ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Nov to Jan 2

Helen Hikiji $ 500

Helen Hikiji 128.20

Mary Iwami In memory of son

Craig 300

Marilyn Murata 150

Sonoe Koyasu 500

S C Kendo Federation 300

Fusako S Sato In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Joe Moore In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Donna Bejarano In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Charles A LaMantia In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 40

Sachiko Kusumi In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Derek Hodson In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Mary Iwami In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 75

Terry Green In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Carol Coffman In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

John R Jackson In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 35

Henry Kumada In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 20

C T Masao 100

Carlos Aguirre Tr In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 10

Michigan State University In memory

of Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Teresa Maxwell In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 25

Virgil Lew In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Kazuyo Murayama In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 30

Toshiko Nagata In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 20

Vicki Maranon In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 20

Marvin Kobayashi In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

(Continued on page 2)

友

達

Hi Everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone enjoyed their Holidays. I just can’t believe the year 2012 has come and gone and

the year 2013 is upon us already. At our November Board of Directors meeting we held an election

for our next President. The election took place and it was unanimous. I accepted to be President for

the year 2013.

On December 2nd, we held our annual General Meeting at the Center. There were two members

nominated to the Board of Directors: Lyn and Calvin Chang. They were unanimously accepted to

the Board of Directors. They have been long time supporters of our Center extending leadership and

service to the Gakuen and NYS organizations.

Attention, all graduating seniors! We will be accepting applications for the NERIO/SEJSCC Scholar-

ship. The form will be available on the SEJSCC website (SEJSCC.org). The deadline to submit the

application is February 22, 2013. The scholarships will be presented at the annual Recognition

Dinner on May 19th. Scholarship winners must be present at the dinner to receive their award.

This year ‘s Center clean up will be held on March 24 Sunday from 9 to 12 noon. The Center would

like several volunteers from each organization to help out. We will be working outside and cleaning

inside. Bring your gloves and cleaning apparatus. The Center appreciates all the help extended for

the continuance of this wonderful Center.

Richard Shinomoto

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

Volume 18, Is sue 1

January 2013

Southeast Japanese School & Community Center

14615 Gridley Rd. Norwalk CA 90651-0434

Website: www.SEJSCC.org 562.863.5996

Tomodachi

J I M N I I RO H O N O R E D AT M E E T I N G

At our annual general meeting on December 2nd, it was a timely occasion also to honor Jim Niiro for

his outstanding service as Treasurer and Board Member for our Center for many, many years. There

was an unexpectedly large attendance and those attending noticed the perplexed look on Jim’s face

when his family and relatives came walking in and settling down at the tables.

This honor was a complete surprise to Jim (although everyone else knew about it) and at this point he

had no idea what to make of it. Karen Toyoshiba (our hula class instructor) began the program by call-

ing on Jim that we were honoring him and to show our appreciation for his dedication and outstanding

service. She then asked Mary Iwami to speak of his history. Mary spoke about his dedication and lead-

ership that began back in the 1960’s when he coached teams, and also conducted meetings to create

a Youth Activities Group with by-laws and officers. This was the beginning of the NYS. Norwalk Youth

Sports as we know it today. Parents then wanted their young children to participate in baseball and

basketball and play and compete with other children from other organizations. She spoke of his contin-

ued leadership on the Board when the Center was going through growing phases and when they

needed direction, he helped bring clarity

and decisiveness. Jim was a leader and

they needed one. Jim also worked quietly

and did what was required i.e. repairing

fixtures inside and working to keep our

landscape attractively trimmed. Also how

he maintained his treasury records con-

verting to online computer system. What

a job but he did it all. After her talk, Karen

presented Jim a large wrapped gift which

he needed Dick Mercer’s help to open. It

was a large beautiful quilt that she had

made with Becky Shinomoto’s help. All of

the Center’s organization had designed

block’s of art work that depicted their

organizational wishes and appreciation

for Jim. (cont’d on page 3)

Tomodachi Page 2

Board of Directors

If you wish to contact any of the

board members, please call the

Center and leave a message.

