written by Iris Yamashita (Rafu Shimpo.

act in ways that felt natural.sharing that Some of our current members identify as LGBTQIA+ and it is an amazing opportunity to perform…for Okaeris community as a symbiotic relationship of sharing our art…while being provided [a] space that feels like home.

(Photo by Willa Cutolo)One such element was the creation of an original Okaeri Ondo song and dance to encapsulate the spirit of welcoming queer and trans individuals as family.As one of this years matsuri committee members reflected.its not always easy to find such spaces for queer Nikkei.

As Mariko Rooks beautifully sums up: Having so many generations of queer Nikkei in the same space is such a powerful testament to our communitys longevity and futurity.sometimes even by their own families and communities.

The organizing committee for Okaeri Matsuri.

just like many of the community members I see in our Okaeri spaces.Everyone went on their way happy.

But complimentary champagne flowed to celebrate the Dodger victory! Yay.You want to drive down First Street and honk? SO WE DID! Then Kristin Fukushima.

who owns our own LT Dodger store on First Street (next to Azay).KTLA Channel 5 News had heard about Dodger Central at Far Bar.