24th Japan America Grassroots Summit in San Diego Region Report
The 24th Japan-America Grassroots Summit in the San Diego region was held from September 23 to 29. The Summit was a great success and included 143 participants, 85 host families, and over 40 volunteers. Activities included:
TUE 9/23
Opening Ceremony in the Petco Park Auditorium – approx. 200 attended
- First Pitch by Masashi Tsuchiya, Hirono JHS
- On-field Nanazumai dance performance, Fudai JHS students
- San Diego Padres/Colorado Rockies Baseball Game – BBQ Party
WED 9/24
- Orientation in the San Diego Convention Center – Business, History, Tourism Presentations
- Local Tours Adult participants – Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway
- Student participants SS Californian educational program, Manjiro, Perry & Whitfield presentations
THU 9/25, FRI 9/26
Theme Sessions
- Balboa Park – Old Globe Theater tour, pass good for 17 museums, galleries, & gardens
- Business – SDG&E, Kyocera, Airport, Qualcomm, Harrah’s, Salk Institute, Stone Brewery tours
- Coronado – History Museum, Hotel Del Coronado, lawn bowling, Naval Base Coronado, beach
- Food & Wine – 2 wineries, 1 brewery, learned to make tacos & margaritas
- History – Mission San Diego, Old Town, Cabrillo Natl. Monument, historic Japanese area
- Military – USS Essex, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Miramar Air Station, USS Midway
- Nature – Sea kayaking, beach biking, hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve, Birch Aquarium
- Students – UCSD & San Dieguito High School campus visits/performances
SAT 9/27
Free Day with Host Families
SUN 9/28
Closing Ceremony at Japanese Friendship Garden – approx. 300 attended
Travel to Kona Kai Resort
VIP Participants
Manjiro, Perry, & Whitfield descendants
Consul General Harry Horinouchi (LA)
SD County Supervisor Ron Roberts
Coronado Mayor Casey Tanaka
USJC Executive VP Suzanne Basalla
Honorary Consul General Kate Leonard (SD)
