Long-time friends Fujimoto and Masada recall the school wasnt just a place to study.

with ancestral roots in Tottori.This was the beginning of the Memorial Court as we know it today.

Doug and Chris Aihara and Azay restaurant.were involved in the community.he had a decades-long career in banking and retired from MUFG Union Bank in fall 2021.

but many also served in support units.Okamura has been a 36-year volunteer with the Japanese American National Museum; a longtime president of the Little Tokyo Historical Society; a Grateful Crane Ensemble board member; longtime member and past president of Montebello-Ashiya Sister City Association; an archeological dig projects volunteer at the Manzanar National Historic Site; and a 13-year mentor with USC Career Centers First-Generation Mentor Program.

many remained silent about the most momentous experience of their young lives.

The Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the spirit of Nisei Week by going above and beyond to volunteer their time and/or service or whose contributions have promoted the Japanese and Japanese American community and/or culture.Its a multi-generational festival.

Her community platform is the Go For Broke National Education Center and she is sponsored by the Gardena Evening Optimist Club.25-year-old Kimi Look was crowned Nisei Week Queen.

Mika Fumiyo Megumi Dyo is fitted with the Miss Tomodachi tiara by Amy Kubo.By EMIKO ESSMILLERSpecial to The RafuNisei Week is something that has always meant a lot to my family.