Lyn & Calvin Chang

Jim Niiro

Linda Kusuda

Marvin Kobayashi

Kimie Matsumoto

Fred Matsumoto

Carrie Nakatani

Richard Shinomoto

Tosh Teramoto

Bob Yamada

Thanks to all our supporters, our school had an-

other successful year. 2013 is the year of the

snake. Our school will begin January 5th.

Thanks to our wonderful parents, the

students enjoyed cultural experiences all year

long. On the last school day of the year, students

enjoyed toshikoshi soba, a tradition for New

Year’s Eve to pass from one year to the next. A

very special visitor from North Pole came to

school and visited all the students and brought

presents.

Students will again experience culture

with a taste of ozooni, a tradition of mochi eating

on New Year's Day. The students will also listen

to the story of how the 12 animals were selected

to represent the years.

Kimie Matsumoto G A K U E N N E WS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

(Continued from page 1)

Naomi Nishi In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Helen Diosdado In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Colleen Wakai In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Leslie Nishimura In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 25

Oscar Domingo Encarnacion In

memory of Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Molina In memory of Roy

Okimoto Sr 50

Gloria Quan In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Larry Jones In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 35

David Fujii In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

John Brain In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

M/M Yuso Kurihara 500

Serah Hanze In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 20

Norwalk Kendo Dojo 300

M/M Ernest Ikuta 200

Tobi Matsumura 38.48

Todd Mathes 65

M/M Paul Ogasawara 100

James Ozawa 100

Curtis Hedberg In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 100

Regina Ann Ellestad In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 150

Sean K Connelly In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 40

Katherine Vincent In memory of

Roy Okimoto Sr 50

Thank you for your kind generosity

and continuing support.

明けましておめでとうございます

All students participated in the annual

nengajo contest. The cards are on display in

the hallway. Students will vote for the best card

in each age category. A few of our best ones

were sent to the national contest. In the past

we had a number of winners from our school.

After two long weeks of winter break,

the students will be ready for the end of the first

semester. We will be preparing for the mid-term

examinations to be held at the end of the

month.

The annual New Year celebration din-

ner will be held on January 26th at 6:30 PM in

the dojo. It will be a potluck. All students of the

school will provide the entertainment. Mark

your calendars.

Tomodachi”, P. O. Box 434,

Norwalk CA 90651-0434.

Tel: 562,863-5996. Published

6 times annually by the

Southeast Japanese School and

Community Center, 14615 Gridley

Rd, Norwalk CA 90650. A no

charge newsletter informing all

participants of activities on a one

per household basis. Bulk Mail

Postage Paid at Norwalk, CA.

Editor: Mary Iwami; Advertising &

Mailing: Mary Iwami, Mas Onoda,

and Norwalk Nikkei Seniors.

H I K A R I

Mary Jane Mayeda

Hikari hopes that everybody had a

wonderful Christmas and here’s to

another great upcoming New Year.

May you have good health, prosperity

and a safe year.

Hikari Taiko’s 38th annual Christmas

party was a wonderful day with al-

most 100 people attending. Great

food, games, great company and

great performances from all the

classes.

Congratulations to Lou and Sharon Saeng, this

year’s winners of the Tak Murata Award.

I’d also like to thank the members of the board of

directors, Linda Yasunaga, Dara Ny Chen, Gladys

Kamikawa and Glen Mayeda for a great year. Also

Hikari Taiko’s instructors Julie Koga, Kurt Hamra,

Gladys Kamikawa and Yoko Kawamura with new

music pieces.

Hikari students enjoy coming to classes and

learning new pieces.

New beginning class will start Sunday, January

13th at 12:15 pm. We still have room for couple

more people so if interested, please contact Mary

Jane soon as possible.. First class is free.

562 924-1454

Hikari’s Christmas party photos.

