On Sunday June 8th 2014, Jokun Recognition Community Luncheon was held to celebrate decoration of the
prominent people for their contribution to Japanese American community and promotion of the relationship
between Japan and America.
More than 200 people gathered to congratulate the honoree to Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
The Mistress of Ceremonmies, Grace Shiba, a vice president of JCCSC started the ceremony. National Anthem
of the United States of America and Japan was sang by Keiko Takeshita then followed Silent Prayer in Memory
of Passed Jokun Honorees.
The ceremony proceeded to the introduction of Honoree. JCC Auditor Howard Miyoshi introduced the achivements
of Mr. Ray Thomas Decker, and the Chairman of Japan America Sciety Mr. Terry Hara accepted the award on
his behalf. He read the messege letter from Mr. Decker who was unable to attend the ceremony for his business.
Followed was introduction of achivements of Mr. Paul Tatsushi Nakamura, who is also a formar President of
JCCSC, by Senior Vice President Mike Okamoto. After the speech by Mr. Nakamura, all the attendees cerebrated
Mr. Nakamura by standing ovation.
The ceremony preceeded to the congratulatery remarks by President of JCC Mr. Lee Aoki, President of Japanese
Women's Association of Southern California Ms. Kay Inose, President of Nanka kenjinkai Kyogikai Mr. Sadao
Tome, then The Honorable Jun Niimi, Consul General of Japan.
Further proceeded the ceremony to Shukugin by Kokuho Toyoda, Shokuzen no Kotoba(Prayer) by Howard Miyoshi
from Los Angeles Honpa Honguanji, who is also the Auditor of JCC. Mr. Seiichi Fujitani, First Vice President
of Southeren California Gardener;s Federation lead the toast, then the luncheon began.
The luncheon was finishied with the prayer by Rev. Kazuaki Nakata from Los Angeles Honpa Honguanji, then
Mr. Kaz Kishita introduced all the co-sponcering organizations. Lastly, Mme. Wakana Hanayagi and Narumi
Nakamura performed Japanese traditional dance to entertain the audience, and the ceremony was closed.
Congratulations again to the honorees from Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California!
