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News and Upcoming Events for Japanese in Cleveland

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Out & About - Photos and Event Recaps

2023

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers in the Cultural Gardens

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation presented a series of World on Stage events during the summer of 2023 at the Centennial Peace Plaza in the Gardens. The September 9, 2023 event celebrated Asian heritage and culture and they performed several traditional dances.

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese dancers

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese dancers


Photos and videos of Sho-Jo-Ji's performance in the Cultural Gardens


Yume Daiko Japanese taiko drummers at 2023 Cleveland Asian Festival

Matt Richards studied, taught and performed taiko with the group Mukade Daiko during the fifteen years he lived and worked in Yasu, Japan. Matt had the opportunity to attend camps and workshops with the world famous Japanese taiko group Kodo. He began with Mukade Daiko as a beginner and left as the leader. After moving to Cleveland he and his children began performing in various scholastic and private function venues. Other members joined and the group took the name, Yume Daiko; the two words meaning "Dream" and "Drums".

They performed at the 2023 Cleveland Asian Festival.

Yume Daiko taiko drummers at Cleveland Asian Festival

Yume Daiko taiko drummers at Cleveland Asian Festival


Photos and videos of Yume Daiko's performance at CAF


Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers at 2023 Cleveland Asian Festival

The Sho-Jo-Ji Dancers are a Japanese dance group that had its first performance in 1956. They perform traditional dances from Japan in authentic kimonos. 3 generations performed at the 2023 Cleveland Asian Festival.

They performed at the 2023 Cleveland Asian Festival.

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers

Sho-Jo-Ji dancers at the Cleveland Asian Festival


Photos and videos of Sho-Jo-Ji's performance at CAF


2023 Statement from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on the Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, eighty-one years ago today, it ushered in one of the most shameful periods in American history. The wrongful incarceration of 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent tore families apart. Men, women, and children were forced to abandon their homes, their jobs, their communities, their businesses, and their way of life. They were sent to inhumane concentration camps simply because of their heritage. And in a tragic miscarriage of justice, the Supreme Court upheld these immoral and unconstitutional policies.

Despite losing liberty, security, and the fundamental freedoms that rightfully belonged to them, 33,000 Japanese Americans volunteered or were drafted for service in the U.S. military during World War II. While their own families were behind barbed wires, Japanese Americans fought in defense of the nation's freedom with valor and courage.

The incarceration of Japanese Americans reminds us what happens when racism, fear, and xenophobia go unchecked. As we battle for the soul of our nation, we continue to combat the corrosive effects of hate on our democracy and the intergenerational trauma resulting from it. We reaffirm the Federal Government's formal apology to Japanese Americans for the suffering inflicted by these policies. And we commit to Nidoto Nai Yoni - to "Let It Not Happen Again."


Sho-jo-ji Japanese Dancers at Lunar New Year 2023

Sho-jo-ji Japanese Dancers performed at a Lunar New Year event in Cleveland's Asia Plaza on January 21, 2023.

More from 2023 Lunar New Year


2022

Japanese Obon at Cleveland Buddhist Temple

Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. The annual festival was held on Sunday July 17, 2022 at the Cleveland Buddhist Temple.

Sho-jo-ji dancers

Sho-jo-ji dancers

Yume Daiko taiko drummers

Yume Daiko taiko drummer


See Sho-Jo-Ji Dancers, Yume Daiko drummers and more from Obon


2021

Japanese Community at One World Day

The Japanese community of Cleveland and NEOhio participated in the Parade of Flags at One World Day on August 29, 2021 in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. JANO(Japanese Association of Northeast Ohio) led the effort and the Yume Daiko traditional Japanese taiko drum ensemble marched with them.

Japanese community in Parade of Flags at One World Day 2021

Japanese community in Parade of Flags at One World Day

Japanese community in Parade of Flags at One World Day 2021

TV Anchor Chris Tanaka shows where his family is from

TV Anchor Chris Tanaka shows where his family is from

See more from Japan at One World Day


2019

Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) at Night Market in Cleveland

Ice or Rice is a start-up based in Cleveland, Ohio. They started as a food vendor at a local summer event called Night Market Cleveland in August 2019. Their motto is 'Eat new foods. Learn about the culture they come from. Love your world.' At the August Night Market they made Okonomiyaki.