Tomodachi Page 3

J I M N I I R O H O N O R E D

There were 87 in attendance and everyone was thrilled to see him

singularly honored. We are grateful to Karen who initially thought

of the idea and asked our Center organizations to help with mes-

sages for Jim to be replicated on the quilt. Donations were col-

lected which paid for the famiy and relatives’ lunches and an addi-

tional gift to Jim.

Bento luncheon continued and the general meeting commenced

with the approval of the present Board to continue through 2013

and the addition of two new Board members Lynn and Calvin

Chang. They are long supporters of our Center actively involved

through Gakuen and NYS and directly helping and contributing to

our various Center functions. These efficient members are most

welcome. Jim reviewed the treasurer’s report, followed with pres-

entations by Kimie Matsumoto, Director of the Gakuen (Japanese

School), Kendo coverage by Brian Yoon in the absence of Kodama

sensei who was ill. Other brief speakers followed. Raffles were

drawn for prizes and this general meeting was one appreciated

and enjoyed by all. Many then proceeded to the conference room

to get a better look at the quilt that was spread over tables.

The editor includes additional history about the hard work Jim and

the Board encountered during the early 1970’s. The old aikido

building was condemned by the city of Norwalk which required

some major decisions by that Board. It was decided that a new

building was mandatory. A new building committee was formed.

They set high goals and decided to include a gymnasium, kitchen

and classrooms. How to raise funds? The committee walked the

streets of neighboring cities at night and solicited funds. They

went in pairs four or five times a week. This went on for over a year

until they received pledges and money sufficient to begin serious

planning. Special fund raising events followed. They raised

$100,000. They acquired an architect and an realtor/developer

helped the building committee tremendously regarding aspects of

building requirements, city and state requirements. etc. and fine

tuned initial plans. Twelve men signed as collateral to back the

$200,000 loan with the California Union Bank. Jim was one of

them.

The new building was completed and dedicated in 1977 including

the gymnasium we enjoy today. What an effort it took for these

men at a time when such an endeavor was so far reaching. Jim

became the treasurer and has remained in that capacity and on

the Board ever since. In order to make loan payments, many fund

raising events followed. Those were busy and serious times. But

the effort of these few men established a place hundreds enjoy

today . Is it similarly possible to raise funds and build such a com-

plex today?? It’s doubtful. So we give thanks to people like Jim.

We have much to appreciate. Let’s maintain it well so that future

generations can continue to gather here to learn and enjoy!

Cont’d from first page N O RWA L K Y O U T H

Project Blue Angels Gives Back This holiday season the Blue Angels worked with an organization

called SPIN ,Serving People In Need. SPIN helps Orange

County’s homeless, working poor families, and individual find

permanent housing, substance abuse recovery, and self suffi-

ciency. The Blue Angeles helped by adopting a family for

Thanksgiving. After a Saturday practice we went to the grocery

store and bought all the fixings for a turkey dinner and then we

delivered the food to SPIN the week of Thanksgiving. And for

Christmas we put together hygiene kits that included socks,

shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, combs, etc., which SPIN

volunteers will deliver to the homeless in Orange County. We

had a lot of fun working together as a team to help those less

fortunate.

Jim’s family and relatives

"The Norwalk Blazers forgoes practice and spends the entire Satur-day at Disneyland. Who knew these boys can eat! On top of the lunch

and dinner, the boys were devouring hot dog, churro, turkey leg, cot-

ton candy, potato chips.....basic foods for these basketball champi-

ons! The parents are still wondering what the boys enjoyed more:

food or the rides at Disneyland."

