From left: Yuriko Shikai, president of the Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California; Women of the Year honorees Sue Yanaga Kawasaki, Genevieve Hatsumi Uyeda Lew, Michele (Misaki) Nagata, Trudy Nodohara, Barbara Kato Yanase Shirota and George Kita, president of the Downtown JACL Chapter, on May 5 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello.
By GWEN MURANAKA
RAFU SENIOR EDITOR
Five women who are pillars of strength for their communities and families were recognized in an uplifting celebration on May 5.
Sue Yanaga Kawasaki, Genevieve Hatsumi Uyeda Lew, Michele (Misaki) Nagata, Trudy Nodohara and Barbara Kato Yanase Shirota were honored at the annual Women of the Year luncheon. More than 300 gathered at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello to recognize their accomplishments.
The annual event is sponsored by the Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California and the Downtown Los Angeles Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League
George Kita, president of the Downtown JACL, served as emcee. Rev. Ki Choi of Centenary United Methodist Church gave the invocation.
“Thank you for your invaluable and significant service to the community,” said Yuriko Shikai, president of the Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California.
Kawasaki is a retired special education administrator and learning disability specialist. She traveled to Japan on three different occasions as one of the Yonsei board representatives, and hosted many Japanese basketball players during their stay in the U.S. Her friend Lillian Nishihara said she is an **onee-san** (big sister) to the organizations she is involved in, including Continuing Education of Nikkei Widows.
Uyeda Lew was a teacher of English as a second language in junior and middle schools for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her grandchildren, Allan and Lindsay Lew, said they marveled at her passion and drive to volunteer at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center. She also volunteers at Yosemite National Park.
Nagata is a 27-year hotel industry professional with lifelong work at Centenary United Methodist Church. Her friend Cynthia Nishinaka said that Nagata devotes countless hours to Centenary, including chairing the Arigato Bazaar, which was held the day before. She is also active with Kotobuki no Kai and the Disneyland Alumni Club.
Nodohara is active as a member of the L.A. Little Tokyo Lions Club and Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California. As an interpreter, she has worked for many notable individuals, including PaulAnka and Bob Hope. Her friend Cass Cara said Nodohara always asked the right questions and led the Lions Club with honesty, integrity and courage.
Yanase Shirota served as the first woman president of the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center and is currently an at-large board member. She also sponsors scholarships at Southwestern Law School, San Gabriel Valley JACL for high school students, ESGVJCC for graduate students, and the University of La Verne. Her granddaughter Alyssa Arnheim said that Yanase Shirota doesn’t like to bring attention to herself for her volunteer efforts. She marveled at her grandmother’s sharp mind and memory, noting that she recalls the names of students she taught in kindergarten 40 years ago.
The women all received proclamations from State Sen. Bob Archuleta, Assemblymember Miguel Santiago and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio.
Yanaga Kawasaki expressed gratitude on behalf of the women.
“We are truly humbled and greatly appreciative of this award. Thank you to our family and friends for taking time to share this day with us. Honto ni arigato,” she said.