Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

SANTAS BARBARA TOBA JAPAN SISTER CITIES ORGANIZATION BRINGS IN 2026 WITH UNIQUE SHIN NEN KAI DINNER & KANPAI SAKE TOAST

Toba Japan Sister Cities 2026 Japanese New Year Celebration at Unitarian Church far exceeded everyone's expectations. It was so delightful to see so many members wearing colorful Kimonas, greeting guests, sharing in New Year Toasts, leading lines of dancers in an authentic Japanese dance and singing memorable songs at this annual membership dinner that was also attended by many Sister Cities members of fellow City of Santa Barbara Sister Cities including Weihai China, Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and Miraflores Peru.

This new year celebration always includes the installation of new Toba Japan board members, and Linda Matthews, current president offered a fun filled “Kanpai” (cheers) toast of sake to celebrate the new board and the new year.

Toba Board President Takako Wakita welcomes Consul General of Japan LA Kenko Sone to 2023 An American Dream Opera celebration at Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara

Takako Wakita, who founded this organization nearly sixty years ago and served as president of the board, as well as chairwoman of the City of Santa Barbara Sister Cities Board has been the driving force behind the group’s success and popularity over the years sang one of her Japanese opera favorites. She sang with the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and also performed in the Opera Santa Barbara “Madam Butterfly” a few years ago, portraying the mother of Santa Barbara opera singer Gaja Hubard Kabaretti. As an active founder and member of countless area organizations, including founding member of the SBCC Japanese Language Program, her contributions to the City of Santa Barbara are awe inspiring.

Takako Wakita, Founder & President with former Mayor of Toba Japan Honorable Ken Kida and his wife Mrs. Satoko Kida at Cherry Blossom tribute ceremony in Alice Keck Park Park in Santa Barbara.

From the podium Takako shared her great excitement to be celebrating Toba, Japan Sister Cities 60 years with special events being scheduled in end of September to October 1, 2026, including a bevy of visiting Japanese exchange students and friends in Santa Barbara to attend SCI International dinner and honors bestowed to (SBTSCO)at SB City Hall, followed by a trip to celebrate in Toba, Japan as well. For those interested in membership, sponsorship or participation please contact (SBTSCO) sallyshamilton@gmail.com.

Toba Board Members Takako Wakita, Rory Moore, Sally Hamilton, and Laurel Lyle at 2025 Visiting Students event.

This year’s delicious Shin Nen Kai – New Year Gathering Celebration Dinner was a labor of love created and presented by Toba board member Laurel Lyle and a talented group of chefs. The dinner was exceptional in every way, from the thoughtful and meaningful menu design to the traditional and charming dinner service. Created in the spirit of omotenashi-the Japanese philosophy of wholehearted hospitality, it was inspired by Washoku, culinary principles of harmony, seasonality and balance referred to as The Rule of Five.

Shin Nen Kai – New Year Gathering Celebration Dinner Menu - Shin Nen Kai Rule of Five

The Rule of Five includes Gomi (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami), Goho (grilled, steamed, deep fried, simmered, cutting), Goshiki (red, yellow, white, black, green), Gokan (sight, smell, sound, touch taste) and it all came together for a unique and delicious Toba Sister Cities Organization celebration dinner. In 2013 UNESCO inscribed Washoku on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognizing the cuisine not as a set of recipes, but as a social practice based on sustainability and a respect for nature.

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu (happy New Year & Thank You) to the Toba Sister Cities Organization and their very talented board of directors for a memorable and delicious Shin Nen Kai dinner celebration 2026. For City of Santa Barbara Sister Cities membership information please visit: www.santasbarbaraca.gov.

A sophisticated escape called The Grand on State opened next to the Granada Theatre recently, and it is to be sure a long overdue respite for true jazz lovers, where delicious small bites are paired with fine wine and brew to enjoy to the very cool jazz sounds of a tried and true trio of long-time professionals.

The result is a super jazz lovers venue to meet in-kind music lovers and enjoy a full menu of great jazz favorites along with divine small bites and chic beverages. For details visit: TheGrandOnState.com 1218 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 805-708-7670. TheGrandOnState@gmail.com.

I love jazz and was blown away by the style and cool jazz breezing through this chic little hide-a-way in Santa Barbara.