January 26th 2020 O.A.
Coming of Age Celebration 2020
A coming of age celebration was held in Torrance at Sunday, January 12th.
This event is organized by the “Japanese Culture and Traditions, Inc. Nadeshiko-Kai” so people can participate in the Japanese style coming of age ceremony “Seijin-shiki” abroad. This year is the 8th year for the event.
This year, 27 men and women who will either become 20 years old this year or people in their 20s participated. Men wore traditional haori and hakama.
Women wore furisode long-sleeved kimonos.
Each participant stated their greeting speech at the ceremony to their family members and attendees.
One of the participants, Natasha Hiromi Shows was born visually impaired and became 20 years old this year.
Consul Hagiwara from the Consulate General of Japan in LA and Torrance mayor, Patrick Furey congratulated the participants.
A speech was given by Mirai Obiraki representing the participants. Japanese taiko performances and dances happened and everyone joyfully celebrated the big day.
Afternoon of Peace: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience
On Saturday, February 22nd “Afternoon of Peace: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience” will be played at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo. The media was invited to the rehearsal prior to the event.
This production is held by the non-profit organization “Shadows for Peace” and JACCC to spread the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and was first played in 2017.
It is a production depicting the tragedy of the atomic bomb and the importance of peace through music, dance, songs, monologue, and clips. It is coming back this year is the 75th anniversary since WWII.
Robert Horsting who is a filmmaker receiving Emmy Awards will take over as the director as this production will be dedicated to the Hibakusha and in memory of the photographer and founder of “Shadows for Peace”, Richard Fukuhara.
Composite art show “Afternoon of Peace: Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience” will be played in Little Tokyo’s Aratani Theater from February 22nd.
Asian American Expo 2020
Asian American Expo where Asian products and businesses gather happened on January 18th and 19th at Pomona.
This event is annually held at the time of Lunar New Year.
It originally started with the name “Chinese American Expo” in 1982 but later expanded to an event where more than 1,000 Asian vendors including Japanese businesses participate.
Chinese, Korean and Japanese street foods were lined up outside and attendees enjoyed foods from different countries.
At the 7 exhibition halls, motor vehicles, cosmetics, health appliances, and food product booths lined up and were sold at a special price.
Pechanga Resort Casino in Pechanga that actively holds Asian events promoted their annual Lunar New Year drawing.