September 10th 2023 O.A.

Long Beach – Yokkaichi Sister City 60th Anniversary

The City of Long Beach and Yokkaichi, Mie prefecture celebrated its 60th anniversary as Sister Cities.
On August 12th, a ceremony was held at Long Beach commemorating this memorable event.

The two cities became Sister Cities in 1963 as they had similarities in the number of population and being a commercial city located on the Pacific Coast.

The two cities have deepened their bond through student and teacher exchange programs, and other cultural, educational, doctor, and environmental programs as well.

The ceremony was held at the Yokkaichi Friendship Garden in Long Beach Recreation Park.
This area opened when the Sister Cities celebrated their 30th anniversary. A shrine gate and a plaque that was donated by the City of Yokkaichi welcomes the visitors.

After the “Kokoro Taiko Kai” of Long Beach played their taiko, Yokkaichi Speaker of the Assembly, Ryoma Higuchi demonstrated aikido. Followed by speeches that commemorated the anniversary.

Then, the two mayors of each city signed the 60th Anniversary Memorandum.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling ceremony of the new plaque celebrating the 60th anniversary.

JABA Gala 2023

August 18th was the 46th Installation and Awards Gala for the Japanese American Bar Association at Downtown LA.

JABA was founded in 1977 to strengthen the presence of Japanese American and Asian lawyers in the legal profession of the US.

There are about 200 members.
The association is currently focusing on networking fellow lawyers, training newcomers, and free consultations for Japanese communities.

This is an annually held fundraising gala, and this year marks their 46th time. About 400 members and guests attended.

This year’s inauguration took place after the scholarship recipients were announced, and Harumi Hata became the new President. Hata is the first Japan born president for JABA.

3 individuals were awarded for contributing to the community this year.

Global Business and Cultural Leadership Award went to the president of JAPAN HOUSE, Yuko Kaifu.

The Community and Public Policy Award went to Assemblymember, Al Muratsuchi.

And the Distinguished Public Service Leadership Award went to Mark Uyeda, the first Asian Securities and Exchange Commission　Commissioner.

Recipients thanked their friends, colleagues, and their community in their speeches and spoke about the importance of JABA.