From left: JCCCW Board President Lori Matsukawa, Irene Hirano, and JCCCW Corporate Cabinet Co-Chair Ted Yamamura
The Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington (JCCCW) held its second annual Tomodachi Luncheon fundraiser at the Bellevue Westin Hotel. More than 270 people attended, and more than $38,000 was raised, which will benefit the JCCCW.
Sen. Daniel Inouye
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) was honored with the first annual Tomodachi Award, given for his life-long work in strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the United States. Due to his work in passing health care reform in Washington, D.C., Inouye could not attend. His wife and president of the U.S.–Japan Council, Irene Hirano, accepted the award on his behalf. ♦