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake containing a variety of ingredients. Theirs featured a pork belly, cabbage pancake topped with Okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, powdered seaweed and bonito flakes.

See more at Cleveland Cooks


10th annual Cleveland Asian Festival

The 10th annual Cleveland Asian Festival was held on the weekend of May 18 and 19 in Cleveland's AsiaTown neighborhood on Payne Avenue. It has become a not-to-miss annual event with great entertainment, food, shopping and fun.

MC Jennifer Luu with Hawaiian dancers

MC Jennifer Luu with Hawaiian dancers

See photos and videos from the 2019 Cleveland Asian Festival

John Cosma and OCA Dragon Team

OCA Cleveland Dragon Team at CAF


2019 CAF Photo Page - who do you recognize?


Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita speaks at Cleveland Sister Cities Conference

Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, Founder, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Quality Electrodynamics has a 20-year career history illustrating his exceptional technical and professional expertise in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology development and productization. Dr. Fujita is the author of 17 patents and has published more than 40 technical papers and abstracts.

In 2018, Dr. Fujita was appointed as Honorary Consul of Japan in Cleveland by the Embassy of Japan and the United States Department of State. He spoke at the kickoff event of the first annual Sister Cities Conference held in the Cleveland Public Library. Cleveland is a sister city with over 20 other cities from around the world. The event was out on by Global Cleveland.



Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita

Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita


See more from the Sister Cities event



2018

Japanese community at International Cleveland Community Day

International Cleveland Community Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art is a celebration of the rich diversity of our region’s multiethnic communities, featuring traditional music and dance performances, cultural displays, and ingallery experiences. During this vibrant afternoon, visitors enjoyed presentations from more than 50 community groups expressing the continued vitality of the global cultures and arts that enliven our city.

The Japanese community was represented with a banner of the Sho Jo Ji Dancers.

Sho Jo Ji Japanese Dancers banner in Cleveland Museum of Art

Sho Jo Ji Japanese Dancers banner in Cleveland Museum of Art



2017

Consul General of Japan at Ohio Asian American Economic Summit

The Ohio Asian American Economic Summit took place November 14, 2017 at Ariel International Center in Cleveland. Ariel International and Margaret Wong & Associates LLC were the event sponsors. Ariel CEO Radhika Reddy had worked toward this event for years and with the support of Margaret Wong was able to fill the room with people interested in doing business in and with Asia and a stellar group of speakers and panelists including the Consul General of India who flew in from New York and the Consul General of Japan who came in from Detroit.

Radhika Reddy and Consul General of Japan in Detroit Mitsuhiro Wada

Radhika Reddy and
Consul General of Japan in Detroit Mitsuhiro Wada

JETRO Chicago Chief Executive Director Ralph Inforzato spoke about doing business in Japan.

JETRO Chicago Chief Executive Director Ralph Inforzato

JETRO Chicago Chief Executive Director Ralph Inforzato


Comparison of Japan and US slide

Innovation in Japan

Abenomics slide


Justin Kocher of Jobs Ohio spoke about Japanese and other Asian Foreign Direct Investment in Ohio.



Justin Kocher of Jobs Ohio

Justin Kocher of Jobs Ohio


Justin Kocher of Jobs Ohio slide on jobs

Justin Kocher of Jobs Ohio - QED



See photos and videos of the entire Ohio Asian American Economic Summit


Chris Tanaka and Reakt at Cleveland Asian Festival

WOIO news anchor Chris Tanaka introduced Reakt, an artist from Tokyo Japan who is touring North America. Reakt performs a mix of Japanese pop and hip-hop. Here is a sample.




Chris Tanaka serving as MC

Chris Tanaka serving as MC


Reakt performing

Reakt


See more from the 2017 Cleveland Asian Festival


Pokémon's Pikachu at Cleveland Parade

Even though the annual Kurentovanje Festival and Parade is a Slovenina event, one of the most popular parts of the Parade was the appearance of two Pikachus from The Pokémon Company, a Japanese corporation.

In this short video, the Pikachus pretend to fight.



See more of the Pikachus at Kurentovanje


2016

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers at ICC-WIN Multicultural Holiday Party

One of the highlights of the 7th annual Cleveland Multicultural Holiday Celebration put on by the International Community Council Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) in Cleveland at the Global Center for Health Innovation was the performance of the Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Ensemble. THe group is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year (founded in 1956).

