SoCalJapan | Japan Hollywood Network

January 9th 2022 O.A.

Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo (Japanese New Year Celebration in Little Tokyo)

January 1st was “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo.”

This event is held by JCCSC for the 24th time, offering the Japanese New Years experience.
The event was held virtually last year due to COVID-19, so an actual event was held for the first time in 2 years.

The JACCC Plaza was the main venue this year with the help from JACCC.

The event started on New Year’s Eve where DJ artists collaborated with “Anime Wonderland” and performed J-pop.
Everyone enjoyed their last day of 2021.

Then, New Year’s Day.
President Haruo Takehana of JCCSC and Consul General Akira Muto said their greetings at the opening ceremony.

Then, sake barrel breaking by the representatives of each Japanese organization took place, and mochi were tossed and given to the guests.

Shodo calligraphy demonstration, folk song, aikido, and kimono fashion show were performed on the stage lighting up the New Year’s Day.

People formed long lines for food booths like: yakisoba, karaage, yakitori, curry, ramen, sweets along with festive foods like amazake and mochi.

At the liquor section where guests can have 1 drink per person, Japanese sake, beer, shochu, and chuhai cocktails were served.

There were different booths as well.
At the mini shrine, safety was prayed for the year, and kids did their New Year’s writing at the shodo booth.

There was a sub stage at the Japanese Village Plaza and many people visited there as well.

Many people visited the Koyasan Buddhist Temple and paid their first visit of the year.
Long lines were formed due to COVID-19 safety measures, but visitors got their paper fortune and purchased their charm for a good year.

The event was blessed with great weather and everyone enjoyed their Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo for the first time in 2 years.

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December 26th 2021 O.A.

The Art of Kumihimo

An exhibition for Japanese kumihimo is going on at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood.

Kumihimo, or silk braiding, is one of Japan’s traditional handicrafts and textile production.
It came from China in the 6th century and uniquely developed in Japan as the braided cords were used in kimono accessories and the military for armors and swords.

Cloths are woven vertically and horizontally, but braids zigzag diagonally and repeat the process when it reaches the end.
That is why kumihimo has great elasticity.
It is tightly braided together, therefore, kumihimo is excellent for tying things together.

This is the first exhibition in the US to explore the history and art of Japanese kumihimo, produced by Domyo, a Tokyo-based company that has been making braided silk cords by hand since 1652.

The exhibit is divided into 3 sections and features kumihimo in various angles.

Part 1 features its history.
Part 2 is the structure and the dyeing process.
Kumihimo is still evolving and is used in fashion worldwide.
So, part 3 features the future of kumihimo.

There are replicas of kumihimo made in the Nara period, the production process using the tools, installations explaining its structure mathematically, and avant garde ideas for fashion being displayed, closing up on the beauty of kumihimo.

“KUMIHIMO- The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding by DOMYO” will be held at the 2nd floor galley of JAPAN HOUSE LA until March 6th.
Admission is complimentary.
Events and seminars related to this exhibit will also happen.
For more information, visit JapanHouseLA.com.

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December 12th 2021 O.A.

Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo is getting ready for the New Year’s event “Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” happening on December 31st and January 1st.

“Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” is held by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal and this year is the 24th time.
The event was held online this year due to COVID-19, so it will be the first time in 2 years that the event will take place in Little Tokyo.

We decided to do the event to cheer up the community.
Looking back historically, JCCSC has always taken the initiative during hard times, so we wanted to do something that will lift up the Japanese American community.
We hope this event will be the first step.

The event is annually held so people can enjoy the Japanese way of celebrating the New Year.
With the help from JACCC, the JACCC Plaza will be the main venue for the upcoming event.

There will be performances like taiko, mochi throwing and dances, along with food booths like yakisoba, mochi, and amazake drinks at the event.

It is a 2 day event held from New Year’s Eve.

For more information, please visit LAJapan.com.

JCCSC was formed to provide opportunities for the Japanese American community and businesses, and last year was their 105th anniversary.
This season Haru Takehana was inaugurated as the president.

Anime Wonderland

“Anime Wonderland” will be held at the Aratani Theater located at the JACCC Plaza on December 31st showing different anime films.

At 12pm, director Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You” will be shown.

And from 3:30pm, the most popular film of 2020 in Japan, “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train” will be playing.

An exclusive postcard will be handed out to those that see “Demon Slayer” the movie.

For tickets and more information, please visit JpExpoUSA.com.

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November 28th 2021 O.A.

LA Eats Japan

“LA eats Japan” happened at Little Tokyo on November 14th, held by Japanese Restaurant Association of America (JRA).

