Annual ceremonies marking the 1945 bombings were attended for the first time by a United Nations secretary- general and a United States ambassador. Both U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and U.S. Ambassador John Roos were in attendance. Remarks emphasized the call for continued moves towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

On August 4, METI issued the English version of their "Fixed Point Observation" on the Japanese economy.  Companies were engaged in a simultaneous survey to get a "snapshot" view of Japan's near term economic prospects, from the view of those on the ground and in the trenches.  Fascinating reading for serious prognosticators!

On August 4, METI announced the winners of the annual "Kids Design Award" in Japan, a program aimed at creating a better physical and social environment for children through thoughtful design and bringing the benefits of Japanese design skills to the world.  Check out some of the winning products here: 

Arizona Museum for Youth introduces visitors to Japanese culture through hands-on activities based on the art forms of animation, manga, woodblock prints and traditional scrolls. Hop aboard the magical Cat Bus from the film My Neighbor Totoro. On exhibition through October 10.

Fabrics created by Japanese immigrants in Hawai'i are on exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum through August 22. The experiences of early Issei in Hawai'i are revealed and illuminated through exquisite examples of kimono adapted for life and labor on Hawai'i's plantations.

 

 

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, U.S. Forces Japan has released an anime publication: "Our Alliance: A Lasting Partnership."  The Japanese-language publication explores the role of the U.S. military in the bilateral relationship.   

Mr. Ryuji Ishii, President of AFC Corporation - presently on track to create the largest chain of sushi restaurants in the world (2,800 locations) -  was honored by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture for his extraordinary efforts in promoting Japanese food overseas.

A program on the development of the kimono will showcase original ceremonial kimonos dating back to the mid- to late-19th Century. Wedding kimono will be modeled.  All on Sept 8 at the Phoenix Art Museum's Arizona Costume Institute.

Southern California comes alive with Japanese summer festivals. Every weekend you can attend o-matsuri and o-bon festivals. Participate by learning Japanese ondo dances. You can also enter the L.A. Tanabata Festival ornament competition.    
Nisei Week Festival 

 Tanabata Festival

  O-bon & Natsu Matsuri