September and October saw JASN co-hosting an exhibition of traditional Japanese dolls at the Henderson Convention Center. The City of Henderson, The Japan Foundation, the Consulate  General of Japan in San Francisco  and the office of the Honorary Consulate of Japan in Las Vegas all teamed up with JASN to make this traveling exhibition a resounding success. More than 5,500 people visited the exhibition during its one-month run.  Kudos to all who volunteered, including our Executive Director Miho-san, and our intern, Satomi-san. Special thanks to Brad and Kathleen Blakely, who spent countless hours setting up and and then packing up the exhibit.  Brad is an artist and antique restorationist and provided pro bono services in the role of doll surgeon, as some of the dolls arrived needing some TLC!

Transportation for school children to and from the exhibition was generously supported by Cirque du Soleil and Aoki-Noda Logistics.

We were honored by a visit from Consul General Nagamine, who       spoke at our September luncheon, and who also spoke at the opening reception for the doll exhibit. Consul General Nagamine reminded us that Nevada falls within his jurisdiction, and that he is very interested in supporting JASN's mission to raise the level of understanding of Japanese culture and to increase business ties between Nevada and Japan.  We look forward to seeing Consul General Nagamine again soon!

Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen delivered his Proclamation, Nevada's Chief of Protocol, Gayle Anderson and representatives from the offices of Senator Reid, Senator Ensign, Congresswoman Titus and Governor Gibbons presented congratulatory certificates.  Special guests Bernice Fisher, Henderson Councilwoman Gerri Shroder, Honorary Consul of Germany Andreas Adrian and Wayne Tanaka Emeritus  also attended the opening reception. Our very own Kathleen Blakely, Honorary Consul General of Japan, addressed the attendees. After the speeches, the attendees were entertained by performances of traditional Japanese dance by  Hanayagi  Sensei and her student  Megumi-san, and were well-fed with scrumptious food donated by the great folks at Ichiban Sushi and our special thanks to Aoki Noda Logistics, Hamada of Japan, and Sapporo Beer for their support of the opening reception.

Just as the doll exhibition was whisked away, we held our October luncheon. The featured speaker was JASN Board member Ed Prud'homme, a prominent immigration law attorney practicing here in Las Vegas.  Ed edified us as to recent and future developments in immigration law and enforcement, and shared with us his learned views of the importance of immigrants to the success, and very fiber, of this country.  Honorary Consul General Kathleen Blakely briefly addressed the group with information about the services provided by the office of the Honorary Consulate. Sherry Hashimoto did an outstanding job as emcee. Thanks to both Ed and Sherry!