May 10th 2020 O.A.

Spring 2020 Decorations

The Japanese government announced the recipient of the Spring 2020 Decorations.

From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in LA, Brian Kito and Nancy Kyoko Oda were awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for contributing to Japan and the local community.

Nancy Kyoko Oda has worked hard for the San Fernando Valley Japanese American community for over 40 years.

She actively worked as the president for the community center during the Great East Japan earthquake, and strengthen the friendly relationship
between Japan and the US.

Oda experienced the internment camp during her childhood in WWII, so she also focuses on spreading the history to the younger generation.
She was one of the advocates preserving the Tuna Canyon Detention Station where 2,000 Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants were detained.

Brian Kito is the 3rd generation owner of Fugetsu-do, a confectionery in Little Tokyo.
He has contributed to the community through volunteer work.

For close to 30 years, Kito greatly contributed to the wellbeing and safety of Little Tokyo through the “Little Tokyo Public Safety Association” and
lowering the crime rate.

Kito was the chairman of the executive committee for the LA Tanabata Festival during Nisei Week.
He also works on mutual understanding between the US and Japan through Japanese confection and familiarizing Japanese food culture.