On April 11, the Kumamoto Prefectural Association of Southern California (Kumamoto Kenjinkai) held a luncheon at Happa Restaurant in the city of Gardena to commemorate both its 125th anniversary and the 10-year milestone since the Kumamoto earthquakes. Members and representatives from the Japanese American community came together to celebrate the organization’s history—one of the oldest in the history of Japanese Americans in North America—and to reaffirm their continued support for their home prefecture of Kumamoto.
125 Years of Tradition: Founded in 1901, the Kumamoto Kenjinkai is one of the longest-established prefectural associations in Southern California. Today it has about 120 members, supported not only by people originally from Kumamoto but also by a broad range of individuals who love Kumamoto.
In recent years, the number of younger members has visibly increased, and the association actively creates opportunities for talented individuals—such as new member Jonathan Ealey, who served as emcee for this event—to contribute. Fluent in both Japanese and English, Ealey previously taught English for three years in Yatsushiro City on the Kumamoto Prefecture program.
Ten Years Since the Kumamoto Earthquakes: In his remarks, Yoshikuni Okita, President of the Kumamoto Kenjinkai reflected that building ties with other organizations had been key to the association’s continuity. “Ten years after the Kumamoto earthquakes, what was originally planned as five years of support activities has been able to continue up to today through efforts such as Michiyo Ando’s flamenco charity events. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the community’s cooperation and understanding,” he said.
A congratulatory message praising the association’s longstanding activities was also delivered by George Howard, President of the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California.
Conveyance of Commendations from the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture: During the ceremony, certificates of commendation from the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture were presented. A congratulatory message was conveyed to Okita, who turned 80 last year, and an Overseas Meritorious Service Commendation was conveyed to Ando in recognition of her many years of contributions. Both were delivered by Yumiko Ikeda, an officer of the Kumamoto Kenjinkai.
Rediscovering Kumamoto’s Appeal: In the keynote speech of the special program, Ian Marquarnd—who worked to build the sister-state relationship between Kumamoto and the state of Montana—took the stage. Speaking on the theme “Kumamoto’s Appeal as Seen from America,” he passionately described how Kumamoto’s rich natural environment, history, and the warmth of its people—symbolized by “Kumamon”—continue to captivate people around the world.
Building Connections Through a Variety of Performances: After the luncheon, which began with a toast led by George Mori, President of the Miyazaki Kenjinkai, a wide range of entertainment was presented.
A passionate flamenco performance by Michiyo Ando (Mikaela Kai) was followed by singer Karin’s rendition of Yashiro Aki’s well-known song “Sweet Home Kumamoto.”
In addition, member groups performed “Otemoyan” and “Samba Otemoyan,” and an audience-participation dance, “Tanko Bushi,” brought the entire venue into a warm circle of dancing.
Toward a Peaceful Community for the Next Generation: In the closing remarks, Ando concluded with a strong message: “Friendship and exchange are the foundation of peace. For the next generation, I want us to move forward together toward a peaceful community where we can help one another.” Proceeds (all revenue after expenses) from the flamenco show she will hold on June 14 will also continue to be donated to support Kumamoto’s recovery.
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