SoCalJapan | Japan Hollywood Network

August 9th 2020 O.A.

Nisei Week Postponed

The 80th Nisei Week Japanese Festival had to be postponed this year due to the COVID-19.

Nisei Week started in 1934 at Little Tokyo to celebrate and pass on the Japanese culture and history to the next generation.
It is the largest summer festival for the Japanese community in the US.
The coronation ball for the next Nisei Queen who becomes the goodwill ambassador, the Bon dance, gyoza eating championship, and finally the grand parade with many organizations and companies.

The only time Nisei Week was postponed was during WWII.
This will have a great impact on local businesses.

Thus, the Nisei Week Foundation has decided to hold a Nisei Week virtual series this year to support the community.

This is a virtual event where viewers can enjoy entertainment and traditional culture.
It will be held online on August 15th and 16th. Details are on the Nisei Week website.

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July 26th 2020 O.A.

JJuly 26th 2020 O.A.

Tuna Canyon Detention Station

17 miles north from LA is the historic site of Tuna Canyon Detention Station in Tujunga.

The Tuna Canyon Detention Station was used as an internment camp during WWII to keep Japanese American descents.

There were 7 barracks and mess halls inside. About 2,000 people including Japanese, Italian, German and Japanese taken from Peru were detained from 1941 to 1943.

Postwar, a golf course was built and was forgotten by the people.
However, it was officially recognized as a historic site in 2013 with the hard work of the non-profit, Tuna Canyon Detention Center Coalition (TCDSC).

TCDSC’s mission is to reeducate about racism and prejudice against some of the minorities by providing interviews, photos and letters through their exhibit tours.

The coalition also sees that the history of Japanese Americans sync with the current BLM movement.

The oak trees are the only thing that resembles the past.
The coalition is seeking donations as they are planning to build a museum.

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July 12th 2020 O.A.

JJuly 12th 2020 O.A.

Little Tokyo Salutes the LAFD

From July 1st to 3rd, Little Tokyo paid respects to the LAFD first responders by providing bento lunches.

This project started with the cooperation of Japanese Restaurant Association, Little Tokyo Public Safety Association, Mutual Trading Co, Inc., Jason Lee who is an artist and Hilo Fish mainly serving fish dishes.

As a thank you for the hard work during the May 16 fire and explosion that occurred in the warehouse area near Little Tokyo and the looting that
happened in Downtown LA, 5 restaurants helped to make bento meals.

Inside the bento is California Roll, which started in Little Tokyo, and cooked fish. 300 servings for first responders working at 3 fire stations near Little Tokyo were prepared.

This project was also started to support local restaurants, with dine-in service being banned once more.

Some in fact relooked at their business models and came up with a completely new way of providing their service to the customers.

This restaurant used to serve karaage chicken. But now, they are remodeling their place so they can offer Japanese style fried chicken sandwiches as
takeout.

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June 28th 2020 O.A.

Japan and COVID-19 Webinar

The Consulate General of Japan in LA, World Trade Center LA, and Japan America Society held a webinar together on Wednesday, May 20th.

Representatives from organizations made a speech under the theme “The effect COVID-19 has on Japan and how Japanese businesses work around it.”

Consul General Akira Muto talked about the measures taken by the Japanese government to prevent the spread and the importance of local support for Japanese businesses within the US.

Executive Director of JETRO LA, Norihiko Saeki spoke how 70 percent of the Japanese businesses kept up their payrolls despite the pandemic.
He also stated his hopes that Japanese companies have technologies that can contribute to air pollution prevention.

JETRO LA also provides assistance service for COVID-19 related issues and encourages people to utilize it.

Pechanga Resort Casino Reopen

Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula partially reopened to the public.

This casino, popular amongst Asian customers, has been closed since March to prevent the spread of COVID.

Limited operations will be opened to guests with social distancing and plexiglass safety shields available.

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June 14th 2020 O.A.

Dine-Ins Allowed

The Stay-At-Home measures for preventing the spread of the novel Coronavirus has loosened, and retailers are opening their doors once again.

