Decanso Gardens 3-21-2015

 Our trip this weekend was to the Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardents Website Link

 Though we went to view the Cherry Blossoms in Bloom, we were also treated to a wonderful concert by June Kiromoto of Hiroshima fame on the Koto, and Kimo on the keyboard. June Kuramoto on Hiroshima Music Website

 There were Cherry Blossom Trees in bloom scattered among the grounds. But as to be expected, they were most prevalent in the Japanese Garden.

As we left the Japanese Garden we were pleased to discover the Lilac Garden.

 Descanso is famous for the Camelias, and some were still in bloom this late in the season.

    The Boddy House had undergone a wonderful transformation since our last visit.

As spring begins there were a staggering number of beautiful blossoms to keep us in awe.

There is a fantastic grove of California Oaks. Some over 400 years old.

Besides the California Oaks, Descanso continues to expand their native plant section of the grounds.

 Though they purchased and maintained their own water rights and source, they also continue to increase their awareness of reduce and reuse their water, always vigilant to increase their water wise practices.

 The Rose Garden is always one of our favorite walks at Descanso.

As common at Decanso, each garden is not necessarily exclusive to one particular plant, but a wide variety is always visible to enjoy.

Tokyo City Cup. Japan Family Day. 03.28.2015

April 11 and 12 2015. Orange County Buddhist Church Hanamatsuri Bazaar

Little Tokyo. Los Angeles, California. Saturday March 4 2015

Our weekend end jaunt found us in our familiar haunt. The Little Tokyo area of downtown Los Angeles, California.

For lunch we decided on Udon.

Monzo Udon on 1st Street, makes the noodles in sight, on site, right before your eyes; it's very delicious. But I shouldn't tell you, cause it was already a bit of a wait for the table.

Link to Yelp Reviews of Marugame Monzo Udon Restaurant

Of course we had to visit our teacher, Hirokazu Kosaka Sensei, at the JACCC -Japanese American Community Cultural Center on San Pedro.

Today's exhibit included Kado - Ikebana exhibits, plus the Shodo - Caligraphy and dolls from Hinamatsuri were still up.

Youtube Slide Show of JACCC March 14, 2015

After the exhibits we like to hang out at U-Space Cafe. The Cafe is inside the JACCC.

A great day in the community with friends and family. Thank you all!

Have a nice day.

Akebeko Project #2, March 2015

This weekends event search took us back to one of our regular haunts, The Pasadena JCI.
Today they hosted the Akebeko Project.
This link has a few wonderful pics of some of those involved.

PCJI website Link to their piece on the Akebeko Project







Website for the Akabeko Project

All proceeds benefit a film making project to by Pacific Film Currents in order to continue to bring our awareness to the on going needs of the people of Fukushima.

Donations can still be made at the website:
Donation Tab Link








Here are a few pictures from today's event.

We began to fill up right as the doors opened.

We started with a paper unpainted doll. Mine was a Daruma.

As the Day progressed, there was a constant flow of participants.

Comunity members became artists for the day. 

Even my family and I had our own creations too.

We went to the Annual Luncheon at the PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute today.

We've been going every year for quite some time.
This year was special because they honored a long time supporter and friend, Pasadena Major Bill Bogaard. Mayor Bogaard has announced his plan to not re-run for the Mayor position, so this was an opportune time to present his award.

Consul Izuri Shimura from the Consulate General of Japan Los Angeles Office was also in Attendance.

We arrived 1/2 hour early and it was already beginning to fill up. As always the Luncheon was very well attended. The Pasadena Nikkei Seniors are always especially generous.

The event was opened by one of PJCI's own performance groups, Kodama Taiko.

There were of course many community members who were honored along with Mayor Bogaard.

Mrs. Kiku Matsumoto and Ms. Michiko Iwamoto were presented with PJCI's 'Outstanding Service Awards'.

'Youth Achievement Awards' were given along with the 'Amy Utsunomiya Memorial youth Community Serevice Awards presented by Mr. Wade Utsunomiya.

The Introduction of our 2015 Miss Pasadena JCI was done.

The closing performance was given by Bando Hidesomi, another group that does their practice at the PJCI.