SoCalJapan | Japan Hollywood Network

October 13th 2024 O.A.

MTC JFRE2024

Saturday, September 29th was the Japanese Food & Restaurant Expo (JFRE) held by Mutual Trading at the Pasadena Convention Center.

This is the 33rd time for the expo that introduces and sells the newest Japanese food ingredients and products to restaurant individuals.
It is the longest and largest business show held outside of Japan. More than 140 companies participated to promote their products.

Mutual Trading also introduced their newest easy to make and high quality gyoza and beef bowls.
This is in response to the labor shortage problem in the restaurant industry.

Miyazaki beef and other high-end wagyu were introduced, and long lines were formed to try the samples. Frozen fatty tuna using Super-Frozen technology to preserve its freshness also called attention.

The Sake Pavilion had 52 booths, including 42 were from Japan.
Takara Sake USA that are known for their “Sho chiku bai” brand introduced their newest bourbon barrel aged Junmai sake.

In addition, a selection of sparkling sake, ranging from premium to more affordable options, as well as a variety of cocktails made with shochu, were offered.
From traditional sake to new styles, and from major brands to products from small breweries, a wide variety of offerings were available to meet the diverse needs of the attendees.

The customary Ceramic Fair also happened outside foodstuffs being introduced, and names being engraved on to kitchen knives by the metal engravers was a must-have.

This year’s theme of the expo was “The Essence of WA – Bridging Cultures and Future Through Japanese Cuisine.”

At the venue, different workshops and seminars of: pairing sake with sake cups, chopsticks making, and fashioning takeout boxes from furoshiki cloths were available introducing different Japanese food related culture.

About 2,600 people attended the event, and it ended in great success.

Keiro no Hi Festival 2024

Saturday, September 21st was the “Keiro no Hi Festival” at JANM.

This event is held by the non-profit organization, Keiro that provides services to Japanese American seniors.
Every year, Keiro holds this free community event in honor of the Japanese national holiday, and this year is the 7th time.

About 600 pre-registered participants that are over the age of 60 attended the event from LA, Ventura, and OC using free transportation service.

First, Keiro CEO, Beverly Ito stated her greeting and appreciation to the attendees.
The Consul General Kenko Sone and Assembly member, Al Muratsuchi also giving their greetings, and City of Council member, Kevin de León handing Certificate of Appreciation to the recipients.

Complimentary bento boxes were served during lunch time.
Entertainment like taiko, ukulele, and singing performances were done onstage, and seniors enjoyed their time together by taking pictures with each other.

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September 29th 2024 O.A.

LAX-KIX 30th

JAL celebrated the 30th anniversary of its LA-Kansai route on Wednesday, September 4th with a commemorative ceremony at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

JAL’s direct flight from LA to Kansai International Airport (KIX) started on September 4th, 1994, the same day KIX opened.

Refreshments were served at the boarding gate, and crew members dressed in JAL’s 30-year-old uniforms welcomed passengers bound for KIX.

The ceremony was attended by officials from JAL, LAX,, as well as Consul General Kenko Sone of the Consulate General of Japan in LA.
They each congratulated the 30th anniversary and expressed their hopes for the future.

Flights from KIX in supporting exchanges between the two cities are becoming increasingly important with Osaka hosting the World Expo next year and the LA Olympics coming up in 2028.

Passengers boarded the plane while being handed commemorative goods for the 30th anniversary after the ceremony.
They were seen off by officials and took off for KIX.

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September 22nd 2024 O.A.

Students from Bizen

Junior high and high school students of Bizen, Okayama prefecture visited LA.

This tour was organized by Bizen, Okayama prefecture, and 200 junior high and high school students were selected by lottery to experience American history, tradition, and culture.

The tour was divided into 2 sessions of early and late August.
The second group of about 50 people arrived in LA on August 22nd and visited Little Tokyo to learn about the history of Japanese Americans.

