2011 LA AUTO SHOW

The LA Auto Show is currently at the LA Convention Center from now to the 27th. This year over 30 models made their North American debut and over 20 models made their world debut. In the South Hall, Toyota features its new "2012 Camry", their 7th generation model, dynamically in front of the entrance. Also, they have their "Toyota NASCAR Garage" on display, making it an exciting venue. Out on display for all to examine up close is the "Toyota Prius Plug-in", which will start its promotion next year. On display at the Lexus corner are the all new redesigned models, 6 years in the making. The "2013 GS 350", the new Hybrid Sedan "GS 450h" and the "GS 350 F SPORT Package" that caught the most attention. The new Lexus focuses on improving the car's feel, acceleration and sound, for more sophisticated driving. The hybrid car features a bamboo interior and larger trunk space. In total, the LA Auto Show featured over 50 world and North American debut models. The show is open to the public until Sunday the 27th.

Japanese Language School Unified System

A celebration was held for the Japanese Language School Unified System on the 13th. This event celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Rafu Daiichi Gakuen as well as the inauguration of the first Irvine Gakuen. Chief Instructor Okada was given a school banner for Irvine Gakuen that opened last year in July. Also, students from Irvine Gakuen presented a speech in Japanese. The first school was established in 1911 as a result of the growing number of Japanese children. During WWII, the school closed temporarily, but reopened 7 years later. Currently, over 380 students in the 5 schools are being taught Japanese. Masami Tanaka: "I was really able to appreciate the100 year history of the school. The pioneers built a strong foundation leading to its 100 year success." Over 140 people attended the ceremony such as former students and workers. Over 140 people attended the ceremony such as former students and workers.

Early Celebration for the Emperor of Japan

On the 17th, a celebration for the Emperor of Japan’s birthday was held at the Official Residence of the Consul General in Los Angeles. Emperor Akihito will be celebrating his 78th birthday on December 23rd. This celebration is held every year. But this year the reception included a toast to new Consul General Niimi as well. Over 400 guests attended, including US government and Kenjin Kai representatives. With the Tohoku earthquake this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed to serve sake from the Tohoku region to promote their business.

Asahi Gakuen Santa Monica Speech Contest

On November 12th, Japanese Language School, Asahi Gakuen in Santa Monica held its 22nd annual speech contest. This competition requires students to express themselves in Japanese and started as a way to help students in the real world society. A total of 19 high school students competed theme free with speeches made from their 5-page essays. The students are graded in 3 categories: topic, presentation and attitude. This year's winner was senior, Yuri Kawashima. Her essay is titled "The Era of Cell Phone Communication". Yuri Kawashima: "It is said that people born in the cell phone era have no common sense. I was very shocked when I heard this so I incorporated my experience in Japan and wrote about the cell phone era. That people from the cell phone era are not people lacking common sense." Koichi Ikeda: "The students here know both Japanese and American culture. That is why they are open-minded. We expect them to function in society as a bridge between Japan and America." The 15 students in the contest will graduate from Asahi Gakuen in March of next year.