Since the tragic earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan’s Tohoku region more than eight months ago, Japan has seen substantial decreases in foreign tourism. Many areas directly affected by the disaster are also experiencing decreased domestic and foreign sales of local food products amid concerns for radiation safety. The Consulate General of Japan in San […]
JAMsj museum shop offers array of holiday gifts
November 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose’s (JAMsj) store offers a treasure trove of gifts for every person on your holiday list. Items range from cards and clothing to jewelry and books. The majority of items sold in the store were created by Japanese American artists. Cards ($4) Colorful wooden kokeshi dolls are among the […]
Unforgettable gifts from Japan for under $50 (not including shipping)
November 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Once you reach a certain age, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you will receive one or more of the following as gifts: a soap and loofah gift set… wine… assorted chocolates… a mug. While these gifts are practical and generally enjoyed by most people, they are, regrettably, forgettable. Why spend money on gifts that have […]
Japanese American Museum of San Jose celebrates grand opening
November 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment
SAN JOSE — The grand opening ceremony of the newly renovated Japanese American Museum of San Jose at 535 N. Fifth St. on Oct. 16 drew an enthusiastic crowd of 800 people to the cream-colored farmhouse-style building. The ceremony also marked the 88th birthday of Jimi Yamaichi, who is unofficially known as the “Mayor of […]
Managing a Major Metropolis: Ed Shikada tackles new challenges as assistant city manager of San Jose
July 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Growing up in Hawai‘i, Ed Shikada never imagined that he would one day become assistant city manager of the 10th largest city in the United States. Shikada was appointed assistant city manager of San Jose on June 24. He began his new role on June 27. Appointed by City Manager Debra Figone, Shikada’s duties focus […]
Family carries on special legacy with SJ Obon
June 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment
For siblings Reiko Iwanaga and Kenji Akahoshi, the San Jose Obon is the continuation of a unique legacy started by Iwanaga’s father-in-law, who brought Bon Odori to the American mainland nearly 80 years ago. Iwanaga, lead choreographer of the San Jose Bon Odori, said that she takes pride in carrying on the Bon Odori movement, […]
Former San Jose State University students return for honorary degrees
June 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Chitoshi Akizuki was a San Jose State University freshman and a member of the basketball team when his studies and those of other Japanese American students were interrupted by World War II. “I was just beginning,” said Akizuki, 87, a San Jose resident. Akizuki was one of 24 former Nisei students recognized with honorary degrees […]
Sake Supports Senior Services at San Jose’s Yu-Ai Kai
June 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment
SAN JOSE — What is the “make merriest” time of year in San Jose’s Japantown? Is it Christmas? Is it Obon? Is it Nikkei Matsuri? No…it’s Sake San Jose, hands down! Despite the bouts of showers, on May 27, the crowds thickened and the lines grew long as the throng waited for tickets in the […]
Japanese American Museum of San Jose offers a sneak peek
June 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
SAN JOSE — Shoppers converged on the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) in Japantown on May 22 to get a sneak preview of the new facility while shopping to benefit the museum. The preview was part of “Shopping Days at the Museum,” an event that was held at the museum from May 22-24. […]
Yu-Ai Kai’s Nihonmachi Run Brings Out the Athletic Fun
May 6, 2010 by Leave a Comment
SAN JOSE — Between rainstorms, it was a perfect day for the 2010 Yu-Ai Kai Nihonmachi “Run for All Ages,” held on April 25. The three-mile run/walk began in front of the Yu-Ai Kai building in Japantown. Half an hour before the start, the throng of 510 runners/walkers of all ages, some in costume, some […]
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