More NYS coverage on Pg 5

Tomodachi Page 4

Southeast Japanese School & Community Center Activities List

If you are interested in any of the activities at the Center, please contact the person listed below

Southest Gakuen: Kimie Matsumoto 562 926.2536 Hikari Taiko: Mary Jane Mayeda 562 924.1454

Shuji (Calligraphy): “ “ Norwalk Nikkei Seniors: Toby Fusato 562 865.7368

Ikebana (Flower Arrgmt): Ogawa Sensei 714 893.1245 Tanden/Yoga Class: Mrs. Koyasu 562 865.9652

Guitar Class: Yuji Hata 562 695.1908 Japanese Classical Dance: Akemi Jensen 562 691.2764

Norwalk Youth Sports: Rich Tamaki rytamaki@yahoo.com Nawahine ‘O Kawena: Karen Toyoshiba 562 949.0203

Kendo: Jean Kodama Sensei email: norwalkkendo@gmail.com Hawaiian Karaoke Club: Leslie Goshi 323 722.7229

Karate: Brock Nishimura 714 826.9128 Ukulele Class: Kamaki Keawe Call Karen: 562 949.0203

Norwalk Karaoke Club: Ed Korin 714 870.1013 Norwalk Dance Club: Edna Kurihara 714 847.1173

Judo: Jim Glick 714.315.8503

N O RWA L K K E N D O

Menjo (rank certificates) were given to those who passed the shin-

kyu shinsa in October. Attendance awards were presented to Yoon

Brian, Yoon Courtney, Moon Joshua, and Moody Anthony. And finally, the

outstanding kenshi awards were announced. Each year Norwalk Dojo

helps sponsor two kenshi to go to Canada in February to represent us at

the Steveston Kendo Tournament. This year the sensei selected Kariya

Yoshijiro and Chang Jeffrey. Thank you for your dedication and good

example, and good luck in Steveston!

Our first keiko of 2013 will be on Friday, January 4th. Get a good

start on those New Year’s resolutions and come out to practice (even if

you haven’t been with us for a while)! And for iaidoka, start preparing

now for several events in February: Kishimoto sensei’s visit 2/9-10,

Yamaguchi sensei Memorial Iaido Tournament 2/10, and Oda sensei’s

visit 2/14-18.

Finally, best wishes to everyone for a great 2013, and thank you for

supporting Norwalk Dojo.

Norwalk Kendo Dojo practices Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and Fri-

days from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. New members are welcome: beginners

are accepted on the first Friday practice of each odd month. The iaido

group practices from 9 to 10 pm on Mondays; iaido beginners are ac-

cepted in January, April and July. For information about Norwalk Dojo,

including upcoming and past events as well as how to join, please see

the dojo website at http://www.eanet.com/norwalk, or send email to

norwalkkendo@gmail.com.

This past fall was certainly a difficult one for the dojo, with

Yamaguchi sensei’s passing in October and Koh sensei returning to

Taiwan in November. We will miss them both dearly, but we know

they are both watching over us.

Fortunately, we did have some bright points, starting with the

SCKF Team Championships on September 23rd, where our

women’s team (Yoon Courtney, Hahn Danielle, Domen Sumi) took

3rd place and our yudansha team (Kim Andrew, Yoon Brian, Chang

Jeffrey, Domen Sumi, Kariya Yoshijiro, Yoshimura Steve) also took

3rd place. Also, congratulations to everyone who passed the shin-

kyu shinsa (ranking examinations) on October 21th: Lim Jennifer

(5kyu), Moon Joshua (5 kyu), Hahn Lance (5kyu), Kim Andrew

(2dan), Huang Michael (2dan), Takeshi Nakagawa (3dan), and an

extra big congratulations to Chang Jeffrey who passed 4dan. With

Kariya Yoshijiro passing 4dan in April, we now have two new sensei

at the dojo.

Our Christmas party on December 21th was, as usual, a fes-

tive event with lots of great food. We thanked the sensei: Chief

Advisor Henmi Sensei, Senior Advisor Fukawa sensei, Head Instruc-

tor Kodama Jean, and Assistant Instructors Yoshimura Mike, Yoshi-

mura Steve, Takanashi Takeo, Kariya Yoshijiro, and Chang Jeffrey.

