May 14th 2023 O.A.
Sakura Gardens Sushi Day
Saturday, April 22nd was Sushi Day for the senior living community residents at Sakura Gardens in Boyle Heights with the help of the Japanese Restaurant Association (JRA).
JRA is a nonprofit organization with its members being Japanese restaurant individuals and food companies.
“Sushi Day” was held since Sakura Gardens used to be Keiro Retirement Home, making this the 21st time.
25 volunteers came from JRA, and sushi chefs of “Sushi Katsu-Ya” and “Sushi Gen” made 120 servings worth of sushi.
Then, the plates were served to each table by the JRA staff, chefs, and volunteers of Sakura Gardens.
The volunteers were introduced after the meal, and a plaque was given to JRA from Sakura Gardens. Potted flowers were sent to the residents from the participating restaurants: “Kagura”, “Sushi Katsu-Ya”, “Sushi Gen”, “Shin- Sen-Gumi”and “Ise-Shima”.
Nikkei Formal
Saturday, April 22nd was the graduation event “Nikkei Formal” held by the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) at Little Tokyo’s Terasaki Budokan.
INC is an organization formed by the Nikkei Student Union.
Japanese American student groups of 12 colleges are currently signed up as members.
They hold many events throughout the year and focus on networking students with one another, as well as providing opportunities for students and the Japanese American community to communicate with each other.
“Nikkei Formal” is held at the end of each school year, and this is the last year for Nicholas Kikuta of UC Santa Barbra as the president
since he is also graduating.
It was announced at the event that Asumi Shuda of UC Santa Barbra and Kalyn Wong of UCLA will be co-presidents starting next academic year.
Followed by the INC Showcase by the representatives of the 12 colleges.
Different performances like dance, singing, and fast mental math livened up the venue.
Lastly was the dance party with a DJ. Students from different colleges congratulated each other for their accomplishments.
Club Genki
Wednesday, May 3rd was the grand opening of “Club Genki”, a Senior Adult Day Program inside the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center (ESGVJCC).
“Club Genki” is an ESGVJCC and Keiro partnered senior adult day program for Japanese American older adults, and is a daycare center that is formally approved by the state of California.
ESGVJCC Board President, Tim Itatani and Keiro President & CEO, Beverly Ito stated their greetings at the opening ceremony.
“Club Genki” is a paid service and is open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
It is run by professional staff, and seniors can enjoy various activities as well as have daily meals and snacks served to
them at the lounge.
For more information about “Club Genki”, please visit the ESGVJCC website.