Nakamura Steps Down as JCCSC Chief
By ELLEN ENDO
Rafu Contributor
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007

Seinan, Frances Hashimoto honored at installation.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California (JCCSC) took time during its annual installation dinner to single out two community stalwarts—the Seinan Senior Citizens Center and businesswoman Frances Hashimoto—last Friday at the New Otani Hotel.

Chamber members also recognized outgoing president Tatsushi Nakamura, whose term culminated with record attendance at the New Year (Oshogatsu) celebration in Little Tokyo earlier this month.

For Hashimoto, it was the latest in a succession of accolades given to her recently, among them the Asian Business Association “Businessperson of the Year,” and KCET “Local Hero” Award, and Nisei Week Japanese Festival grand marshal designation. She is the chairperson of the Little Tokyo Community Advisory Committee, president of the Little Tokyo Business Association from 1994-2005, board member for the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Nisei Week Foundation, and JCCSC. She’s also active with the Metro Gold Line community review advisory committee and Little Tokyo Community Council executive committee.

In 1970, Hashimoto left the teaching profession to assume leadership of the family business, Mikawaya, and has guided the company’s growth into a corporation that manufactures and distributes its Japanese-style confectionery product nationwide. 

“What we inherited from our parents enabled us to look at our culture and remember that we have a responsibility to preserve it,” said Hashimoto in accepting the JCCSC’s Nikkei Spirit Award.

Paul Kunio Shiba said that “drive and compassion” have kept the Seinan Senior Citizens Center going since its inception in 1971, even after government funding was cut off, and the future looked bleak for the center’s hot meals program and other services. 

The center survived those uncertain days and today is 100 per cent member sponsored, serving approximately 100 meals each day and providing assistance with citizenship, housing, finances, and classes in such areas as computers, stitchery, dance, cultural arts, and karaoke.

Business consultant Tatsuhiko Wakao was installed as the Chamber’s new president along with senior vice presidents Grace Shiba, George Kato, and Toshio Handa; vice presidents Tomio Ito, Kaz Kishita, Bert Inouye, Masao Okamoto, Kaoru Carl Kawata, Tokushi Maeda, Robert Yasui, Chester Ikei, and Mack Miyazaki; secretary Louis Ito; treasurers Haruo Tsutsumi and Howard Miyoshi; and auditors Kunio Shiba and Kitty Sankey.

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