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UC Berkeley Center for Japanese Studies
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Shinnyo-en Foundation was honored as a platinum donor to the University of California at Berkeley's Center for Japanese Studies on May 17th during the Center's 50th Anniversary Gala at Yoshi's in San Francisco. The evening began with lights drinks and refreshments served in the main dining area with a introductory remarks given by Dr. Duncan Williams, Professor of Buddhist Studies and director of the Center of Japanese Studies at UC Berkeley.
Next guests entered the main auditorium and listened to introductory remarks by Consul General Nagamine who congratulated the Center's great contribution to the Japanese Studies in the United States. He expressed his sincere hope for the Center to continue to be a beacon for the future of Japan-U.S. relations as well as for its further success in promoting the Japanese studies in another 50 years to come.
Dr. Williams, acting as an emcee for the event, next honored former Chairs, Professors Emeritus George DeVos and Robert Bellah, Professor Elizabeth Berry, Dean of History Department, Professor T.J. Pempel, former Director of the Institute for East Asian Studies, Ms. Keiko Hjersman for their dedication,
Afterwards, major donors to the center, including Shinnyo-en Foundation, were recognized and honored for their continued support of the programs. Following this presentation, Yoshi's owner and UC Berkeley alum, Yoshi Akiba personally took the stage and personally thanked the center and UC Berkeley by performing an interpretive dance to the soothing voice or an acapella jazz vocalist.
The evening culminated with an energetic and lively performance by the Yoshida Brothers, a well-known tsugaru-shamisen playing duo from Japan.
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