Japan Expo Returns To Los Angeles

Above, a Gita dancer performs.
 Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2007, there has been no Japan Expo in Los Angeles.

Japan Expo was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center annually and it featured Japanese food, kitchenware, housewares, art, toys (including Godzilla toys), travel vendors, performers, cars and pretty much everything else Japanese.

Now, eight years later, Japan Expo is back and it will be held October 17 and 18 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.


I, for one, am glad it's back! It is one great show!

Above, a display of samurai figures.
 Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more information, go to the Japan Expo 2015 Facebook page.

Japanese Americans Can Be Bridge Between U.S. and Japan

Above, New Year's Day "Oshogatsu" celebration in Little Tokyo in 2013. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Irene Hirano Inouye, the widow of late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), has an interesting Op-Ed article in the Asahi Shimbun on "Japanese Americans can be bridge between U.S., Japan."

I thought it was a good Op-Ed piece and it prompted a reply by yours truly.

Inouye's article begins with:

The rise of China has led some to believe that the United States has begun to make light of Japan, but that is an overly simplified view. Japanese Americans can play a crucial role in bridging relations between the United States and Japan. As an American of Japanese descent born in the United States, I want to broaden the relationship of other Asian Americans and women to Japan, ensuring a broad mutual understanding. 

The mission of the U.S.-Japan Council is to create a strong and sustained people-to-people relationship at the government, business and civil society levels. We believe that, in the long term, leaders who know each other can not only work together on opportunities for new aspects of U.S.-Japan relations, but also support each other when there are difficulties in the relationship. 

When we founded the U.S.-Japan Council in 2008 and opened our office in Washington, D.C., in 2009, people talked about “Japan passing,” a phrase used to describe the rise of China and the ensuing loss of interest in Japan by the United States. Many of us believed that that was not the case. We knew that there were people who were very interested in Japan, and that it was just not that visible because there were other bilateral relationships that the United States had, with China, South Korea or other countries. We established the council with the belief that we had to be much more visible about the opportunities and importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship.

My response was that if there was a lack of interest in Japan in the United State, it was that Japanese-Americans have been lax in being a "bridge" to Japan for a long time, but all that seems to be changing in recent years. 

Above, a taiko drum performance at Little Tokyo's 2014 Oshogatsu celebration. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I wrote:

Interesting article. It is great that Japanese-Americans are (finally?) getting active to be that "bridge" to Japan. It seemed to me that they have been somewhat lax during the past few decades in being a bridge to Japan as well as Japanese culture. 

I worked for California State Assemblyman Paul T. Bannai, who was the first Japanese-American elected to the California legislature. It was in that position I was exposed to and came to appreciate the Japanese-Americans in Bannai's district (primarily Gardena, California) in the 1970s. The Japanese-Americans were vibrant and active in their community. Then, in later years, things seemed to go into the doldrums. The Japanese-American enclave, Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, appeared to be becoming neglected. Many wondered if it would even survive. Recently, it seems to be making a comeback with more culturally-oriented activists involved and events held.  

Unfortunately, the annual Japan Expo in Los Angeles seems to have died off. It was one of the most enjoyable annual shows. I don't know if it was the Great Recession or lack of interest that did it in, but it is a show that I miss going to. 

I would like to see more Japanese-Americans pick up the torch and get things moving again in the U.S. Ms. Inouye's group is a good start.

Above, former Assemblyman Paul Bannai and Armand in Little Tokyo, New Year's Day 2014.

To read Ms. Inouye's article, go here. 

RNC Honors Paul Bannai As A "California Trailblazer"

Above, Armand with Paul Bannai in 1977 in Sacramento.

As I mentioned in this post from January, 2013 marks 40 years since the special election in the old 67th Assembly District (Hawthorne, Lawndale, Gardena, Torrance) in which Republican Paul T. Bannai was elected to fill the vacancy after the death of Larry Townsend.

I was a part of that campaign and went on to work in Bannai's district office as a field representative handling constituent problems.

Above, Paul Bannai (center) at a Japan Expo at the Los Angeles
Convention Center (circa 2002).  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fittingly, Bannai was honored with three others by the Republican National Committee last month at their Spring Meeting in Los Angeles.  A luncheon was held honoring Bannai, Dr. Tirso Del Junco, Dr. Sammy Lee and Charles House.

On Bannai, the RNC said:

Paul Bannai was the first Japanese American elected to the California State Legislature, where he served from 1973 to 1980. He is also a former Gardena City Councilmember and served as the Chief Memorial Affairs Director for the Veterans Administration’s National Cemetery System. In World War II, he served in the United State Army’s 442nd Infantry Regiment and Intelligence Service.

