Our church doors were open to visitors and friends on the closing weekend of Nisei week, and we participated with a booth at the JACCC Plaza Festival.

We were happy to welcome Japanese and Japanese American skaters who showed off their skills at a 15-foot pro ramp in our parking lot. From skateboarding legends Lester Kasai, Bennett Harada, Lonny Hiramoto and Shota Kubo to young rising stars Kensuke Sasaoka, ConaSuganami, Shion Suganami and Kate Kuno, athletes flew over Little Tokyo on their boards. In between shows, our own pastor Ruben Nuño shared the history of our church and Little Tokyo.

Inside a dedicated team of volunteers offered refreshments and art and craft workshops. Guests and friends were treated to a freshly cooked cup of ramen. Kids and adults played Go Fish! origami games, made origami, and tried their hand at sumi-e – Japanese ink painting. Everyone could make their own Japanese tea ceremony under the guidance of church elder Miyuki Namiki, a professional tea ceremony instructor.

A big thank you to all our volunteers who made this possible. Another big thank you to all our guests for sharing the Nisei Week celebration with us. We are grateful for you and hope to see you again next year.