Archives: SoCalJapan

2019年7月14日 放送

July 14th 2019 O.A.

July 14th 2019 O.A.

E3 2019

June 11th to 13th was the Electronic Entertainment Expo E3 held at the LA Convention Center.

E3 is the world’s largest game exhibition and it gathers attention from the industry individuals to gamers around the globe.

This year marks the 25th year with more than 200 companies participating. Companies introduced their newest video games, PC games and mobile games for smartphones. Attendees watched presentations and played games before their release date.
Nintendo announced their newest Pokemon game series entitled “Pokemon Sword and Shield” available on November.

“Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games” was also announced. This is a game which Nintendo collaborated with Sega and features the Tokyo Olympics.

This is “Judgement,” the newest game from Sega Atlus.
Microsoft used the Microsoft Theater outside the convention center for their presentation, and announced their newest game lineups as well as their new game console “Project Scarlett” that will be released at the end of 2020.

Sony known for Playstation withheld their appearance this year. Topics about the future of E3 rose as well since companies can now share information online.

About 66,000 people attended the 3 day event.

Anime Expo 2019

Anime Expo also happened at the LA Convention Center from July 4th to the 7th.
Anime Expo is held by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation. It is the largest anime event in North America, marking their 28th year.
Latest anime, TV series, fashion and video games were introduced at the event; and fans had fun by purchasing their favorite merchandise and taking photos.

International and domestic special guests were invited, and various events from autograph sessions to panel discussions were held.
The main event was Yoshihiro Ike’s anime music concert.
Ike sings the theme songs of famous anime like “Tiger & Bunny” and “Saint Seiya” as well as composing music for games, movies and TV dramas. This is his first concert overseas.

The production of anime “GIBIATE” was announced at the closing ceremony. Illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano known from the “Final Fantasy” series joins the team. It was an eventful 4 days.

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2019年6月23日 放送

Jun 23rd 2019 O.A.

Jun 23rd 2019 O.A.

JAL Tokyo/LA 60th

Wednesday, May 29th was the 60th anniversary ceremony for JAL in LAX Tom Bradley International terminal.

JAL started their Tokyo to LA flights in 1959. This year marks exactly their 60th anniversary, and a ceremony was held in front of the boarding gate.
President, Yoshiharu Ueki from JAL and LA branch manager, Kiichi Nakajima, Samson Mengistu COO of LA One World Airport attended the event.

The flight from Narita Airport that took off in May 28th, 1959 took approximately 25 hours to arrive to LA the next day via Hawaii.

Back then, only 3 flights were offered a week. Now, JAL partnered up with American Airlines which made 2 flights to Narita, 1 flights to Haneda and KIX possible, a total of 4 flights available everyday

President Ueki is a former pilot and flew one of Tokyo to LA flights himself.
He emphasizes on the importance of this route.
Keeping “Safe and secure” as the number one priority, he stated “LA has the largest need of routes to Tokyo throughout the entire US, and it will also play a crucial part when the 2020 Tokyo Olympics takes place.”

Snack food services were provided to customers leaving to Narita airport at the gate and memorabilias were distributed.
President Ueki and his staff greeted each and every customer with a smile saying “Enjoy your trip.”

Living with Cancer

Tuesday, June 11th was journalist, Kazuyoshi Kitaoka’s lecture held at the Yamaha Music Center in Anaheim.

The event entitled “Living with Cancer” was held by the OC Japanese American Association, Orange Rinri Hojinkai and the Japanese Friendship Network in OC.

Kitaoka came to the US in 1979 after working as a newspaper correspondent and a congressmen secretary.
In LA, he produced news in Japanese and worked as a journalist in both US and Japan.

After he went back home to Japan in 2006, he worked as a specially-appointed professor at Nihon University College of International Relations. A year after his retirement in 2017, he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.

Kitaoka spoke about his days in treatment as well as news and social related matters in US/Japan. He talked about his approach to world peace as a journalist.

This lecture was held by Keiro that provides welfare service for elders, and their “Iyashi Care” program was also explained.
This program supports both young and old Japanese Americans who are dealing with health difficulties and symptoms. Dr. Yuichi Yanami gave the details to this program.

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2019年6月9日 放送

Jun 9th 2019 O.A.

Jun 9th 2019 O.A.

Little Tokyo Sparkle

Saturday, May 18th was the cleaning service done by volunteers at Little Tokyo.

