Consul Toshio Odagiri, who had prvided a tremendous support to Los Angeles Japanese community for over 3 years, has received assignment of relocation and left to Qatar on September 5th. Prior to his departure, the chamber consulted the consul’s busy schedule to plan a farewell event, and received the generousity of sparing the lunch time of September 5th for farewell luncheon. Even though it was only 5 days notice, over 70 community leaders gathered to the banquet room of The Miyako Hotel to bid farewell to the consul.
Emceed by Mr. Mike Okamoto, a dedicated member of the chamber, President of Southern California Japanese Women’s Association Ms. Hiroko Ikuta’s opening words was followed by the speech by President of the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyougikai Mr. Hisamori Iwashita.
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Our president Mr. Yoshio Lee Aoki gave the warm and thoughtful speech of reminiscences of Consul Odagiri’s meritorious service and stated regretful pain of parting.
Following former President of JCCSC Mr. Noritoshi Kanai’s toast, the lunch began.
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After the lunch, a bouquet was presented from the chamber to Mrs. Odagiri through Consul,
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then a picture book of Los Angeles with full of messages from community members was presented to Consul Odagiri.
At the end of the luncheon, we received a gracious speech from Consul Odagiri, with full of the words of thankfulness to the community.
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We wish from the bottom of our heart a good health and success of Consul Odagiri in his new life in Qatar.