September 14th 2025 O.A.
Shadows For Peace
On Sunday, August 24, a lecture on the horrors of the atomic bomb was held in Gardena.
The event was co-hosted by Shadows for Peace and the Gardena Buddhist Women’s Association.
Shadows for Peace is a peace organization that preserves the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors and passes on to future generations the importance of peace and the dangers of nuclear weapons.
This lecture marked the 10th edition of the event, with approximately 100 participants.
The program opened with a memorial service, with representatives offering incense.
Attendees collectively honored the victims of the tragic events that occurred 80 years ago.
After the documentary screening, lectures were given by atomic bomb survivors living in the United States.
Toshiharu Kano, originally from Hiroshima, was exposed to the bomb while still in his mother’s womb.
He spoke about his childhood struggles with aftereffects and the experiences of his family.
Howard Kakita, a third-generation Japanese American, was seven when exposed near the hypocenter and shared his miraculous survival with photos and footage.
The event concluded with a Q&A, where the survivors answered questions and shared their thoughts on nuclear disarmament and the importance of peace.
Nanka Saga Kenjinkai 120th Anniversary
The Nanka Saga Kenjinkai celebrated its 120th anniversary.
A commemorative luncheon was held on Thursday, August 21, at Zenshuji in Little Tokyo.
The Nanka Saga Kenjinkai was founded in 1905.
It has long promoted friendship among Saga Prefecture natives living in the U.S. and promoted cultural and personnel exchanges with Japan.
However, like many other prefectural associations in Southern California, the organization faces challenges from an aging and shrinking membership.
To address these challenges, the event, themed “Exploring the Future of the Kenjinkai,” welcomed Governor Yoshinori Yamaguchi of Saga Prefecture from Japan to engage in discussions on the future direction of the association.
At the meeting, Governor Yamaguchi outlined Saga Prefecture’s current initiatives, including sports, cultural heritage, human resource development, and marine pollution measures. He spoke passionately about building a region where future generations can live with peace of mind.
Next, Kosei Murota, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, highlighted the role of Japanese Americans and local organizations in U.S.-Japan relations.
Finally, Kihei Otani, president of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, spoke about the necessity of efforts to ensure the continued existence of the Kenjinkai.
Afterwards, a luncheon and informal discussions were held, followed by a session where participants exchanged ideas.
In addition, the event featured Saga’s ceramics, including Arita and Imari ware, highlighting Nabeshima ware, the high-end variety, as well as Saga Wagyu beef and Saga sake.