Kanagawa Kenjinkai recently celebrated the Year of the Horse at its annual picnic at Wilson Park in Torrance.
Kanagawa Kenjinkai President Jennifer Kin Kawase welcomed 175 adults and 30 children.
The Kanagawa team prepared the area with kazari, games, prizes and the food and beverage tables. Hank Iwamoto and Tom Endo checked in attendees, who were warmly greeted by Frank Kawase, past president.
This year the main menu was carnitas, beef, chicken and potato tacos grilled on site by Jennios and hot dogs with all the trimmings by Team Yamamoto.
Snow cones were offered to all as well as treats for the Kanagawa bake sale. Cold drinks and watermelon were a welcome sight on the warm day.
During lunch, Hikari Taiko’s performance included the Lion Dance, to the delight of the guests. Lunch was followed by Radio Taiso exercise and a group picture.
Games for the adults and children included water balloon toss, hula hoop contest and foot races. Summer toys were prizes for winners and losers alike. The games concluded with piñatas.
Games and piñatas were enjoyed under the direction of Ray Yanagita, Paul Yamaguchi, and Daryl Taiji. Everyone was a winner! Bingo followed.
Prizes were coordinated by prize master Leah Yamamoto, who had a table of gift cards, mystery bags, rice, paper products, senbei, candy and donated items. With his loud voice Paul Ishii clearly read out numbers.
Another picnic was enjoyed by all the different generations!
President Jennifer thanked all who worked for the success of another Kanagawa picnic as well as the attendees, and she hopes to see everyone at the New Year’s party and the annual picnic in 2027.