Dec 17th 2017 O.A.
Japan House update event
An update event was held on November 28th at the Little Tokyo’s JANM. Japan House is a project that the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs started and built in the cities of: LA, London and San Paulo. Its mission is to strengthen the distribution of Japanese culture and technologies to the world. President Yuko Kaifu announced the newest facility currently in construction at Hollywood and Highland, and explained the upcoming programs. Japan House LA has a gallery on the 2nd floor and a Japanese restaurant and library on the 5th floor. The interior has a delicate yet playful Japanese design. A shop with Japanese goods opened on December 20th on the 2nd floor. The exhibition of ANREALAGE, a Japanese fashion brand with the concept of “Art & innovation” will be held starting in January at the gallery. The entire facility will be open next Summer.
Shohei Otani joins the LA Angels
It is now official Shohei Otani is joining the LA Angels. More than 1000 local fans appeared at his press conference on December 9th. Otani has been negotiating with various teams as he desired to move onto the MLB from his team in Japan, Nippon Ham Fighters. It is now official that he agreed to join the LA Angels the day before the conference. The reason why he picked the LA Angels is because “We had good vibes going on” according to him. Otani is known as the “Two-way Player” since he can both pitch and hit. He made history in Japanese baseball as he is the only player who is chosen in the Best 9 for both pitcher and designated hitter as Nippon Ham Fighters won the Japan Series in 2016. Coach Scioscia commented “I have high hopes for his playing style of course, but his growth emotionally and physically since he is still young.” Otani will start his career in major league next February at the Spring raining held in Arizona.
LA Auto Show Part 2
LA Auto Show happened on December 1st through the 10th at the LA Convention Center in Downtown LA. More than 1,000 cars including the newest models were announced by over 50 car makers. Mazda had their newest model, Mazda6 make its world debut. A drastic improvement was made for the exterior and interior. SKYACTIV-G 2.5T direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine is used for the engine, and the Mazda Radar Cruise Control is used for a more safer drive. Honda announced 3 cars. Starting with their fully remodeled 2018 Honda Accord; the Honda CLARITY FUEL CELL, which received the Green Car of the Year; and the derived models, the PLUG-IN HYBRID and the ELECTRIC. The attendees enjoyed the auto show through virtual reality and seeing specially made models as well.