To read the article on the California Republican Trailblazers honored by the RNC, go here.

Japan Expo 2012

It has been several years since the Los Angeles Japan Expo was last held.

I stumbled across a Facebook page for the Japan Expo Foundation and they posted:

It is a great pleasure to inform you that we will be introducing Japanese traditional products and culture Japan Expo- Japan Expo 2012 (October 27 - 28, 2012) in Los Angeles USA.

It is to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in South Hall G.

I have attended past Japan Expo shows and enjoyed them all.  Unfortunately, the last one (it was in 2007) didn't have as many exhibitors as in years past.

I have not found an English language website as yet.  I will try to dig out more information and post it.

UPDATE: I found a phone number for the Japan Expo Foundation and the gent I spoke with said that the show for this year has been canceled, but there will be a Japan Expo in Los Angeles next year.   We'll see.

L.A.'s Japan Expo: What Happened?

Above, a dancer performs at the 2007 Japan Expo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in December 2007, I attended the annual Japan Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Little did I know at the time that this would be the last L.A. Japan Expo.

I've attended the L.A. Japan Expo every year since 2001.

In 2008, it was announced that the 2008 Japan Expo would be held December 13 and 14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Not too long before the Expo was to be held, it was abruptly cancelled, but the next date for the Expo would be October 2009.

The 2009 Japan Expo wasn't held either.

Above, the Samuai Store's booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan Expo was put on by the Japan Expo Foundation. Their mission statement according to the official Japan Expo website:

The goal of the Japan Expo Foundation, founded in November 1980, is to promote cultural exchanges and understanding between the United States of America and Japan. It is a non-profit and non-political organization, which endeavors to bind these two countries in peace, prosperity and security by developing enduring relationships between their societies. The Foundation seeks to accomplish this goal through bi-lateral governmental involvement and support by way of local, regional and national government agencies, as well as utilizing the local, national and international business interest of these two nations. It is through seminars, expositions and educational exchange programs, in both countries, that true understanding and long lasting relationships can be built. The Foundation, by creating new opportunities for the people of these countries, seeks to strengthen their historic relationship and promote their mutual future welfare. Sponsorships, contributions, membership dues and event fees finance the Foundation.

The overview page for the 2009 Japan Expo stated:

The schedule is postponed by the influence of the influenza virus.

Either the influenza virus killed off most of the members of the Japan Expo Foundation or it is an euphemism for "this sucky economy."

There is nothing in their website providing any information on future Japan Expos or anything on the cancellation of the 2008 and 2009 Expos. The pages are all about the 2009 Japan Expo. The foundation's phone number doesn't seem to be working either. Does the Japan Expo Foundation even still exist?

Above, music performances were a part of the annual L.A. Japan Expo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Googling around, there is no information (one way or another) on the Japan Expo Foundation.

Above, a figure of Astro Boy I purchased at the 2007 Japan Expo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I contacted the Los Angeles office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (since they used to have a booth at the Expo) and they think that the Japan Expo Foundation no longer exists.

It appears that the Japan Expo was another casualty in this rotten economy.

If anyone reading this has information on the status of Japan Expo or the Japan Expo Foundation, feel free to post it here in comments.

Postscript: Monsterpalooza Needs To Move

The Monsterpalooza program booklet includes this announcement on the back cover:

MONSTERPALOOZA RETURNS TO THE MARRIOTT BURBANK CONVENTION CENTER APRIL 2012

The general consensus among this year's attendees is that the convention has simply outgrown the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

It was so overcrowded that vendors worried about people's behinds damaging their displays, no elbow room, no places to sit and inadequate parking. How can people enjoy a show if they're packed in like sardines?

While it is great the Monsterpalooza had such a great turnout (obviously a sign of success), it also presents organizers with a big problem. They need to hold it in a much larger facility.

The other day, I emailed organizer Eliot Brodsky and suggested the Los Angeles Convention Center. It is the only Los Angeles area venue (I can think of) capable of handling the big crowds that Monsterpalooza attracted. Also, it has plenty of parking. Many people have posted at various blogs and message boards that they attempted going to Monsterpalooza, but left in frustration over not being able to park their cars or that the place was too crowded to fully enjoy.

From what I've read online, the Fire Marshal had to step in to control things.

Besides the overcrowding, the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center "dropped the ball in many aspects," according to Eliot Brodsky in a message I received last night, including the ballroom (for presentations) only made available an hour late (from what was promised) Friday night. Could it be that the Marriott's staff were overwhelmed?

Having the presentations in another building away from the convention center was a bad idea. The presentations area needs to be at the main facility for easier access. The L.A. Convention Center's convention halls would meet this need. I've been to several Japan Expos at the convention center and there's plenty of room in one hall for all the vendors, a food area and for presentations.

