culture and the Japanese American Men’s Glee Club, 40 expats and business owners of the LA and OC have participated. Participants exchanged business cards and networked through introducing themselves. The next business mixer will be held at OC.
The subsidy acceptance luncheon of Keiro
Sunday, April 14th was the subsidy acceptance luncheon of Keiro at the JANM. Keiro is a NPO organization founded to support and better the lives of the Japanese American elders and their helpers. Currently, 73 thousand Japanese American elders reside in LA, OC
and Ventura county. 97% live in their homes and is said that they wish in-home care. Understanding the situation, Keiro has been providing subsidy to small and mid-size nonprofit organizations as part of the community. This program started 2 years ago with 14 members reviewing the organizations. This year, subsidy was sent to 41 organizations. Representative of Keiro, Leona Hiraoka stated “Our partnership with the organizations will be more important from now on.” Iyashi Care, a palliative care for the patient and their supporters were provided this day by the medical institution, Providence Health and Service. Physical and mental care were provided to the people.