Celebrating 50 years of Keiro Senior HealthCare

NPO group, Keiro Senior HealthCare held a luncheon to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Over 800 people with a personal connection to Keiro attended the luncheon. 8 Nikkei community leaders established Keiro Senior HealthCare in 1961. It started as a hospital, however the founders wanted a place the elderly can call home and in 1969 the hospital became a nursing home. For the comfort of Japanese American elders, the nursing home provides Japanese food everyday and there are many Japanese cultural activities available. Currently there are 4 locations in LA with over 600 staff caring for the elderly, 24/7. With the help of community donations and volunteers, Keiro Senior HealthCare has served over 125,000 families. In hopes of reaching their goal, the free “Genki Living” expo was held in addition to the luncheon, attracting over 3,000 visitors. As the number of Japanese American elderly increase, the community can expect great things from Keiro Senior HealthCare.

The New Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles

Consul General Jun Niimi: "I was truly happy when I heard that I would be transferring to Los Angeles. My duties here at the Consulate-General's office are very important. I feel close to LA through my favorite showssuch as "Columbo" and "Lethal Weapon". I used to dream about working in LA so I am very happy about my transfer." The new Consul General, Jun Niimi first started as Consul General of Foreign Affairs in 1979. He has worked in 6 other countries but this will be his first time working in North America. The Japanese community in LA is like the good old days in Japan. The heart-warming community atmosphere that Japan had 40 years ago is present here in Southern California. First, I would like to thank all the American people who have given us their greatest support for the Tohoku Earthquake. With the ongoing situation with the Fukushima nuclear power plants, I want to make sure that necessary information is accurate and available to the general public. Secondly, I would like to backup Japanese companies in their economic activities. The backup of huge projects such as the high-speed railways will hopefully lead to more business for the Japanese companies.

Major League Baseball Player Takashi Saito

The children are waiting anxiously for…Major League Baseball pitcher, Takashi Saito. On October 27th, Saito, who played in the Milwaukee Brewers last season, visited Nishiyamato Academy, a Japanese School in Lomita. Saito visited the school before, twice as a Dodgers player. This will be his 3rd visit. He visited again to thank the Japanese American community for their support of his hometown, Sendai. Saito talked to over 88 students for 1 hour about what he learned through his career and the importance of following your dream. Takashi Saito: "Although the talk was short I felt their full attention and interest so I believe I passed on more than words can express to the children here." Saito finished his 1-year contract with the Brewers this year. Although he turns 42 next season, he shows intentions of continuing in the Major’s.

Capricciosa’s Opening

On October 25th, a new Italian restaurant “Capricciosa” opened in Torrance. At the opening ceremony Frank Scotto, the mayor of Torrance, awarded the restaurant for creating new jobs for the community. In 1978, "Capricciosa" opened its 1st restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo. The imported tomato from Southern Italy brought attention to their sauce and lead to a franchise of over 130 restaurants in places like Guam and Southeast Asia. The restaurant in Torrance will mark its first store in America providing the same quality taste and menu as in Japan. Jun Horiuchi: "The restaurant's popularity in Japan is huge. Coming to America, we wanted to introduce the taste to people in Torrance where there are many Japanese residents." “Capricciosa” hopes to open a second restaurant in Orange County next Spring.

LA EigaFest

Hayato Mitsuishi: "We want the American public to enjoy Japanese movies!" With hopes to spread Japanese films, the Japan Film Society presents it's 1st annual LA EigaFest. A total of 19 of the latest Japanese films will be screened at the Chinese Theatres. The festival will kick off with a film about a man's adventure through time and space, chasing his ex-girlfriend. "Milocrorze: A Love Story" is a film by writer-director Yoshimasa Ishibashi. The festival will close with director Takashi Miike's "HARA-KIRI". The film will be screened in 3D. Hayato Mitsuishi: “I want the Hollywood movie industry to see that Japanese films can gain popularity in the U.S. which will lead to the distribution of Japanese films in America. I want the festival to be a place where everyone involved is happy.” LA EigaFest will run from November 11th through the 13th at the Chinese Theatres.