This event is held by multiple organizations including the Little Tokyo Council and the Little Tokyo Koban.

This event started with a mission of cleaning the city filled with tradition and strengthening the bond of the local members, and this year is their 4th year.

350 volunteers signed up, which includes local business owners and people throughout the Los Angeles area.

Volunteers split into groups. Picking up cigarette butts and plastic containers, as well as scraping off gums from the ground and painting over the graffitis of utility poles and walls.

More people live and visit Little Tokyo due to the redevelopment project of Downtown and the amount of waste are rising every year.

This day is now known as the “Nancy Kikuchi Day.” The restored mural “Our Hometown Little Tokyo” was displayed to the public along with a plaque honoring the volunteer activist, Nancy Kikuchi who passed in 2014.

Shonan Beauty Clinic Irvine

The Shonan Beauty Clinic opened inside the Irvine Odyssey Medical Center.

Shonan Beauty Clinic is the largest beauty clinic in Japan and has over 80 locations throughout the globe.

The Irvine clinic is the 2nd location in the US following Thousand Oaks. They will be having an opening party and an open house on June 17th and 18th.

This clinic offers a wide range of procedure like aesthetic dermatology, women’s health and cosmetic surgery. Director, Yoko Suzuki and Dr. Katrina Riboni will provide treatments using the state of the art technology.

Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP to stimulate This is an anti aging machine that releases and regenerate the skin.

This machine uses laser and treats various gyno procedures .

The clinic also offers beauty care to men as well through laser hair removals and botox.

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2019年5月26日 放送

May 26th 2019 O.A.

May 26th 2019 O.A.

Women of the Year 2019

An awarding ceremony for Woman of the Year happened on Sunday, May 5th at Quiet Cannon in Montebello.

This ceremony is held annually by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japa- nese Women’s Society of SoCal commemorating women who contributed to the Japanese Ameri- can community.

This year marks the 57th year and 5 individuals were awarded.

San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center Meiji Club president, Elizabeth Doomey.

Margaret Shimada who works as a social workerat Little Tokyo Service Center.

Norie Morita from JA Pioneer Center, teaching Etegami (drawing letter) and Senryu (Japanese poetry similar to haiku).

Linda Aratani, daughter of George Aratani and currently managing the Aratani Foundation which thrives to support the Japanese American culture and education.

And Joan Sumiko Kaneshiro Oshiro active in passing down Okinawan culture as a member of Okinawa Association of America (OAA).

470 people including family and friends attended and congratulated their accomplishment.

“Eco Town” Grand Opening

Second hand shop “Eco Town” opened in Fountain Valley on Friday, May 17th.
Parent company, Hard Corporation operates 900 business including second hand shops throughout Japan. They have 2 stores in Ha- waii and this is their first location in contigu- ous US.

From furniture, clothing, anime goods to brand products, used items are sold after they are fixed and cleaned.

Many local customers came in as the doors opened and bought items they liked.

President, Yoshimasa Yamamoto came to the grand opening ceremony and received a letter of appreciation from the city and government.

Eco Town is planning on opening new doors to 10 more locations in OC and spread busi- ness mainly throughout California.

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2019年5月12日 放送

May 12th 2019 O.A.

May 12th 2019 O.A.

2019 Cherry Blossom Festival

A cherry blossom festival was held at Monterey Park on April 27th and 28th.

This event is held by the Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival Committee and marks the 22nd year.
Many Japanese culture was introduced to the local people.

At the opening ceremony, Kimi Evans, a Japanese American working for ABC 7 Eyewitness News was awarded. Followed by the greetings speech of Chief Consul, Hiroki Matsuo and congressmen of both city and state.

A kimono fashion show, Japanese taiko performance and a demonstration of the tanabata decoration was held at the event. Ikebana flower arrangement exhibition and a tea ceremony happened inside.

This event started in 1970 with the “National Cherry Blossom Festival” that happens in Washington DC.
But it was once canceled due to the aging society in the 80s. With high demands, the event was brought back in 1997 by young 3rd generation Japanese Americans.

A Revolution in Movement

Sunday, April 8th was a demonstration and workshop held by Japanese Dance Master, Ichinosuke Umekawa.

This event was held by the Japan Foundation whose mission is to promote international cultural exchange. About 50 people who are Japanophiles and industry individuals attended.

