The primary purpose of Project Kokoro is to bridge the gap among generations in the OCBC Japanese American community. Among the events and projects promoted by Project Kokoro throughout the year are:

• New Year Luncheon: The New Year Luncheon, which is held each February, provides a "theme" program which includes lunch, activities and entertainment, and provides the seniors with opportunity to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Past themes have ranged from "Southwestern Day" with countyrline dancing, "Viva Las Vegas" with pseudo gambling tables to "Omatsuri."
• Kazoku No Hi (Family Day): Kazoku no hi, which is annually held in October, provides an opportunity for children, parents and grandparents to interact and learn from each other. The seniors are able to spend the day learning and teaching the younger generations about their rich Japanese heritage through arts, crafts, martial arts, music, food and other activities.
• Field Trips: Throughout the year Project Kokoro sponsors field trips to give the seniors an opportunity to visit local points of interest with friends. The past trips included the Japanese American National Museum, Gene Autry Museum and Ronald Reagan Library.
• Meals on Wheels: The Meals on Wheels volunteers prepare and deliver delicious Japanese lunches twice a month to Japanese American senior citizens in retirement and convalescent homes.

Project Kokoro is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, dedicated to fulfilling the vision of its late founder, Bill Wada, through the outreach of the Orange County Buddhist Church Japanese American senior citizen community.

      It is with his vision in mind that Project Kokoro emerged to enable the younger generations to show their respect and appreciation to the older generations with the ultimate goal of bridging the gap between the Issei, Nisei, Sansei, and Yonsei.  Through our projects and services, it is our hope to enrich the lives of both the seniors and the volunteers.

      Project Kokoro promotes monthly events and projects throughout the year in order to bridge these gaps and create opportunities for social interaction. One of our larger projects is the New Year Luncheon, honoring our senior citizens with delicious food and a special fun-filled afternoon.

We also provide throughout the year:  Day trips to - museums, casinos, plays, and concerts, showing of Japanese movies, and plan holiday events.

      By being a member of Project Kokoro, you will get advanced information on all of our scheduled events. Many of our day trips are not advertised in the Korin. And better yet, our membership is FREE! The only requirement is that you are a Orange County Buddhist Church member and at least 65 years old.

             Please fill the information below and mail back to:

                             Project Kokoro c/o Helen Sun,

                            9112 McFadden Ave., Westminster, CA 92683. 

Any questions?  Please contact JoAnn Tanioka at tanioka@att.net