November 10th 2019 O.A.
Nagoya Day Los Angeles
This year marks the 60th anniversary as Nagoya, Japan and LA became sister cities.
Saturday, October 26th was a commemorative event at a shopping mall in Century City.
“The event was held by the LA Nagoya Sister City Association.
Mayor Takashi Kawamura from Nagoya and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti attended the event.”
The two cities became sister cities in 1959 since they are both major cities that have international trading ports.
Both mayors stated their commemorative speeches at the opening ceremony and traded souvenirs.
Promotional goods, travel guide and tasting booth of Nagoya Cochin was at the event. And Nagoya’s idol group, Dela performed.
Tea ceremony, Japanese confection making, tie dye experience was available and the event promoted Nagoya and the Chubu region of Japan to the attendees.
A dinner party was held for the VIP afterwards. Mayor Kawamura did the toast as representatives of US/Japanese businesses and organizations attended to celebrate the 60th anniversary.
Japan Cuts Hollywood
From Friday, November 1st was Japan Cuts Hollywood Film Festival for 3 days at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
This film festival is held by the Japan America Society of SoCal and Japan House LA. Many great Japanese films were shown.
Directors and casts from participating films, industry individuals walked the red carpet at the opening day.
The opening movie was “Bento Harassment”.
Taking place on Hachijō-jima, a single mother seeks communication with her high school daughter through the bento lunch she prepares for her.
Ryoko Shinohara who starred in the film and Director Renpei Tsukamoto came from Japan for the event.
Director Renpei Tsukamoto and Ryoko Shinohara also participated in the Q&A session that happened after the showing.
Other films include “Ten Years Japan” by Hirokazu Kore-eda, “No Longer Human” directed by Mika Ninagawa and starring Shun Oguri. A total of 14 feature/short films were shown in the 3 day event.
A total of 14 feature/short films were shown at the 3 day event, and panel discussions by the participants were also held.
Calligraphy Exhibition
A calligraphy exhibition was held at Little Tokyo’s JACCC.
This is held by the Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu-kai and 6 female calligraphers’ works were displayed.
Saturday, October 5th was the opening ceremony and many representatives from Japanese organizations attended. Demonstrations were held by the Shodo Kenkyu-kai and President, Hiroko Ikuta.
Shodo Kenkyu-kai started in 1965 and has been active since to spread Japanese calligraphy in the US.
The exhibition also displays works from younger calligraphers as well.
The calligraphy exhibition is running until next week, Sunday October 20th at JACCC first floor in Doizaki Gallery.