SAN MATEO — “Issei: The First Generation,” a film by Toshi Washizu, will be screened as a benefit for Kimochi San Mateo on Sunday, Feb. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sturge Presbyterian Church, 25 S. Humboldt St., San Mateo.
The “lost” 1984 documentary, rediscovered and restored, is about Japanese who immigrated to the West Coast at the turn of the century. These pioneering men and women tell their own stories of struggles and triumphs in a new land. Narrated by actress Amy Hill.
The screening will be followed by Q&A with Washizu and Professor Lane Hirabayashi, holder of the Aratani Endowed Chair at UCLA.
“Kimochi Home’s 30th Anniversary,” directed by broadcast journalist Rick Quan, will also be shown. It captures some of the residents, staff and volunteers participating in daily programs and services, integrated with Kimochi’s philosophy, culture and history.
Suggested donation: $10. Proceeds go to Kimochi San Mateo/Mary Ishisaki Challenge Match.
Co-presented by Kimochi San Mateo, San Mateo Buddhist Temple, San Mateo Japanese American Community Center, San Mateo JACL, and Sturge Presbyterian Church.
For reservations, contact Candace Takahashi at (650) 344-6803 or leitaka@aol.com; Victor Iwamura at (650) 342-2541 or smbt@sanmateobuddhisttemple.org; or Kimochi Inc. at (415) 931-2294.
Since 1971, San Francisco-based Kimochi has provided culturally sensitive, Japanese language-based programs and services to 3,000 Bay Area seniors and their families each year. Services include transportation; referral and outreach services; health and consumer education seminars; healthy aging and senior center activities; social services; congregate and home delivered meals; in-home support services; adult social day care; 24-hour residential and respite care.
Kimochi has completed purchase of a building at 453 N. San Mateo Dr. in San Mateo. From this new base, Kimochi will extend the Japanese tradition of care to San Mateo County seniors and their families. The plan is to open doors by this summer.
On the Web: www.kimochi-inc.org