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leanUp Kitsune is a volunteer, Japanese inspired, environmental performance art designed to generate waste awareness through culture and creativity. CleanUp Kitsune can be found at parks, events and various gatherings, collecting trash and littering kindness.

CleanUp Kitsune is nonverbal, creating a unique experience for the senses. They utilize gestures to
communicate kindness, which can be understood in any language. Equipped with kitsune (ki-tsu-neh)
masks, bamboo basket backpacks and armed with trash pickers, they walk around events in costume,
cleaning up litter, pushing down trash bins, applauding for proper waste disposal, sharing sustainable
stickers, taking pictures with people & interacting with polite tomfoolery. Following most events, CleanUp
Kitsune details the experience, trash collections and recommendations for litter mitigation of each location on social media and includes posts of selfies with friends made along the way.

Since their launch in June of 2023, CleanUp Kitsune has since grown to encompass environmental
media, waste organization stations, The Happi Helpers Volunteer Program, host local cleanups like
Cosplay Cleanup, created up-cycled goods and have began partnering with businesses and organizations to generate consumer awareness. At the time of writing, CleanUp Kitsune has removed, sorted and responsibly disposed of approximately 45,900 pieces/282 lbs of litter and diverted over 2,000lbs of trash from landfills through their collection and waste organization stations. These two have cleaned up events like Comic Con, Renaissance Faires, Farmers Markets, Oktoberfest, Holiday Markets, Japanese Festivals, Environmental Events and can be found at Nisei Week LA, OC Japan Fair, Taste of Japan, and of course at their home location, The Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum in San Diego and all throughout Balboa Park, cleaning up litter and helping make outdoor events more waste aware.

Behind the masks. Creators Lila & Corey Cleary-Stoner are both full time environmentalists in San Diego
California. They are the co-founders of Allgoods, a 501c3 environmental media company. They are both
actors and have backgrounds in theatre, film, voiceover, music and education. With an affinity for
Japanese culture, they initially created elements of these costumes for Renaissance Faires. While
attending, they noticed how commonly trash was left behind and walked over by the public. Inspired by
their environmental nonprofit Allgoods, they further developed this creative solution that could speak to
consumerism in ways words cannot reach.

“Each of us have a responsibility to one another & our environment to keep our shared spaces clean. But
personally, we are happy to clean up after others. We are grateful we are able to give back in such a
unique way. People see us for the first time and we certainly capture their attention. They don’t quite know what to expect but often the moment they see us cleaning up trash, we capture their heart. It’s like
smiling, if you see someone smile aren’t you likely to smile back? Litter collecting can be contagious in
that way too.” -Lila & Corey

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ave you ever wondered if the anime scene in Japan is as exciting as it seems to be? Well, I did. I wanted to explore the land of the rising sun and see if everything that I saw in various anime series that I watched was true. I moved to Japan and enjoyed every minute of it!

For an anime fan, Japan is a dream come true. Dedicated anime stores, anime movie releases, anime themed cafes, and access to exclusive anime merchandise. I visited the Pokemon Center at least once a month and never got tired of it.

After living in Japan for 3 years and moving back to America, I missed all the awesome goodies available there. America lacks supply of cool anime items, yet demand is high. There is no easy way to get access to all the awesome exclusive items in Japan… So I started Pika Dude with my friend overseas.

Pika Dude’s goal is to keep the love of Pokémon, anime, & video games alive by offering kawaii goodies from Japan to people all over the world.

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efore moving to the United States, Kiyoko was a licensed cosmetologist at one of the top Japanese cosmetic companies. She has hands on experience consulting customers at the beauty counter of an upscale department store. Her job as a supervisor also included the management and training of other beauty
consultants.

Kiyoko has a total of over 20 years of experience in the United States and Japan. Because of her versatile experience and
background, Kiyoko can provide outstanding quality regardless of ethnicity or nationality. She always ensures the bride will feel comfortable and enjoy her wedding day.

Kiyoko offers free consultations and is happy to provide her services for your event at either her salon in La Jolla or at the locationof your event.

I‘m Shiho Brenner, a certified kimono-dressing consultant with a deep passion for the enchanting world of kimono culture. My journey into the art of kimono began at a young age when I wore a beautiful yukata (summer kimono) to my preschool. I was captivated by its beauty and refused to part with it.
Decades later, my love for kimono was rekindled. I joined the Los Angeles Kimono Club and embarked on a fascinating journey of discovery. I immersed myself in kimono dressing classes, attended numerous kimono runway shows, and shared these experiences with my husband and two daughters.

Today, I am proud to be a member of the Kimono Culture Research Institute, a prestigious group of academics dedicated to the study of kimono history, materials, and the occasions associated with this intricate form of fancy dress and etiquette.

Located in sunny San Diego, California, Kimono Suishin is the culmination of my lifelong passion for kimono. It is my pleasure to share this rich cultural heritage with you, offering high-quality kimonos and related services. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of kimono, I invite you to explore my offerings and experience the timeless elegance of Japanese tradition.

