Japanese American Museum . National Medal

On January 28th at the Japanese American National museum(JANM), a celebration ceremony was held for being awarded the National Medal.

The National medal is an award given by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) to American institutions for their community volunteer activity and innovative work for the whole society.

The museum, through the presentation of the Japanese Americans' experiences, was distinguished for its showcase of American diversity.
At the December award ceremony held in the White house,
Michelle Obama presented the medal to JANM President Akemi Yano.

The Japanese American National Museum, that passes on the history and stories of Japanese Americans, was founded in 1985 in Little Tokyo.

From the immigration of the first generation to the present, the museum uses more than 100,000 artifacts, pictures, and footage. It is the only museum in America that presents the life of the Japanese Americans.

Many VIPs come to see the museum traveling from Japan to Los Angeles.
In 2008 the crowned prince of Japan visited the museum and was impressed by the variety of items exhibited.

By communicating the miracle of the Japanese living in America, the museum serves as a bridge between America and Japan.

The National Medal shows great promise of the museums success. From now on they will try to use the internet to reach the younger generation and promote the museum.

US Japan Council

On the 22 of this month, 13 Japanese American leaders gathered in Los Angeles.

This is the US-Japan Council's 11th Japanese American Leader Delegation Press Conference.

The members, picked from American education, buisness, and goverment institutions, work to increase Japanese American relations in their fields.

In March, the 13 leaders will take part in symposiums in the main cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Japan.

This year they plan to discuss their opinions about education, enviroment and women's rights.

Kansai Club Shinnenkai

On January 30th, Los Angeles Kansai Club held their New Year celebration.

This year will be the club's 44th year. And its motto "waiwai gayagaya, tanoshiku yukai ni" (meaning to "laugh and talk out loud, cheerfully and happily")
The New Year party was alive with many amusements.

After Mr. Iseiya Akafuku's Rakkugo warmed up the audience, everyone joined in to do the traditional morning exercise.

Everyone, including the performers and people helping out, had fun.

At the end of the party was the annual Rock Paper Scissor Competition.
Everyone enjoyed the day's event till the very end.

Food Truck Fair

The first time ever Food Truck Festival was held at the Santa Anita Racetrack.
Twenty-four popular food trucks gathered from all around Los Angeles.
About 10,000 people came out to eat at the event.
Food trucks are converted trucks serving freshly made food, or a "traveling restaurant".
They have good prices and lots unique food on their menus.
Food from all around the world can be enjoyed at this festival, including Mexican, Asian and Indian.
Not to mention desserts!
From kids to adults, everyone was all smiles.

Every truck had its own long line, but the truck with longest line (a 2 hour wait), was the "Lobsta Truck".
Though start up was only two months ago, they are already famous.

Their secret...

You can now find the food trucks' current locations by computer or cellphone.
It is a business with infinite possibilities, and something to watch for in the future.