Bizen, Okayama is the hometown of Dodgers pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Therefore, the tour also had the purpose of supporting the Dodgers, and students enjoyed watching a Dodgers game.

Bizen City also established a Friendship City Agreement with the City of Torrance upon their visit, and the two cities will deepen their exchanges in the future.

Ocean Group Seafood Show

Ocean Group, a wholesaler of seafood in SoCal and other parts of the US, held a seafood show in Irvine on Sunday, September 1st.

This is an annual event held by Ocean Group for their customers working in restaurants and supermarkets making this year the 20th time. The event rotates among 6 branch offices located in the US each year, and the event was held jointly by the LA headquarters and the San Diego office this year.

40 companies from all over the world including Japan, Europe, and Asia participated in this year’s event.
They promoted their new and mainstay products by having customers actually try them.

Ocean Group also introduced their own in-house brand products such as smoked salmon.
Other exhibits included a booth for Japanese sake and fish print artwork, and active business discussions took place throughout the day.

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September 8th 2024 O.A.

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.

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August 25th 2024 O.A.

The 82nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival

The 82nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival happened for 9 days from August 10th through 18th at Little Tokyo.

Nisei Week is a festival that shares and spreads the history, culture, and tradition of Japanese and Japanese American people to the US.

Saturday, August 10th was the coronation at the Aratani Theatre for the Nisei Queen who will act as an ambassador of the LA Japanese American community.

6 candidates were nominated from different Japanese organizations throughout LA.
Candidates practiced their manners, dance, and speech for the last 3 months until the event.

Candidates performed their best as their family and friends cheered them on.

And came the final result.
Morgan Mayuko Gee was crowned as the 2024 Nisei Queen.

Seia Loraine Watanabe was named the First Princess and Amy Ryoko Kubo was chosen as Miss Tomodachi.

The queen and court will represent the Japanese American community for the entire year, and attend various events domestically and internationally.

Sunday, August 11th was the Grand Parade.
People from all over LA came to see the highlight of Nisei Week and filled the streets.

First came the veterans of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War, and they were greeted by a round of applause.

The choreography of this year’s dances were by Hanayagi Rokufumi Shachu.
Followed by government officials, representatives of various organizations, community contributors, and cultural groups making an appearance, and performed in front of the cheering audience.

This year’s parade marshall was actress and comedian, Amy Hill.

Grand marshall is ABC7 news anchor, David Ono.

Various individuals, organizations, and traditions of the Japanese American community were introduced such as: martial arts, Japanese dance, anime, and mikoshi.
The parade culminated with the appearance of the LA Nebuta.

Lastly, this year’s queen and court made an appearance and answered to the crowd with their elegant smiles.

August 17th and 18th was the Plaza Festival held at the plaza in front of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.

There were booths offering food, goods, and services lined up attracting visitors with a variety of Japanese foods and cultures.
Various taiko drumming groups also performed on stage, filling the venue with the excitement of a summer festival.

The annual L.A. Tanabata Festival, held in conjunction with Nisei Week every year was also held at the Japanese American National Museum.

This year’s theme was “Peace,” and unique decorations were made by kenjinkai, Japanese American organizations, and individuals.
Free workshops were also held with both children and adults participating in making decorations.

And then came the closing ceremony.
This year marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of Little Tokyo, so a commemorative ceremony was held first.

The festival concluded with a street dance performance. Along with each traditional Japanese dance group in the community, the Nisei Queens, VIP guests, community organizations, and audience members joined together in a circle and danced the Ondo to close out this year’s Nisei Week.

Sake in the Park

Friday, July 26th was the, “Sake in the Park,” a sake and food event in Downtown LA.

This is a fundraiser event held by the non-profit organization, Little Tokyo Service Center and this year marks the 16th time.
It is one of the largest sake and food events in Southern California.

The event used to be held at the plaza in front of the JACCC in Little Tokyo, but the size expanded and was held at Grand Park in Downtown LA this year.

