NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

The Santa Clara County Kumamoto Kenjin Kai held its annual New Year’s dinner on Jan. 23 at China Stix Restaurant in Santa Clara.

Over 100 people attended the dinner and member’s recognition of “yone-no-iwai” when a person has his or her 88th birthday celebrated.

Celebrating their 88th birthday this year were Mary Kawaguchi, Tom Okumura, Kathleen Shimada, and Jimi Yamaichi. Tom Okumura was not able to attend.

Recognized for their 80th birthdays were June Murakami and Roy Okumura. George Honda, Ray Matsumoto, Mollie Nakasaki, Mary Narimatsu were unable to attend because of prior commitments.

The ever-personable Kimi Kika Shibata emceed the event and gave opening remarks. President Tom Sakamoto welcomed the audience with his New Year’s message.

Sakamoto spoke about the early days when there were over 200 members. He felt the dwindling membership may be caused by factors such as people aging or lost of interest.

“It’s important to keep our heritage strong,” said President Sakamoto.

“We are losing our younger generation to the western culture. We (Nisei) need bring them back to their roots…to encourage our Sansei and Yonsei to get involved and participate in the Japanese community to keep our Japanese heritage strong.”

President Sakamoto introduced Rinban Ken Fujimoto of the San Jose Betsuin and Mrs. Fujimoto.

A greeting letter from Congressman Mike Honda was read offering best wishes for the New Year.

Entertainment was provided by members. Joe Yamaguchi and Shoka Narimatsu performed a duet of Naniwa Bushidayo Jinsei Wa. Bob Shimada sang Kumamoto no Haru; Peggy Furukawa sang Futari Sake; and Mariko Schmidt sang Tokyo no Nare.

Rinban Fujimoto did a no–music karaoke rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

A short magical show was presented by Eric Garrett.

The 2011 Board of Directors are: Kazuki Hirose, Cindy Iwamura, Rod Iwamura, Aki Iwasaki, Linda Iwasaki, Diane Mayeda, Richard Mayeda, and Shoka Narimatsu.

2011 Cabinet members are: Tom Matsumoto, president; Kimi Kika Shibata, vice president; Shoka Narimatsu, vice president (Japanese); Diane Mayeda, secretary; Linda Iwasaki, corresponding secretary; Cindy Iwamura, assistant corresponding secretary; Aki Iwasaki, treasurer and historian; and Richard Mayeda, sergeant-of-arms.

In his closing remarks, President Sakamoto thanked the committee members and encouraged members to invite the younger generation to next year’s event.

Door prizes were presented to all who attended.