Board members of the Japan Business Association (JBA) of Portland board and USJC members met over a dinner of barbecued ribs in Portland on September 29. Topics of discussion included a welcome brochure for Japanese Business Association (JBA) members and their families with a list of Japanese American organizations and their signature activities; the JBA’s annual Japanese American Cemetery Clean Up, the Japanese American Museum tours and the Japanese American Community Picnic.
One board member shared the story of his family who were part of the large immigration to Hawaii, later returning to Japan. He said that the large trunks that were commonly used by Japanese immigrants over 100 years ago, one of which is on display in the Japanese American Museum of Oregon, is still in his family’s possession. The trunk is a heirloom and reminder of his close connection to America. Portland Consul General attended the dinner after helping a Japanese-owned winery in Oregon with their grape harvest. Oregon has many strong connections with Japan.
Text & photo credit: Council Leader Verne Naito (Naito Corporation, JALD ’13)