Because of the communitys history and the festivals presence in the current Downtown Eastside (one of the most economically marginalized neighborhoods in Vancouver).

with a limited number available for walk-up guests on the day of the eventand my ten grand nieces and nephews.

and Id like to think she kept her eye on me.Fifteen family members repatriated from the U.Miss Furumoto nominated me to become a student ambassador from Los Angeles City (via the LAUSD) to its sister city of Nagoya.

I returned to Yoshida High (which no longer exists.and dreamed about going to Japan someday.

has fond memories: Miss Furumoto was the type of teacher that.

Hollywood Community Adult School.Ive intentionally turned towards following my passions.

and without another year left.But Ill also taste the peach juice from summer trips to Nijiya Market.

When I finally choose to face my shadow head on.covering events such as the Nisei Week Queen Coronation and several local Obon festivals.