We also thanked the current officers: President Yoon Brian, Vice

President Takeshi Nakagawa, Treasurers Nagasawa Gayle and Hahn

Janet, Tournament Chair Kariya Yoshijiro, Toban Chair Moon Gina,

Membership Chair Kim Kay, asa well as Advisors Yoshimura Ted,

Domen Megumi, Tanaka Fukuyo and Hamamura Junko, and Domen

Sumi. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and support!

ATTENTION GRADUATING HS SENIORS - 2013 NERIO/SEJSCC SCHOLARHIPS High school Seniors, please check the Center’s website, www.sejscc.org or ask your coach or instructor for the Nerio/SEJSCC scholarship application form which will be available by the end of January. The scholarships will be awarded on Sunday, May 19,

2013 at the Center’s Annual Recognition Dinner. You must be present to receive the award. Please mark your calendar and save

that date. Deadline for submission is February 22. Be complete with your answers. Include all of your academic awards, participa-

tions in sports, extra curricular activities and community service work. NYS will also award scholarships so please check with

coaches for their application.

Karen Toyoshiba who made the quilt for Jim.

Becky Shino-

moto helped

sew the quilt

also. It is a

beautiful piece

of work.

Here members

admire the art.

Tomodachi Page 5

N O RWA L K D A N C E

Rosie San Miguel

NDC Fall Social—Nov. 24

It was obvious that the holiday season was fast approaching

putting DJ Yuso Kurihara in a Christmas mood. Dance clubs in atten-

dance were Em Yamada, Langley, Prudy Gin and Joe Yoshida. The

NDC was honored to have dance instructors David Shinjo and his

partner Toi Nakamoto in attendance, most especially, because of

their busy exhibition schedules.

Hostess for the evening was Helen Hikiji. Helen has the right touch to

plan a menu perfect for a wintry evening. The main entree of chili and

rice served with a cabbage salad and jello dessert was a big hit.

Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Helen, Edna Kurihara and Harriet

Yamada for their contributions of chili, cabbage salad, jello dessert,

whipped cream, onions, and grated cheese. The efficient volunteers

assisting the ladies in the kitchen were Jim Noe, Irene Yip, Sonita

Seng, Jean Ikemoto and Connie and John Ciranna.

Edna followed the theme of the evening and selected Jingle Bell Rock

and the Merry Christmas Baby for the line dances. There was a spe-

cial feeling throughout the evening that makes the quote of familiar

tune very meaningful. “Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather

near to us once more, through the years we all will be together, etc.”

This represents the sentiment and appreciation for all who came to

have a nice time. Thank you all for your continued support.

NDC New Year’s Eve Dance—Monday, Dec. 31

There were many who worked diligently early in the day to complete

the decorations in the hall for the New Year’s Eve dinner dance.

Many thanks to Edna and Yuso Kurihara, Helen Hikiji,

George Ishikawa, Betty Oshiro, Harriet Yamada, Jim

Noe, Kenny Yukimasa , Richard and Gloria Sakoda, Geoff and

Karen Chow, and John and Enid Leung. The colorful balloons

suspended on the ceiling and along the edge of the stage, the

décor on the walls and tables transformed the hall to a festive

atmosphere. The 77 guests in attendance were in their finest

attire and ready to party.

Paul Tran’s Unique Catering received many compliments. The

teriyaki chicken, beef with mushrooms, chicken salad, rice,

tsukemono, green beans with almonds, cauliflower polonaise

and assorted fruits were delicious. Many took advantage of

going for second helpings.

With beautiful potted plants selected by Helen Hikiji on each

table and many door prizes donated, the management commit-

tee specifically laid out a nicely planned evening. Game coordi-

nator Harriet Yamada, preplanned simple, but fun games. DJ

Yuso Kurihara and wife Edna planned the dancing music and

line dancing to allow a nice blend throughout the evening.

