Martie Quan Kawahara, who attended with her family, was one of the lucky raffle winners.
During mochi-maki, participants tried to catch bags of mochi.
Many of the ondo dancers wore Yamaguchi Kenjinkai happi coats.
Special guests included Erica Hayashi of Nanka Shimane Kenjinkai and Keiro Koga of Nanka Fukuoka Kenjinkai.
Past NYK President Arturo Yoshimoto provided hot dogs and chili.
NYK President Bruce Kimura gave opening and closing remarks.
Kokoro Taiko opened the program.
Nanka Yamaguchi Kenjinkai recently held its annual picnic at George Elder Memorial Park in Monterey Park.
The program opened with remarks by NYK President Bruce Kimura and a performance by Kokoro Taiko led by former NYK President Victor Fukuhara.
Special guests included Erica Hayashi, president of Nanka Shimane Kenjinkai, and Keiro Koga, president of Nanka Fukuoka Kenjinkai.
NYK Secretary Naomi Suenaka and board member Eric Hashibe oversaw the opportunity drawings with $100, $300 and $500 as the top prizes.
The ondo was led by dance instructor Kristin Kimura.
Kids participated in a candy toss and mochi-maki. Board member Lorraine Kimura was in charge of the races and games.
Bruce Kimura gave closing remarks. A group photo was taken and all attendees took part in the clapping ritual known as sanbonjime.
Hot dogs and chili were donated by past NYK President Arturo Yoshimoto and snow cones were donated by Fukuhara.
The Yamaguchi Prefectural Association of Southern California, which celebrated its 120th anniversary last year, consists of descendants, family, friends and enthusiasts of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It generally meets twice a year for the New Year’s party and the summer picnic. Other events include Tanabata Festival participation and a bowling tournament.
For more information, visit yamaguchisocal.com.