April 10th 2022 O.A.

The Emperor’s Birthday

March 25th was the reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the residence of the Consul General of Japan in LA.

This reception is an annual celebration; however, it was done online last year. Therefore it has been 2 years since a physical celebration was held with guests being invited.

The ceremony began by singing the national anthems of the US and Japan.
Followed by guests from the government and community stating their felicitation.

As guests spoke regarding the situation in Ukraine, they also touched on the Japan-US Alliance and the importance of strengthening the tie now more than ever.

Mayor Parris of Lancaster working on hydrogen fuels with Japan to decarbonize the environment also stated the importance of the 2 countries working hand-in-hand to resolve environmental and economical issues.

Rice from Fukishima and melons were introduced after the ceremony since the import ban was lifted last year.
Shizuoka and Kumamoto melons were offered and guests did a taste test.

Guests were limited to 150 people due to COVID restrictions, however, attendees enjoyed their time together.

The Art of the Ramen Bowl

The Art of the Ramen Bowl” exhibition is going on at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood.

This exhibition is curated by designer Taku Satoh and art writer, and editor, Mari Hashimoto.

The main displays are the 30 ramen donburi bowls and renge spoons decorated by artists like Taku Satoh and Tadanori Yokoo, and 30 other designers in Japan. Each unique design is truly enticing.

The exhibit also introduces Mino ceramics which makes 90% of the donburi bowls in Japan.
Mino ceramics come from the Tono region, Gifu prefecture with a rich history of making ceramics for over 500 years.

The exhibit also displays a large fake ramen made by Iwasaki Mokei, a renowned manufacturer of Japanese plastic food samples located in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu.

Visitors can also learn why the ingredients used in ramen are so savory through detailed analysis as well as its rich history and culture.

“The Art of the Ramen Bowl” exhibition is held at JAPAN HOUSE Gallery located on the 2nd floor of Ovation Hollywood until July 5th with free admission.
Ramen pop-up shops and related programs will be available as well. For more information, please visit the JAPAN HOUSE website.