Nikkei Women Legacy Association will present Edgar Award-winning author Naomi Hirahara for the premiere NWLA Speakers Series event on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. at Napa Valley Grille, 1100 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles.
Hirahara’s remarkable accomplishments encompass former positions as reporter and editor of The Rafu Shimpo, inclusion in various short story anthologies, numerous nonfiction books on distinguished Nikkei and Asian Americans, and her highly acclaimed mystery series featuring Mas Arai, a Japanese American gardener with crime-solving skills.
Earlier this year, Hirahara launched a new mystery series centered around Ellie Rush, a twentysomething, Hapa, LAPD bike cop, in “Murder on Bamboo Lane.”
“Born and raised in Southern California, Naomi is an exemplary role model for Nikkei women and the Nikkei community,” event organizers said. “Her award-winning mystery series imbues her Japanese American upbringing within the fictional world of Mas Arai and his sleuthing exploits. The immense popularity of Naomi’s books present an entertaining ‘slice-of-life’ glimpse of Nikkei culture to the global community.
“‘An Evening with Naomi Hirahara’ promises to be a unique opportunity to hear her personal journey, reflections and inspirations for future projects.”
Tickets are $50. Reserved seating, dinner included. For more information, email nwlaorg@gmail.com.