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Jill Hiraizumi Crowned Nisei Week Queen
Jill Kaori Hiraizumi, 22, was crowned 2008 Nisei Week Queen at the 68th Annual Nisei Week Coronation Saturday evening at the Japan America Theater. Hiraizumi, representing The Loft Hawaiian Restaurant and the Gardena Evening Optimist, recently graduated from the University of California, San Diego as a double major in Japanese Studies and Political Science. Kimberly Midori Kitaura, 25, was named First Princess and Lindy Sumiko Fujimoto, 24, was selected as Miss Tomodachi. The rest of the 2008 court includes: Marissa Asako Ishii, Kie Flora Ito, and Lisa Takehana. The Saturday evening coronation featured the suggestively playful emcees David Ono and Tamlyn Tomita who asked the candidates a number of silly questions that ranged from kissing Danny DeVito to being Brad Pitt’s personal, invisible superhero, The evening’s finale saw the candidates, all wearing white evening gowns designed by Tadashi, holding hands and awaiting the verdict. They all smiled and embraced when Hiraizumi’s name was called. “It means so much to my parents and so much to my grandparents more than anything else,” said Hiraizumi. “To stay true to my heritage and culture. I am so proud of myself and the rest of the ’08 girls. I am so proud of my sponsors and parents because we’ve been through a lot together. I couldn’t be any happier.” Set to attend law school in 2009 to study international law, while also in her spare time training for and running in marathons, Hiraizumi is no stranger to trying undertakings. “It really is about perseverance,” Hiraizumi told the Rafu Shimpo in regards to the Nisei Week Queen process. “So many times we wanted to give up. We came crying to each other. We really have to be each other’s support system. That whole idea of ganbatte (go for it). It’s so important because what really can you accomplish if you don’t ganbatte?” Around 500 people were in attendance, though due to the enthusiastic crowd who screamed and cheered on their candidates at every occasion, the theatre seemed filled to capacity. The evening including the candidates singing “Sakura Iro Mau Koro” in beautiful kimonos with Japanese umbrellas, a performance by Minyo who sang progressive, classical Japanese folk songs, and a sultry dance routine by the candidates entitled “FEROSH. FAB. fierce!” that featured an accompanying video displayed behind them and saw the girls adorned in top hats. Hiraizumi’s father and mother, Gary and Kumiko, credited Tad Kawasaki, the owner of the Loft Restaurant in Gardena as the whole reason for their daughter getting involved. The couple, both proud and somewhat speechless about their daughter’s new crown, learned something new from the whole experience. “No one is left behind,” said Gary. “Everyone finds fulfillment from the team. They don’t function individually. That really speaks volumes about the program.” Proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Hiraizumi echoed her parents’ sentiment and projected her goals for her immediate future as Nisei Week Queen, “What I really want to accomplish in the community itself is I want to promote the Japanese culture and cultural understanding. I think education is key.” The judges for the Coronation were Tracy Isawa Ahn, former Nisei Week Queen; Rodney Kageyama, actor; Bill H. Seki, chairman of the Board of Directors of Go For Broke Educational Foundation; Joyce Sumi, former Nisei Week Queen; and Yasuyoshi Suzuki, president of Japan Business Association of California. The Nisei Week Queen and Court will represent the festival at community events throughout the year. For more information on the 68th Nisei Week Festival, call the Nisei Week Festival office at (213) 687-7193 or fax at (213) 687-6510. The Nisei Week office is located at 244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 303, Los Angeles, Calif., 90012. Also visit the Nisei Week website at www.NiseiWeek.org for a complete calendar of events.
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