bmwracer wrote:

And eating them as well. LOL, I wouldn't mind seeing Joey Chestnut in the gyoza eating contest.

They call him the Rayu Wrangler...because he likes 'em hot.

We had a great time at the matsuri this weekend!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00fklM2khE8



_________________

Event schedule for the 71st Nisei Week Festival: http://niseiweek.org/

This years Nisei Week Queen candidates: http://www.niseiweek.org/court/2011/

For some reason, Leann Fujinami reminds of a Japanese actress that I've seen, but I can't put my finger on which one!!

gaijinmark wrote:

This years Nisei Week Queen candidates: http://www.niseiweek.org/court/2011/

My vote goes to Leann Fujinami.

Wonder if any of them belong to AKB48, Morning Musume, or Romper Room

Tu_triky wrote:

Wonder if any of them belong to AKB48, Morning Musume, or Romper Room

Not the hapa ones.

bmwracer wrote:

Not the hapa ones.

Thank goodness.

Tu_triky wrote:

Wonder if any of them belong to AKB48, Morning Musume, or Romper Room

they're too old to be considered for those groups


Leanne is a good selection, so is Amber for this years queen nomination

qilver wrote:

they're too old to be considered for those groups

Haha. For sure...in AKB48 years they should be collecting their pension checks....

You got quite an entertainment line-up there.
_________________

Nice website for keeping up with what's going on in ���g������: http://www.littletokyola.org/

bmwracer wrote:

My vote goes to Leann Fujinami. qilver wrote: Leanne is a good selection, so is Amber for this years queen nomination.

They all are very nice, but my vote goes to Amber Akemi Piatt.


Thanks gaijinmark for all of the info.

Tu_triky wrote:

Haha. For sure...in AKB48 years they should be collecting their pension checks....

haha, lol
after 21yrs, they are probably told to retire and considered too old

Didn't know where else to put it, but I thought it was an interesting article (from the Rafu Shimpo), particularly about the population demographics:



Diversifying Redevelopment with a Distinct Japanese Flavor
Regency Centers addresses Irvine�fs growing Asian demographic by adding Mitsuwa to Heritage Plaza.


By JORDAN IKEDA
Rafu Contributor



Located on one of the busiest intersections in the city of Irvine, Heritage Plaza has been providing the local community with shopping, dining and services for the past 30 years.

Despite a long history of success, a much needed, community-focused redevelopment of the plaza went into effect in February, coinciding with the city�fs project to widen the adjacent Culver Drive. The enhancement of the center signifies the sort of innovative thinking that influenced CNN Money to last year rank Irvine among America�fs top 25 cities.

Owned by Regency Centers, the leading national owner, operator and developer of grocery-anchored and community shopping centers, Heritage Plaza�fs $10 million redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in November. The transformation features a Southern California Main Street architectural style that blends with the surrounding neighborhood.

Designed by Nadel Architects and Hirsch & Associates Inc., the redevelopment includes focused gathering areas with benches and al fresco dining, complete with lush garden areas and decorative trellises.

In addition to upgrading and modernizing the physical properties of the center, Regency focused its efforts in addressing the city�fs demographic shift to a growing Asian population.

When Heritage Plaza was initially constructed in 1980, Irvine was made up of middle-to-upper-class Caucasians comprising more than 80 percent of its population. Sprinkled throughout were a few pockets of Asians �\ mostly Japanese American strawberry farmers and early Chinese immigrants �\ who made up a paltry 7.7 percent of the city�fs residents.

Three decades later, that ratio has changed radically. According to the 2010 Census, of Irvine�fs 212,375 residents, 39 percent are of Asian ethnic backgrounds. Nearly 8 percent of those are Japanese, 33 percent Chinese, and 22 percent Korean. Juxtaposed, the city�fs white population now stands at only a shade north of 50 percent.

In fact, Irvine�fs demographic shift is a microcosm of Orange County as a whole. The county�fs Asian population grew to 39 percent over the past decade, placing it third among counties across the country. But widen the scope, and the growth is not nearly as dramatic. While home to the nation�fs largest population of Asians and Asian Americans, California has seen only a steady increase from 6.6 percent to 12.8 percent over the past three decades.

The rapid growth of the Asian demographic in Irvine has roots in the city�fs history as a conservative suburb. Irvine remains a destination for Asian American professionals and families due to the attractive nature of high-quality schools, low crime and well-paying jobs.

For fourth- and fifth-generation Asian Americans, whose parents and grandparents worked hard to provide them with the discipline, motivation and education necessary to succeed, upper-class suburbia is the ultimate realization of that legacy. On the other hand, newly arriving Asians in Irvine tend to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and academics with the language skills and money that many traditional immigrants don�ft have.

Regency Centers has wholly embraced this demographic blending. After a great deal of research, Regency chose to lease 13,853 square feet of the center�fs retail space to Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace. As a complementary junior anchor to Ralphs, the Japanese market is scheduled to open in fall 2011, inhabiting what was formerly an Ace Hardware.