JRA is a non-profit organization established by Japanese restaurants and related businesses.
Its mission is to spread Japanese food and advancement of culinary techniques.

This event was made possible by utilizing the support program provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which supports Japanese nationals overseas and Nikkei whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic.

About 20 food booths were at the event.
Variety of Japanese foods were sold.
From sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, katsu sandwiches, and sweets like baby castella, to alcohols like beer, sake, chuhai, and shochu.

Other than food booths, fun activities were also offered for kids like goldfish scooping.

Cosplay contests, professional song performances, taiko, and dances were done on stage entertaining the guests while everyone enjoyed their time.

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November 14th 2021 O.A.

OCJAA 2021 Senior Citizen Appreciation Day

An online event appreciating seniors over 80 years old “Senior Citizen Appreciation Day” was held on October 17th.

OCJAA holds this event and this year is the 35th time.
This is an event that shows appreciation to those that built and developed the community we now have.

Free bento boxes were given to those who are over 60 years old and submitted a request.
About 220 bentos were distributed in 3 different locations of OC.

The event was streamed via Zoom at Yamaha Music Center in Irvine like last year due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Pre-recorded materials were played.
Consul General Muto and representatives of Japanese organizations stated their greetings, followed by entertainments like songs and dances.

19 people were awarded at the main ceremony, and a representative stated their appreciation.

2 recipients for the Freshman Scholarship and 2 recipients for Nerio Scholarship Awards were also announced.

Lastly, OCJAA Honorary President, Akemi Miyake who turned 102 years old this year stated his greetings.

Afterwards, a raffle was done for those that attended the Zoom event, and everyone socialized via online.

President Kimiko Fujita received the Foreign Minister’s Commendations back in August.
Her long years of hard work in cultural exchange and contribution to the Japanese American community was properly recognized.

Japanese Food Fair

October 18th and 19th was the “Japanese Food Fair” in DTLA.

This event aims to introduce and spread Japanese food and ingredients to those in the industry.
It also targets Asian and American restaurants in general.

A group called “Hichimi-Kai Japanese Food Manufacturers Association” made of 65 Japanese food manufactures held this event.
The group was founded in 1980 with its mission of mutual understanding between members and exchanging of information to spread Japanese food in the US.

About 45 companies participated in the event.
Each of them brought their newest products in alcohol, food, ingredients and cookwares, promoting them to the 1000 people in the food industry.

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October 24th 2021 O.A.

New Restaurant in LA – Karaage “Torisho” & Bakery”Okayama Kobo”

Many restaurants based in Japan are opening in California.

“Torisho” a Japanese fried chicken takeaway had a grand opening in Long Beach on October 14th.

“Torisho” has won the gold prize in Japan’s Karaage Grand Prix, and has over 250 locations worldwide.
Long Beach will be their first location in the US.

Their flavors are based on the flavors of Nakatsu, Oita prefecture which is known as “The mecca of karaage.”
Chickens are soaked in their secret sauce and fried when getting an order.

Other menus are chicken nanban, chicken katsu, and chicken sandwiches.
“Torisho” is open daily from 11 am to 8 pm.

“Okayama Kobo,” a bakery in Japan also had a soft launch in Little Tokyo.

Okayama Kobo opened its first store in Anaheim 3 years ago.
Their Little Tokyo location on the first floor of Miyako Hotel is their 2nd location.

Like their Anaheim store, they have a bakery inside and are currently preparing so they can provide daily fresh bread.

There are seatings and cafe menus too.

“Okayama Kobo” DTLA is located on the first floor lobby of Miyako Hotel.
They are selling breads every Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during their soft launch period.
Grand opening is in November.

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October 10th 2021 O.A.

WAZA showroom

“WAZA”, a showroom that introduces unique Japanese items opened at JAPAN HOUSE LA in Hollywood.

“WAZA” is a physical space and digital hybrid retail concept where customers can purchase items for dining, home, food, and more online after they have seen the samples in person.

Items that match our current lifestyle but uses craftsmanship techniques and Japanese technology are showcased, like handbags made with vegan leather or tableware that require advanced casting skills.

WAZA showroom is located on the 2nd floor of JAPAN HOUSE LA in Hollywood and is open everyday.
For more information, visit JapanHouseLA.com.

Virtual “Keiro no Hi Festival”

Saturday, September 18th was the online event “Keiro no Hi Festival.”

“Keiro no Hi Festival” is an annual event held by the non-profit organization, KEIRO.
It is an event that honors and celebrates older adults in the Japanese American community like the Japanese holiday.

The event had to be canceled like last year due to COVID-19.
So, an online video was premiered for the older adults and the community to watch.

