2 | Gala Anniversary Celebration 4 | Corporate Member Spotlight 5 | Member Spotlight 7 | Q&A with Consul General Jun Niimi 10 | Commentary by Professor Tom Plate JAS CONNECTIONS News and Information for Members and Friends Spring 2012 of the America Society of Southern California

A Message from the PRESIDENT

Last year was one of the Japan have surpassed $1.4 million in funds for consideration to receive America Society’s most successful raised that both helped with immediate additional tranches from the ever, as well as one of our busiest. It humanitarian relief and will continue 2011 Japan Relief Fund. was largely dominated by the March to assist with long-term recovery of We will continue to provide 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake the devastated areas of Tohoku. updates on this important that caused horrific destruction process through future As we approach the first anniversary and loss of life that is still difficult to issues of JAS Connections. of Japan’s greatest natural disaster, comprehend. The events on this date JAS will continue to serve by Turning the focus back to Douglas G. Erber and the immediate actions JAS took to supporting many memorial events JAS’s mission on this side of the President serve in a leadership role as a trusted taking place in Southern California. Pacific, our board recently held a information source, helping people Additionally, now that rebuilding strategic planning retreat to develop locate loved ones, and creating and is gathering momentum in the long-term plans to build on JAS managing our 2011 Japan Relief Fund devastated regions of Tohoku, our strengths and that aim to provide more required the full focus of our board, our 2011 Japan Relief Fund committee benefits for our membership. I am staff and our members and donors. is carefully examining rebuilding pleased to announce one of these Thanks to your unprecedented and initiatives and reconstruction projects benefits is the rollout of our new online heartfelt outpouring of support, we [Continued on page 3] Gala anniversary celebration

JAS Plans 103rd Anniversary Dinner & Gala Celebration The JAS Anniversary Dinner strengthen the relationship for thousands of victims of the Committee’s co-chairs, Tammie between Japan and the United March 2011 earthquake and Kanda of Toyota Motor Sales, States through animation, film, tsunami,” said Terry Hara. U.S.A., Inc., and Deputy Chief television, educational programs The entire evening will be filled Terry Hara of the and the world’s most beloved theme with special opportunities, including Police Department, are pleased to parks,” said Tammie Kanda. a once-in-a-lifetime chance to announce the 103rd Anniversary “The Gala’s theme is ‘Friends enjoy Disneyland® Park exclusive Dinner & Gala Celebration will take Helping Friends’ to honor and pay Club 33, a private, members-only place on the evening of Friday, tribute to the service personnel fine dining club that is filled with June 15, 2012, in the Center who participated in Operation Disney magic that can only be Ballroom of the Disneyland® Hotel. Tomodachi, one of the greatest experienced in person. Club 33 was “We are pleased to honor The Walt collaborations of Japanese and created by Walt Disney as a unique, Disney Company in recognition United States forces to provide five-star venue for VIP visitors to of more than 80 years of helping immediate humanitarian assistance the theme park, including prime

2 Gala anniversary celebration

ministers, presidents, movie stars win, and information to enter will more than 50 years later, the hotel and royalty. The Club is secretly be posted on the JAS website. that started it all is back, and re- located within the Disneyland® Park. imagined for a new millennium. JAS has developed a reputation for Combining mid-century cool with And there is more… Through a holding its anniversary galas in fun modern luxury, the re-imagined very generous donation by Toyota and unique venues, including the Disneyland® Hotel sets the standard Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., JAS also playing field of Dodger Stadium, for sophistication and inspiration. will present an opportunity drawing under the wings of Air Force One, for a 2012 LEXUS CT 200h, the at the World Cruise Terminal, inside For more information about the hottest-selling hybrid vehicle in Club Nokia at LA LIVE, South 103rd Anniversary Dinner & Gala, the Lexus product line (Lexus is Coast Plaza and in the courtyard of including attractive sponsorship a division of Toyota Motor Sales, the Los Angeles County Museum opportunities and the chance to visit U.S.A., Inc.). The opportunity of Art. We are pleased this year Club 33, please visit www.jas-socal. drawing will take place during the to be at the Disneyland® Hotel, org or call 213-627-6217, ext. 207. 103rd Anniversary Dinner & Gala. which first opened in 1955 as the Winner need not be present to place to be and be seen. Now