More than 40 sake breweries participated in this all-you-can-eat and drink sake and food event.
This was made possible by the event partner Mutual Trading which offered approximately 90 brands of sake, shochu, local beer, and spirits.

LTSC works to address a variety of community issues, including support for the elderly and homeless.

Many food booths were set up at the event to serve snacks for sake.
Attendees tasted different sake and food pairings and compared sake drinks to deepen their knowledge of sake.

The program also featured an amateur shochu cocktail contest in which 5 community groups competed. Approximately 1,000 people attended the event.
Everyone enjoyed themselves while helping the fundraiser.

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August 11th 2024 O.A.

Kenjinkai Kyogikai 60th Anniversary

Sunday, June 30th was the commemorative ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (JPASC) at Quiet Cannon in Montebello.

JPASC is a non-profit organization with 38 kenjinkai groups of Japanese prefectures.
They give to the community through supporting each other, spreading Japanese cultures, awarding scholarships, and disaster relief volunteers.

About 200 people attended the ceremony, including members of various kenjinkai and representatives of major organizations.
President Kitagaito first announced the slogan of the ceremony, “Bridge to the Future,” and called for unity of the community.

Followed by a toast by Mack Miyazaki, the Executive Advisor to the association.
Consul General Kenko Sone of the Consulate General of Japan in LA and others offered their congratulations.
And California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi presented JPASC with an award.

Then, an award ceremony was held to recognize the achievements of the previous presidents over the past 10 years.

JPASC was founded in 1964 by a group of prewar kenjinkai. However, aging has declined the number of members after 60 years, and that has become their biggest challenge.

Okinawa Association of America Picnic

Sunday, July 21st was the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) picnic held in South El Monte.

OAA was founded in 1909 as Nanka Okinawa Kenjinnkai.
This year marks its 115th anniversary. The picnic is a tradition that began in the 1930s by immigrants from Okinawa, and it has been held during the Obon season in recent years.

OAA President, President Nishiuchi and guests of honor, representatives of JPASC and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal first stated their greetings. Then, they stretched their bodies with radio calisthenics.

Afterwards, 4 scholarship winners were introduced and awarded their scholarships.

More than 350 people attended the picnic eating their food they brought with family and friends.
Everyone enjoyed watching performances on the stage and played games together.

Wismettac Sake & Food Expo

A sake and food trade show was held on July 13th in Anaheim by Wismettac Asian Foods, an importer and distributor of food-related products that mainly deals with Japanese food.

This was an annual event for retailers, restaurants, and other industry professionals.
However, it had to be canceled due to the pandemic, and this was the first in-person event in 5 years.

20 companies participated in the sake section with Japanese sake, beer, and shochu being introduced.

41 companies participated in the food section. Proposals were made for products that match alcoholic beverages, and business meetings took place.
In addition to Japanese food, Asian food vendors also participated.

The recent trend is smaller packs for personal consumption in retail stores.
For commercial use, the demand for high-quality semi-cooked food products is increasing due to labor shortage issues.
Japanese restaurants are also becoming more specialized in particular dishes and ingredients as well.

This year’s Wismettac Sake & Food Expo was held in 4 locations across the US. In LA, the event attracted about 1,350 visitors and was busy throughout the day.

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July 28th 2024 O.A.

2024 Nisei Week Opening Ceremony

Sunday, July 14th was the opening ceremony of Nisei Week at the Little Tokyo JANM.

This year marks the 82nd time of Nisei Week, a celebration of Japanese culture and traditions in the US. Nisei Week Foundation President, Joann Shin Cordeiro first announced this year’s theme “Connection,” and shared her enthusiasm for the event.

Followed by the sponsors of the opening ceremony, representatives from JAPAN HOUSE LA and the Japan Business Association (JBA) of Southern California stating their greetings along with JBA giving their donation money.

The two official songs for this year’s Nisei Week are “Wasshoi, Nippon” by Takashi Hosokawa and “Fuyumi no Soran Bushi” by Fuyumi Sakamoto. The dances were choreographed by Hanayagi Rokufukumi and were performed at the event.