Consul General Akira Muto and his wife started the program.
Then, entertainments like ikebana workshops from 3 different styles, a karate demonstration, and art exhibition were shown.

You can watch the program through Keiro’s Youtube channel.
For more information, visit Keiro.org.

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October 3rd 2021 O.A.

Hiroshima Foodies Choice

A popup venue selling unique foods from Hiroshima will be opening in Los Angeles.

Hiroshima Foodies Choice is a project in association with the Hiroshima Prefectural office and the Hiroshima Tourism Division, Commerce, Industry, and Labor Bureau.

The project aims to increase overseas export of food from Hiroshima and will be held in LA, France and Thai.

There will be a test sale of 14 products by Hiroshima food manufacturers at the Mitsuwa Marketplace Torrance Del Amo store and Costa Mesa store for Los Angeles.
A survey asking about the taste, price and packaging will happen as well.

Hiroshima Foodies Choice will be held at the Mitsuwa Marketplace Torrance Del Amo store and Costa Mesa store until October 10.
Afterwards, select items will be available for purchase online for a limited time.

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September 26th 2021 O.A.

WAVE: New Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts

Art exhibit “WAVE New Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts” is held at JAPAN HOUSE LA in Hollywood.

JAPAN HOUSE is an institution that fosters Japanese culture by showcasing the very best of the nation’s culture and technology, and holds different exhibitions that introduces Japan to the world.

The exhibit was curated by artists Hiro Sugiyama and Kintaro Takahashi.
It is a part of the exhibition “WAVE 2020” that happened in Tokyo last year.

55 creators representing Japan’s art scene are featured, and their unique styles are a must see.

4 different art styles that influenced Japan’s current graphic arts are featured: “manga/anime”, “heta-uma”, “pop art”, and “photorealism.” Visitors can enjoy the different styles at this exhibition.

Artists that are known through commercials as well as creators with different backgrounds like actor Tadanobu Asano are also featured.

There is an “Inspiration Station” where visitors can draw or look at picture books created by the featured artists.

“WAVE” is held until November 28th at JAPAN HOUSE LA.
Admission is complimentary.
For more information, visit JapanHouseLA.com.
After LA, this exhibit will be held at JAPAN HOUSE in Sao Paulo and London.

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September 19th 2021 O.A.

Nippon Kashu Kyoukai USA Tomonokai

Sunday, September 5th was the launch party for “Nippon Kashu Kyoukai USA Tomonokai” at Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance.

It is an association for professional singers founded in 1963 with 564 members.
It is managed by the support and donations of the members and the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan to strive in spreading Japanese music to the world.

LA resident and businessman, Akira Fujimoto made the US branch possible.
They are dedicated to spreading Japanese kayokyoku in the US, strengthening US/Japan friendship, and supporting Japan headquarters.

About 30 people including the members of karaoke clubs came to the party.
Board members were introduced, along with video messages from Japan, include chairman Yasuo Tanabe, Shizue Abe and Linda Yamamoto, were played.

The association also auditions talented, pro-level singers.
6 individuals were chosen through audition tapes that were reviewed in June of this year and received certifications.

The party ended with members and winners of the audition singing several numbers.

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August 22nd 2021 O.A.

Dodgers Japanese Heritage Night

Sunday, August 8th was Japanese Heritage Night at the Dodger Stadium in LA.

The Dodgers hold various cultural and social events for different communities, and the Japanese American community was introduced before this game.

First was a taiko performance.

Then came 2019 Nisei Queen & Court and were welcomed by the audience.

Amy Machida sang the Japanese National Anthem along with the Star Spangled Banner.
Mr. Tokuda, a Japanese American veteran, did the first pitch and Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts born in Okinawa took the ball.

The Dodgers played the Angels, and fans of Shohei Ohtani were also there enjoying the game.

2021 Nisei Week Virtual Experience

Saturday, August 14th was the Nisei Week Japanese Festival.
The event was called “Nisei Week Virtual Experience” and streamed online like last year due to the spread of COVID-19.

Nancy Okubo is this year’s President of the Nisei Week Foundation, and this year’s theme was: “Ibasho, A Place to Call Home”.
Little Tokyo, the place where we call home, was featured.
Local businesses and cultural organizations were introduced, and different awards were announced.

Taiko, bon dance and rap music were performed live, and American karate Olympian, Sakura Kokumai performed different moves.

The 2021 Nisei Queen contest was also held. 6 candidates appeared and introduced themselves.

Jaime Sunny Hasama, who was sponsored by Venice Japanese Community Center and Venice-West Los Angeles JACL, was crowned as this year’s queen.
She and the court will work as the US/Japan goodwill ambassador until 2022.