message from the president [continued from cover] membership directory. As this issue’s recognize and honor the Japanese and the United States (you saw article outlines, information about this and American service personnel who them on page 1). You are invited to exciting feature to our website will participated in Operation Tomodachi, visit the JAS website to learn more be distributed to all JAS members, which provided critical and immediate about this historic centennial and and I invite you to take advantage humanitarian relief to thousands of the commemorative events taking of the online membership directory victims of last year’s earthquake in place in Southern California. to further increase the relationship- Japan. I hope you will join us for this Please enjoy this spring 2012 building opportunities JAS provides to special gala, as well as the many other issue of JAS Connections, and on our active members and supporters. programs we will present this year. behalf of the JAS board and staff, I The article above shares the exciting Finally, JAS is pleased to support the thank you for your ongoing strong plans for our 103rd Anniversary Dinner many events celebrating the 100th support for the Japan America & Gala Celebration, which will be held Anniversary of the gifting of cherry Society of Southern California. at the Disneyland® Hotel on Friday, trees from the people of Japan to Best regards, June 15, 2012. We are pleased to the United States. The 3,000 cherry honor The Walt Disney Company in trees donated to Washington, D.C., recognition of its 80-plus years of in 1911, have become one of the helping strengthen the relationship hallmarks of our nation’s capital, Douglas G. Erber between the people of Japan and as well as a poignant symbol of the President the United States. We also will strong friendship between Japan 3 Corporate Member Spotlight Kirin Brewery of America, LLC

June Yamamura, product manager, and Takafumi Yamada, VP sales, Kirin Brewery of America with Kirin President Randy Higa.

Since its establishment in 1996, Kirin Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI), Asian culture and cuisine. On that Brewery of America, LLC (KBA), whereby ABI brews, distributes, and note, Kirin’s latest product entry has been working to expand the sells Kirin Ichiban and Kirin Light in the U.S. market is Kirin Free, presence and sales of Kirin Beer Beers throughout its network in which is a completely alcohol- across North America. A wholly the U.S. Los Angeles is currently free beer taste beverage. With its owned subsidiary of Kirin Brewery the largest metro market for Kirin innovative 0.00% alcohol content Co., Ltd, , KBA is based in Beers in the U.S., followed by New and rich beertaste, Kirin Free has Torrance, Calif., and conducts York, , San Francisco, become a big hit in Japan since sales and marketing activities for and Phoenix. Kirin Beers are now introduced there in 2009. KBA just Kirin Ichiban and Kirin Light beer available in all 50 U.S. states, began test marketing Kirin Free in brands across the continent. as well as Canada and Mexico, Southern California in Oct. 2011, and sales continue to expand as and hopes to expand sales to KBA has a longstanding partnership interest has grown in Japanese and other key U.S. markets in 2012. with the U.S. beer market leader 4 Member Spotlight Deputy Chief Emile Mack Los Angeles Fire Department

Left: Mack and Hiromoto (JAS chairman) aboard the LAFD fireboat at the Port of Los Angeles. Top, middle: Emile Mack as a young boy with his father Clarence Mack in Los Angeles. Top, right: Emile and Jenny Mack with daughter Miya. Bottom: Emile Mack with forrmer California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other local officials at the scene of a 2008 brush fire in Sylmar.

