2012 NAMM Show

The world’s biggest music products industry tradeshow, NAMM show was held in Anaheim. The tradeshow marked the 110th year. Compared to last year, over 236 more companies joined from all over the world, totaling 1,441 businesses. It was very crowded. We interviewed the Japanese businesses at the show. Casio, for the first time in 25 years, announced their new synthesizer at the show. KORG does business in Japan, England, Italy and other areas of the world. Pioneer introduced their small PCDJ. The price is set to be affordable. Yamaha collaborated with Bösendorfer company in Vienna to introduce this high-end piano that was on display. In the 110 years of NAMM show’s history, this year had a record breaking, 95,000 visitors.

World Children's Baseball Fair’s 20th Anniversary Commemoration

On January 21st, the World Children's Baseball Fair’s 20th anniversary commemoration took place. Sadaharu Oh and Hank Aaron, the Japan and US home run kings are the Chairmen of the foundation. In hopes of strengthening goodwill and fellowship among the children of the world through baseball, the group was initiated by Mr. Oh. Also, Mr. Oh gave an encouraging comment to pitcher Darvish who is heading to Major League Baseball. After the press conference, Mr. Oh and Mr. Aaron received leadership awards by Major League Baseball and the International Baseball Federation. Children are the World’s treasure. Even if the language is different, children can communicate. Mr. Oh was enthusiastic about his plan to continue providing a place for exchange.

“Fullmetal Alchemist – The Sacred Star of Milos”

The screening of the anime film “Fullmetal Alchemist – The Sacred Star of Milos” was held. At the North American premiere, voice actor Vic Mignogna, director Kazuya Murata and others appeared. The original story is a dark fantasy of two alchemist brothers' journey as they search for the Philosopher's Stone. The TV series was aired in 40 countries and received many awards in the US. Tickets were all sold out at the event. The film's special screenings are being held in 77 theaters, nationwide.

“dineLA” Restaurant Week

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau launched dineLA restaurant week 5 years ago to help businesses in January and October when restaurants are slow. Over 300 restaurants in LA provide special courses for people to try. Our reporter visited one of the participating restaurants. The sushi restaurant in Sawtelle,
“Kiriko” has been a part of restaurant week for a year. The appetizer is a homemade smoked-salmon with mango. The “Omakase Sushi Plate” is the main dish, which includes fatty tuna and blue crab hand roll. You also get a handmade green tea crème brûlée. This would normally cost $60, but during this special week you can eat it for only $44. This is a great opportunity for restaurants to get new costumers. Excluding Saturday, restaurant week will be going on until February 3rd. This is a good opportunity to try some fine dining.