2024 Japanese American Bar Association Gala

Friday, August 23rd was the annual Installation and Awards Gala for the Japanese American Bar Association (JABA) in Downtown LA.

JABA is a non-profit organization of Japanese American lawyers.
They were founded in 1977 to protect the rights of the Issei and Nisei, and to increase the presence of Japanese American lawyers in the legal profession.

The organization is currently active in　networking, mutual assistance, study groups,　and training of young lawyers among　Japanese and Asian lawyers with about 200　members. The gala is held annually as a　fundraiser, and this year is their 47th year.

The program began with the announcement　of the scholarship winners. Then, the　installation ceremony for this year’s officers　was held, and Colin Kawaguchi was　inaugurated as president.

Two individuals were recognized　and awarded for their contribution　to the community. Michael Yamaki,　who paved the way for Asian　Americans to be promoted to key　positions in the state as the　California Governor’s Appointments　Secretary. And Kathryn Doi Todd,　the first Asian American woman to　become a judge in the US.

Japanese Wine 101

Monday, August 12th was the　Japanese wine workshop at the　headquarters of Mutual Trading, a　Japanese food importer and　distributor.

This is through the Sake School of America,　an educational institution on Japanese　alcoholic beverages established by Mutual　Trading.
The seminar, entitled “Japanese　Wine 101” was aimed at restaurants and　other industry professionals to promote　Japanese wines.

As they learn about the history of　Japanese wines, the production　areas, and the conditions and　characteristics of wineries,　participants tasted 12 wines,　including those made from “Koshu”　and “Muscat Bailey A” grapes,　which are grapes unique to Japan.