February 11th 2024 O.A.
Design Museum Japan: Bridging Design and Life
“Design Museum Japan”, an exhibition showcasing unique designs that are seen throughout Japan is happening in JAPAN HOUSE.
This is an exhibition where 6 professional artists working in the fields of product design, film, fashion, textile, and architecture introduce the “design treasures” they found by visiting different areas of Japan.
Colors, shapes, or patterns are often associated with design, but artists offer a different approach with what “design” is.
Shapes or patterns of earthenware or clay figurines are often the highlight of designs for the Jomon period, but the artist that visited Jomon archaeological sites in Iwate prefecture sees in their design the creativity of human settlement since this is when people started to live in a settled place.
The 3D structure of the uniforms made by a sportswear manufacturer in Toyama Prefecture is introduced by the artist as being inspired by the making of ‘andon’ lanterns at the local ‘Andon Festival’.
Piano from Shizuoka, tableware from Ishikawa, toys from Hyogo, and the Yamakasa float from Fukuoka offered wide varieties of “design” that is more than just shapes and colors.
There is a section where visitors can write and share “What does design mean to you?” towards the end of the exhibition.
“Design Museum Japan: Bridging Design and Life” is happening in JAPAN HOUSE until April 14th with free admission.
For more information, please visit the JAPAN HOUSE LA website.
OAA New Year’s Party 2024
January 21st was the New Year’s Party and inauguration of the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) in Carson.
OAA is a non-profit organization with a long history of more than 110 years. Their mission is socializing as well as helping out one another, and contributing to the local community.
OAA’s New Year’s party started off bright and merry as they focus on passing down Okinawan customs and traditions as well as entertainment.
Followed by the inauguration of this year’s board members, and Vicky Oshiro Nishiuchi took over as the new president after Edward Kamiwa worked as the president for 6 years.
Sake barrel breaking ceremony took place after the New Year’s greetings, and many performed on stage as members enjoyed their meals.
Participants also bet on Okinawan prizes through silent auction, and booths offering Okinawa goods were also available. Guests celebrated the new year under a festive Okinawan mood.
JCCSC Officers Installation & Awards Luncheon 2024
Sunday, January 28th was the Officers Installation & Awards Luncheon for JCCSC at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
JCCSC is a non-profit organization that supports Japanese businesses in LA, friendships between Japan and the US, and volunteers for the local community.
133 representatives of different organizations attended.
First, 14 new board members took oath and Haruo Takehana took the post of president once again.
President Takehana spoke about the 2024 Noto earthquake as well, and encouraged members to support the devastated area.
The awarding ceremony took place after representatives said their greetings.
Little Tokyo Business Association was awarded with the Community Organization Recognition Award.
They were founded in 1959 to support local business as well as preserve traditions and contribute to the development of Little Tokyo.
The Nikkei Spirit Award went to Masashi Shikai. He holds the 7th rank and works as the Head Instructor of Chuo Kendo Dojo. In 2006, he was the coach of team US for the international kendo convention and defeated Japan for the very first time in history. He has devoted his career to spreading kendo in the US.