The City of Los Angeles is proud After serving on the LAFD for more outlook on life has touched all of its firefighters and JAS is proud than 30 years and overseeing 4,000 those who know him,” said Nancy of its board of directors. Meet firefighters, Emile Mack is now Woo Hiromoto, chairman, JAS. board member Deputy Chief Emile one of the most highly respected Recently, Emile and his Japanese- Mack of the Los Angeles Fire officials in the city. Among his American wife, Jenny, adopted Department (LAFD). Not only is many accomplishments, Emile a baby girl, Miya, from South the Emile Mack the highest-ranking created the LAFD 20-year strategic Korea. “When I was younger, I Asian American firefighter of a master plan, and led numerous city, always said, I’m going to adopt,” major American city, his life story county, and regional government said Mack. “As I got older, I started is one that is sure to inspire. agencies to work with non-profit understanding what my life could organizations in its preparation for Emile Mack grew up in a unique have been like had I not been Katrina evacuees. He directed household. After being abandoned adopted, and appreciating what LAFD’s emergency medical at a South Korean police station as my parents gave me; it went from services during the health care a baby, he was adopted at age three wanting to adopt just because I crisis and is a governor appointee by an African-American couple, had been adopted, to wanting to do of the California State Board of Fire Clarence and Undine Mack. With what my parents had done for me Services. Emile’s characteristics of his new family, Emile lived and for a child in Korea.” It is a dream leadership, determination, kindness, grew up in the Crenshaw area of come true for Emile Mack. JAS and fairness have garnered great Los Angeles. As Emile grew a little is proud to have this outstanding loyalty and dedication among his older, he sensed that his Korean citizen and extraordinary role model fellow firefighters. His upbringing background made him stand out to help guide the organization. in a multi-national environment in his family. Yet, the difference “Like my life of connections and has surely benefited his insight between Emile and his parents or bonds between so many diverse in the racially diverse city of Los his siblings never bothered him, and aspects of the world we live in,” Angeles. “There is also no doubt Emile thrived happily in the love said Mack, “JAS works tirelessly to that Emile’s enriching experience and care of his family and friends build the bridges for the Japanese growing up and his positive amidst his African-American culture. community with our greater world.” 5 Sakura Manga Poster Contest Marks Centennial More than 60 Southern California Students Submit Colorful Entries

The year 2012 marks the 100th increase students’ awareness honored to be able to achieve being anniversary of the gift of cherry trees of the history and importance a part of such an important event.” (Sakura) from the people of Japan of the relationship between Judges include Douglas Erber, to the people of the United States. Japan and the United States. president, JAS; Nancy Woo Planted in Washington, D.C., “Cherry Blossoms are a symbol Hiromoto, chairman, JAS; the these cherry trees have become of warmth and care, and we have Honorable Jun Niimi, consul a symbol of both Washington, the pleasure to enjoy them every general, Consulate-General of D.C., and the warm and important year and to remind ourselves of Japan in Los Angeles; Hideo bi-lateral relationship between an important friend, Japan,” says Sakata, artist, Terakoya Gallery; Japan and the United States. Michelle Huang, a senior at Arcadia Ted Tokio Tanaka, principal, Ted On the occasion of this centennial, High School, winner of the computer Tokio Tanaka Architects; and Dave the Japan America Society of generated category. She added, Tuites, executive director, Japan Southern California reached out to “This beautiful relationship will bloom Society of San Diego and Tijuana. high school students to increase the even more as time goes on. I am The SAKURA Manga Poster understanding and appreciation of glad my work presented the essence Contest is part of the Japan - U.S. Japan and Japanese culture, and of the two combined cultures.” Cherry Blossom Centennial, co- to deepen the bonds of friendship Tiana Wright, a junior at Patrick sponsored by the Japan America between Japanese and Americans Henry High School in San Diego, Society of Southern California and through a SAKURA manga poster winner of the free hand category the Consulate-General of Japan contest. The students submitted said, “I feel that the cherry blossom in Los Angeles, and supported “Sakura” themed, manga (cartoon) trees represent the greatest by the Japan Foundation - Los style posters, computer generated or symbolism of friendship between Angeles and the Japan Society free hand. The contest also helped Japan and the United States. I’m of San Diego and Tijuana. 6 GETTING TO KNOW Consul General Jun Niimi