However, the demonstration seeking justice for the death of Minneapolis citizen, George Floyd turned into a riot ending up some businesses to stay
closed.

Some rioters looted shoes store and pharmacies of Little Tokyo since the city hall and LAPD is nearby.

Although the riot has calmed down, businesses still stay alert by exchanging information with one another and working with the LAPD.
The “ko-ban” police box managed by the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association is also providing information to the community.

It was right when the restaurants were allowed to provide dine-in services.
Despite the circumstance, they are allowed to provide dine-in services once again as long as they follow the protocols set by the City of LA.

Businesses hope customers will return and continue to provide quality service as much as possible while abiding by the city protocols.

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May 24th 2020 O.A.

Small Business Support : Stage 2

Although LA County is easing some of its measures for preventing the spread of the Coronavirus, many restaurants and retails are still restricted and going through a difficult time.

Only certain businesses are allowed to welcome customers in their stores.
Therefore, Restaurants and retails must learn to operate under takeout and deliver or online orders.
However, older businesses are failing because they have trouble adjusting to online business.

So individuals and organizations volunteer in different ways.

This restaurant has signed up for Uber Eats, however, there were no orders when they first started their online business.

This variety store has been opened at Little Tokyo for 24 years, but their profit dropped to zero since the pandemic.
So they are starting their online business from this month with the help of the Little Tokyo Service Center.

Little Tokyo Service Center not only provides help in business but also provides support in mental health as well.

Little Tokyo Service Center provides services all throughout LA County.
Please visit their website for more information.

Little Tokyo Service Center

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May 10th 2020 O.A.

Spring 2020 Decorations

The Japanese government announced the recipient of the Spring 2020 Decorations.

From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in LA, Brian Kito and Nancy Kyoko Oda were awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for contributing to Japan and the local community.

Nancy Kyoko Oda has worked hard for the San Fernando Valley Japanese American community for over 40 years.

She actively worked as the president for the community center during the Great East Japan earthquake, and strengthen the friendly relationship
between Japan and the US.

Oda experienced the internment camp during her childhood in WWII, so she also focuses on spreading the history to the younger generation.
She was one of the advocates preserving the Tuna Canyon Detention Station where 2,000 Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants were detained.

Brian Kito is the 3rd generation owner of Fugetsu-do, a confectionery in Little Tokyo.
He has contributed to the community through volunteer work.

For close to 30 years, Kito greatly contributed to the wellbeing and safety of Little Tokyo through the “Little Tokyo Public Safety Association” and
lowering the crime rate.

Kito was the chairman of the executive committee for the LA Tanabata Festival during Nisei Week.
He also works on mutual understanding between the US and Japan through Japanese confection and familiarizing Japanese food culture.

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April 26th 2020 O.A.

Small Business Support

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Stay-At-Home Order has been extended to May 15.
The impact it has on small and medium businesses are growing bigger daily.

Restaurants in Little Tokyo are only allowed to provide takeouts and most of them are suffering a 80% decrease in profit.
Those that had to close also are suffering as they do not know when businesses can reopen.

Little Tokyo Service Center providing welfare service to the community now provides assistance and support for small businesses.

Restaurants must rethink their business models given the current circumstances.

To support small to medium businesses, the US government has implemented an economic stimulus package.

The core parts of the program are the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to keep workers on the payroll and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to provide economic relief for businesses.
There are also other support programs such as low-interest federal and city loans, as well as grants from large corporations that do not need to be paid back.

Contact Little Tokyo Service Center for any questions about the help offered for small businesses.

Keiro Webinar

Keiro held a webinar on Saturday, April 18th for caregivers.

Keiro is a non-profit organization providing welfare services for elderly Japanese Americans.
They regularly hold free of charge events and seminars.

The event was held in the form of a webinar due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Program Analyst, Kent Marume offered beneficial basic knowledge for caregivers and things to be careful so they can stay healthy from the coronavirus.

