The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center opened 2024 with “Kickin’ It at the Kaikan,” a dance party fundraiser with a cowboy theme, on Jan. 13 at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.
The event featured live oldies by Kokoro and Friends, dinner by the OCO BBQ Crew, and line dance lessons by Akimi Watanabe plus an opportunity drawing and a photo booth.
Opening remarks were made by JACCC Board Chair Bette Hiramatsu on behalf of President/CEO Patricia Wyatt, who was unable to attend.
Members of the 2023 Nisei Week Court — Queen Kaitlyn Chu, First Princess Sara Kubo, Miss Tomodachi Nancy Chin, Princess Aiko Dzikowski and Princess Kaili Inouye — served as volunteers and also took to the dance floor.
Special guests included Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Torrance City Councilmember Asam Sheikh and former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry, who represented Little Tokyo.
Event chairman Keith Inatomi said, “The JACCC ‘Kickin’ It at the Kaikan’ was a very successful event this year due to the great turnout and community support as always. And I’d thank this year’s committee, especially Carol Tanita and Wayne Nagao, for all their support.”
Photos by J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo