A celebration of Japanese American culture will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, as part of California State Parks Week.
Performances and presentations will be held in the Historic District and Visitor Center. Park at the Los Trancos Parking Lot and walk down to the Historic District or take the Beachcomber Shuttle down for $2 per ride. $20 day use fee.
10 to 10:45 a.m.: At the Visitor Center, guest speaker Janice Munemitsu, author of “The Kindness of Color,” will discuss the rich history and legacy of Japanese Americans in Orange County.
11 to 11:20 a.m.: Experience the rhythm and energy of traditional taiko drumming performed by Orange County Buddhist Church’s Daion Taiko.
11:30 to 11:50 a.m.: Participate in the tradition of mochitsuki by pounding and tasting mochi with Farmer Tanaka from Tanaka Farms.
12 to 12:20 p.m.: Meet artist and Girl Scout Emi Fu and hear about the debut of her mural at Crystal Cove State Park.
12:30 to 12:50 p.m.: Watch the beauty and discipline of Japanese calligraphy brought to life by calligraphy artist Chiami Moriyama.
1 to 1:30 p.m.: Enjoy vibrant dance performances by Seiji Matsumura, president of SoCal Tokushima Club, followed by umbrella dance by Keiko Hashimoto, vice president of Tottori Club.
1:30 to 2 p.m.: Crystal Cove State Park Talk at Visitor Center. Learn about the stories of the Japanese American farming community of Crystal Cove from State Park Historian Diana Chang.
1:30 to 2 p.m.: Watch members of Butokuden Kendo Dojo demonstrate a martial art that emphasizes discipline and honor.
Booths will include origami with the Japanese American National Museum; commemorative cards with Stamp Our Story founder Wayne Osako; your name in calligraphy by Chiami Moriyama; Orange County Japanese American Association providing information about local organizations, programs and ways to get involved.
Venue info: www.crystalcovestatepark.org