The Grand Marshal is ABC 7 news anchor, David Ono. And the Parade Marshal for the Grand Parade on August 11th will be actor and comedian, Amy Hill. And to add color to the festivities, the 6 candidates for this year’s Nisei Queen were announced.

Amy Ryoko Kubo of East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center.

Anita Sumi Yayi Komatsu of Gardena Evening Optimist Club.

Carina Akiko Sakimura of Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.

Caitlyn Tera Sasaki of Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council.

Seia Loraine Watanabe of the Japanese Restaurant Association of America.

Morgan Mayuko Gee of Venice-West Los Angeles Japanese American Citizens League and Venice Japanese Community Center.

The candidates will compete in the coronation ball the night before the Grand Parade, and the queen will be chosen by a panel of judges.

The 82nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival will be held for nine days from August 10th through 18th.
Various events will be happening in Little Tokyo. Please visit the Nisei Week website for more information.

Dodgers Japanese Heritage Night

Tuesday, July 2nd was Japanese Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers hold events to interact with various local communities, and the Japanese American community was introduced this day.

On the stage of Centerfield Plaza, artists from Japan and the US put on a unique show. The KoushinTaiko drummers, DJ Crew, singerAnna Aya, and rock guitarist MIYAVI excited the audiences.

Before the game, a press conference was held for the “Yakyu-Baseball” exhibition connecting Japanese and American baseball which will happen next year at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in New York.

Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, manager Dave Roberts, and Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who had previously played for the Yakult Swallows in Japan attended the conference.
Otani and Yamamoto donated their favorite baseball bats and gloves for the exhibition.

Consul General Kenko Sone of the Consulate General of Japan in LA and the Nisei Week Queen were introduced on the field to promote Nisei Week, which will be held in Little Tokyo in August.

The event also honored Yoshiko Miwa, the oldest person to have experienced Japanese American incarceration during WWII.

And then the ceremonial first pitch.
MIYAVI was the first to throw.
And after the national anthem was sung by Aisha, actor George Takei appeared and threw a powerful pitch.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto caught the ball and answered to the cheers of the fans.

Commemorative jerseys inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e and free onigiri rice balls were handed out, and fans enjoyed the game while appreciating Japanese culture.

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July 14th 2024 O.A.

Anime Expo 2024

Anime Expo was held for 4 days from Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th at the LA Convention Center.

Anime Expo is held by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Anime, and the largest Japanese anime convention in North America.
This year is the 33rd time.

There were long lines forming from day 1 for the AX limited edition goods and good finds, as well as for the latest anime news.

Many fans dressed up as their favorite character and enjoyed socializing with each other like talking pictures.

Not only were there merch booths but also competition areas and a concert area for virtual YouTubers attracted many people.

There also was an area named “AX Crossing” at the plaza of the convention center.
About 50 Japanese food booths were available, and a mini J-pop concert was held there too.

Various events were held, including panel discussions featuring creators of popular anime, and a workshop introducing maiko culture, featuring a maiko invited from Yamagata Prefecture to promote tourism to the Tohoku region.
From traditional culture to subculture, a wide range of Japanese charms were introduced to the guests.

About 1,000 booths participated in this year’s Anime Expo.
Large booths of major companies were noticeable compared to previous years impressing the importance of Anime Expo within the industry.

JETRO set up a booth called “Geek Street,” gathering 16 companies under categories like “Anime,” “Kawaii,” and “Trends.”
They supported the overseas expansion of various Japanese content.

Each company showed off new anime that will be aired in the US starting this fall, new games that will be released next year, and new products that have just been released and are not available anywhere else in the US besides this event.

There was a stage at Geek Street where companies could give presentations.

Tickets for this year’s Anime Expo were sold out.
About 100,000 people attended.

2024 Jokun Recognition Community Luncheon

Sunday, June 9th was the Jokun Recognition Community Luncheon of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation at Quiet Cannon in Montebello.

