From left: LTSC Co-Executive Director Takao Suzuki, LTSC Community Engagement and Education Manager Ryoko Nakamura, Mami Sone, Consul General Kenko Sone, LTSC Director of Development Sharon Kamegai Cocita.
LITTLE TOKYO SERVICE CENTER
LTSC extends our deepest gratitude to Consul General Kenko Sone, his wife Mami Sone, and Deputy Consul General Naoshige Aoshima and his wife Fukino Aoshima for their extraordinary partnership with our community over the past three years.
Under Consul General Sone’s thoughtful leadership, the Japanese Consulate didn’t just support our work – they became true partners in it. Their hands-on approach touched every corner of our mission, from our programs supporting individuals experiencing homelessness to our senior wellness initiatives, mental health services, and youth programs.
Mami Sone (bottom left) at LTSC volunteer appreciation event.
What made this partnership truly special was how personal it became. Mami Sone didn’t simply endorse our programs – she became an active contributor across multiple initiatives. She rolled up her sleeves to teach English classes at the Terasaki Budokan through our J-Town Senior Connection program, bringing not just language instruction but genuine friendship and cultural exchange to our seniors.
Additionally, Mrs. Sone provided frequent guest lectures promoting positive relationships between parents and their children, sharing valuable insights from her background as an experienced educator that strengthened families throughout our community. Her dedication transformed what could have been simple programming into bridges between generations and cultures.
The consul general himself regularly visited our facilities, participated in community events, and helped us connect with additional resources and organizations. This wasn’t diplomacy from a distance – it was community-building at its finest.
“This kind of partnership shows what’s possible when organizations move beyond formal support to genuine collaboration,” said Takao Suzuki and Peter Gee, co-executive directors of LTSC. “The consulate’s involvement has strengthened not just our programs, but the entire fabric of the Nikkei community here in the Southland.”
Deputy Consul General Naoshige Aoshima at Sake in the Park 2025.
Partnerships like this one remind us that the strongest communities are built through authentic relationships and shared commitment to serving others. The foundation that Consul General Sone and his team have established sets a remarkable standard, and we eagerly look forward to building upon this legacy with the incoming consul general and continuing our vital collaboration in service of the broad Nikkei community.
Thank you, Kenko and Mami Sone and Naoshige and Fukino Aoshima, for showing us what true partnership looks like.
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