March 8th 2020 O.A.
JCCSC New Year Luncheon
Sunday, February 23rd was the installation and awards luncheon of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal.
Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal is a nonprofit organization with 140 members.
Their mission is to promote business opportunities for Japanese companies, passing down the culture and strengthening the bond between US/Japan.
The installation for 17 new members happened first at the event. President Kaoru Kawata who is running her 2nd term stated “I would like to respect the rich history and tradition of the organization as it enters the milestone of 115th anniversary.”
Followed by Japanese organization representatives stating their greetings. Lastly, organizations were awarded for their contribution to the community.
This year, the Little Tokyo Community Council was awarded the Group Service Award.
Three individuals received the Japanese American Spirit Award with two of them being a married couple of Steve Nagano and Patty Itou Nagano who have been volunteering at Little Tokyo since 2011.
The third person is Ellen Endo who has been writing at Rafu Shimpo for 20 years and contributed to the community through different events. Endo spoke that her father is who influenced her to contribute to the community.
Sawtelle Japantown Celebration
“Sawtelle Japantown Celebration” happened at West LA from February 15th through March 1st.
This is the 3rd year for the event celebrating Japanese American tradition and history.
It also promotes local supermarkets and restaurants livening up the community.
Due to the hard work of local residents, the city council agreed to name the area “Sawtelle Japantown” back in 2015.
Nora Sterry Elementary School held an event celebrating the 5th anniversary on Saturday, February 22nd and members from different Japanese American organizations from all over LA attended.
Former Little Tokyo Service Center President, Bill Watanabe was invited as the guest speaker.
He spoke about contributing to the Little Tokyo community and the importance of saving the city’s rich history.
Rose Honda who lives in Sawtelle since prewar also spoke her feelings for the city.
Mitsuwa Del Amo Store Grand Opening
February 28th was the ceremony for the grand opening of Mitsuwa Market Place Del Amo location.
Mitsuwa Market Place is the largest Japanese supermarket in the US as they have 11 locations throughout the state.
They have been open in Torrance at the corner of Western Avenue and Carson Street for more than 30 years.
However, they relocated to the Del Amo Fashion Center due to building deterioration.
The parent company Kamei Corporation’s Senior Executive Director, Junichi Kamei, Consul General Muto, and Torrance representatives attended the ceremony.
At the greetings speech, thy stated their hopes for the spreading of Japanese culture and economical contribution.
Followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony and breaking of the sake barrel. And finally, the doors open.
Customers who have been waiting for this day made a long line and enjoyed shopping around.
Mitsuwa Torrance Del Amo location is in Del Amo Fashion Center on Carson Street.