Keiro will continue to hold webinars.
Please visit their website for the themes and dates of future webinars.
They also have information about the coronavirus in both Japanese and English.

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April 12th 2020 O.A.

Support Little Tokyo

Local organizations are helping one another as the Little Tokyo community is greatly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Little Tokyo is an area where many small businesses which are mainly restaurants open their doors. Many of them must now temporarily stop their
businesses and the city isn’t as lively like before.

Given the circumstances, the Little Tokyo Community Council, a local non-profit organization decided to stand up and support the community..

Through donations, meals are purchased from a rotating list of small businesses in Little Tokyo which leads to a small profit and giving back to the
community.

Many hospitality workers are losing their jobs due to their businesses being shut down.

That is why the Little Tokyo Community Council has decided to provide free meals to support the hospitality workers impacted by this pandemic.

This service is available every Saturday from 5 to 7pm or until supplies last.

This service is available every Wednesday and Saturday from 5 to 7pm or until supplies last.

On the other hand, it is strongly advised that seniors especially stay in their homes to avoid getting infected.

The Little Tokyo Service Center is now doing food delivery for these community members.

Members must be living in an apartment with an on-site social worker like the Little Tokyo Tower or Miyako Gardens and are over 65 years old.

They are also supporting the project and ordering from the restaurants in Little Tokyo.

This day, Suehiro Cafe prepared about 80 servings of curry.

Friends and volunteer staff who signed up through social media are preparing the meals.

After the meals are prepared at the restaurant, volunteers each visit the customers who have ordered at the Little Tokyo Tower.

Deliveries are dinner only. Keiro, the non-profit organization providing senior welfare service, is partially covering the delivery fees.

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March 22nd 2020 O.A.

OCJAA New Year Luncheon

Sunday, March 1st was the New Year’s luncheon and community service awards banquet for the OC Japanese American Association.

OCJAA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 and has about 350 members.
Their mission is to provide cultural, educational and welfare service to the local community.

160 members and concerned parties attended. This was before the Coronavirus spread in California however, handshakes and hugs were restricted.

It is President Fujita’s 8th term and she stated “I hope the association will become a home for our members as we cherish harmony with one another.”

Along with Consul General Chiba, representatives from each Japanese American organization stated their greetings.
A traditional Okinawan dance was performed celebrating the day.

Individuals and organizations that contributed to the community were awarded at the ceremony.
Former magazine editor and writer, Masako Kagasaki and 3 instructors from the Sogetsu style ikebana were given the appreciation certificate.

OCJAA Vice president, Fumiko Ishii and Keito Nakatsu who have been teaching an iPad class for seniors for 7 years were awarded with the Community Service Award.
Lastly, a subsidy was given to Keiro for providing welfare and other service for the seniors of the OCJAA.

Novel Coronavirus

The Coronavirus is taking a serious affect in the Japanese American community as the threat becomes more serious.
Various events must be canceled or postponed and restaurants must be temporarily closed.

The Monterey Park Fire Department held a briefing on what locals can do to protect themselves from the virus on Wednesday, March 11th.

The Coronavirus is transmitted through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Therefore, basic hygiene management is the most important step in prevention.

It is also effective staying 6ft apart from one another at places where people gather.

It is said the symptoms of the Coronavirus are similar to the flu. Please call your doctor and follow their advice if you have any health related concerns.

Latest information regarding the Coronavirus is available through government agencies.
Information in Japanese is also available on the Keiro website. Please go onto the JHN website for useful links.

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March 8th 2020 O.A.

JCCSC New Year Luncheon

Sunday, February 23rd was the installation and awards luncheon of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal is a nonprofit organization with 140 members.
Their mission is to promote business opportunities for Japanese companies, passing down the culture and strengthening the bond between US/Japan.

The installation for 17 new members happened first at the event. President Kaoru Kawata who is running her 2nd term stated “I would like to respect the rich history and tradition of the organization as it enters the milestone of 115th anniversary.”

