The San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a ceremony befitting its accomplishments.
Consul General Kenko Sone and his wife, Mami, joined the present and past students, teachers, and parents for dinner in an elaborately decorated Sakaguchi Hall at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center. Principal Nina Kato greeted the guests in English, Japanese, and Spanish.
The traditional kagami-biraki or breaking the sake barrel lid was performed by the consul general, PTA President Kiyo Watanabe, John Sunada, and Kimiaki Chiba, past president. Attendees joyfully toasted one another to mark the beginning of the historic evening.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez’s representative, Esther Mares, presented the Japanese Language Institute with a beautiful framed certificate signed by all council members.
SFV Judo students kicked off the night with a demonstration led by Sensei Glenn Whitsell.
Musical performances were presented by Mike Aronis on guitar, Shawn Schroeder on shakuhachi snd Yuki Yasuda on koto. The senseis performed an energetic “Matsuken Samba.”
Meiji Ondo, with brilliant obi tying their kimono, danced “Arigatou,” “Pokémon Ondo” and the popular “Neko” dance, bringing the audience to their feet.
Special recognition went to Hot Meals, which helps with the seasonal curry rice and kurimanjusales.
Throughout the show, master of ceremonies Emil de Castro entertained the full house with puns while he awarded generous raffle prizes. Rev. Paul Iwata prayed for the continued success of the school and the health of everyone in attendance.
The school has survived despite World War II and the impact of coronavirus because of its mission to preserve the Japanese language and culture for all ages, including adults. The future is bright as Homestay in Japan is planned for 2025, enabling students to immerse themselves in Japan.
Ad space is still available for the 100th-anniversary book. Contact Kiyo Watanabe at kiyo_watanabe@ sfvjacc.com for information.
Here is a brief description of the institute’s storied past.
In 1924, the school was organized under the auspices of the Shikishima Club and the guidance of Principal Otomo as the San Fernando Valley Japanese Institute. It was located at the west corner of Woodworth Street and Workman Street in San Fernando.
During World War II, cabinet members were accompanied by the FBI to Tuna Canyon Detention Station in Tujunga, so the school closed. After the war ended, the school was used as a hostel to accommodate Japanese Americans returning from concentration camps until 1949.
1949: The school reopened with 35 students.
1951: The school was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation.
1966: The school relocated to its present location at 12953 Arleta Ave., Pacoima. With the generous support of past and current parents whose children attended the school, a new school building was constructed.
1972: Principal Michi Yamaguchi retired after 42 years of service at the school. Arao Hasegawa became the sixth principal.
1979: The school celebrated its 55th anniversary of its founding, the 30th anniversary of its reopening after World War II, and the 40th year of service by Principal Hasegawa.
1981: The school changed its name to San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute.
1985: Principal Hasegawa retired after 46 years of service to the school.
In 2020, the school closed for in-person instruction due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, but remained open with online classes.