Umekawa got into traditional Japanese art after signing up to The Tokyo Ballet. He then became a Kabuki actor after enrolling to the Kabuki Actor Training Division of the National Theatre.

He became a traditional dancer in 2016 and met Bando Tamasaburo.

Succeeding Bando’s skills, Umekawa aims a traditional yet modern dance that incorporates modern art.
At this event, Umekawa performed a popular Kabuki act “Renjishi” as well as Shostakovich “Cello Sonata” using classical Japanese and ballet movements.

At the end, everyone including the audience danced to “Genroku Hanami Dori” and enjoyed the event.

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2019年4月28日 放送

April 28th 2019 O.A.

April 28th 2019 O.A.

2019 JABA Gala

The 43rd anniversary gala dinner for the Japanese American Bar Association happened on Friday, April 5th at Downtown LA.

JABA was founded on 1970 and currently has 425 members.
They contribute to the Asian community through legal service and educating young attorneys.

The new chairman, Mike Madokoro did a speech at the dinner.

Next came the award ceremony that awards companies, organizations and individuals for their hard work.

The Diversity Leadership Award was awarded to Honda North America as this year marks their 60th anniversary doing business in North America.

The long-established Japanese confectionery, Fu-getsu-doh manager, Brian Kito received the Community Service Award.

Followed by the fusion band, Hiroshima receiving the Inspiration Award on their 40th anniversary year.

President of the non-profit US-Japan Council, Irene Hirano was awarded the Unity Leadership Award.

Hirano did a speech under the theme of the Japanese community for the US and Japan.

550 people attended the dinner. Scholarship fundraiser raffle as well as scholarship recipients were also announced. Members and guests all enjoyed and socialized at the dinner.

KESHIKI: THE LANDSCAPE WITHIN

A ceramic exhibition, KESHIKI: The Landscape Within is happening at the Japan House LA in Hollywood Highland.

This is a exhibition from the Brodfuehrer Collection, a collector from San Diego.
More than 60 modern ceramic pieces are displayed.

Brodfuehrer traveled all over Japan for 10 years to collect these pieces. A part of his collection are displayed before being donated to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

These ceramics are made by 53 ceramist utilizing the six ancient kilns which include: Bizen, Seto, Shigaraki and Tanba techniques.
The vessels and tablewares were actually used by Brodfuehrer himself.

Photographer, Taijiro Ito’s photos are also displayed. Attendees can witness the modern Japanese ceramic world which is a mixture of nature and craftsmanship.

A preview happened on April 16th before opening to the public and pro-Japan artists participated.

“Brodfuehrer Collection KESHIKI: THE LANDSCAPE WITHIN” will be held at Japan House LA until June 9th.

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2019年4月14日 放送

April 14th 2019 O.A.

April 14th 2019 O.A.

Sakura Gardens Sushi Day

Saturday, March 23rd was “Sushi Day” by Japanese Restaurant Association of America for the residents of Sakura Gardens in Boyle Heights.

JRA is a non-profit organization where their members are restaurant managers and food product companies.

8 companies provided ingredients for this event and chefs from Japanese restaurants “Katsu-Ya” and “Sushi Gen” cooperated to serve 160 people their sushi.
“Sushi Day” has been held since Sakura Gardens were previously known as “Keiro Retirement Home” and is now the 20th year.

Residents were served sushi on their plates they have made themselves.
Chefs were introduced before the actual meal and Sakura Gardens awarded a letter of appreciation to JRA.
Sakura Gardens’ dining room was renovated on January of this year, and this is their first event held at the new room.

JRA staffs, chefs and Sakura Gardens volunteers went by each table to thank and serve sushi to each residents.

The chefs put their heart and soul into each sushi and were enjoyed by the residents.

Keiro Caregiver Conference

A nursing conference was held at the Pasadena Buddhist Temple on Saturday, March 30th.
This event was held by Keiro that provides senior welfare service in the Japanese American community. Useful information as well as know-hows were shared to those involved in senior nursing care.
About ¼ of Japanese Americans residing in LA, OC and Ventura County are over 65 years old. It is said that 97 percent of them are either currently needing or going to request in-home care.
RN, Patty Watson-Swan of Huntington Hospital Senior Care Network did a speech under the theme “Managing Caregivers’ Stress” at the Keynote Speech.

A seminar introducing “Nursing care utilizing mobile apps” and
a demonstration of active nurses sharing their know-hows were done.
This conference was held by Keiro; Pasadena Buddhist Temple, whose members are aging; as well as other local Japanese American organizations.

