Japan Society of San Diego & Tijuana

24th Japan America Grassroots Summit in San Diego Region Report

2014-09-25 Suzies 04

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)

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