The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center in Pacoima held its annual New Year’s installation on Jan. 10.
The program opened with drumming by San Fernando Valley Taiko under the direction of Walter Nishinaka. The performers were Susan Broder, Tony Cruz, Olivia Muratsu, Michael Pacelli, Aden Prendergast, Adi Prendergast, Pyre, Atsuko Toba, Momo Toba, Hiromi Oki, Melissa Petroro and Jaymie Takeshita.
Opening remarks were made by emcee Kimiaki Chiba and Nisei Week First Princess Megan Miyamoto, who was accompanied by the other members of the Nisei Week Court.
SFVJACC Administrative Director Bing Lau led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chiba called for a moment of silence in memory of members who passed away during the past year. Vice Consul Anzu Maekawa delivered greetings on behalf of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Participating in the kagami-biraki, the ceremonial breaking of a sake barrel, were SFVJACC President Jeremy Tsuneishi, Kazuhiko Nakanishi of SFV Bonsai Club, and Vice Consul Maekawa. Nakanishi led the kampai (toast).
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Katsuko “Kay” Yamada, who was a teacher for 21 years at Vena Elementary School; has been a member of the Meiji Club since 1996 and served as president for six years; served as treasurer of SFVJACC and the Coordinating Council; and volunteered for kitchen service, Suzume no Gakkou, VFW Memorial Day, and Super Bingo, among other activities.
Pauline Kaku received the Volunteer Award from Kei Inoue, director of the Senior Hot Meal Program. Kaku stepped up to continue the much-needed Homebound Lunch Delivery Program, which provides nutritious food to 52 elderly members of SFVJACC. She raises the spirit of everyone she meets with aloha while planning and organizing the meals with the Hot Meal Program.
The two honorees also received certificates from Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents San Fernando Valley.
SFV Taiko opened the program.
Rev. James Iwata of Sunrise Japanese Foursquare Church installed the Cabinet and Board of Directors. In addition to Tsuneishi, the officers are Kyoko Oda (who was unable to attend), first vice president; Kei Oda, second vice president; Akiko Manaka and Audrey Fukunaga, third vice presidents; Walter Nishinaka, fourth vice president; Denise Tanaka, treasurer; Lois Okui, recording secretary.
The board members are Liz Doomey, Ken Mui, Charles Muranaka, Tiffany Pearlstein, Nancy Takayama, Tsuneishi, and Kiyo Watanabe.
Following the president’s message, entertainment was provided by Azuma Kotobuki Kai under the direction of Azuma Kikusue. The following classical dances were performed:
“Sakura Sakura” by Aila Tomiko Low and Alyssa Hikari Low
“Hanayome Ningyo” by Raelyn Shizuko Mariano
“Takekurabe” by Akemi Lucas
“Sarashime” by Emi Yoko Tsuneishi, Lily Aiko Tsuneishi and Elizabeth Shizue Teraoka
“Nozaki Kouta” by Charlotte Sumiye Teraoka and Sydney Misako Tsuneishi
“Kurodabushi” by Katherine Misao Teraoka
“Sakura Hensokyoku” by NJ Naomi Nakamura, Catherine Keiko Fujita Soto and Helen Reiko Takanabe
“Sakura 2019” by Azuma Kikusue