�gWe believe that the addition of Mitsuwa will spark new interest while helping to maintain 30 years of success at Heritage Plaza,�h said Gregg Sadowsky, Regency Center�fs senior vice president and regional officer. �gWe partnered with the community to determine a tailored merchandising plan that meets its need for a convenient shopping destination offering a complementary mix of options, including grocery stores, restaurants and retail.�h

As the nation�fs largest Japanese supermarket chain, Mitsuwa�fs authentic Japanese produce, meat and baked goods are products not readily available to the community. The next nearest Mitsuwa is nearly 10 miles away.

The market�fs food court, featuring Japanese comfort food like soba, ramen, and pork cutlet, will mix into the melting pot of flavors already enjoyed at Heritage Plaza. From stuffed carne asada burritos at Super Mex, to spicy tofu soup at Dae Myoung Ok, to lox on a freshly baked onion roll at East Coast Bagel, Heritage Plaza offers a dazzling array of cuisine from around the world that reflects the ever-changing makeup of the surrounding community.

According to Sadowsky, center redevelopments benefit the surrounding community by bringing in new tenants like Mitsuwa. Picking the right tenant that will fit well with the center is crucial. Thus, Regency hired Consensus Inc. to host a pair of focus groups with customers and local neighborhood associations to learn from and address the community�fs opinions and concerns.

When queried on suggested stores, participants requested stores with character that would give the center �gpersonality�h and reflect the multicultural neighborhood.

Much of the feedback Regency gathered has been implemented into the center�fs overall redesign. The architecture will utilize stone and wood finishes providing texture and earth tones to complement the aesthetics of the neighboring area. Signage has been improved and the cumbersome overhangs and pillars have been removed to improve visibility.

As part of its �ggreengenuity�h practices, Regency�fs commitment to ecological responsibility, the renovation will add more than 200 trees consistent with the region�fs natural vegetation, drought-resistant landscaping, a smart irrigation system that automatically monitors and adjusts to climate data, and LED parking lot lighting.

�gWith the shift in the ethnic makeup of Irvine, it was imperative for us to appropriately reflect the demographic in whatever redevelopment we undertook,�h said Sadowsky. �gIn the end, our vision is of a vibrant neighborhood locale where a diverse community is able to come together to socialize, dine and relax, and conveniently pick up their daily essentials.�h

In whatever flavors they may be.

* * *

Heritage Plaza is located at 14474 Culver Drive in Irvine, and includes national retailers and services such as Ralphs, CVS/pharmacy, Seattle�fs Best Coffee, The UPS Store, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Wendy�fs, RadioShack, Chase, H&R Block, Cold Stone Creamery and Elephant Bar restaurant.

shin2 wrote:

