Night at the Oasis provides Taste of Japan

Food, music and art of Japan were on display Saturday night at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar as the Newport Beach Sister City Assn. and the Rotary Club of Newport-Balboa presented Taste of Japan.

The celebration of Japanese culture featured culinary samples, calligraphy and origami demonstrations, along with raffles and a silent auction.

Revenue from the event will go toward student exchange programs. Each year in July, the Sister City Assn. and Rotary Club help send eighth-graders from the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to Okazaki, Japan, for home stays and visits to Kyoto and Tokyo. In September, eighth-graders from Okazaki stay with Newport families.

Rob Vardon