February 25th 2024 O.A.
Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA) New Year’s Reception 2024
February 13th was the New Year’s reception of the Japanese Restaurant Association of America at the official residence of Consul General of Japan in LA.
JRA is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 to educate its members on the advancement of culinary techniques and restaurant management, and its members are restaurant and business individuals.
They also contribute to the local community and promote Japanese food by serving food at Sushi Day for the senior living community “Sakura Gardens” in Boyle Heights, or hold “Sushi Sake Festival” for the public.
They also contribute to the local community and promote Japanese food by serving food at Sushi Day for the senior living community “Sakura Gardens” in Boyle Heights, or hold “Sushi Sake Festival” for the public.
After the toast following the breaking of the sake barrel, members socialized and made connections by enjoying Japanese food and sake.
After Kentaro Masuda of Kagura Restaurant served as president for 4 years, Shinji Kugita, the executive chef of KATSU-YA Group, took over and became the new president, delivering his greetings.
President Kugita spoke about the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine in Foreign Countries established by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and hoped for the betterment of restaurant services.
Lastly, Teruo Shimizu of Miyako Oriental Foods was named the Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, and the reception came to an end.
Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai Officers Installation & Friendship Luncheon 2024
Sunday, February 11th was the Officers Installation & Friendship Luncheon of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai (NKK) at Montebello.
NKK is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 and has 38 Prefectural Associations as their members.
They work hard to strengthen the US-Japan friendship by helping out one another as well as spreading Japanese traditions, awarding scholarships, and assisting disaster reliefs.
129 representatives and related individuals of each association attended, and this year’s officers installation took place.
Kazue Kitagaito will be serving her 2nd term as the president.
Kitagaito spoke about the 2024 Noto earthquake that happened in January as she comes from Ishikawa prefecture.
She gave her appreciation to the donations as well as emphasized on the importance of the association’s continued support.
Followed by guests like Consul General of Japan in LA, Kenko Sone and Assemblymember, Al Muratsuchi giving their greetings.
There were entertainments like different prefectural associations promoting their hometowns too.
NKK is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year and will be having a memorial event in June.
INC Nikkei Professionals 2024
“Nikkei Professionals” an event held by the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) happened on February 10th at JANM in Little Tokyo.
INC is a coalition of collegiate Nikkei Student Unions and associations and 12 universities currently join.
“Nikkei Professionals” is annually held by INC to connect students with active professionals. About 150 people participated this year.
3 professionals working in accounting, public health, and consulting had a panel discussion at the event. The panelists talked about how their studies affected their career and how one should build up their career based on their own experience.
Afterwards, students were divided into groups and attended a workshop.
They were given advice with what paths they can take after graduation.
The other group of students ate lunch and exchanged information as they waited their turn and networked with 25 volunteers who are also actively working.