Every year, the Japanese government honors those who have contributed to the promotion of Japan-US relations and friendship, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC) holds a celebration to honor these recipients.

Kate Leonard majored in Japanese studies during college and studied in Okayama, Japan in 1973.
After returning home, she became the director of the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana and a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
She has served as the Honorary Consul of Japan in San Diego since 2012.

Haruo Takehana has been served as a board member and president of various Japanese American cultural and business organizations like JCCSC, the Japanese Community Pioneer Center and Kenjinkai since 2004.

Akiko Bourland founded the San Diego Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana in 1973. She served as the president for 35 years, and was the first person in the US to receive the title of “Founder Advisor” from the highest advisor of the Ohara School of Ikebana in Japan.
She has been an instructor of ikebana at local universities for over 50 years and taught thousands of students.

About 200 people attended the event including family members of the honorees, related individuals, and representatives of various Japanese organizations. Consul General Kenko Sone and other attendees gave their words of congratulations, and recipients were presented with commemorative plaques sharing the joy of being recognized.

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June 16th 2024 O.A.

Kaizuka Meditation Garden

The restoration work for “Kaizuka Meditation Garden”, a Japanese garden in Culver City has finished, and a commemoration was held on May 12th.

“Kaizuka Meditation Garden” was donated by Kaizuka city in Osaka prefecture.
The garden was originally built in 1974, celebrating the two Sister Cities who established their relationship in 1965.

The garden was being restored as part of a commemorative project for the 60th anniversary of sister city relations and the 50th anniversary of the completion of the garden.

Kaizuka Mayor Ryo Sakai attended the ceremony.
In addition, a team of internationally known garden masters along with gardening specialists from Japan, LA, and London worked on the project with the Sister Cities Committee.
A celebration was held to mark the project’s completion.

The mayors of both cities planted a commemorative tree in the garden wishing for stronger friendship and mutual development between Culver City and Kaizuka.

Koreisha Senior Care & Advocacy Bazaar 2024

Sunday, May 26th was the Fundraising Bazaar held by the Koreisha Senior Care & Advocacy (KSCA) at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple in Costa Mesa.

KSCA is a non-profit organization that ensures the welfare of seniors by advocating for the continuance of Japanese culturally sensitive healthcare facilities and senior services.

This Fundraising Bazaar is held to rebuild the Nikkei nursing home, and and this is the 3rd time.

62 SoCal organizations including the Japanese Prefectural Associations, cultural groups, and businesses brought a variety of used and second-hand goods.

Many of the participants were elderly, but there were young volunteers too.

Many Japanese American community members who came to the US after WWII are now older than 65 and need assistance with health and daily living issues.
Additionally, KSCA promotes the need for a nursing home by holding health fairs and offering online medical seminars.

The event raised approximately $11,000 this day.

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June 2nd 2024 O.A.

OC Japan Fair “Nakamise Street”

“OC Japan Fair” happened for 3 days at Costa Mesa from April 19th through 21st.

“OC Japan Fair” is a festival that began in 2009 introducing Japanese culture, food, and entertainment.
It is an event that happens every fall, but this year, it also took place in spring entitled “OC Japan Fair Cherry Blossom.”

Long lines formed for the entire day at the entrance.
Various booths lined up and guests were able to enjoy Japanese culture through shopping and eating Japanese food.

This year’s highlight was “Nakamise Street” which connected the venue and main area.
It was designed in the image of Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street produced by the non-profit organization, KIMONO CON that introduces Japanese culture and kimono.

There were 4 kimono stalls at Nakamise Street, and guests were able to look for a kimono that they liked.

Tea ceremony demonstration, ikebana flower arrangement workshop, and booths introducing traditional Japanese cultures were also available.
Apparels inspired by Japanese culture and food booths offering original products that incorporate Japanese essence such as rice cake sweets, tea, and miso were also available.

