Japanese Classical Films at AFM
-JETRO Introduces Japanese Films to the World-

Many Japanese films were promoted at one of the world’s largest film festivals, American Film Market, in Santa Monica. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) organized the Japan Booth, in which Japanese film distributors presented films to buyers. Among the contemporary films were classical silent films, distributed by Digital Meme. Japanese films are still very popular among international buyers.

Asahi Gakuen Speech Contest
-The Ability To Speak in Japanese-

Asahi Gakuen held its annual speech contest on November 14, 2009, in Santa Monica. Twenty-four of the school’s advanced students each spoke about their thoughts and messages in Japanese. Fujita Miyu, this year’s winner, spoke about family ties. Other students also spoke on relationships and their experiences growing up as adolescents.

The 10th Annual Japanese Food Festival
-Enjoying the Japanese Food Culture-

Sushi, curry and sake were among many Japanese dishes presented at the 10th Annual Japanese Food Festival at the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens in Little Tokyo. Over 800 locals flocked to taste and see the Japanese food culture, including the tuna-cutting show, which was a crowd pleaser. The Japanese Restaurant Show sponsors this festival to increase the popularity of Japanese food in the U.S.

Los Angeles Mission Thanksgiving Dinner
-A Day of Volunteering and Thanking-

The non-profit organization Los Angeles Mission held its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Event in downtown Los Angeles. Celebrities such as Kirk and Anne Douglas volunteered to serve over 3000 Thanksgiving meals to 3000 low-income families. The volunteers spread the holiday spirit, as they walked by the food tables and said,” Happy Thanksgiving!” to each and every family.