Shortly before midnight, glasses filled with Martinelli’s cider were

poured to toast the New Year. There were cheers and well

wishes of “Happy New Year” and simultaneously, loud shouts of

laughter as guests stood beneath the lowering of money bal-

loons happily retrieving the dollar bills. The NDC members and

friends extend their best wishes of prosperity, health and happi-

ness to everyone for the coming 2013.

NYS 3rd Grade Hot Shots Christmas Party

The tough loss during their game against WPC Mochi Monsters

didn’t deter these 3rd graders to enjoy their 1st ever Hot Shots

Christms Party. It was held right after the game last Sunday at

Peking Wok restaurant in Cerritos. The event was attended by all

of the team families including all the coaches, parents and sib-

lings. The girls enjoyed the food which includes kid’s all time fa-

vorite Honey Walnut Shrimp and Orange Peel Chicken. The girls

had a lot of fun doing the Secret Santa exchange gifts and the

families kept their coolness even if the awesome gifts that they

picked were stolen during the White Elephant game! The event

was topped off when Coach Leo gave the most appropriate gift to

all of these beautiful basketball loving girls! He later posted this

picture on his Facebook account with the comment:

“When you’re a coach, you want your players to reach their

dreams! That’s a very long time so I just went ahead and

bought their dreams for them! WNBA Barbie Dolls!!!

Merry Christmas Hot Shots!”

N O R W A L K Y O U T H Cont’d from Pg 3

Front L-R Kaylee Valente, Haley Carroll, Jolie Gutierrez, Carolyn Watanabe

Back L-R Jan Lim, Amara Hizon, Catie Ishii, Michelle Lee and Coach Leo at top.

The Nikkei Seniors wish you all a very healthy,

prosperous, & happy 2013!!

ROY OKIMOTO SR.

We are saddened to know that our kind friend Roy Okimoto

Sr. has suddenly passed away. He had many friends at our

Center and we will dearly miss him. He supported our functions

and generously donated to our new building and continued to do

so. We will miss his smile and laughter as he shared his stories

of Las Vegas.

Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Miki and

his family and relatives.

Tomodachi Page 6

Tomodachi

Page 7

Ukelele LessonsAvailable

Melia • Event Mgr.C 714-928-7157kamakisan@hotmail.com

“Songs of Hawai’i”

Kamaki K. KeaweTraditional / Contemporary

Tomodachi Page 7

Southeast Japanese School & Community Center

“Tomodachi” A Bimonthly Newsletter

January 2013

Norwalk CA 90651-0431

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S.Postage

PAID

Permit No. 109

Norwalk CA 90650

CALENDAR

Operating Bd Mtg-1st Wed Monthly 7pm

Center Bd Mtg-2nd Wed Monthly 6:30 pm

Jan 26 Winter Social 6:30 pm

28 Gakuen New Years Party 6:30

Scholarship Appls Available

Feb 2 Monthly Bingo 6:30

22 Scholarship Appls Due

23 International Nite Social 7-11

Mar 2 Monthly Bingo 6:30

16 Jr. Basketball Banquet

23 Spring Fling 7-11

24 Center Clean-Up Day 9—Noon

Apr 6 Monthly Bingo 6:30

27 Western Social 7-11

May 4 Monthly Bingo 6:30

25 South of the Border Social

July 27-28 Cultural Festival

RECYCLE

The Center thanks everyone for recycling aluminum cans, plastic water bottles and jugs, glass bottles and jars. And a special thank you to the many people who bring their recycles from home and donate them to the Center. No time to recycle? Make it your New Year’s Resolution to bring those recyclables to the Center. We should all do our part to help the environment by reusing, reducing and recycling

the products we use.

Reminder ….. Hosted by : Ikebana/Tanden Feb 4

Dinner at 6 pm

BINGO

Feb 2 - 6:30 pm Norwalk Youth Sports Mar 2

Mar 2- 6:30 pm Dinner at 6 pm Come join us—$5 per card all night

Each game prize $20, coverall $250!