October 8th 2023 O.A.
Mutual Trading Japanese Food & Restaurant Expo 2023
September 23rd was the Mutual Trading Japanese Food & Restaurant Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center.
This is the 32nd time for this expo as it showcases and sells the latest Japanese food and restaurant supplies.
It is the largest, longest Japanese food expo held in the US, and 146 companies participated this year.
Attendees were able to taste the newest products and unique menu items offered by each company.
At the food section, different food products from basic ingredients like dashi, nori, wasabi, noodles, and soups to luxurious ones, such as fresh seafoods using ultra-low-temperature freezing technology, ULTS, as well as premium Miyazaki wagyu beef were introduced.
Mutual Trading’s original brand, Miyako Brand also introduced their latest plant based gyoza and other new products.
Restaurant supplies were also available, and tablewares were highly popular as they were sold at a discounted price.
Personalized engraving for kitchen knives attracted many people too.
Takeout boxes and delivery-related supplies were also popular since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Brewers making different Japanese sake, shochu, whiskey, and craft beer participated in the alcohol section.
Workshops were also available as 4 navigators explained how each food and drinks can be paired to complement each other.
This year is the first in-person expo held after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the theme was “Venture into a New Era.”
According to Mutual Trading, Japanese food is gaining back its popularity since the pandemic.
They will always adjust to the lifestyles of consumers and seek new business opportunities.
2023 Keiro no Hi Festival
Sunday, September 17th was the 6th Annual Keiro no Hi Festival held by Keiro at Little Tokyo’s JANM.
Keiro is a non-profit organization that provides services to Japanese American senior members and holds free community events annually to celebrate Japan’s “Keiro no Hi.”
Complimentary transportation was available in 6 different locations of LA, Ventura, and Orange County. About 500 people attended this year.
This year’s theme for the event was “Purpose.” Different workshops from fishing, handicraft, to making pickled vegetables were offered to give an idea of how seniors can enjoy their everyday lives.
Attendees were able to dress up in kimono and have their portraits taken, too.
At the main hall, CEO of Keiro, Beverly Ito, Consul General Kenko Sone, and State Assemblymember, Al Muratsuchi stated their greetings and commemorated the healthy longevity of the senior members.
Free bento lunches were provided to attendees over 60 years old, and the day was filled with many entertainments.
OCJAA Senior Citizen Appreciation Da
Sunday, October 1st was the 37th Annual Senior Citizen Appreciation Day held by OCJAA via online.
Free boxed lunches have been prepared for those aged 60 and above who pre-registered.
At 3 locations in Tustin, Irvine, and Costa Mesa, 210 meals were distributed.
Attendees participated via Zoom and enjoyed the program as they ate their lunches in their homes.
The program featured commemorations by the Japanese American organization representatives and different entertainments.
11 individuals were awarded as they celebrated turning 80 years old.
OCJAA Honorary President, Akemi Miyake who turned 104 years old showed his cheerful face and greeted everyone too.
The event ended with a raffle, and attendees bonded via online.