NIKKEI Community 2026 | Leaders and Community Gather as Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) Marks 50 Years of Senior Care and Service
Posted on October 6, 2026 by Cultural News
Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) commemorated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Kaikan social hall of the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo.
The event drew more than 300 supporters from the Japanese American community across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblyman Mark Gonzalez, and other public officials. Actor and activist George Takei was also present.
A central feature of the program was the recognition of Keiro CEO/President Beverly Ito, LTNS Executive Director Setsuko Nakama, and Far Bar caterer/owner Don Tahara, who were honored by distinguished guests for their contributions to the community.
Acclaimed Phantom of the Opera star Davis Gaines performed on stage, joined by pianist Benet Braun for a beautifully crafted musical accompaniment.
Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) has provided nutrition, social and supportive services to seniors who live in the Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights communities for the past 50 years. This program was started when a group of community leaders, including Emi Yamaki and Takekuma Norman Takei (George Takei’s father) met with the late Los Angeles City Councilmember Gilbert Lindsay to request support for an ethnically and culturally sensitive food program for seniors.
Since its inception, LTNS has provided over 2 million congregate and in-home delivery meals that directly impact the threat of food insecurity for a vulnerable senior population. The congregate meal program is provided in a residential tower located in the Little Tokyo Community. In addition to the nutrition program, LTNS staff and volunteers also provide important social and supportive services for all the seniors who participate in the program.
This includes transportation to medical and dental appointment; light housekeeping; shopping; assistance in picking up prescriptions; and accessing services from government agencies.
Both the congregate and home delivery food programs also directly address the issue of isolation. The congregate program brings seniors together to enjoy a meal, the company of others and the opportunity to participate in craft and exercise classes. Through the home delivery program, LTNS staff and volunteers are often the only contact the homebound senior receives on a regular basis.
During both the congregate and home delivery programs, LTNS staff and volunteers conduct critical wellness checks. The availability of a dependable source of food, support and assistance is a critical factor for the health and well-being of the seniors.
LTNS is celebrating its 50th anniversary serving the community as long-standing and vital community based 501 (C) 3. LTNS is an outstanding example when political and community leaders come together to proactively address a basic but critical need for an extremely vulnerable population.
Honoree: Beverly Ito
Beverly Ito, President and CEO of Keiro, has spent her entire 52-year professional career dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive, patient centered care to many generations in the Japanese American community.
Her passion and commitment to senior care began in high school when she visited her Issei grandmother at Keiro Nursing home. Through his experiences, she saw first-hand the value and importance of providing patient care in an environment that honored and embraced the resident’s culture and beliefs.
Throughout her career, Beverly initiated programs that focused on culturally sensitive, family and patient centered care. In addition to Japanese language, food and traditions, Keiro ensures that the values of the culture are incorporated into Keiro’s daily services and activities. This includes treating everyone, including patients, families, visitors, staff and volunteers with dignity and respect.
Under her leadership, Keiro has been a longtime and steadfast supporter and champion of Little Tokyo Nutrition Services. Their support has made a significant impact of LTNS’s ability to continue to serve its senior.
Honoree: Setsuko Nakama
Setsuko Nakama, the Executive Director of Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS), started with the agency in 1982 as a community outreach worker. She was appointed the Executive Director for LTNS in 2006. During her tenure, she quickly saw the positive impact the program had on the lives of seniors living in the Boyle Height and Little Tokyo communities.
Her initial experience with LTNS quickly became the basis for her lifelong mission and commitment to serve a vulnerable senior community that faced food insecurities and isolation. During her exceptional career, Setsuko Nakama has overseen the serving of over two million meals and supportive services to a vulnerable senior population. She clearly has made a significant and profound impact on the lives of seniors in the Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights communities.
Honoree: Don Tahara
Don Hatara is a restauranteur, chef, caterer and community leader who has dedicated his personal and professional life in supporting a multitude of organizations and agencies in the Los Angeles Japanese American community.
His catering started in the 1980’s and quickly grew to include events at every major cultural and community organization in Little Tokyo and other Japanese American communities in Los Angeles County.
In 1994, he and his partners signed a lease for the former historic Far East Café and created the Far Bar, a current fixture in Little Tokyo. During the pandemic, Don became the principal caterer for Little Tokyo Nutrition Services. He has stated many times that his role with LTNS is not just a business venture but personal passion that allows hims to support seniors who deserve respect and support at this time of their lives. Don Tahara has been a pillar in the Japanese American community, especially Little Tokyo. His impact in the community is immeasurable and appropriately honored.