Memorial Service for Hiroshima Nagasaki A-Bomb Victims

On Sunday, August 3, a memorial service for the victims of the atomic bombings was held at the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin in Little Tokyo.

This memorial service is organized each year by the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors and the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin, in conjunction with Japan’s annual observance of the atomic bomb anniversaries.

Marking the 80th year since the bombings, this year’s service was attended by five temples from the Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation. Clergy from various Buddhist sects conducted the memorial rites before the “Peace Flame.”

The Peace Flame, originally from Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, was brought to Los Angeles in 1989 and has been kept and protected by the Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin ever since.

The ceremony featured video messages from the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Howard Kakita, who was born in East Los Angeles, moved to Japan as a child, and was exposed to the bombing in Hiroshima, also took the stage.
He shared his personal experiences and called for the abolition of nuclear weapons, which still threaten the world today.

The service concluded with attendees offering incense, honoring the victims of the atomic bombings, and praying for peace throughout the world.

Expression of Peace

Also on August 3, an art exhibition themed around peace opened at The Makery Gallery in Little Tokyo.

Titled “Expression of Peace,” this exhibition is organized annually by Lantern of the East Los Angeles (LELA).

LELA is an international artists’ organization founded by painter Hideo Sakata, who was active in Los Angeles and passed away in 2023, along with other members.
Sakata was a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing and started this exhibition to convey the importance of peace through art.

This year, 22 artists, including participants from Japan, are showcasing approximately 80 works.
At the opening ceremony, Takeshi Kanemura and Annakai Hayakawa performed.

“Expression of Peace” runs on Saturdays and Sundays through August 31. On weekdays, visits are available by appointment.
A live performance will be held on the final day, August 31. For more details, please visit the website LELAinternational.org.

Sake in the Park

On Friday, July 18th, the event “Sake in the Park” was held at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.

This fundraising event is organized by the Little Tokyo Service Center, and this year marked its 17th anniversary.

The Little Tokyo Service Center is a nonprofit organization based in Little Tokyo that provides social welfare and community development services.
The proceeds from this event are used to support these various programs.

At the sake booth, managed by Mutual Trading, which specializes in Japanese food products, more than 50 varieties of sake, shochu, and local craft beers from 30 companies across Japan were offered.

This year also marks the 45th anniversary of the organization’s founding. Eric Nakano, who served as Executive Director for seven years and recently stepped down, expressed his gratitude to those involved.
He announced that two new co-executive directors, Takao Suzuki and Peter Gee, have been appointed.

Approximately 1,200 people attended the event.
In addition to the wide selection of drinks, local restaurants provided food, and entertainment was arranged, allowing everyone to enjoy a summer evening together.