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers


Photos and Videos of the Sho-Jo-Ji performance


Health Disparities in Asian Populations
November 10, 2016

Margaret Wong and Associates and Case Western Reserve University joined together to create an evening reception to promote health, education, and awareness to the Asian community in Cleveland. The event featured an educational seminar by Li Li, MD PhD, Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Professor and Director. Dr. Li spoke about Acculturation and Health Disparities in Asian Population.

Dr. Li Li explaining health disparities

Li Li, MD, PhD speaking on Asian Health

Photos and videos of Dr. Li's presentation on Asian Health


Healthy Asian Cooking by Rose Wong
November 10, 2016

Rose Wong founded Pearl of the Orient restaurant in 1978. It was the first to offer Northern and Szechuan cuisine in Cleveland Ohio and continues to be a favorite among Chinese food cognoscenti.

Rose created two healthy dishes and answered questions about woks, soy sauce, MSG and more.

Rose Wong with Ginger Root

Rose Wong with Ginger Root

Photos and videos of Rose Wong's cooking demonstration


2014

Japanese at Cleveland Asian Catholic Gathering

About 1000 people celebrated the Annual Mass and Gathering on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 12 noon at St. Clarence Church. This is the 17th year the event was hosted by the Asian Ministry of the Diocese of Cleveland. It was an afternoon of family celebration of Asian culture and spirituality beginning with the celebration of the Mass with the Most Rev. Roger W Gries, OSB along with priests from the different Asian Catholic communities.

The cultural and ethnic diversity of the Asian Catholic communities assembled at the Mass was reflected throughout the celebration. Members of the various Asian communities came together with their own traditions, dressed in colorful ethnic clothes: shimmering saris, kimonos, karawangs, hanboks, barongs, and ao dai. The entrance procession included Vietnamese drums. During the Mass there was an incense ceremony by the Vietnamese, and the Indian aarti. Hymns were sung by the choirs in various Asian languages: Tagalog (Filipino), Korean, Vietnamese and Hindi (Indian). The readings and the prayers of the faithful were also said in various Asian languages.

Offertory at Asian Catholic Mass in Cleveland

Offertory at Asian Catholic Mass


2 pages of photos and videos of the Asian Catholic Gathering


Asian Heritage Day Celebration

Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
May 28, 2014
The City of Cleveland Community Relations Board, led by Asian Liaison Chia-Min Chen, hosted an Asian Heritage Day Celebration on May 28, 2014 in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda.

Over 60 Asian community groups and organizations participated. Chia-Min Chen called them up to the stage one at a time and each gave an elevator speech explaining their organization.

This included the Japanese American Citizen League of Cleveland

Japanese American Citizen League of Cleveland



Japanese American Citizen League of Cleveland

Learn more about each organization including photos and videos of the group leaders at the Asian Organizations in Cleveland pages.


2013

2013 Cleveland Asian Festival - May 18-19, 2013

The 4th annual Cleveland Asian Festival attracted 38,380 attendees over the weekend of May 18-19, 2013. They spent over $2 million in the AsiaTown neighborhood. There were dozens of performances from local, regional, and national performing groups including headliner Cheesa from NBC's The Voice.

People enjoyed Asian cuisine from over 20 different restaurants and shopping in the World Market which was filled with merchants of Asian themed products while sponsors had informational displays at their tent.

10 pages of photos and videos of the Cleveland Asian Festival

Chinese Girls in costume



Taiko drumming from Mame Daiko in Cleveland

Mame Daiko Japanese Drumming Ensemble performed at the 2013 International Folk Festival at Wade Oval in University Circle in Cleveland. Mame Daiko is traditional Japanese Taiko drum group sponsored by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Cleveland Chapter.




Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers
Chinese New Year at Cleveland's Asia Plaza
February 9, 2012

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancer at Cleveland Chinese New Year event

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers


Cleveland Aikikai Dojo featuring Aikido Martial Arts
Chinese New Year at Cleveland's Asian Town Center
February 9, 2012

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit."

