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Annual EVENTOur Annual Event raises critical funds for the JCCCNC’s programs and activities that serve thousands of ethnically diverse individuals every year, and sustain our organization for future generations. TABEMASHO (Let's Eat!)Celebrating 140 years of Japanese Food in America Brought the Community Together Through Food
The JCCCNC hosted over 600 guests at its annual event, Tabemasho (Let’s Eat!), on Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the JCCCNC on 1840 Sutter Street in San Francisco. Tabemasho helped celebrate 140 years of Japanese food in America and honored community businesses in the Japanese American food industry. The event also introduced the community cookbook, Nikkei Potluck.
Tabemasho took place throughout the entire building of the JCCCNC and featured celebrity chefs Alex Ong of Betelnut Pejiu Wu, Rodolfo Reyes of La Mar Cebicheria, Seiji Wakabayashi of Bushi-tei and Mike Yakura of Ozumo Restaurant, cooking demonstrations, sake and shochu tasting and homemade Nikkei comfort foods including the Takeda family's famous umeboshi.
In addition to celebrating Japanese Food in America, Tabemasho honored several of the Bay Area's finest Japanese American community small retailers that have helped our community stay connected through our love of Japanese food. The honorees were Azumaya Inc. (tofu), Benkyodo Company (manju), San Jose Tofu Co., Santo Market, Shuei-do Manju Shop, Takahashi Market, Tokyo Fish Market, Uoki K. Sakai Co. (market) and Yamada Seika (manju).
The event also presented the honors for the Kay Okamoto Volunteer Award and the Takeo Okamoto Community Leadership Award.
The following organizations and businesses prepared their specialties to share with the community: Asian American Recovery Services, Benkyodo Co., Buddhist Church of San Francisco, Christ United Presbyterian Church, Delica, Genryu Arts, Halau Ka Liko Pua Kalani A Kea, Rosa Parks JBBP, Japanese Community Youth Council, JCCCNC Board of Special thanks to MCs James Hattori and Jan Yanehiro, as well as kitchen helpers Alan Hirahara, Justin Ng, Jason Osajima, Joel Ouye, Akitoshi Takazawa, Jeff Wun and dishwashers Haruka Roudebush and JACL Nakayoshi volunteers. Presenting Sponsor:
Benefactor Sponsors:
Patron Sponsors:
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The Kay Okamoto Volunteer Award is given an individual who demonstrates Kay’s spirit of volunteerism in the Japanese American community and seeks to recognize those who help others on a personal level. This year's Kay Okamoto awardee was Joanne Aiko Takata from the East Bay. The Takeo Okamoto Community Leadership Award was given to Sherman Mikio Kishi, from Livingston, who demonstrated the modest and scholarly “spirit” exemplified by Takeo Okamoto’s leadership qualities and who has shown concern for the Japanese American community as well as the community-at-large.
Tabemasho was great success due to the many community participants and volunteers who donated their favorite dishes and helped prepare the food for guests. Through the 140 years, food has played an important role in connecting people and the community. Gathering around the table to eat, celebrate, remember and rejoice has been a tradition that has survived the test of time. Tabemasho captured the spirit of gathering around food and attendees were able to taste some of the best food that the community has to offer. 
Directors, JCCCNC Hanafuda, Konko Church, Nihonmachi Little Friends, Nikkei and Retirement, Nobirukai, Onigilly, Pine United Methodist Church, SF Associates, SF Bay Area Nikkei Singles, San Jose Tofu, Sanmi Restaurant, Seiko Kai, Shinzen Alumni, Sundance Kitchen, Yamato Flight Kitchen, Yasukochi's Sweet Stop. JFC International, Inc., Ito En, Kikkoman International and Pyramid Printing were generous food and beverage sponsors for the event.
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