This year the Buddhahead Breakfast Club held its third birthday celebration for its members who turned 80 years old.
The Buddhahead Breakfast Club, composed of Japanese American veterans and friends, has grown over the years from just a few members who would gather to socialize and reminisce about their young days to 85 members. The group meets on the first Friday of every month at King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant in Torrance.
In Japanese culture, attaining the age of 80 is one of the grand milestones in a person’s life. The kanji word for this birthday milestone is pronounced “sanju” and is written 傘寿. The character for “san” (傘) means umbrella and includes the characters for eight (八) and ten (十). The character for “ju” (寿) represents longevity and congratulations.
The 80-year-old members honored at the celebration were: Ray Fukumoto, Kaz Furusawa, Gordon Hashimoto, Robert Horsting, Jack Lew, Earnie Low, John Masaki, James Masaki, Richard Mikami, Chris Mori, Don Nakamura, Mak Nakayama, Roger Nakazawa, Mickey Nozawa, Ralph Ochoa, Ken Sasaki, Stan Senaha, Eddie Sugita, Sonny Tasaki, Ron Varnell, and Walter Westbrooke.
Elegant silver medallions with chains bearing their names were handed out to all the honorees. Photographer and videographer George Wada and Shunji Hosozawa took individual and group photos, and videographer Don Bannai captured the festivities in vivid video.
The members were treated to the famous King’s Hawaiian Rainbow Cake. It was a truly festive occasion to honor members for their longevity, thank members for their service to our country, and for their loyal patronage of the club.
This special celebratory event was made possible for the third time by a generous donation from the Japanese American Centenarian Spirit, a nonprofit organization originally founded by Kiyo Fukumoto to recognize Japanese American seniors who served in the armed forces and to celebrate the longevity of our seniors.
Founded more than 20 years ago by Vietnam veteran Chris Segawa, the Buddhahead Breakfast Club continues to give Sansei veterans and friends a place to gather, share memories, and sustain friendships across generations. The 80th birthday celebration reflects that enduring purpose: honoring lives of service while strengthening the bonds that have made the club a cherished community tradition.