Sensei Jim Klar

Sensei Jim Klar of Cleveland Aikikai



2012

Mame Daiko Taiko Drummers
ClevelandPeople.Com International Pavilion
September 1, 2012

Mame Daiko Taiko Drummers

Mame Daiko Taiko Drummers



Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers
ClevelandPeople.Com International Pavilion
September 1, 2012

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers



Cherry Tree Blossoms in Cleveland
130 trees were a gift from JANO (Japanese Association of Northern Ohio)

Cherry tree blossoms in Cleveland

Cherry tree blossoms in Cleveland




Icho Daiko Japanese taiko drumming
2012 Cleveland Asian Festival

Icho Daiko - Arya Kumar, Maryll Phillips and Branden Archer

Arya Kumar, Maryll Phillips and Branden Archer



2011

Mame Daiko Taiko Drumming Ensemble
at the International Folk Festival

Mame Daiko Taiko Drum Ensemble



Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers
at the International Folk Festival

Sho-jo-ji Japanese Dancers

Mame Daiko Taiko Drumming Ensemble
at the 2011 Continental Cup with Cleveland Indians mascot Slider

Cleveland Indians mascot Slider with Mame Daiko Taiko Drummers


***Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan and all who are suffering from the earthquakes and tsunamis. ***

Overview of Disaster Relief Efforts in Japan

Margaret W. Wong hosted a fundraiser for disaster relief for Japan featuring Kuninori Matsuda, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan on May 5, 2011

Kuninori Matsuda, Consul General, Consulate General of Japan

Kuninori Matsuda

Photos and videos of the Disaster Relief event


Mame Daiko Taiko Drummers at Cleveland Oktoberfest

Mame Daiko, Taiko Drumming Ensemble perform at Cleveland Oktoberfest.




Cleveland students host event to benefit Japanese victims
Asia Plaza April 2, 2011

Cameron Beason and Jane Tang

Cameron Beason and Jane Tang



2010

Japanese taiko drumming ensemble Icho Daiko

The Japanese taiko drumming ensemble Icho Daiko performed at the Chinese New Year celebration at Asia Plaza on February 13, 2010

Daiko Icho Taiko drummers

Icho Daiko drummers


Videos of the Icho Daiko drum performance


Sho Jo Ji Japanese Dancers at the 2010 International Folk Festival

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers

Sho Jo Ji Japanese Dancers at the 2010 International Folk Festival


See photos and videos from the Sho Jo Ji Dancers at the Festival


Mame Daiko Taiko Drumming Ensemble

The Mame Daiko Taiko Drumming Ensemble performed at the International Folk Festival on July 18, 2010.

Mame Daiko Taiko Drumming Ensemble of the Japanese American Citizens League


Photos and Videos of Mame Daiko Taiko Drumming Ensemble


JANO (Japanese Association of Northern Ohio)annual Sakura picnic

JANO (Japanese Association of Northern Ohio)held their annual Sakura picnic on June 6, 2010 with entertainment and remarks by Consul Noriaki Toda.

Consul Noriaki Toda

Consul Noriaki Toda

Cherry trees donated by JANO

Cherry trees donated by JANO


Photos and video of the JANO event


2009

Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers

The Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers perform a classical Japanese Dance at the Asian Pacific American Federation celebration in Cleveland Ohio May 9, 2009




Cleveland International Children's Games Welcome Booth

Cleveland International Children's Games Welcome



Organizations and Resources for Japanese in Cleveland


Submit your Cleveland Japanese organizations and resources.

Business, Education and Employment Information


Submit your Cleveland Japanese jobs, classes and other opportunities.


Cleveland Japanese Feedback and Memories


Japanese History and Culture


Japan

In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture.

Following the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854, Japan opened its ports and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia.

It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia.

After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians - with heavy input from bureaucrats and business executives - wield actual decisionmaking power.

The economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s following three decades of unprecedented growth, but Japan still remains a major economic power, both in Asia and globally.

(facts courtesy of CIA World Fact Book)


Map of Japan


An 1856 ukiyo-e depicting Echigoya, the current Mitsukoshi

An 1856 ukiyo-e depicting Echigoya, the current Mitsukoshi


Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle



Tell us about the music, food, holidays, traditions, costumes, language and other qualities that make Japanese so special.

Submit your Cleveland Japanese cultural items.




Profiles of Japanese in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

If you know of a Cleveland Japanese person who should be profiled,
please let us know.


ClevelandPeople.Com - Japanese Ambassadors

Rob and Arisa Hawkins
Rob and Arisa Hawkins

Read more about the Japanese and other Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Japanese community, please contact us.




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