A resource fair where non-profit organizations and companies in the field were also held. Participants consulted their concerns and shared information to one another.

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2019年3月24日 放送

March 24th 2019 O.A.

March 24th 2019 O.A.

Love to Nippon 2019

A memorial was held for The Great East Japan Earthquake at LAPD in Downtown LA on Sunday, March 10th.

This service is held by Love to Nippon and marks the 8th year. Approximately 330 people gathered and prayed for the victims.

LA resident, Masako Unoura started the Love to Nippon project. Their mission is to restore the devastated areas and educate the importance of disaster prevention.
Unoura experienced and survived the tsunami herself back in 2011 when she was visiting the Iwate prefecture.

The ceremony was held by the LA Buddhist Temple Federation and the Nikkei Interfaith Group of Little Tokyo. Members representing Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity all made a speech.

With this year’s theme being “Be Prepared Los Angeles!” the LA Fire Department also made a speech about disaster preparedness.

The fire department was also awarded a certificate of appreciation by the mayor of Ofunato, Iwate for their hard rescue work when the tsunami hit the city.

Students of the Japanese Language School Unified System sang the official supporting song “Flower Will Bloom” and attendees offered their incense.

A candle service for the victims were held at the time of the earthquake at Santa Monica Beach the same day

25 attendees formed a circle around the candles that were lined up in a shape of heart and prayed for the victims.

Unoura is going to form a group of inspectors and visit the devastated area of Fukushima prefecture later in September.

CJAA Officers Installation

Sunday, February 24th was the Orange County Japanese American Association 2019 Officers Installations and Community Service Awards Banquet in Anaheim.

The Orange County Japanese American Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 with about 350 members. They provide cultural, educational and welfare service mainly in the OC.
Starting with sake barrel breaking and a toast.
Followed by introducing this year’s officers and oath.
Kimiko Fujita who is serving for the 7th year states “I am very happy about being able to hold various events and to be able to welcome new members.”
Next came the greetings of the Japanese organizations and to the awarding ceremony of individuals.

An appreciation certificate was awarded to MAPFRE Insurance for contributing to the Japanese American community for many years.
The Community Service Award went to 3 individuals.
Plaques were given to Hiroshi Matsushita, board member of OCJAA and a pastor; Richard Watanabe, also a board member of OCJAA and actively involved in many Japanese organizations; and Yasuo Matsuki, chef-owner at the Koto Restaurant.

173 members attended the event. The new year was celebrated with a performance by Hisame Wakayagi of the Wakayagi style Japanese dance and an ikebana demonstration by the Ikenobo style. Raffles and auctions were also held.

JBA 58th Anniversary Reception

Wednesday, February 27th was the JBA 58th Anniversary Reception at the Japan House in Hollywood.

JBA is a non-profit organization founded in 1960 and formed with Japanese companies that thrive in SoCal.
About 500 companies join the organization to better the working environment and contribute to the community.
125 people attended the reception including local community and government agency representatives.
President Satoshi Okawa stated his appreciation to the community for its long time support for Japanese businesses.
Next, government related individuals and representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation congratulated that Japanese businesses contribute the most to the local economy out of all foreign-owned companies in SoCal.

Japanese food from the restaurant INN ANN inside Japan House were served at the reception and attendees socialized while enjoying their meal.

Hyakudou Kai

Sunday, March 10th was the New Years celebration and gathering for the Hokubei Hyakudokai at Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
Hyakudokai is a social group founded in Japan in 1956 by former Hiroshima University chancellor and Minister of Education, Tatsuo Morito under the motto of “Living healthy until 100.
The group started in North America in 1958 when Morito visited LA and this year marks the 60th anniversary.
Members are mostly over the age of 70 and many are active board members who have been awarded by the Japanese government for their contribution to the Japanese American society.
With Mac Miyazaki as the MC, Kinko Seki performed a Shaku-gin style song.
After Noriko Shibata’s general affairs report and Yoshinori Akutagawa’s financial report, new office members were announced.
Tak Nishi, who takes office 8 years in a row stated “It is important to always stay young at heart.
And representatives of each Japanese organizations all congratulated the members.
Yoshinori Kawaguchi held the toast at the end of the ceremony. The 80 attendees all promised to each other to continue being an active member of the community as long as they live.

