Nanka Yamaguchi Kenjinkai celebrated its 120th anniversary during its 2025 Shinnenkai on Feb. 23 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
The Southern California organization, formally established in 1905, consists of descendants, families, friends and enthusiasts of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It generally meets twice a year — in mid-February for a general meeting, New Year’s party and keiro (respect for the elderly) recognition; then in June, the annual summer picnic and scholarship awards. Other activities include Tanabata Festival participation and a bowling tournament.
Aki Fukuhara-Vaughn welcomed everyone and led a silent tribute to members who passed away since the last Shinnenkai.
Former President Arturo Yoshimoto introduced the 2025 officers: Bruce Kimura, president; Florence Ochi, vice president; Fukuhara-Vaughn, secretary; and Naomi Suenaka, treasurer.
Special guests included Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Kenko Sone; Chloe Tachibana, field representative for Assemlymember Al Muratsuchi; Kihei Otani, president of Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai; Keiro Koga, president of Nanka Fukuoka Kenjinkai; Susan Yoshikawa, president of Nanka Hiroshima Kenjinkai; and Mari Kawaguchi, president of Nanka Tottori Club.
Tsugumasa Muraoka, governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture, delivered greetings via video.
The toast was led by former NYK President Patrick Seki and the invocation was given by Judith Takata Hawkins.
Participating in the kagami-biraki ceremony (breaking open a sake barrel) were Sone, Kimura, Otani, and keynote speaker Dr. Tritia Toyota, Ph.D.
Toyota, a former broadcast journalist, is an associate adjunct professor of anthropology and Asian American studies at UCLA. She discussed her latest book, “Intimate Strangers: Shin Issei and Contemporary Japanese Community, 1980-2020” (2023), which was selected as a 2024 Choice Book of the Year by the American Library Association. (Shin Issei are recent Japanese immigrants.) She was also available to sign copies of her book.
Entertainment was provided by Saeko Kujiraoka and Sakura Jimenez on koto and Shiho Tendou, a dancer in the Tendo-ryu style.
Lorraine Kimura recognized members who were born in the Year of the Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) and Atsuko Kimoto honored members 80 and older. Special recognition went to 99-year-old Yoshio Nakamura, a veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Suenaka oversaw the raffle while Fukuhara-Vaughn and Seki led a “Sukiyaki” sing-along. Bruce Kimura gave closing remarks and the program closed with sanbonjime, which consists of three sets of three claps and one final clap.
The next NYK event will be the annual picnic on Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at George Elder Park, 1950 Wilcox Ave., Monterey Park.