she managed to tell me that we lived on the same street.

Mexican folk costume maker and dancer (Tucson.NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipient Adrienne Reiko Iwanaga (center) with Tony Chaveaux.

a familiar face at San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuins Obon Festival.Gordon Mutsumi Iwanaga; my devoted children.and contributions to the nations traditional arts heritage.

The inspiration for me started with the privilege of honoring my late father-in-law.NEA deputy chairman for programs and partnerships.

Its an exciting acknolwedgement that a traditional art form that traveled from Japan almost 100 years ago is now considered a part of the American experience.

and Ameriacn Bon Consortium cohorts.Thank you for allowing me to serve as long as I have.

and so many friends in our community.All of you have helped me to be a minister who was able to contribute to our Buddhist community here in Los Angeles.

Im happy to have been a product of both Japan and the United States.but Ive also had the opportunity to live in Japan as a student learning and training to become a kaikyōshi.