In Los Angeles’ Japanese community, amidst the vibrant celebrations of August, the “Taste of Japan / Tanoshii Project” held the “Sip of Japan” Japanese Food Festival on the 30th, offering local residents the opportunity to sample exquisite Japanese cuisine, premium sake, and enjoy traditional Japanese culture.
On Sunday afternoon, residents from the surrounding communities of Torrance gathered at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, accompanied by family and friends, braving the scorching heat to enter the event. In the main hall, dozens of booths showcased small gifts, clothing, and tatami mat bedding imported from Japan. Several high school students dressed in traditional Japanese kimono posed for photos with guests who appreciated kimono attire.
In front of the outdoor stage at the cultural center, over a dozen Japanese food stalls offered a variety of Japanese snacks such as ramen, char siu, octopus dumplings, and specialty iced drinks. Guests sat in front of the stage, sampling the food while waiting to enjoy Japanese cultural performances.
Members of the Asano Taiko US branch in Torrance showcased a captivating half-hour taiko drum performance for the attendees. The energetic performance by mostly Japanese-American female drummers, leaping and chanting in unison, filled the air with intense drum beats, elevating the festive atmosphere to a climax.
Cindy, a drummer from Taiwan, shared that she had been practicing and performing Japanese taiko for over a decade. She initially fell in love with the sound of the drums and later found the beats to be uplifting. Participating in the training, she discovered the joyful atmosphere within the group. Now, her children have also joined taiko training.
Sumiha Math, the founder and chairman of the Japanese Education Foundation of Los Angeles (JEFLA), explained that these annual celebratory events in the Japanese community overseas are one of the main ways for Japanese people to pass down traditional culture. Japanese parents usually take their children to language classes on weekends and teach them about respecting others and being mindful of their actions, “not only considering themselves but also considering others.” At Japanese schools, students also learn about cleaning classrooms, tidying up after themselves, and how to interact with others.
Hakutsuru Sake, based in Kobe, Japan, with a history of over 280 years, set up a booth that attracted many guests. This premium sake, known as Junmai Daiginjo in Japan, not only carries a delightful aroma but is also popular among the Chinese community; one of its sake series, “Sho-un,” carries a unique charm for Chinese listeners.
The Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Shunichiro Kitagawa, Yasutaka Asai from the Japan External Trade Organization, and Torrance Mayor Sharon Kalani attended the event to offer their congratulations. Mayor Kalani expressed her delight in participating in the event and thanked the Japanese community for their contributions to American society.