December 24th 2023 O.A.
Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Square
Saturday, December 9th was the unveiling ceremony of the Sadao S Munemori Memorial Square located in front of Glendale City Hall.
This is a project by the Glendale City Council to commemorate fallen soldiers.
The intersection in front of the Veteran’s Memorial has been designated as Sadao S. Munemori Memorial Square.
Glendale is Sadao Munemori’s hometown. He was a Nisei who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team for the European Theater of Operations during WWII.
For sacrificing himself to save comrades in Italy, he became the first Japanese American to be awarded the highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Glendale mayor, the director of Go For Broke National Education Center, Consul General of Japan LA, and a relative of Sadao Munemori, James Nakakihara attended the ceremony.
A reception was held inside the city hall, and related individuals celebrated Sadao Munemori’s service for the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Commendation 2023
Earlier in August of this year, Toshio Ueno was commended by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his career-long devotion in promoting Japanese cuisine and Sake in the US.
December 6th was the presentation ceremony at the official residence of Consul General of Japan LA.
Every year, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honor those who contributed towards international friendship and goodwill of Japan and the US.
Ueno joined MTC, Mutual Trading that specializes in importing/distributing Japanese food.
He was involved in the establishment of the Sake School of America by MTC, which focuses on Japanese alcoholic beverages, primarily sake. Currently, he serves as the school’s Executive Instructor.
He has been endorsing Japanese Sake sommelier and Shochu advisor certifications for 12 years.
He has certified 2700 people.
That is how Ueno was recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for spreading Japanese culture in the US and was commended.
Ueno wishes to expand his school and enlightenment to Europe and Central America as well.
Kagura in Los Angeles
A Kita-Hiroshima kagura performance was held at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo on November 19th.
Kagura is an artform that is dedicated to the Gods in the form of songs and dances.
It is said that kagura started 1300 years ago.
The tradition of kagura can be seen throughout Japan however, Kita-Hiroshima is particularly known for its vibrant Kagura performances, with about 70 kagura groups.
The town of Kita-Hiroshima made this performance possible, and 18 performers from different kagura groups volunteered to perform.
The group performed “Momiji-gari”, where the protagonist fights a demon living deep in the mountains.
“Yamata-no-Orochi”, a story based on Japanese mythology, was performed at the second half.
Passionate acting, elaborate costumes, a beautiful ladies changing into a demon, and an intense battle with a serpent.
The stage was filled with lots of exciting elements and captivated the audiences.