Followed by Japanese organization representatives stating their greetings. Lastly, organizations were awarded for their contribution to the community.

This year, the Little Tokyo Community Council was awarded the Group Service Award.

Three individuals received the Japanese American Spirit Award with two of them being a married couple of Steve Nagano and Patty Itou Nagano who have been volunteering at Little Tokyo since 2011.

The third person is Ellen Endo who has been writing at Rafu Shimpo for 20 years and contributed to the community through different events. Endo spoke that her father is who influenced her to contribute to the community.

Sawtelle Japantown Celebration

“Sawtelle Japantown Celebration” happened at West LA from February 15th through March 1st.

This is the 3rd year for the event celebrating Japanese American tradition and history.
It also promotes local supermarkets and restaurants livening up the community.

Due to the hard work of local residents, the city council agreed to name the area “Sawtelle Japantown” back in 2015.

Nora Sterry Elementary School held an event celebrating the 5th anniversary on Saturday, February 22nd and members from different Japanese American organizations from all over LA attended.

Former Little Tokyo Service Center President, Bill Watanabe was invited as the guest speaker.
He spoke about contributing to the Little Tokyo community and the importance of saving the city’s rich history.

Rose Honda who lives in Sawtelle since prewar also spoke her feelings for the city.

Mitsuwa Del Amo Store Grand Opening

February 28th was the ceremony for the grand opening of Mitsuwa Market Place Del Amo location.

Mitsuwa Market Place is the largest Japanese supermarket in the US as they have 11 locations throughout the state.

They have been open in Torrance at the corner of Western Avenue and Carson Street for more than 30 years.
However, they relocated to the Del Amo Fashion Center due to building deterioration.

The parent company Kamei Corporation’s Senior Executive Director, Junichi Kamei, Consul General Muto, and Torrance representatives attended the ceremony.

At the greetings speech, thy stated their hopes for the spreading of Japanese culture and economical contribution.

Followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony and breaking of the sake barrel. And finally, the doors open.

Customers who have been waiting for this day made a long line and enjoyed shopping around.

Mitsuwa Torrance Del Amo location is in Del Amo Fashion Center on Carson Street.

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February 23rd 2020 O.A.

“SoCal Gardeners’ Federation 65th anniversary”

January 22nd was the New Years Greeting for JBA in Torrance.

This event is annually held so workers can socialize and meet each other at the start of the new year.

JBA is a non-profit organization where about 440 Japanese businesses that are based in SoCal join. Their mission is to spread mutual understanding in business for the US/Japan and to contribute to the local community.

This year’s New Year’s Greetings theme is the Tokyo Olympics.
At the opening act, a torchbearer appeared and livened up the event.

At the ceremony, President Nakajima of JBA and Deputy Consul General Matsuo stated their greetings. They focused on unity and diversity following the Olympics theme.
After the toast, about 500 participants enjoyed eating new year’s dishes and exchanged greetings and business cards.

Athletes from Japan who are going to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics came as a special guest. They each demonstrated their sport as well as talking about how they are motivated and asked for everyone’s support so they can continue to compete.

Like previous years, a raffle was held and winners went home with great prizes.

Japanese Prefectural Association of SoCal Luncheon

Sunday, February 9th was the 2020 inauguration ceremony of the Japanese Prefectural Association of SoCal.

The Japanese Prefectural Association was founded in 1964 and 38 prefecture associations joins.

Members help each other out and their mission is to supply scholarship as well as supporting restoration of devastated areas.

First, new board members took oath and 18 members were introduced with President, Happy Mizutani taking on his second term. President Mizutani spoke about the next generation along with the decreasing number of members. He stated “We want to adjust to the new era.”

Followed by the greetings of Consul General Akira Muto and representatives from Japanese American organizations.

Lastly, members proudly talked about their prefectures. This year’s theme was “Celebrities from my hometown” and were given 25 seconds to speak.

Japanese Cuisine Lecture & Demonstration

An event to spread Japanese cuisine was held in LA.

