2008 PJCI Cultural Heroes

L-R) Mayor Bogaard, Yaeko & Bruce Hisayasu, Yaeko Sakahara, Mrs. Shimoji, Maki Miyahara, and Hiroshi Furusawa (Japanese Consulate)

PJCI selected five honorees who have served countless hours promoting cultural awareness to hundreds of students to honor as our Cultural Heroes.At the PJCI annual party they received scrolls from the City of Pasadena and from County Supervisor Antonovich.

Yaeko and Bruce Hisayasu have been active at the PJCI for over 40 years. Both have been involved in teaching the art of Bonsai. Mrs. Hisayasu is recognized as a "Master" by the Bonsai Society. Mr. Hisayasu has been a member of the Pasadena Sister City Committee for over 40 years, and has served as the President of the PJCI, Crown City Gardeners and Pasadena Gakuen.

Yaeko Sakahara has been teaching Ikenobo (flower arrangement) and Urasenke Tea ceremony (chado) in the Pasadena area since 1967. She received seikyoju (highest rank) in the are of tea from Hounsai Iemoto. Her students' work can is on display at the Pasadena Obon each year.

The late Tom Shimoji began teaching at the PJCI in the early 1950's at the old Pasadena Community Center on Del Mar. He earned his black belt in 1947 at Maizuru Kodokan Judo Dojo in Kyoto. He also taught Judo at various community colleges and YMCAs. He retired as a go-dan (5th degree black belt) in 2000 after teaching for 49 years at PJCI.

Maki Miyahara is a living legend in the world of kendo. Internationally renown, he was introduced to kendo by his father, Hiroji, in the early 1930's. In 1955, Miyahara-sensei became the head instructor of the PJCI Kendo Dojo, and he has also instructed at Pomona College, Valley Kendo Club and the UCLA Kendo club. Miyahara-sensei is the highest-ranking kendo instructor in the Uninted States, holding the rank of hachi dan hanshi. He was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame and in 2006 was honored as a Nisei Week Pioneer.

Amy Utsunomiya Youth Community Service Award

Mayor Boggard, Stephanie Ozawa, Veronia Ota, Kenny Ideno, and Wade Utsunomiya

The Amy Utsunomiya Youth Community Service Award was presented to 5 deserving youths this year. These youths were all nominated to receive this award by members of the community. Kenny Ideno, Veronica Ota, Stephanie Ozawa, Miranda Wakimoto, and Kellie Yamahata.

Friendship 2008

Students from Mishima will be arriving in August to learn more about America and our culture. We hope to have stories and photos here to share about their trip.

Click here to view the
Friendship 2005 Japan Trip Photo Page

SAVE the DATE

PJCI Bazaar
October 4, 2008
Demonstrations, Exhibits,
Arts and Craft Vendors

Click to download a PJCI Membership form.