The Los Angeles Clippers hosted the 10th annual Japanese American Community Night at Staples Center on March 16, with a host of notable personalities and groups. Above, John “JT” Tamaki wishes the Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers good luck in a pregame meeting with referees, L.A.’s Blake Griffin, left, and Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving. Tamaki, along with Clippers officials including Charlie Arviso, have faithfully shepherded the original idea of a community celebration, which began in 2005 when the team featured Yuta Tabuse, the first Japan-born player to make an NBA roster.
Members of Daion Taiko from Orange County Buddhist Church in Anaheim perform at halftime.
Nisei Week Miss Tomodachi Megumi Yuhara waves during introductions of the 2013 queen and court, along with Nisei Week President Mike Okamoto (far left) and actor Aaron Takahashi. The Clippers sent their fans home happy, downing the Cavaliers, 102-80.
Photos by MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo