The members and guests who attended the luncheon. (Photo by Karna Kurata)

The Year of the Ox was celebrated Jan. 24 by members of Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch with a luncheon program at L’Olivier Restaurant in San Francisco.

Tables arranged around the restaurant’s dance floor were decorated with ikebana centerpieces that had a holiday theme.

The chairperson and luncheon coordinator, Pearl Shunsen Kimura, and director, Joan Yusui Suzuki, greeted everyone and introduced the honored guests, including Ayako Nagamine, wife of Consul General of Japan Yasumasa Nagamine.

Mikio Okada, CEO and president of the Nichi Bei Times, spoke briefly to greet the new year.
The toast was given by Don Yamate, CEO and chairman of the Hokubei Mainichi.

After the lunch, a dance program arranged by Kimiko Kosho Dixon, a member of the board of directors and also a ballroom dance instructor, was enjoyed as Deirl and Kevin Maple demonstrated several intricate dances.

After the program, everyone was invited to dance. To close the enjoyable afternoon, several door prizes were awarded to lucky ticket-holders.