February 9th 2020 O.A.
JBA New Year’s Party 2020
January 22nd was the New Years Greeting for JBA in Torrance.
This event is annually held so workers can socialize and meet each other at the start of the new year.
JBA is a non-profit organization where about 440 Japanese businesses that are based in SoCal join. Their mission is to spread mutual understanding in business for the US/Japan and to contribute to the local community.
This year’s New Year’s Greetings theme is the Tokyo Olympics.
At the opening act, a torchbearer appeared and livened up the event.
At the ceremony, President Nakajima of JBA and Deputy Consul General Matsuo stated their greetings. They focused on unity and diversity following the Olympics theme.
After the toast, about 500 participants enjoyed eating new year’s dishes and exchanged greetings and business cards.
Athletes from Japan who are going to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics came as a special guest. They each demonstrated their sport as well as talking about how they are motivated and asked for everyone’s support so they can continue to compete.
Like previous years, a raffle was held and winners went home with great prizes.
Japanese Food Expo 2020
January 25th was the Japanese Food Expo in Hollywood.
This event is held by the Japanese Food Culture Association with a mission of spreading Japanese food culture. This year marks the 14th time.
This year, about 60 businesses participated from local to international like Mutual Trading or companies from all over Japan. They all promoted their products to the attendees.
Stable Japanese food like ramen, takoyaki or chirashi were of course available, but attendees also tasted specialties from different regions of Japan.
At the sake booth, local sake, shochu, and beer were introduced. People enjoyed how they compliment the Japanese food well.
A tuna filleting show happened on the stage. Different events also took place like a cooking demonstration of the unique Japanese dish, omelet rice, and cute bento contest. Mega rolls were even made, too.
At the tourism booth, travel agencies promoted visiting Japan through the angle of “Food” to the attendees.
About 2,000 people attended the event and were a great success.
HIDA | A Woodwork Tradition in the Making
Hida A Woodwork Tradition in the Making” is currently happening at the Japan House in Hollywood Highland.
This exhibit introduces the traditional woodwork created in the Hida region of Gifu prefecture.
Hida is surrounded by trees and inherits the pioneering woodworking techniques of the great craftsmen called “Hida no Takumi” which has a rich history of 1300 years.
The exhibit casts light on the concept of the craftsmanship of the oldest furniture manufacturer and their wood-compression techniques with cedar. Cedars are not suited for furniture due to its softness.
They also create long-lasting furniture out of cedars that are scrap wood so they also focus on environmental problems.
HIDA -“A Woodwork Tradition in the making” is held at Japan House LA until April 12th.