Q: You arrived in Los Angeles nearly one-half year ago. What have been your first impressions of Southern California and its people? A: I would describe my first impression of Southern California and its people as “light,” “open,” 84%. To what do you attribute this positive increase? TRAVELING EXHIBIT SCHEDULE and “vibrant.” I think this is due to the Southern Californian climate A: I think there are two main reasons The artwork will be on display for (the sunlight and the blue sky) for the positive increase. One the public to enjoy and learn about and also the great sense of ethnic is the tremendous and warm the bi-lateral relationship through diversity throughout the area. support extended to Japan from cherry blossoms. For detailed exhibit Q: As we approach the one-year the U.S. after the earthquake and schedule, visit www.jas-socal.org anniversary of Japan’s worst tsunami. Additionally, we received natural disaster, what are your support and relief efforts from the Sun., Feb. 12 to Sun., Feb. 26, in reflections and what does the U.S. government on a very big Little Tokyo at Terakoya Gallery future hold for Tohoku? scale. For example, U.S. military forces joined Japanese Ground Sat., March 3 to Sun., A: When the earthquake occurred, Self Defense Forces to conduct March 11, in Irvine at Irvine I was working in my office at the “Operation Tomodachi” to provide Yamaha Music Center ministry. The entire executive staff immediate help to Japanese had met in the minister’s office Fri., March 16 to Sun., March affected by the disaster. We are and was consulting over certain 18, in San Diego at Anime Conji very grateful to the assistance and measures. When the situation San Diego Anime Convention support from the United States. regarding the tsunami was shown Tue., March 27 to Sat., April 7, in on the television, everyone in the The second reason is the unstable situation in Northeast Torrance at Sushi Chef Institute room was speechless. When I think of the people who lost their Asia, particularly the threats Fri., April 20 to Mon., April lives, I cannot help but grieve. from North Korea and China’s 30, in Downtown LA at Japan Even in the face of a natural military expansion. The Japanese Information and Cultural Center disaster, the people of Japan people are encouraged by at the Consulate-General have done their best at every turn President Obama and Secretary of Japan in Los Angeles and have made a strong recovery. Clinton’s reassurances of the U.S. commitment to support West LA – Location and Schedule The reconstruction in Tokyo after Asia and the Far East. will be announced soon the Great Kanto Earthquake is a good example of this. I Q: You have served the Foreign do not doubt that the Tohoku View detailed exhibit schedule Ministry in important posts around area as well will thrive after at www.jas-socal.org or call the world. Can you share one this and become a region well of the most challenging issues 213-627-6217, ext. 207. prepared for natural disasters. you have faced? Additionally, Q: Since 1978, the annual foreign can you share one of your most relations poll issued by Japan’s memorable experiences? cabinet office has revealed that A: Perhaps the most challenging a majority of Japanese have issue was the implementation feelings of friendship toward the of overseas voting for Japanese United States. Last December, nationals in 2000. That year, for this majority hit a record level of the first time in Japan’s history, [continued on page 8] 7 Strong Workforce Strategy = Bright Future for Your Business

Employers Group is proud to be Just as the Japan America for employment law. With our working with the JASSC to provide Society aims to serve the needs 115 years of company-focused its members an opportunity to of individuals and businesses with expertise, we have taken our relieve significant challenges and Japanese heritage (stateside and knowledge and know-how beyond burdens of today’s regulatory- abroad), Employers Group has the borders of the golden state filled environment. It brings more established programs to support its to partner with organizations with than a century of experience members in the challenges human offices located across the United and knowledge in protecting and resources faces today. We have States and around the world. supporting companies year round. first-hand experience partnering In addition to our core membership Workforce dynamics and the role with hundreds of Japan-based benefits, Employers Group also of a human resources professional businesses for more than 100 years, works side-by-side with businesses have shifted helping them navigate to intelligently design and drastically over through the legal, successfully implement workforce the past 30 years. regulatory, operational training initiatives, compensation Gone are the and cultural barriers and benefit budgeting, and a days of personnel of doing business in variety of on-demand human departments California and across resources services (such as being simply the United States. leaves of absence administration, overhead We provide a significant discount interim staffing, HR audits, etc.). expenses. Human resources for membership in Employers Seasoned helpline consultants are now charged with playing a Group to JASSC members. A are on call to answer any troubling strategic role in protecting the membership with Employers Group workplace issues, so companies organization from industry and gives companies the peace of mind can mitigate risk and reduce costly regulatory compliance issues and security knowing they have a fees due to non-compliance. that permeate every aspect of trusted advisor on their team to help operations today in addition to For more information on Employers them plan and execute a strategic managing perpetual change from Group and how its team can best approach to workforce management. an economic rollercoaster to never- serve the needs of your business – Employers Group’s experience ending investment for performance here in the United States or abroad – was cultivated in California – one improvement and protecting please visit www.employersgroup. of the most litigious environments workforce vitality and retention. com or call 800-748-8484.

