About the Kansai Club

The Kansai Club, originally founded as the Naniwa-kai, has been active since 1967. It mainly consists of members from Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, and Nara, but also welcomes people from across Japan—from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu and Okinawa in the south—who have ties to or an interest in the Kansai region. The club is well known for its lively event planning, especially its cheerful and entertaining social gatherings.

At the February 2024 social gathering, the club welcomed distinguished guests including Consul General Takehiro and Asami Sone from the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, Mr. Akira Kajita, Director of the JETRO Los Angeles Office, and Ms. Kazue Kitagaito, President of the Southern California Kenjinkai Association. The event began with a kagami biraki (traditional sake barrel opening) ceremony, followed by a toast led by former president Tom Nakamura. In his welcome speech, newly appointed President Hirokawa shared his vision: “With the energy of Kansai people, I hope to bring back vibrant and fun events that everyone can enjoy.”

For the past 18 years, the Kansai Club has hosted a training program inviting students from the Kansai region, funding it through a variety of well-attended fundraising events.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the club’s activities were limited to outdoor events such as baseball game outings and performances featuring a live Kawachi Ondo band and Bon Odori dance team. However, starting in October 2023, indoor events resumed. At a charity event hosted by the Kenjinkai Association, the club performed the traditional Kawachi Ondo.

In 2024, the club has already held two seminars, and moving forward, it plans to continue hosting cultural activities such as seminars and social events based on member suggestions and ideas. The club also aims to strengthen collaboration with other organizations, making its activities more flexible and inclusive.

President

Shinichi Hirokawa Appointed as New President: “I Want to Revive Vibrant Events”

In 2024, a new board of directors was approved, and Mr. Shinichi Hirokawa was selected as the new president of the Kansai Club. Although originally from Niigata, Mr. Hirokawa lived in Osaka for four years, where he became fascinated by the unique expressions and ways of thinking of Kansai people. About eight years ago, he joined the Kansai Club, drawn to its flexibility and its student exchange program. Since then, he has supported Mr. Hiro Sumiyama, the chair of the training committee.

Message from the President

My name is Shinichi Hirokawa, and I have assumed the role of president as of February this year.

Due to the well-known global circumstances, the Kansai Club has been mostly dormant for the past four years, except for outdoor activities. However, this year we aim to resume a wide range of activities and work toward new initiatives in preparation for our 60th anniversary in 2027.

Under the motto, “Waiwai gayagaya, tanoshiku yukai ni!” (Lively and Cheerful Fun!), we plan to welcome new members—particularly those in the Los Angeles area who have ties to Kansai or an interest in Kansai culture—and offer activities that foster enjoyable and meaningful connections.

Furthermore, as one of the few government-recognized nonprofit organizations (NPO) among kenjinkai groups, we are also aware of our responsibility to society. With the new board, we aim to leverage each member’s experiences to enhance services for our members while also contributing to the local Japanese-American community.

I look forward to your continued support.

Warm regards,
Shinichi Hirokawa

Board Members

The new board of directors consists of eight members: Emi Donville, Sakiko Harada, Yoriko Hongo, Keiko Ishii, Noritaka Omachi, Tom Maeda, and Fumio Maruyama, in addition to Shinichi Hirokawa. They will serve a two-year term until the 2026 General Assembly.