On April 11, the Los Angeles Nagoya Sister City Affiliation (LANSCA) gathered for its annual spring luncheon at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance.
The forecast called for rain, but even without the April showers, the spirit of the season was in full bloom — bringing people together in the same way spring brings new growth.
LANSCA Chairperson Teruko Weinberg offered warm welcome remarks, setting the tone for an afternoon that celebrated the enduring ties between Los Angeles and Nagoya, as well as the importance of cultural, educational, and business exchange between the two sister cities. Peter Langenberg, LANSCA treasurer and past chair, served as emcee, guiding the program with his signature engaging and lighthearted touch.
LANSCA was pleased to welcome distinguished guests, including An Tran from the International Affairs Office of the City of Los Angeles; Dr. Earnestine Robinson from the Los Angeles-Lusaka (Zambia) Sister City program; and partners from the Japanese American community — Nisei Week Foundation (Helen Ota, Sara Hutter, David Yamahata, Todd Odagawa, Sarah Fukui, Leiton Hashimoto, Joyce Chinn), the Nisei Week Court (Kimi Look, Mika Dyo, Megan Miyamoto, Samantha Cirelli, Emma Fukunaga, Casey Kuramoto, Mia Takatsuka), and the Little Tokyo Business Association (David Ikegami).
A celebratory toast was led by LANSCA board member and Teacher Exchange Program Chair Randy Grant, followed by a delicious Japanese bento-style lunch enjoyed by all.
The gathering sparked new connections and conversations — particularly among the next generation of leaders — opening the door to future partnerships. It was especially encouraging to see LANSCA Student Exchange Program alumni Spencer Doi, Lucas Yung, and Yani Martinez, along with LANSCA Next Gen Committee Chair Max Jordan, engaging with Nisei Week Court princesses, who expressed interest in supporting Next Gen Committee initiatives. These efforts focus on empowering emerging leaders in both Los Angeles and Nagoya to develop creative ways to strengthen the sister-city relationship.
Attendees also learned that, as part of LANSCA’s long-standing Student Exchange Program, students from Nagoya will visit Los Angeles this August — continuing the annual tradition of selected students from both cities experiencing each other’s communities first-hand.
The luncheon served as a wonderful reminder that sister-city relationships are built not only through programs, but through people. As new connections take root, LANSCA looks forward to continuing to strengthen the bond between Los Angeles and Nagoya for years to come.
For more information, visit www.lansca.org.