Mari For Oregon

Had an amazing trip to Tokyo and Hachnohei in northern Japan. We commemorated 10 years since the rebuilding of two torii gates that parts were washed up on the Oregon shore 18 months after the Great East Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.

Portland Japanese Garden returned the pieces that washed ashore and the gates were rebuilt in Hachnohei. The board and staff also visited museums, Teien Forum, schools, gardens, and a special reception at the US Ambassador home.

Alaska Airlines is expanding its Japanese cultural footprint through a multi-year partnership with the Portland Japanese Garden.

A few of us board members helped decorate the Alaska Rose Festival float. Check out the parade today to see this beautiful float and our handiwork.

After 27 years, I reconnected with someone I used to do business with in Tacoma, Washington. Chami ran a sewing factory and I contacted with her to make product for a national brand.

We both are in new jobs that reconnected us at the Oregon Consular Corps Celebrate Trade gala at the Portland Art Museum.

The Dougy Center is building a new center in my district. This will help those who live on the west side of the region. Such an incredible organization for kids suffering from loss.

Enjoying delicious food and great company with the delegation from Inner Mongolia and the China Chamber of Commerce. Inner Mongolia manufacturers some of the best cashmere sweaters. And we got to try a new dessert product that will be at all the FIFA matches.

The APANO fundraiser was bitter sweet as the evening was filled with laughter and community. Only to learn one of our favorite sons, Cayle Tern, passed away. My deepest condolences to his family, APANO, and our community.

Did you know Oregon has a nuclear reactor at OSU? I did not but got to take an informative tour with my colleagues Senator Sara Gelser Blouin and Representative Thuy Tran.

Wayne M Collins was an attorney who helped thousands of Japanese Americans from being deported during WWII. George Takei mom was one of those. I never knew this story. Thank you filmmaker Sharon Yamato for being this story to light.

https://waynecollinsfilm.com

Heard great stories from Ready and Rising cohort graduates at Disability Rights Oregon event.

Attended a woodblock print class with a master artist at Portland Japanese Garden. Love this artform. The woodblock exhibit is till June 15.