Didn't know where else to put it, but I thought it was an interesting article (from the Rafu Shimpo), particularly about the population demographics: Diversifying Redevelopment with a Distinct Japanese Flavor Regency Centers addresses Irvine�fs growing Asian demographic by adding Mitsuwa to Heritage Plaza. By JORDAN IKEDA Rafu Contributor Located on one of the busiest intersections in the city of Irvine, Heritage Plaza has been providing the local community with shopping, dining and services for the past 30 years. Despite a long history of success, a much needed, community-focused redevelopment of the plaza went into effect in February, coinciding with the city�fs project to widen the adjacent Culver Drive. The enhancement of the center signifies the sort of innovative thinking that influenced CNN Money to last year rank Irvine among America�fs top 25 cities. Owned by Regency Centers, the leading national owner, operator and developer of grocery-anchored and community shopping centers, Heritage Plaza�fs $10 million redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in November. The transformation features a Southern California Main Street architectural style that blends with the surrounding neighborhood. Designed by Nadel Architects and Hirsch & Associates Inc., the redevelopment includes focused gathering areas with benches and al fresco dining, complete with lush garden areas and decorative trellises. In addition to upgrading and modernizing the physical properties of the center, Regency focused its efforts in addressing the city�fs demographic shift to a growing Asian population. When Heritage Plaza was initially constructed in 1980, Irvine was made up of middle-to-upper-class Caucasians comprising more than 80 percent of its population. Sprinkled throughout were a few pockets of Asians �\ mostly Japanese American strawberry farmers and early Chinese immigrants �\ who made up a paltry 7.7 percent of the city�fs residents. Three decades later, that ratio has changed radically. According to the 2010 Census, of Irvine�fs 212,375 residents, 39 percent are of Asian ethnic backgrounds. Nearly 8 percent of those are Japanese, 33 percent Chinese, and 22 percent Korean. Juxtaposed, the city�fs white population now stands at only a shade north of 50 percent. In fact, Irvine�fs demographic shift is a microcosm of Orange County as a whole. The county�fs Asian population grew to 39 percent over the past decade, placing it third among counties across the country. But widen the scope, and the growth is not nearly as dramatic. While home to the nation�fs largest population of Asians and Asian Americans, California has seen only a steady increase from 6.6 percent to 12.8 percent over the past three decades. The rapid growth of the Asian demographic in Irvine has roots in the city�fs history as a conservative suburb. Irvine remains a destination for Asian American professionals and families due to the attractive nature of high-quality schools, low crime and well-paying jobs. For fourth- and fifth-generation Asian Americans, whose parents and grandparents worked hard to provide them with the discipline, motivation and education necessary to succeed, upper-class suburbia is the ultimate realization of that legacy. On the other hand, newly arriving Asians in Irvine tend to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and academics with the language skills and money that many traditional immigrants don�ft have. Regency Centers has wholly embraced this demographic blending. After a great deal of research, Regency chose to lease 13,853 square feet of the center�fs retail space to Mitsuwa Japanese Marketplace. As a complementary junior anchor to Ralphs, the Japanese market is scheduled to open in fall 2011, inhabiting what was formerly an Ace Hardware. �gWe believe that the addition of Mitsuwa will spark new interest while helping to maintain 30 years of success at Heritage Plaza,�h said Gregg Sadowsky, Regency Center�fs senior vice president and regional officer. �gWe partnered with the community to determine a tailored merchandising plan that meets its need for a convenient shopping destination offering a complementary mix of options, including grocery stores, restaurants and retail.�h As the nation�fs largest Japanese supermarket chain, Mitsuwa�fs authentic Japanese produce, meat and baked goods are products not readily available to the community. The next nearest Mitsuwa is nearly 10 miles away. The market�fs food court, featuring Japanese comfort food like soba, ramen, and pork cutlet, will mix into the melting pot of flavors already enjoyed at Heritage Plaza. From stuffed carne asada burritos at Super Mex, to spicy tofu soup at Dae Myoung Ok, to lox on a freshly baked onion roll at East Coast Bagel, Heritage Plaza offers a dazzling array of cuisine from around the world that reflects the ever-changing makeup of the surrounding community. According to Sadowsky, center redevelopments benefit the surrounding community by bringing in new tenants like Mitsuwa. Picking the right tenant that will fit well with the center is crucial. Thus, Regency hired Consensus Inc. to host a pair of focus groups with customers and local neighborhood associations to learn from and address the community�fs opinions and concerns. When queried on suggested stores, participants requested stores with character that would give the center �gpersonality�h and reflect the multicultural neighborhood. Much of the feedback Regency gathered has been implemented into the center�fs overall redesign. The architecture will utilize stone and wood finishes providing texture and earth tones to complement the aesthetics of the neighboring area. Signage has been improved and the cumbersome overhangs and pillars have been removed to improve visibility. As part of its �ggreengenuity�h practices, Regency�fs commitment to ecological responsibility, the renovation will add more than 200 trees consistent with the region�fs natural vegetation, drought-resistant landscaping, a smart irrigation system that automatically monitors and adjusts to climate data, and LED parking lot lighting. �gWith the shift in the ethnic makeup of Irvine, it was imperative for us to appropriately reflect the demographic in whatever redevelopment we undertook,�h said Sadowsky. �gIn the end, our vision is of a vibrant neighborhood locale where a diverse community is able to come together to socialize, dine and relax, and conveniently pick up their daily essentials.�h In whatever flavors they may be. * * * Heritage Plaza is located at 14474 Culver Drive in Irvine, and includes national retailers and services such as Ralphs, CVS/pharmacy, Seattle�fs Best Coffee, The UPS Store, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Wendy�fs, RadioShack, Chase, H&R Block, Cold Stone Creamery and Elephant Bar restaurant.

Thanks for sharing. Pretty interesting article. I never imagined Mitsuwa opening a new location in Southern California. The already have a Costa Mesa location in Orange County but it does make sense to open another one in Irvine.

Too bad it's insanely far for me...but the one in Torrance would still be my go to location since the one in downtown closed and was turned into a Korean supermarket.

I'm sure the new location will be nice though.

Le sigh. In San Jose, I wish Mitsuwa would re-locate to our Nihonmachi.

As it is, their location is drawing away business from our historic Japantown. They're even building a "Japanese Cultural Center" in the strip mall.
_________________

Itazura ichiban wrote:

Le sigh. In San Jose, I wish Mitsuwa would re-locate to our Nihonmachi. As it is, their location is drawing away business from our historic Japantown. They're even building a "Japanese Cultural Center" in the strip mall.

The scenario you described is quite analogous the Little Tokyo of Los Angeles. The ethnic Japanese character of the area has been heavily diluted by non-Japan related business over the last couple of decades. The City of Los Angeles doesn't have any zoning ordinances in place to prevent it from happening so you have places like Starbucks, Subway, Office Depot, and other nationwide franchises that have long been in place. Moreover, many of the Japanese-Americans have long moved to other areas while many more Koreans/Korean-Americans have moved in.

Having said that there have been a small handful of recently opened up Japanese restaurants that have mitigated the trend to some extent.

Life in the big city I guess...the demographics invariably change over time.

^ The same could be said for other ethnicities as well: Chinatown is more Vietnamese than Chinese, as the Chinese have emigrated to the San Gabriel Valley....

And Irvine.

bmwracer wrote:

^ The same could be said for other ethnicities as well: Chinatown is more Vietnamese than Chinese, as the Chinese have emigrated to the San Gabriel Valley.... And Irvine.

Definitely. You're more likely to get hit with a Banh Mi instead of some Dim Sum.