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2019年2月24日 放送

February 24th 2019 O.A.

February 24th 2019 O.A.

Kenjinkai Officers Installation

Sunday, February 10th was the Japanese Prefectural Association of SoCal’s 2019 New Years celebration and officers installation at Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
The Japanese Prefectural Association of SoCal is a nonprofit organization founded in 1964. They have 38 prefectural associations and approximately 9,000 members.
Other than helping one another, the association‘s mission is mutual understanding of US and Japan, giving out scholarships and volunteering during natural disaster.

The installation of new officers for 2019 took place at the event. Happy Mizutani took the post of former chairman, Yoshinori Akutagawa.

Happy Mizutani has been the president of the Gifu Prefectural Association and has been a member of the prefectural council.
He stated “I’ll do my best with the support of the former officers.”

Representatives from each Japanese American organization said their New Years greetings, and former chairman, Yoshinori Akutagawa stated his appreciation.

And each representatives presented what is number one in Japan from their prefecture.

145 members attended and celebrated the new year.

JNTO Japan Seminar

Wednesday, January 30th was a PR seminar held by the JNTO at Japan House in Hollywood.

JNTO is a government agency that promotes Japan to customers overseas.
The event was entitled Japan Product Seminar and promoted to the tourism industry individuals.

According to JNTO, 70 percent of the tourists from the US visits Japan for the first time, and most of them visit the metropolitan area.

The seminar focused on Kansai area and Hokkaido, which were devastated by natural disasters of hurricane and earthquake last year. Current situations were explained with safety and local charms being promoted.

JAL also did a presentation of their new service provided at routes heading to Osaka starting on March 31st.

According to JNTO, 30 million tourists visited Japan last year, which is a new record and they are aiming to reach 40 million tourists for next year’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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2019年2月10日 放送

February 10th 2019 O.A.

2019年2月10日 放送

This is MANGA – The Art of Naoki Urasawa

“This is MANGA – The Art of Naoki Urasawa Exhibition” is held at Japan House in Hollywood Highland.
Naoki Urasawa is one of the well known manga artists in Japan who wrote “Yawara!”, “Monster” and “20th Century Boy.”
127 million copies have been sold in Japan and is published in 20 different countries.

This is his first exhibition in Northern America.
A preview event for industry individuals also happened at the Japan House gallery located on the 2nd floor on January 22nd.

Urasawa himself conducted the tour at the event and told backstories of his works.

More than 400 original artworks are displayed at the gallery.
Visitors can experience reading the 1st episode of his serialized manga in a weekly magazine through his original anuscript.

Urasawa is also a fan of Bob Dylan and is a musician himself.
He did a live painting where he’d draw and perform at the same time.

This free exhibition goes on until March 28th at Japan House LA. It will then move to Japan House in London and Sao Paulo.

Japan Cinema Celebration

A party was held at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan in LA on February 4th to support the Academy nominees from Japan.

2 Japanese films are nominated for this year’s 91st Academy Awards.
“Shoplifters” for the Best Foreign Language film and “Mirai” for the Best Animated Feature Film.

Producer of “Shoplifters”, Kaoru Matsuzaki and Mamoru Hosoda of “Mirai” was invited. They held a press conference as well as a reception for the industry individuals of US and Japan.

“Shoplifters” depicts a family relying on shoplifting to cope with a life of poverty in Tokyo.
The movie won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

“Mirai” is about a 4 years old boy who becomes jealous of his new baby sister. He then travels through time and meets his sister in the future and learns to love his family.
Hosoda’s actual child is the model of the protagonist.”

The 91st Academy Awards will happen on February 24th at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

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2018年1月27日 放送

January 27th 2019 O.A.

January 27th 2019 O.A.

JBA New Year’s Party 2019

Wednesday, January 23rd was JBA Japan Business Association of Southern California’s New Years celebration at Torrance.

JBA is a nonprofit organization that aims mutual understanding for Japanese and US businesses and contributes to the community.
More than 500 Japanese business joins them.

After Consul General Chiba’s greetings, a sake barrel breaking happened on the stage with a toast.
538 members from each companies exchanged their business cards and socialized.
Osechi New Years dish were served, and a raffle was held where prizes from different companies can be won.

Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards

The recipients for the 2018 Japan Agricultural Achievement Awards by the Agricultural Society of Japan was announced.
From SoCal, Sadao Toume and Katsushiro Nakagwa were selected for The Green-White Achievement Award as they contributed to the US-Japan relations through agriculture.
Their awarding ceremony happened at the official residence of the Consul General on January 22nd.