[continued from page 7] we conducted overseas voting like to share is an experience residing in Iran. However, on the occasion of the election while serving in Iran. At the time, nothing happened. In fact, I was of House of Councilors, or Upper there were qualifying matches for congratulated by all my Iranian House. I was then serving as the World Cup Soccer. To qualify, friends and I really appreciated the director of the consular and the Iranian and Japanese teams the good sportsmanship immigration office, the division had to play against each other, exhibited by the Iranian people. in charge of overseas voting. and Japan managed to win and Additionally, when Iran beat We were very concerned about qualify. Soon after, Iran had to Australia and qualified for the the successful implementation play Australia to win the last spot World Cup, the Iranian people of overseas voting; fortunately, to join the World Cup, and Iran entered the streets and started we had no serious issues or managed to win and qualify. to dance and cheer. It was difficulties and we were very overwhelming to see the joy of What I would like to stress is pleased with the process. the Iranian people, a sight I could that when Japan beat Iran, our not have imagined beforehand. Most memorable experience: I embassy was worried about have many fond and unforgettable possible harassment or violence Q: Over the past few years, we have memories, but one thing I would against Japanese nationals seen a decline in the number of 8 U.S. students studying Japanese American executive staff more the Japanese government and the number of Japanese actively at the local corporate and should consider scholarships students studying English. What branch level is very important. for Japanese youth willing to can we do to help encourage study abroad. Also, Japanese As for the study of English more interest among our students universities should consider language by Japanese students, to study each others’ languages? accepting class credits earned at I don’t think the number has U.S. universities so students can A: Historically, I think there have declined very much. English still graduate after studying three been two strong reasons for is a compulsory subject in years in a Japanese university Americans to study Japanese. Japanese schools, beginning and one year in a U.S. university. The first is to seek a career at the elementary school level In the business sector, Japanese working with Japanese or in a though high school. Recently, companies should consider Japanese company. Another at job interviews, a candidate’s hiring more Japanese graduates reason has been a strong interest Test of English for International who have studied abroad. in Japanese culture, especially Communication (TOEIC) score “Cool Japan” aspects such as has become an important element Q: What business and cultural anime, manga, and J-Pop music. for hiring considerations. outreach programs and I think one way to encourage activities will the Consulate But there absolutely has been young people to study Japanese General of Japan be supporting a decline of Japanese students is to develop expanded support in the months ahead? studying English in the U.S., which for Japanese language schools is due to several reasons. For A: The Consulate is constantly and related facilities. It is not example, securing a job in Japan promoting and co-presenting easy because of Japan’s slowed is becoming increasingly difficult, many cultural and related events economy, but it is my hope the so college students have been with other organizations, including Japanese government might be concentrating their job search the Japan America Society. As a able to extend greater support at an early stage. So, to study strong example, this year marks for Japanese language schools abroad for a period of time may the centennial anniversary of the in the U.S. Also, it feels like be a disadvantage nowadays. gift of cherry blossom trees from Japanese businesses carrying Japan to the United States; these out their appointments of the To help reverse this trend, [continued on page 11]