Chef Ryohei Hayashi of restaurant “Tenoshima” in Aoyama, Japan and the recipient of one Michelin star was invited as a guest. The event was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Japan in LA and H.I.S.

“The event happened in 3 different locations of LA for 3 days.

The first day, February 3rd took place in Downtown LA at the Japanese restaurant, “Shibumi” that also received one Michelin star.”

Chef David Schlosser of “Shibumi” and Hayashi both trained at “Kikunoi”, a Japanese restaurant with a long history in Kyoto.

About 40 people including restaurant individuals participated in the first day. Chef Hayashi lectured “Umami” using 3 types of dashi.
And the course meal that Hayashi and Schlosser collaborated was served.

They introduced the Japanese traditional food culture, “Hatsu-Uma” held at the beginning of February by serving inari sushi.

Also, Chef Schlosser was appointed the “Goodwill Ambassador to Spread Japanese Cuisine” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.

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February 9th 2020 O.A.

JBA New Year’s Party 2020

January 22nd was the New Years Greeting for JBA in Torrance.

This event is annually held so workers can socialize and meet each other at the start of the new year.

JBA is a non-profit organization where about 440 Japanese businesses that are based in SoCal join. Their mission is to spread mutual understanding in business for the US/Japan and to contribute to the local community.

This year’s New Year’s Greetings theme is the Tokyo Olympics.
At the opening act, a torchbearer appeared and livened up the event.

At the ceremony, President Nakajima of JBA and Deputy Consul General Matsuo stated their greetings. They focused on unity and diversity following the Olympics theme.
After the toast, about 500 participants enjoyed eating new year’s dishes and exchanged greetings and business cards.

Athletes from Japan who are going to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics came as a special guest. They each demonstrated their sport as well as talking about how they are motivated and asked for everyone’s support so they can continue to compete.

Like previous years, a raffle was held and winners went home with great prizes.

Japanese Food Expo 2020

January 25th was the Japanese Food Expo in Hollywood.

This event is held by the Japanese Food Culture Association with a mission of spreading Japanese food culture. This year marks the 14th time.

This year, about 60 businesses participated from local to international like Mutual Trading or companies from all over Japan. They all promoted their products to the attendees.

Stable Japanese food like ramen, takoyaki or chirashi were of course available, but attendees also tasted specialties from different regions of Japan.

At the sake booth, local sake, shochu, and beer were introduced. People enjoyed how they compliment the Japanese food well.

A tuna filleting show happened on the stage. Different events also took place like a cooking demonstration of the unique Japanese dish, omelet rice, and cute bento contest. Mega rolls were even made, too.

At the tourism booth, travel agencies promoted visiting Japan through the angle of “Food” to the attendees.

About 2,000 people attended the event and were a great success.

HIDA | A Woodwork Tradition in the Making

Hida A Woodwork Tradition in the Making” is currently happening at the Japan House in Hollywood Highland.

This exhibit introduces the traditional woodwork created in the Hida region of Gifu prefecture.

Hida is surrounded by trees and inherits the pioneering woodworking techniques of the great craftsmen called “Hida no Takumi” which has a rich history of 1300 years.

The exhibit casts light on the concept of the craftsmanship of the oldest furniture manufacturer and their wood-compression techniques with cedar. Cedars are not suited for furniture due to its softness.

They also create long-lasting furniture out of cedars that are scrap wood so they also focus on environmental problems.

HIDA -“A Woodwork Tradition in the making” is held at Japan House LA until April 12th.

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January 26th 2020 O.A.

Coming of Age Celebration 2020

A coming of age celebration was held in Torrance at Sunday, January 12th.

This event is organized by the “Japanese Culture and Traditions, Inc. Nadeshiko-Kai” so people can participate in the Japanese style coming of age ceremony “Seijin-shiki” abroad. This year is the 8th year for the event.

This year, 27 men and women who will either become 20 years old this year or people in their 20s participated. Men wore traditional haori and hakama.
Women wore furisode long-sleeved kimonos.
Each participant stated their greeting speech at the ceremony to their family members and attendees.

