Victoria Nishiuchi (left), of the Okinawa Association of America, is joined by Nikkei Spirit awardee George Sugimoto (center), and JCCSC President Haruo Takehana.
By ELLEN ENDO
RAFU SHIMPO
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California highlighted the accomplishments of philanthropist Kazuo George Sugimoto and the Okinawa Association of America on Jan. 26 during the chamber’s annual installation luncheon on Jan. 26.
“The Chamber of Commerce honoring me with the Nikkei Spirit Award means a lot to me. At my time of life, something like this is really significant,” stated the 99-year-old Sugimoto, KGS Electronics founder, who has supported numerous non-profit organizations and charitable golf tournaments throughout his career as well as in retirement. JCCSC Treasurer Tomoko Omura presented Sugimoto with the award.
Sugimoto launched his avionic electronics company more than 60 years ago to serve the aerospace industry. He has provided products to such companies as Cessna Aircraft, Boeing Aerospace, Learjet Inc., EADS/Airbus, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Beechcraft.
Sugimoto began as a communications expert, serving in the U.S. military and stationed in Korea. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1950.
During the event held at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, the Ryukyu Matsuri Daiko brought the spirit of Okinawa, performing an energetic combination of drumming, dance, and song.
Formed by Okinawan immigrants in the early 1900s, OAA today is a multi-generational organization dedicated to providing cultural, educational, and social programs designed to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Okinawan culture. President Victoria Nishiuchi accepted the Community Organization Recognition Award on behalf of OAA.
Robert Kawahara, court commissioner with the L.A. Superior Court, administered the oath of office to JCCSC President Haruo Takehana and the 2025 directors and officers.
Takehana’s installation represents his fourth term as president since joining the chamber in 2004. He has held leadership positions in the Japanese American community for 25 years, including president of the Japanese Community Pioneer Center (2017-2022). He is also active in the Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, Little Tokyo Business Association, and Nagano Kenjinkai.
Robert Kawahara (left), court commissioner with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, administered the oath of office for JCCSC officers, including President Haruo Takehana (second from left).
In 2019, he was instrumental in creating a scholarship program for Waseda University graduates seeking masters and doctoral degrees.
A former vice president with Charles Dunn Company, he currently heads his own company, Takehana Real Estate Services, Inc., specializing in commercial and industrial real estate.
Consul General Kenko Sone serves as honorary president. In addition to Takehana, the following officers were installed: Trudy Nodohara, executive vice president; Grace Shiba and Yuriko Shikai, senior vice presidents; Paul Abe, Akiko Agishi, Junzo Arai, Akira Fujimoto, David Kudo, Toby Mallen, Happy Mizutani, and Shun Sekiguchi, vice presidents; Tomoko Omura, treasurer; Carl Kawata, Kitty Sankey, and Jeff Yamazaki, advisors.
Additional board members are Jan Fukuhara, Yoshiharu Hamano, Howard Miyoshi, Akihiro Sano, and Carol Tanita. Chogi Higa, Shigeo Nagayama, and Tak Nishi comprise the Board of Governors.