Katsushiro Nakagawa is the 4th president of Fuji Natural Foods and continues to produce and sell organic bean sprouts.

Sadao Toume worked as a gardener for long years since coming to the US in 1970.
From 1998, he has been active as a correspondent for the Ryukyu Shimpo.

Asian American Expo 2019

The 38th Asian American Expo was held for 2 days from January 19th to the 20th at Pomona.

More than 1,000 companies either selling Asian food products, cosmetics, electronics or aiming to target the Asian customers participate at this event.

Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula promoted their Chinese New Year event happening in February.

About 120,000 people attended the 2 day event.

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January 13rd 2019 O.A.

January 13rd 2019 O.A.

Oshigatsu in Little Tokyo

Many New Years event is being held at Little Tokyo.
January 1st was the 21st “New Years in Little Tokyo.
An opening ceremony was held at Weller Court and the new president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, Kaoru Kawata greeted everyone.
Followed by the greetings of representatives from each Japanese American organizations, and the ceremony closed with the sake barrel breaking.
Afterwards, taiko and shishimai dance performances were held on the stage, celebrating the new year.
And Hiroko Ikuta from the US Japanese Calligraphy Organization wrote “Headlong” for the First Writing as this year is the year of the boar. (Boars can only go straight and will not stop.)

Food like takoyaki and yakisoba were served at Onizuka Street, along with cultural booths introducing a miniature shrine.

New Years celebration was held at the Koyasan Temple and many paid a visit.

It was a nice weather throughout the day and everyone from young to old enjoyed their New Years.

Many people also came to visit the Japanese
Village Plaza as it was also filled with events.

Kotohajime

January 6th was the annual “Koto hajime” (First of year) celebration at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo.
Various artists based in LA and performance groups performed under this year’s theme, “First Glow.”
An international violinist, Ken Aiso who is based in LA.
And harmonica player, Tex Nakamura each did a solo performance enjoyed by the audience.
And the “Purification ceremony” was held along with the two artists collaborating.
The first bow was shot by the art director of this stage, Hirokazu Kosaka.

The event ended with a mochi pounding performance and sake barrel breaking.
New Years event “Ikebana Japanese flower arrangement exhibition” is also being held at JACCC 1st floor, Doizaki Gallery until January 20th.

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2018年12月30日 放送

December 30th 2018 O.A.

December 30th 2018 O.A.

Hollywood Christmas Parade

Sunday, November 25th was the Hollywood Christmas Parade and the LA Nebuta participated.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is popular since many celebrities and characters appear at the event.
This is their 87th year.

This year is the 4th year for the LA Nebuta to participate.
Along with local 120 members of the “LA Nebuta Bayashi Hozonkai”, 50 people from Japan participated as well.

A party happened the day before at the Aomori Kenjin Kaikan in Little Tokyo and strengthen the bond of the members.

More and more people come and participate from Japan, and students from Aomori came this year.

TV host, Nancy O’Dell started the parade as the grand marshall.
Followed by marching bands and character balloons entertaining the people.

And comes the Nebuta.
The musical “Ohayashi” group from Japan and the Hanetos liven up the parade.

This year, the nebuta is “Kintoki” that the LA Nebuta Hozonkai and Nebuta builder from Aomori created together.

The group walked the 3.2 mile road with a powerful performance as 100 thousand people cheered for them at the center of Hollywood.

LA Auto Show

This year is coming to an end.
Let’s take a look at the 2019 model cars from the LA Auto Show that happened at the LA Convention Center from December 9th.
First up is the 2019 Toyota Prius.

Also, the four-wheel drive system has been added for the first time for the Prius sold in the US.
The fuel efficiency is 52 gallon/mile when set at the city mode and became one of the best 4WD cars with good mileage.
The cargo space also expands when the backseat is laid flat.
The SUV market is exploding however, this model answers the need of the 4WD sedan market.

And another car calling attention is the 2020 model of Toyota Corolla.
It is the first hybrid model sold in the US.
The fuel efficiency is 50 gallon/mile with a 1.8 liter engine.
It comes with Toyota Safety Sense where the integrated radar scans objects and people, preventing collisions.
The entertainment system is also upgraded.

