MOUNTAIN VIEW — Midori Kai, a professional women’s group will host its 13th annual Arts & Crafts Boutique on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mountain View Buddhist Temple, 575 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Mountain View.
In addition to over 70 arts and crafts vendors on hand featuring one-of-a-kind Asian arts and crafts (including jewelry, clothing, pottery, foods), there are activities scheduled during the day. A feature of the boutique is the food area with Japanese-style bento and other food and snack items.
Raffle drawings held every hour on the hour will liven up the day with special gifts donated by the many vendors. In addition, there will be a special drawing for artwork, a handmade quilt and a ladies’ haori from Japan.
Last year’s autographed sports memorabilia were so popular that Midori Kai has expanded this to include collectibles such as an autographed John Madden football, a Mark Jackson miniature basketball, a Joaquin Arias baseball bat, and a Kristi Yamaguchi photograph.
A unique feature of the Midori Kai boutique is its entertainment during the day. The children of San Jose Buddhist Betsuin’s Lotus Pre-School Singers will perform at 10:30 a.m. The Wesley Ukulele Band from Wesley United Methodist Church in San Jose will perform at 2 p.m.
Special this year will be an appearance by Dan Kuramoto and June Kuramoto of the jazz band Hiroshima, who will promote their new CD, “J-Town Beat.” June Kuramoto’s solo CDs will be on sale, and she will be available to sign then from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All proceeds from the boutique go towards providing grants to local nonprofit organizations. Every two years, the Midori Kai directors select organizations whose missions align with the goals of Midori Kai.
Midori Kai has announced the recipients of the 2013 boutique:
Asian Americans for Community Involvement
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
National Japanese American Historical Society-Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center
Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service
Midori Kai was formed to create an effective organization of Japanese American professional women leaders committed to mentoring youth, community involvement, supporting local charities, and celebrating Japanese American heritage. The directors are: Marsha Baird, Connie Decena, Carol Eijima, Roberta Hayashi, Julie Jubbard, Aggie Idemoto, Joyce Iwasaki, JoAnn Kato, Linda Kato, Reiko Kawano, Naomi Nakano Matsumoto, Janice Miyatake, Maureen Mukai, Chris Noma, Irene Okimoto, Phyllis Osaki, June Sakamoto, Cynthia Sasaki, Ruth Shikada, Machiko Shiozaki, Sally Takemoto, Vicki Wynne and Pam Yoshida.
Major sponsors this year include GS Management Company, Dr. Jerrold Hiura-DDS, and June and Gary Sakamoto.
The boutique is chaired by Phyllis Osaki and Marsha Baird. For more information, contact Osaki at (925) 596-1770 or Baird at (510) 579-1518, or visit the website at www.midorikai.com. Midori Kai can also be found on Facebook.