I hope Monsterpalooza is not locked into using the Burbank Marriott next year so that it can be moved to a bigger facility. It desperately needs to move!

Good Start For This Month

Above, Yuu Asakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

June seems to be starting out pretty good, so far.

I've already received two claim assignments. I told the boss with the adjusting company to go ahead and load me up as I have a $1,500 property tax bill due September 1. Now that I'm a "land baron," I have to deal with such stuff now.

I put my mom's physician on notice of intention to file claims against his medical malpractice policy for my mom's death. Today, I heard from them.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan continues to do well, with a lot of credit owed to the publicity shots taken in March with Yuu Asakura. She's becoming a familiar face and a household name, at least in kaiju/tokusatsu fan circles.

It has always been my intention to do a second round of publicity photos. I've a tentative commitment with an Asian actress/model already. I am looking to do this around October-November.

October-November looks to be a busy time for me. I am contemplating a trip to Japan (for the first time in three years). Possibly getting a booth at this year's Japan Expo in Los Angeles to sell The Guide. And, doing the photo shoot.

As the saying goes: Busy hands are happy hands!

Good Riddance, September!

September came and went in a flash. One day, it was Labor Day and the next the month was over.

For one thing, I'm not going to miss it. Financially-speaking, it was a dreary month. I had to shell out a portion of my meager cash to pay the deductible for the repairs to the 2000 Mustang. That left me with very little cash to play with.

Also, the claims job I have had a very slow month. I only received one assignment for the month. The boss sent me my check yesterday with profuse apologies. Thank God that I have the field supervisor job to keep me going. I sold a gun for more cash (it was a Ruger P-89 9mm that I inherited from my dad that I didn't need as I already have one).

Tomorrow, I am taking in the 1989 Mustang to the body shop for its repairs, and, of course, another deductible to pay. At the end of August, some jack-ball backed into it in a parking lot and left without leaving a note. May a crazed holy man set fire to their nose hairs!

Thank goodness I got some overtime this past week and that'll be a big help. So, I'll be in a little better financial shape than in September.

Let's hope October will be better. At least there's Japan Expo and Halloween to look forward to.

Japan Expo 2009

Japan Expo 2009 will be held this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25.

Last year's Japan Expo was cancelled due to unknown reasons, but this year's Expo is going forward.

If you enjoy Japanese culture, but cannot afford a trip to Japan, then Japan Expo is for you.

The Japan Expo has shows, food, art, crafts, travel information, toys, anime, swords, dolls and dishware.

For additional information, go to www.japanexpo.org.

G-FAN Travel Guide To Kaiju Japan Progressing

Above, Shibuya Crossing, a location of several Gamera and Godzilla movies.

G-FAN Travel Guide To Kaiju Japan is progressing, albeit slowly. We were hoping to have it done by the end of May to have it available at G-FEST XVI, but convention planning and the usual G-FAN work (along with family obligations) have a way of demanding more attention.

But don't fret! As of last month, J. D. Lees informed me that he has about 3/4 of it completed and he's using some time now, during the summer vacation period, to wrap it up. We are hoping to have it completed by the end of August, just in time for the autumn travel shows, etc. (Yes, we plan to target travel shows along with the Japan Expo in Los Angeles.)

Although it is coming along slowly, it is best to do it right the first time!

As soon as it is completed, the big announcement will be made here, the usual kaiju forums and, most importantly, at the official G-FAN website.

Speaking of G-FEST XVI, my end of the wrap-up article has been completed and J. D. is working on his end of it as a collaborative piece. My photos of the convention have been sent on to him, so it should be an excellent feature in the upcoming G-FAN. J. D. loves the photos, especially of one taken during the final round of G-pardy.

G-FAN Travel Guide To Kaiju Japan Progress Report

G-FAN Travel Guide To Kaiju Japan progress report.

We didn't exactly meet our May deadline to get the layouts done for the G-FAN Travel Guide To Kaiju Japan, but J. D. Lees reports that he is 3/4 completed. Between getting G-FAN out, getting G-FEST organized as well as numerous family obligations, it is actually amazing that we have gotten this far.

Hopefully, we can get it finished before Fall, since there are a number of travel shows and Japan Expo to offer it to.

Japan Expo In Los Angeles

Above, a performer at 2007 Japan Expo.

Japan Expo will be held in Los Angeles on December 13 and 14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015

URL : http://www.lacclink.com

The Japan Expo has Japanese antiques, arts, crafts, gifts, anime, manga, food, entertainment, clothing, cookware, eating ware and toys.

Also, in the past, the Expo has had travel companies and airlines.

For more information, go to Japan Expo.