Feel free to reach out to me at kimonosuishin@outlook.com for any inquiries or assistance. Thank you for joining me on this kimono journey, and I look forward to serving you.

Gunpla, a portmanteau of “Gundam” and “Plastic Model,” is Bandai’s extremely popular line of mecha model kits based on the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. These kits are unique in that they come molded in colored plastic and are designed for easy assembly without the need for glue or paint, thanks to their snap-fit pieces. Gunpla kits are known for their detailed parts, multiple grades, and well-engineered joints that provide excellent articulation and posing options.

Over the decades, Gunpla has evolved significantly from simple glue-together kits that required paint to today’s advanced models featuring intuitive engineering and perfect fitting, making them accessible to everyone from beginners to advanced modelers. The variety within the Gunpla series allows builders to engage in everything from straightforward builds to extensive customizations, depending on their skill and creativity.

At GUNNZO, we celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of Gunpla, and we invite you to explore this fascinating hobby with us. Whether you are a seasoned builder or new to the world of model kits, there is something for everyone in the diverse and dynamic world of Gunpla.

Visit us at our brick-and-mortar store or online at Gunnzo.com to learn more and start your own Gunpla journey. We look forward to serving and inspiring you at the Otsukimi event and beyond!

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he kimono, Japan’s traditional garment, has captivated the world with its beauty and intricacy. A symbol of Japanese culture and history, the kimono’s evolution reflects the shifts in fashion, social norms, and artistic expression over centuries.

Origins and Evolution The word “kimono” literally means “thing to wear,” and its roots can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD), where the basic shape and straight seams were established, designed to be suitable for the layering of multiple robes. The T-shaped, ankle-length robes were originally worn by the aristocrats during this era, and the art of wearing a kimono, known as kitsuke, began to flourish.

Cultural Significance During the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), the kimono saw significant developments in styles, fabrics, and patterns, influenced heavily by the political and cultural climate of the time. It was during this period that strict sumptuary laws were enacted, regulating the fabric and styles according to one’s social status. Despite these restrictions, common people found ways to express themselves through discreet luxury, often visible only in the lining of their kimonos.

Artistic Expression The kimono is renowned for its wide range of materials and decoration techniques. Silk, the most prized fabric, is often adorned with intricate patterns created through various dyeing techniques such as yuzen and shibori. Each region of Japan developed its unique designs, reflecting local aesthetics and natural features. The motifs can represent seasons, specific events, or the personal status of the wearer.

Modern Day With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Western clothing began to influence Japanese dress, leading to a decline in everyday kimono wearing. However, the kimono remains a vital part of Japanese ceremonies and special events, such as weddings, graduations, and tea ceremonies. Today, both traditional and contemporary designers are breathing new life into kimono fashion, blending historical elements with modern influences, ensuring the kimono remains relevant in contemporary fashion both in Japan and globally.

Legacy and Revival The kimono continues to be a source of inspiration for fashion designers around the world and is cherished as a cultural artifact that represents the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. As appreciation for sustainable and artisanal clothing grows, so too does the interest in kimonos as both wearable art and collectible pieces.

JJ

a formidable force in the world of Sumo Wrestling. With a solid foundation in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, JJ embarked on his sumo journey in 2016, fueled by a desire that had been kindled since 2007. Despite facing challenges in finding a suitable school, JJ’s determination led him from San Diego to the renowned LA Sumo club, where he honed his skills and made history.

In 2020, JJ proudly participated in his first sumo competition, marking the beginning of a remarkable ascent. The following year, he secured an impressive 2nd place finish at the nationals, followed by a triumphant 1st place victory at the North America Qualifiers. Taking his prowess to the global stage, JJ proudly represented his country at the esteemed world games in 2022. Accompanied by his equally talented wife, Christina Jones, who secured a commendable 2nd place, JJ and Christina became the first and only married couple to compete in Sumo at the world games.

JJ’s passion, dedication, and string of achievements make him an awe-inspiring presence in the sumo arena. Follow his journey as he continues to shape the future of this ancient and captivating sport. 

In addition to his impressive accomplishments, JJ has also made a profound impact on the world of Sumo through his visionary leadership. Recognizing the need to foster the growth of the sport and introduce sumo to the Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu communities, JJ founded Honu Sumo.

Honu Sumo stands as a testament to JJ’s unwavering commitment to expanding the reach of Sumo Wrestling in the United States and beyond. By bridging the gap between these martial arts disciplines, JJ has created a platform that not only promotes the rich tradition of sumo but also provides an avenue for practitioners of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to explore and embrace this captivating sport.

Through Honu Sumo, JJ’s efforts have propelled the popularity of sumo, captivating enthusiasts and inspiring new generations of athletes. His forward-thinking approach has opened doors and created opportunities for Sumo to flourish on a global scale, fostering cultural exchange and unity among practitioners.

Join JJ and the Honu Sumo community as they continue to champion the growth and exposure of sumo, sharing its unique beauty and timeless values with people around the world.