JAS Introduces New Online Membership Directory

We are pleased to announce the JAS members, similar to other visits his/her personal record on new JAS Online Membership social networking services. the online directory and chooses to Directory -- one of the most make his/her contact information “One of the nicest features is that requested benefits of membership available to other JAS members or JAS members can select what -- is now available on the JAS to all visitors to the JAS website. contact information they would like website. JAS members, whose to share, and even opt out of being Kay Amano cited, “A convenient annual memberships are up- included in the directory altogether,” ‘Search’ option will allow you to to-date, are invited to access says JAS programs director Kay find other JAS members who have this new membership-exclusive Amano. Amano added, “The opted to share their information.” An website feature to begin enjoying online membership directory offers “Advanced Search” feature will allow its many features and benefits. comprehensive privacy and security you to precisely select and filter Specifically, the online membership controls that are easy to use.” records by specifying one or more directory allows you to easily criteria such as regions or industries. JAS has a strict privacy policy and and conveniently contact other does not share members’ contact If you would like more information on JAS members and build your information with third parties how to obtain your login information business and social networking without the prior consent from each or receive additional support, please relationships. You also will be able JAS member. So, your contact call Kay Amano, programs director, to update your personal profile information will remain private at (213) 627-6217, ext. 207, or and select the contact information unless, and until, each member email at [email protected]. 9 you would like to share with other Tom Plate, Loyola Marymount University Professor, Provides Commentary

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) was idea of ambitiously expansive quality journalism. Students in the host of JAS’ U.S. – Japan Green cross-cultural learning did not both that rapidly developing UAE Conference last May. At this conference, die, and next month an internet Gulf state and here at LMU near attendees discovered many new things about LMU, including LMU’s remarkable videoconferencing version of that Marina Del Rey will be reading environmental program and its students’ NHK/Kyoto/UCLA experiment will articles from The Khaleej Times, recent success in placing in a high- re-surface – again thanks to Hume. the excellent daily paper in , profile nationwide green competition. to The Japan Times of Tokyo. JAS was pleased to learn that LMU also The former UC number two is now has begun to formally engage in Asian the Provost at the state university of I mention that latter one because studies led by Professor Tom Plate. the in , my columns on Asia and America Japan has been on the cutting UAE, and I am now teaching my have been running in The Japan edge in so many ways – and this is Asia media courses not at UCLA but Times ever since I started my Asia not always appreciated. Take the at Loyola Marymount University here column in 1996 in the Los Angeles issue of educational innovation. In 1999 – the famous NHK, Japan’s national public broadcasting corporation, offered to finance a major experiment at UCLA. Employing advanced TV-cable technology, including a state-of- the-art voice-activated TV camera, a virtual classroom was created in a physics building there. UCLA’s educational partner in Japan was Kyoto University, one of Asia’s best. The course I had created at UCLA – “An Introduction to the Media Columnist, professor and author Tom Plate with LMU student staffers of LMU’s Asia Media. From the left are Jeremiah and Politics of Asia” – was one of Fajardo, Winston Esposito, Patricia Martin and Cori Lai. three selected for the experiment. The selection committee was chaired by Wyatt R. Hume, then in Los Angeles. This month about Times. Even after ownership UCLA’s executive vice chancellor. 25 students at UAEU – at about 8 changes pushed out a lot of good The social-science course was a am in the morning over there! – stuff at the Times, quality papers like rousing success. Sixty students at and 25 or so here (at 8pm our time, JT asked me to continue my work. Tuesday nights) – will form a virtual UCLA (where I taught until 2008) It has proven a fruitful partnership, classroom, and here we go again! and forty in Kyoto met for two as recently evidenced by that hours once a week and ranged This one is especially exciting due paper’s enthusiastic agreement through topics from China’s media in part to the novelty of a nominally to publish a 3,000 word excerpt system to the role of cultural Catholic university hooking up with from my latest ‘Giants of Asia’ Confucianism in ’s a nominally Arab/Muslim university. book: CONVERSATIONS WITH media. The students not only And now, thankfully, it is also much THAKSIN. The editors splashed learned together as a group in real less expensive to do: internet it over a full page on their new time but in some cases formed technology versus under-the-ocean FOCUS section. The notion that bonds of friendship that led to giddy cable, so maybe it will be continued. the elite of Japan (the paper’s exchanges of visits and more. core audience) will be exposed to Like the one at Kyoto more than a a selection from my new book is The experiment was not dozen years ago, this one will be extremely satisfying, of course. continued only because leasing based on contemporary issues. the underground cable was To that end, this instructor – me! Japan has huge business and expensive and NHK went through – often relies on current high- investment interests in Thailand, severe budget cuts. But the 10 where was the Japanese would agree with To be it crudely on purpose: prime minister (2001-2006), and that news judgment: in fact, all of Japan is anything but dead yet. where his sister is the current PM. Japan is trying to reassess its own And so the vaunted provincialism of sometimes-tortured relationship with Columnist Prof. Tom Plate is the Distinguished Scholar of Asian and Japan is much over-stated, I believe. that giant to its west. But at the same Pacific Studies at Loyola Marymount A quick look at just the opinion time, the American news media University -- and a Visiting Professor section of The Japan Times internet could do a better job of reminding at United Arab Emirates University for edition will confirm that by the the American public that Japan still Spring Semester 2012. His ‘Giants of Asia’ book series includes portraits of cosmopolitan selection of articles. exists. It remains the number-three , economy in the world – and one of and Thaksin Shinawatra. Please The biggest story out of Asia the greatest product innovators on see: www.lmu.edu/asiamedia over the last 10 years has been the planet…including in education. China, of course. And, in general,

