By Brett Callwood
On Saturday, June 28, the Gardena Valley JCI (Japanese Cultural Institute) will host its annual Matsuri carnival and fundraiser, an “annual, festive tradition where member organizations and supporters gather to volunteer, enjoy food, entertainment, games, community, and so much more while raising funds to support the GVJCI,” according to Cathy Lee, JCI’s Director of Development and Marketing.
Lee says that anyone and everyone is welcome at the event, which has amazingly been running for over 70 years now. When asked what is in store for attendees this year, Lee lists: Delicious food, fun games, raffle drawings, bingo, beer garden, outdoor entertainment, white elephant sale, plant sale, community craft sale, martial arts demonstrations, GVJCI Japanese Language School display, Ikebana display, Tri-City community emergency response team display, and a GVJCI Tomo No Kai art class exhibit.
However, she says that the food is always a highlight. Meanwhile, there are some incredible prizes on offer from the drawings, including:
– Dodgers vs White Sox, July 3 @ 7:10, 4 tickets + Parking, Donated by FIA Insurance
– Dodgers vs Blue Jays, August 10 @ 1:10, 4 tickets + Parking, Donated by Ray Shibata
– Dodgers vs Rockies, September 9 @ 7:10, 4 tickets + Parking, Donated by Crenshaw Lumber
– Best of the South Bay Gift Basket, includes various gift cards from local South Bay small businesses & Hirano Homes swag bag, Donated by Hirano Homes
– Wawa Claw $300.00 Party Pack, Donated by Wawa Claw
– $200 Japangeles gift card, Donated by Japangeles
– Apple Airpods Pro 2 wireless earbuds, Donated by GVJCI Board & Matsuri Committee
– $100 Amazon Gift Card, Donated by Sakura-Ya
– $100 Amazon Gift Card, Donated by GVJCI Board & Matsuri Committee
“Our matsuri is 100 percent volunteer-run with all proceeds benefiting the GVJCI,” Lee said. “We are able to provide our programs and services to our community through fundraisers like Matsuri. GVJCI is the home for 30+ community organizations and their classes and activities. We have an active senior citizen program where members participate in a variety of classes, and social and recreational activities, including a bento lunch program. Our family programs include a Saturday Japanese Language School for ages 5 to adult, Tanoshii Fun Camp, a summer youth cultural heritage camp, and other cultural educational programming for all ages. GVJCI holds an annual Day of Remembrance event ensuring that the history and experiences of the WWII mass removal and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans is shared and stays relevant to todays’ issues. In June, GVJCI’s largest fundraiser and community event is the GVJCI Matsuri, which is held all weekend-long with food, games, cultural displays and demonstrations, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Our work is made possible and sustained by our wonderful Member Organizations, volunteers, sponsors, staff, board and supporters. To learn more about us and to see our upcoming programs & classes , please visit our website.”
The event takes place at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 at Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, 1964 W. 162nd St., Gardena, CA 90247. For more info, visit https://www.jci-gardena.org/matsuri-2025.html