One of the participants, Natasha Hiromi Shows was born visually impaired and became 20 years old this year.

Consul Hagiwara from the Consulate General of Japan in LA and Torrance mayor, Patrick Furey congratulated the participants.

A speech was given by Mirai Obiraki representing the participants. Japanese taiko performances and dances happened and everyone joyfully celebrated the big day.

Afternoon of Peace: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience

On Saturday, February 22nd “Afternoon of Peace: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience” will be played at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo. The media was invited to the rehearsal prior to the event.

This production is held by the non-profit organization “Shadows for Peace” and JACCC to spread the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and was first played in 2017.

It is a production depicting the tragedy of the atomic bomb and the importance of peace through music, dance, songs, monologue, and clips. It is coming back this year is the 75th anniversary since WWII.

Robert Horsting who is a filmmaker receiving Emmy Awards will take over as the director as this production will be dedicated to the Hibakusha and in memory of the photographer and founder of “Shadows for Peace”, Richard Fukuhara.

Composite art show “Afternoon of Peace: Hiroshima and Nagasaki Experience” will be played in Little Tokyo’s Aratani Theater from February 22nd.

Asian American Expo 2020

Asian American Expo where Asian products and businesses gather happened on January 18th and 19th at Pomona.

This event is annually held at the time of Lunar New Year.
It originally started with the name “Chinese American Expo” in 1982 but later expanded to an event where more than 1,000 Asian vendors including Japanese businesses participate.

Chinese, Korean and Japanese street foods were lined up outside and attendees enjoyed foods from different countries.

At the 7 exhibition halls, motor vehicles, cosmetics, health appliances, and food product booths lined up and were sold at a special price.

Pechanga Resort Casino in Pechanga that actively holds Asian events promoted their annual Lunar New Year drawing.

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January 12nd 2020 O.A.

Oshougatsu in Little Tokyo 2020

Different New Years’ events took place at Little Tokyo for New Years.
“Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo” took place on January 1st. This year is the 22nd time where attendees can experience the Japanese New Year.
The event is held by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of SoCal. President, Kaoru Kawata and Consul General, Akira Muto of Consulate General of Japan in LA appeared at the opening ceremony to state their greetings.
Breaking of the sake barrel by the representatives of the different Japanese American organizations and mochi pounding happened afterward.
Chairman, Hiroko Ikuta of the Japanese Calligraphy Society did the first writing for the year of the rat and festive performances took place on the stage, celebrating the new year.
Street foods lined up on Onizuka Street like takoyaki,
yakisoba, mochi, and amazake. Many came to pray for good fortune for the new year at the mini shrine.
A New Year’s service was held at the Koyasan Temple.
Families from all over came again to pray for their well being and a peaceful year. Afterward, a long line was formed to find out their fortune and purchasing good luck charms.
The weather was very nice this day and about 10 thousand people enjoyed the New Years’ event.

Kotohajime 2020

“Kotohajime” happened on Sunday, January 5th at Aratani Theater.

This annual ceremony is held by the JACCC and marks the 37th year.

Directed by Master Artist, Hirokazu Kosaka of JACCC, the stage depicts LA where the art culture of east and west unites as one.

Many artists based in LA and active both locally and internationally participated in the event.

Old Japanese court music and dance by the Kinnara Group of Senshin Buddhist Association.

Sufi whirling, an Islamic religious ritual performed by Yuval Ron and Aziz.

Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko

And the first bow was drawn by the LA Kyuudo Association accompanied by Tetsuya Nakamura and Yuval Ron’s musical performance.

After the performance, Patricia Wyatt who took the post last September stated her greetings. She broke the sake barrel and made a toast with related individuals.

Also at JACCC, Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center opened on B1 and a ceremony was held at the 1st floor Doizaki Gallery by the SoCal Ikebana Association, celebrating their new ikebana exhibit. Attendees were served amazake.

The ikebana exhibition will be going on until January 19th.

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