[continued from page 9] trees are planted in Washington the cherry blossoms. and to our friends of the Japan D.C. All over the U.S. many America Society who took Q: Finally, is there any special events are planned to celebrate immediate action to help those message you would like this historic centennial. As part affected by the disasters. to share with members, of this celebration, the Consulate supporters and friends of the Additionally, 2012 is the Year was pleased to promote and work Japan America Society? of the Dragon and the dragon with the Japan America Society is a symbol of strength and of Southern California to conduct A: We are so grateful for the strong prosperity. I wish all our friends a high school cherry blossom and warm support and assistance and supporters of the Japan 100th anniversary manga poster extended to Japan immediately America Society of Southern contest. Throughout this year, after the 3.11 earthquake and California happiness, strength and we look forward to promoting tsunami. I would like to express prosperity throughout this year. additional events commemorating my wholehearted gratitude to the the 100th anniversary of people of Southern California

Food & Culture 2012 OFFICERS Japan is a Cultural Powerhouse Chairman Nancy Woo Hiromoto • There are approximately 9,000 Vice President, N. F. Stroth & Associates Japanese restaurants in the Co-Vice Chair/Chairman Elect U.S., and this number is Terry S. Hara increasing by 8.5% per year. Deputy Chief, Personnel and Training Bureau • Southern California is home to Los Angeles Police Department Counsel Norman A. Futami, Partner 1,800 Japanese restaurants, Co-Vice Chairman Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP more than double the number Kappei Morishita located in Manhattan. General Manager, Blu-ray Standard Group, President ® Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory Douglas G. Erber • The Anime Expo , held in Anaheim, Panasonic R&D Corporation of America President, Japan America Society of Calif., is the nation’s largest Southern California anime convention with more than Corporate Secretary Joseph C. Portillo Treasurer 43,000 unique attendees. Managing Director & Treasurer, Fiduciary Trust Glen I. Hamakawa • Renowned Japanese artist Takashi Company International Partner, Ernst & Young LLP Murakami’s exhibition at the Museum Japan America Society Communications Committee of Contemporary Arts set record- breaking attendance for MOCA with Judy Johnson, GolinHarris – Chair & Editor Randy Higa, Kirin Brewery of America, LLC Sabrina Higdon, AEG Global Partnerships Joel Littleford, Deloitte Tax, LLP 15,705 attendees within its first week. Emile Mack, Los Angeles Fire Department Michael D. Erony, Ph.D, CLTC, CS • Popular Japanese street wear Wendy Schoggins, GolinHarris – Designer MDE & Associates, Inc. brand, BAPE, opened its second (pro bono) United States branch in Los Angeles in April 2008. 11