Many guests enjoyed the martial arts demonstration and kimono show that was performed on stage.
OC Japan Fair will be held again in October.

“TORISOBA TONSHO’ Grand Open

“TORISOBA TONSHO,” a ramen restaurant specializing in chicken ramen, had its grand opening in West Hollywood.

“TORISOBA TONSHO” is a new location of the Shin-Sen-Gumi Restaurant Group known for serving tonkotsu ramen in Hakata style, and yakitori.

The characteristic of “TORISOBA TONSHO” is a ramen soup called “foam style”.
The soup is stirred in a blender to emulsify the water and fat, creating a soup that is rich in flavor, yet creamy and smooth. Also, the foamy soup coats the noodles better.

The noodles are straight mediumthin whole grain noodles.　On top is a Chicken Chashu.

With “The ORIGINAL”, you can enjoy different flavors by adding black pepper and truffle oil as you eat.

You can choose from 3 different flavors including “The DANDAN” that is spicy with some heat using chili pepper and sesame paste, or “The LEMON BUTTER” that has a refreshing, tangy taste.

For more information about “TORISOBA TONSHO”, visit their website at TorisobaTonsho.com.

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May 19th 2024 O.A.

INC Nikkei Formal 2024

Saturday, April 20th was the Nikkei Formal held by the Southern California Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC) at JACCC.

INC is a coalition of collegiate Nikkei Student Unions and associations throughout Southern California Universities.
Their mission is networking Nikkei students with one another and socializing with the local community, and 12 NSUs are currently active.

“Nikkei Formal” is an event held at the end of the academic year.
190 NSU board members from each university attended this year celebrating the end of the school year.

Each university reported their activities at the event.
Then, Jared Nakahara of UCLA and Ashley Omiya of UC San Diego were introduced as the next year’s co-presidents.

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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.

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April 28th 2024 O.A.

Charm of Japanese music

An event happened at Culver City on April 9th to promote the charm of Japanese music to the US, and Japanese all-female band “ATARASHII GAKKO!” performed.

This event was held by ATARASHII GAKKO!’s American record label, 88rising to promote Japanese music to the US which JETRO’s LA office cosponsored.
Industry individuals and media were invited.

The event began by Yusuke Nakagawa representing ASOBISYSTEM, the management company of “ATARASHII GAKKO!” stating his greeting.
Followed by 88rising’s CEO Sean Miyashiro giving his speech stating his strong hopes for Japanese musicians expanding to the US music industry.

88rising is a record label known for working with many Asian artists.
On April 14th, the company hosted a special stage “88 Rising Futures” at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the US.
Along with Asia’s top stars, 4 Japanese artists, “YOASOBI”, “ATARASHII GAKKO!”, “Awich”, and “Number_i” performed at the event.

And appeared “ATARASHII GAKKO!” performing 4 songs including their newest number.
The group made a global debut in 2021 through 88rising and grew into a group with over 15 million followers on their social media accounts.
They have fans all over the world despite their lyrics being mostly Japanese.

“ATARASHII GAKKO!” call themselves “The representatives of Japanese youth.”

Sakura Gardens’ Sushi Day

Saturday, March 30th was “Sushi Day” for Sakura Gardens, a retirement home located in Boyle Heights.

This event is held by the Japanese Restaurant Association of America, and sushi chefs served sushi to the residents.
JRA is a nonprofit organization that is made of restaurant managers and food companies.

This is the 25th year for Sushi Day at this retirement home. The chefs from “Katsuya” and “Sushi Gen” served “Nigiri” and “Makimono” to the residents, showing their appreciation.

120 sushi were served with ingredients from 8 food companies for free.
25 volunteers including the sushi chefs served them to the residents saying “Arigato.”

Jina Maleksarkissians who became the executive director of the retirement home stated her thanks for the Sushi Day.

And a appreciation plaque was sent to President Shinji Kugita of JRA.
Orchids were also sent to other companies by the residents as well.

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April 7th 2024 O.A.