The Prius will be available from January, 2019 and the Hybrid Corolla will be on the market from Spring 2019.

This is Mazda, they are currently constructing a new factory along with Toyota in Alabama.
Mazda’s newest and fully changed Mazda3 known as AXELA in Japan made its world debut at this event.
While focusing on the very basics of running, turning and stopping, Mazda is also perfecting their very own SKYACTIVE technology that allows excellent performance and safety at the same time.
The Mazda3 is built with the next generation gas engine, “SKYACTIVE-X” that has the compression-ignition of diesel engines.
With the design concept of Japanese “Kodo (Spirit Motion)”, the body has a smooth line and a strong presence as it reflects lights and shadows.
The newest “Mazda3” will be available Spring 2019.

The Emperor’s Birthday Celebration

The Emperor’s 83rd birthday was on December 23rd, and his majesty’s birthday celebration was held at the official residence of the Consulate General of Japan in LA on December 11th.
Receptions are held throughout the world celebrating the Emperor’s birthday. Since December 23rd is Christmas season, it always happened earlier in LA.
Consul General Chiba made a speech at the ceremony and reflected on LA’s Japanese American community.

Congressman, Al Muratsuchi and guests also stated their joy.
And an appreciation letter celebrating the friendship of two countries was handed from the government representative to the consul general. Later, George Takei made the toast.

480 guests of Japanese organization representatives, city and government officials enjoyed Japanese cuisines and sake served at the reception. They also socialized as they enjoyed the tea ceremony demonstration held outdoors.
Everyone celebrated the Emperor’s last birthday of the Heisei Era as his majesty will abdicate the throne as of April 30th, 2019.

2019 Economic Outlook

Wednesday, December 12th was the Bank of the West 2019 Economic Outlook announcement held at San Gabriel.

Bank of the West is a bank affiliated with the major banking group, BNP Paribas that has its HQ in San Francisco.
Asia business HQ, Pacific Rim annually holds an economic outlook for the upcoming year.

Chief Economist, Scott Anderson stated “Economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region will continue in 2019 however, it shall slow down as the economy will deteriorate globally.”
And “The US Federal Reserve Board may raise their interest rate twice however, it shall stop there due to the condition of the global economy.

Head of the Pacific Rim Banking Division, Yukinori Nishio stated “It is important for companies expanding their business opportunities overseas to understand cultural differences and must work hard so problematic issues will not rise.

2019 Economic Outlook

Wednesday, December 12th was the Bank of the West 2019 Economic Outlook announcement held at San Gabriel.

Bank of the West is a bank affiliated with the major banking group, BNP Paribas that has its HQ in San Francisco.
Asia business HQ, Pacific Rim annually holds an economic outlook for the upcoming year.

Chief Economist, Scott Anderson stated “Economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region will continue in 2019 however, it shall slow down as the economy will deteriorate globally.”
And “The US Federal Reserve Board may raise their interest rate twice however, it shall stop there due to the condition of the global economy.

Head of the Pacific Rim Banking Division, Yukinori Nishio stated “It is important for companies expanding their business opportunities overseas to understand cultural differences and must work hard so problematic issues will not rise.

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2018年11月25日 放送

November 25th 2018 O.A.

October 28rd 2018 O.A.

Sushi & Sake Festival

Sunday, November 4th was the Sushi & Sake Festival at Little Tokyo.
This year is the 19th year held by the JRA.1
Press Secretary, Takeshi Osuga greeted the attendees at the opening ceremony.
Afterwards, kagamiwari sake barrel breaking was done by the related individuals.
Varieties of Japanese food are available at the event, but sushi is the most popular.
The sushi chefs of the famous restaurants were making sushi nonstop.
Other foods include: udon and soba noodles, oden, shabu-shabu, takoyaki and desserts.
Japanese sake is a must have with Japanese food.
Along with the popular sake, sparking and flavor sake were also available.
Attendees tested their favorite sake munching on snacks.
A giant tuna filleting show was done for entertainment.
Everyone had their eyes glued to the professional filleting technique.
The tuna was divided and served as a sushi at the scene.
JRA was founded in 1999 under the mission of improving the techniques and food safety management for Japanese food.
Members are all restaurant and food manufacturer individuals.
Back in the day, not only the public but specialists also misunderstood the food safety for Japanese food when dealing with raw ingredients.
Therefore, JRA planned the Sushi & Sake Festival to widely spread the Japanese culture through food.
13 food booths and 18 beer and sake companies participated this year.

