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Latest Updates on Earthquake Recovery
Earthquake relief efforts continue, and plans for recovery, rebuilding and reconstruction are underway.  Find the latest updates at:
MOFA                                  
PM Office

Mayor Convenes Coalition of Organizations Aiding Japan
Villaraigosa Mayor Villaraigosa and Irene Hirano Inouye, President of the U.S.-Japan Council, convened a coalition of organizations to discuss the best ways for Los Angeles to provide earthquake relief assistance to Japan.    
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Japan Film Festival
JFFLA
An exciting line-up of films is scheduled for this year's Japan Film Festival.  Five film directors will make appearances at various screenings.  Check the website and save the dates: April 8, 9, 10, 16 & 17!

JFFLA 

Ito Jakuchu: A Man with No Age


Ito Jakuchu

Photo courtesy: Etsuko & Joe Price Collection

One of the finest painters of the Edo Period, Ito Jakuchu is noted for technical mastery as well for creativity.  His skill as a painter emphasizes his vibrant and imaginative perspective on his subjects.  The exhibition runs from April 16 - June 12 at the Bowers Museum.
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Big on Taste, Light on the Waist - Healthy Recipies!!
KSugiura
Chef Suki Sugiura, renowned for the menu he creates for the Golden Globe Awards, recently cooked American-friendly dishes using four Japanese lower-calorie, vegan-friendly, alternative ingredients. 
Recipes here!!!
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Stoles Add Spice to Men's Styles Stoles 
Stoles have become a firm fashion favorite with young Japanese men. The neck garments are available in a wide variety of materials. One of the attractions is the ease with which stoles can bring sophistication to even the simplest jeans-and-T-shirt outfit.
Trends in Japan

Today's Kotowaza:
Kaze wa fuke domo yama wa dozezustorm  
The wind blows but the mountain doesn't move.  Calm in the face of the storm.  One who maintains calm amid chaos.

Visa passports
Passport 

         

Ministry of Foreign Affairs News
MOFA
  

Operation Tomodachi  


Operation Tomodachi

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander Tidd

The U.S. military is helping with earthquake relief efforts in Japan. Hear first hand what their work entails on April 11.  Check out the program details: 
Japan America Society
Follow the work of Operation Tomodachi on these websites. 
Operation Tomodachi 
US Forces Japan

Riverside's Fuel Relief Fund 
Riverside fuel fund This non-profit organization based in Sendai's sister city of Riverside has been providing fuel in Ishinomaki, Onagawa and neighboring communities to respond to fuel shortages in the region.  Home heating oil is being distributed to area residents free of charge.
Fuel Relief Fund

An Evening of Jazz with Toshiko Akiyoshi  
T Akiyoshi
Legendary jazz pianist and composer Toshiko Akiyoshi performs
with her husband, saxophonist Lew Tabackin, bassist Paul Gill and drummer Mark Taylor.  April 11, Samueli Theater, Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
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Time for Sakura Matsuri!
hanami 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of sakura trees planted in Washington D.C.: a symbol of friendship from the people of Japan to the people of the United States.  Donations for earthquake relief have been collected at many festivals. Two more cherry blossom festivals ahead.
April 16 & 17: Cherry Blossom Festival of Monterey Park
May 1: Cherry Blossom Festival of Bowers Museum

Cocina Latina ... À la Japonaise!
MAGA
The Mexican American Grocer Association's (MAGA) annual conference and exhibition experienced the sounds and smell of sizzling yakisoba, delicious Japanese sauces, homemade style noodles and other tastes sure to spice up California's continuing cultural experiment in culinary fusion.  See more photos here!
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Drink Up and Charge Up! 
vending chargers Ten Japanese companies plan to install electric vehicle chargers at the sites of beverage vending machines across Japan. There are about 6 million vending machines in Japan. Ultimately, up to 1.2 million of them could be included in this recently announced effort.  Search using Japan + vending machines + charge electric cars for articles on this clever way of combining conveniences!
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Japan-related events for
Los Angeles & Arizona 
sakura

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