September 23rd 2018 O.A.

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles

The grand opening ceremony of JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood & Highland was held on Friday, August 24th.
JAPAN HOUSE is a project by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to spread Japanese cultures and attractions to the world as well as deepening the friendships.
The LA division opened following the Sao Paulo and London divisions.
The 2nd floor used as merchandise shop and gallery opened last December.
The 5th floor is now complete and became fully accessible.
A public library filled with documents related to Japan is available at the 5th floor.
As well as multi purpose space for events and Japanese restaurants opened their doors.
About 800 people were invited to the opening ceremony including the local community representatives and leaders of the Japanese politics and business world.
Japanese American actor, George Takei was the master of ceremony. President, Yuko Kaifu stated at her greeting speech “I hope JAPAN HOUSE will become the place where attendees discover Japan to the next level.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taro Kono who attended from Japan stated high hopes saying “We are positive JAPAN HOUSE will become the bridge of connecting Japan and the US.”
A performance was held by the Japanese dance troupe, ELEVENPLAY.
This was a collaboration performance with Rhizomatiks Research, a team expressing art through technology.
The directions were by MIKIKO known for designing the group, Perfume’s dance moves.
The team performed at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics closing ceremony.
MIKIKO will also be in the directing team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony.
Yoshiki from X-Japan also appeared as the advisor of JAPAN HOUSE.
Yoshiki performed 4 numbers including the National Anthem and songs by X-Japan like Endless Rain.

Tribute to Nikkei Pioneers

Saturday, September 8th was the Tribute to Nikkei Pioneers Commemorative Event & Story Telling in Torrance.
Tribute to Nikkei Pioneers held the event celebrating the hard works of 1st and 2nd generation Nisei as this year is the 150th anniversary since Nisei moved to US and the Meiji Restoration.
After President, Haruo Takehana greeted, a discussion was held with 2 Nikkei pioneers as guests.
99 years old, Akemi Miyake was born in Arcadia and has been working in agriculture since WWII.
Born in Wakayama, Kikuji Asai came to the US on 1955 and is 100 years old this year.
He ran a Japanese restaurant for 30 years.
Afterwards, the students of Nishiyamato Academy stated their gratitudes and gifted a bouquet of flowers.
Followed by the chorus of LA Men’s Glee Club singing the military song of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, “Go For Broke”.
At the second half, founder of the Little Tokyo Service Center, Bill Watanabe and former university professor, Koichi Mera lectured “The History and Future of Japanese Americans.”

Keiro no Hi Festival

Keiro no Hi Festival was held on Sunday, September 16th at Little Tokyo’s JACCC.
Keiro and JACCC held this event together celebrating Japan’s “Keiro no Hi” on the actual day of the month.
Booths of organizations providing senior services were available, offering retirement consultations.
Keiro provided their “Iyashi Program” counseling, too.
About 1,000 seniors from LA, OC and Ventura County attended the event using the free transportation service provided to them.
Free lunch were provided to the 500 pre-registered attendees who are 65 and over.
Senior groups performed on stage.
Attendees enjoyed the event by visiting booths of the cultural organizations.
Keiro is a nonprofit corporation aiming to better the lives of Japanese and Japanese American elders.
This was the first event they held with JACCC.

International Marine Products

Saturday, September 15th was the party celebrating International Marine Products’ 50th anniversary.
International Marine Products was established 1966 in LA as a seafood product distributor.
They focused on importing fresh fish from Japan and expanded their business as sushi became popular.
The restaurant ran by the parent company and located in Little Tokyo is known for where the California roll was born.
About 140 guests from industry individuals, managers and staffs attended the party.
CEO since 2016, Yuji Masunaga stated “I would like to do my best while appreciating every hard work of the former representatives” in his greetings.
Followed by the Kagamiwari as famous Japanese restaurant owners like Katsuya Uechi of (Katsu-ya Group) stated their greetings.
An award ceremony was held at the end commemorating staffs for their long time service of 20 to 40 years.