#SupportSAKE

An award ceremony for Seafood X Sake Pairing Instagram campaign held by #SupportSAKE happened on March 18th in Hollywood.

#SupportSAKE is a community space started by JETRO where those interested in sake come together to support the shrinking Japanese brewing industry.

They are mainly active on Instagram however, they also participate in various events through booths and are expanding their community.

For this campaign, participants shared photos of their favorite seafood and Japanese sake pairings on Instagram.

Different prizes went to the winners chosen based on the number of likes and the selection committee.
March 10th was the deadline. Winners and influencers were invited to the awarding ceremony introducing the winning photos.

A brewery in Wajima city, Ishikawaprefecture that underwent devastating damage in this year’s Noto earthquake was connected live during the event.
The brewery stated how drinking sake supports the industry but also how they are currently unable to make any at the moment.

Restaurants and businesses were awarded with a certificate of appreciation for working with the campaign as they shared different ways of enjoying Japanese sake.

Lastly, the grand prize winner was announced, and they received an airline ticket to Japan.

Several Japanese sake and food using Japanese ingredients were served.
There also were demonstrations for cocktails using Japanese sake, and the event was filled with many attractions of Japanese sake.

Shohei Ohtani Mural

MLB baseball is in season. Fans are excited for Shohei Ohtani who just joined the LA Dodgers and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

In the meantime, a mural of Ohtani in Little Tokyo was unveiled, and a ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 27th.

It is a huge mural drawn on the wall of Miyako Hotel Los Angeles that is about 150 ft tall and 60 ft wide.
Muralist, Robert Vargas from Boyle Heights finished it in 20 days.

The mural is also very unique. If you put your smartphone to the mural after scanning a QR code placed next to the entrance of Miyako Hotel, Ohtani gets animated along with the voice of Dodgers’ sportscaster, Vin Scully.

Takoyaki in Dodger Stadium

The following day, March 28th was the Dodgers opening day, and Gindaco opened at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.

Gindaco is a takoyaki franchise with about 500 locations globally. The Dodger Stadium food stand will be their 2nd location in the US.

4 kinds of takoyaki are available at the Dodger Stadium location, including exclusive menus like “Cheese & Guacamole” and “Tempura & Sweet soy sauce.”

Consul General Kenko Sone, Dodgers officials, and Morio Sase, president of Hotland Co, a parent company of Gindaco attended the ceremony and stated their greetings.

Gindaco was awarded with a certification of Japanese Food and Ingredients Supporter Stores Overseas by Executive VP, Nakazawa of JETRO.
This is a certification program established by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries which certifies restaurants and retail stores overseas for using Japanese ingredients.

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March 24th 2024 O.A.

Little Tokyo Nutrition Services

Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) is providing Japanese food for those who are over 60 years old and are living in Little Tokyo and East LA.

The service is mainly offered to low-income individuals who are living alone and have difficulties going grocery shopping or cooking due to physical disabilities.

LTNS was founded in 1976 with their mission of “Maintain the health of the body and mind to older adults” and has been providing food as well as interacting with older adults of the community.
However, their biggest issue is getting the operation funds.

They were able to hold luncheons prior to the pandemic however, their service shifted to delivery and government subsidies are starting to stop.
Therefore, providing the service has become more difficult.

The service is offered 5 days a week with 1 meal costing $3.50.
They provide nutritious meals while cutting the cost as much as possible.

Many older adults are suffering from the rise of the cost of grocery and rents due to inflation. Therefore, providing healthy Japanese food at a low cost is essential for older community members for their mind and health.

About 20 volunteers are working hard on a daily basis so they can continue providing this service.

The service not only provides food, but they also focus on communication.

Socialization is important since it offers emotional support to older adults who are living alone.

Some of the volunteers have been active for over 30 years.
Everyone emphasizes the importance of helping out one another.

LTNS plans to seek support from administrations in different districts to cover their organization funds, but they are also asking for donations within the community as well.

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