You can watch the “Nisei Week Virtual Experience” on the Nisei Week YouTube channel.

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August 8th 2021 O.A.

Lions Clubs International

July 24th was the Installations of Officers and Governors Gala of Lions Clubs International at a hotel in Montebello.

Lions Clubs International is a service organization founded in 1917.
There are 48,000 local clubs in more than 200 countries around the world with 1.4 million members.

There are 32 clubs around the outskirts of LA including Little Tokyo Lions Club. District 4-L1 supervises these clubs.

100 representatives from each club within the district attended the ceremony.
The oath started with their motto “We serve.”

Followed by the announcement of the new board members, and Trudy Nodohara became the new District Governor.

Trudy Nodohara has been working as a business consultant in Little Tokyo as well as running an entertainment business, and has been a part of the club for 28 years.

President Kaoru Kawata of Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal and 3 others were introduced as new members of the Little Tokyo club.

Visas for Life

The California Legislature designated July 29th as Sugihara Visas Day to memorialize Chiune Sugihara for saving thousands of Jewish lives.

Sugihara was a vice consul for Japanese consulate in Lithuania during WWII.
He defied the orders of the Japanese government and issued transit visas to Jewish refugees that would allow them to pass through Japan and take refuge in other countries.

The visas were issued to more than 2,100 people and became known as “Visas for Life.”

July 29th is when Sugihara first issued the visa and California Senator Robert Hertzberg stated “I hope this day will remember and celebrate Sugihara’s great achievement” in his message.

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July 25th 2021 O.A.

Olympic Legacy

Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has begun.

Prior to the games, LA 84, a sports promotion foundation held a ceremony to return the riding crop used by a Japanese Olympian to his family on June 3rd.

The riding crop was used by Takeichi Nishi, known as Baron Nishi.
In the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Nishi won a gold medal in Equestrian.
This is Japan’s only Olympic medal to date in an equestrian event.

Nishi was friends with celebrities like Douglas Fairbanks and was known as Baron Nishi in the community, but died in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

The riding crop was gifted to the Foundation in 1964, and it has been decided to return back to Nishi’s family taking the opportunity of the Tokyo Games.

The riding crop was given to Consul General Muto and will return to Nishi’s family living in Japan by the actor, Masi Oka.

The returning of the riding crop is available to watch on LA84’s Youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-GMKml9ecI

Currently, JACCC has an exhibit displaying the photos of Nishi and the 1932 Los Angeles Games.

The photos were taken by photographer, Toyo Miyatake in 1932.

30 photos are being displayed, starting from Japanese athletes being welcomed by the locals, athletes competing, and ending with the athletes being seen off.

Memorabilia related to the Olympics, like the poetry published in 1933 are also displayed.

Photo exhibition “Torch” will be held at Doizaki Gallery, 1st floor of JACCC until August 8th.

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July 11th 2021 O.A.

Bone Marrow Registry

Saturday July 3rd was a fundraising event at Tanaka Farms in Irvine.

The event was held by Orange Coast Optimist for A3M, an organization that conducts bone marrow registrations.

More than 30,000 people are diagnosed with blood related disease every year in the US.
Matches are likely to be found when the patient and donor are the same nationality however, Asian donors are scarce compared to other races at the National Marrow Donor Program where many patients seek for help.

Julie Im was diagnosed with Aplastic anemia when she was 19 years old.

It has been 10 years since and she can finally have a bone marrow transplant.

Finding matches for patients with mixed parents are even more difficult, and urgent actions are being taken to get the community’s understanding.

Any healthy individual aging from 18 to 44 can sign up as a donor.
Please visit A3M’s website for details about registration.

About 250 people came to the event and enjoyed live music and dance performances.

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June 27th 2021 O.A.

Reconnecting

An art exhibit using installations of hula hoops is happening at Japan House in Hollywood.

The colorful exhibit using more than 2,000 hula hoops is created by contemporary artist, Kengo Kito.

The theme for this exhibit is “RECONNECTING.”

Kito created the hula hoops by connecting and disconnecting them repeatedly.

Kito is sending a message through his art that we are still connected amidst COVID-19.

Kito could not come to the US due to restrictions, so he and the Japan House staff connected remotely.
That is how this artwork was made possible.

“RECONNECTING” will be going on at Japan House until September 6th.

Westfield Century City also has a Satellite Installation until July 4th.
Both are free admission.
Please visit the Japan House website for details.

Japan House is holding many online events.
Japanese Food Lab will have a special Master Class cooking series with a celebrity chef featuring Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant chef.
Episode 1 is “Fermentation” and making chirashi sushi.
Episode 2 will stream on June 29th.

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