I have dedicated 31 years to education as a teacher.

and Union Church of Los Angeles.Group marks its founding with displays of cultural arts and charitable donations.

we will CONTINUE to educate and to inspire future generations.Marie TanakaThe luncheon was also a time to mourn the loss of Marie Tanaka.Tomoko Sakurai and Joyce Chinn were recognized for their service to the organization.

Photos by GWEN MURANAKA / Rafu ShimpoJapanese Womens Society of Southern California gathered for a 120th anniversary celebration on Oct.Kyoko Makiuchi and Noriko Towata gave a kendo demonstration.

Former president Itsuko Ramos led a moment of silence for Tanaka.

The afternoon concluded with the a group photo in front of the JACCC.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.It provides a culturally informed yet affirming space for LGBTQ+ Nikkei that otherwise wouldnt be possible.