American Film Market

October 31st to November 7th was the American Film Market (AFM), the largest film event in the US held in Santa Monica.
More than 7000 industry individuals participate from 80 different countries. Business from buying films to funding film production were done at the event.
JETRO participated as the Japan booth for another year.
They supported selling films for 10 production companies.
This production company brought ninjas to promote their product.
The casts for the show focusing on kunoichi promoted their own show on the spot.
JETRO Assistant manager, Kanazashi states besides supporting Japanese companies going into foreign markets, it is also very important to support these companies because films and TV contents now form how Japan is seen to the world as many people watch them.
This is Tokyo Film Commission participating for the first time.
Japan booth also had Japanese sake and shochu samplers available as entertainment also introduces Japanese cultures.
It was popular among the attendees as it introduced Japan’s food culture as well as making it easy to discuss business.

Sou Fujimoto Exhibition

An exhibition displaying architect, Sou Fujimoto’s work is happening at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles in Hollywood.
Many Japanese architect work outside Japan and Fujimoto is indeed one of them.
He is known for creating designs that brings people and the city together.
This composite facility is one of Fujimoto’s projects currently under construction in France.
It is designed to unite the residents with the nature surrounding them, creating communication.
The exhibition entitled “FUTURES OF THE FUTURE” displays more than 100 models and introduces Fujimoto’s view towards architecture and his production process.
Fujimoto says buildings are “seed for the future.”
His exhibition title “FUTURES OF THE FUTURE” also has his wish for people to dream beyond what is already displayed as the future architecture.
“Sou Fujimoto: FUTURES OF FUTURE” is a free of charge exhibition.
Please visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website for details and opening hours.

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2018年10月28日 放送

October 28th 2018 O.A.

October 28th 2018 O.A.

MTC Expo

Saturday, September 22nd was the Mutual Trading Japanese Food and Restaurant Expo
at Pasadena Convention Center.
This is an annual event held by Mutual Trading Company Inc. for the Japanese food industry and this year is the 30th year.
This year’s theme is “Shinpu-Kogen.”
Japanese sake has been both popularized and luxurized within these couple of years so quality is very essential.
A seminar for Japanese wagyu beef was held at the center stage.
And a maguro tuna filleting show was performed by the chef of Katsu-Ya Group, Katsuya Uechi.
133 business participated and 2700 people attended, the event ended in a great success.

Japanese Surfing Contest

The annual SoCal Japanese Surfing Contest was held at the Trestles Beach in San Clemente on October 7th.
This year is the 31st year. One of the reasons why this event is annually held at Trestles Beach is because a portion of the entry fee is donated, keeping the state beach clean. This year, contestants and spectators also cleaned the beach with the students at San Clemente High School.
One of the participants volunteer because they want to keep this beautiful beach for the future generation.
This event is supported by many surfers and volunteers ranging from 6 to 50 years old.
Mr. Aizawa, who has been the MC for over 25 years also hopes the event will continue with the beautiful beach for years to come.

JET Program Welcome Back Reception

The JET Program Welcome Back Reception happened on Wednesday, October 3rd at the
official residence of the Consulate General of Japan in LA.
JET Program is a government initiative that welcomes foreigners to Japan as an assistant language teacher.
This year is their 32nd year and became the largest international exchange program in the world with more than 68,000 participants from 73 countries signing up.
Participants who pass the screening will be sent to the local governments or private schools in Japan as an English teacher, interpreter or as a sports instructor for 1 to 5 years at most.
20 participants that came home this year attended the reception and were congratulated for their achievements.
Consulat Chiba stated his hopes for the participants to continue their relationship with Japan even after coming home.

Enka Show at Sakura Gardens

Saturday, October 20th was a mini concert by the Enka singer, Hitomi Idemitsu at the retirement home, Sakura Gardens in Boyle Heights.
This is one of many entertainments heid for the residents at Sakura Gardens.
Idemitsu visited the US for a charity fundraiser held by the Japanese Prefectural Association of SoCal, and she then visited the retirement home with the help of the association. This is her 2nd time performing at the facility.
Idemitsu sung songs from her greatest hits to the latest number for one hour. 100 residents enjoyed the enka by the professional singer from Japan.
More than half of the residents are Japanese speakers. The management changed from Keiro to North Star Senior Living from 2 years ago.

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