May 12th 2024 O.A.
KAWAII is Art
“Yes, KAWAII is ART – EXPRESS YOURSELF” exhibition is happening at JAPAN HOUSE LA introducing Japanese Kawaii culture.
This is the first exhibition of artist, Sebastian Masuda in LA.
“KAWAII” became a word known throughout the world.
In 1995, Masuda opened an apparel shop in Harajuku named “6%DOKIDOKI.”
His unique design became popular, and he became the king of Japanese Kawaii culture as an artist and art director.
First, the origin of Japanese “KAWAII” is explained at the exhibition. Once guests enter the gallery, they will explore Masuda’s dazzling creativity.
Everything looks colorful and cheerful at first glance.
But this is “Anger” that is expressed through “KAWAII.”
This one is “Jealousy” expressed through “KAWAII.”
And this one is titled “Destroy.”
Not only is it cute and adorable, but various emotions are expressed as well.
The exhibition ends with a small room.
The inner words of Masuda who struggles as an artist, lead to the microcosm expanding within him.
“Yes, KAWAII is Art – EXPRESS YOURSELF” is happening at Ovation Hollywood’s 2nd floor JAPAN HOUSE gallery until November 3rd with free admission. For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE website.
Caregiver Conferences 2024
Saturday, April 13th was the Caregiver Conferences at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center.
This event was held by Keiro that offers various welfare services to the older members of the Japanese American community.
Approximately 140 caregivers participated.
It is said 10 thousand people turn 65 every day in the US, and nursing care has become a major issue for the country.
This year is the 22nd time for Keiro to hold this conference.
They share essential information and support the lives of elderly members.
Social Worker, Lisa Pahl was invited for the Keynote Presentation and spoke about “How to discuss issues related to end of life with your care recipient.”
There, she introduced a card game called “The Death Deck,” which is useful for discussions on challenging topics.
There was a demonstration of lifting, transferring, and positioning which are essential skills for nursing as well as a lecture on “Connecting the Dots With Technology: Innovative Caregiving Solutions.”
Additionally, 14 nursing companies and organizations participated in a Resource Fair to discuss daily issues or nursing plans and services that caregivers face upon providing care.
Japanese Student Association “UNDOKAI”
April 14th was the Japanese Student Association (JSA) UNDOKAI Sports Festival at the Bolsa Chica State Beach.
JSA is an organization formed by Japanese and Japanese American college students.
This UNDOKAI Sports Event was organized by JSA volunteers from SoCal universities for socialization purposes, and this is the 7th year.
9 universities participated.
250 students began the event by doing radio calisthenics as a warmup.
As corporate booths supporting the event set up, students divided into teams representing their respective universities, competed in staple sport events like: obstacle race, beech flag, 9 legged race, and cavalry battle deepening their friendships.
Pro-Am at Pechanga
Tuesday, April 9th was the Character Media’s 17th Annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Journey at Pechanga.
This is the 17th annual event where LPGA golfers can interact with members of the community, and this is the 11th time that Journey at Pechanga served as the venue.
Journey at Pechanga is a championship golf course adjacent to the Pechanga Resort Casino.
It is known as a challenging course with gently undulating terrain.
The 30 invited LPGA golfers, mostly of Asian descent, enjoyed playing at Pechanga while interacting with the fans and sponsors who attended.
Pechanga’s Great Oak Steakhouse, one of the resort’s fine dining restaurants, has reopened.
The restaurant offers 8 kinds of steak and guests can enjoy a selection of Japanese Wagyu beef.
Also, the popular Japanese restaurant “Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar” expanded their area.
For more information, visit the Pechanga Resort Casino website.