Matt Ogawa, deeply rooted in the San Jose Japanese American community, dedicates his time to preserving its cultural heritage. Actively involved with the Young Buddhist Association and the temple board, he organizes significant community events such as the Obon Festival. Influenced by family legacy and personal experiences, Ogawa's advocacy efforts stem from a desire to maintain cultural connections, especially in Japantown. He emphasizes the unifying role of Obon, which honors ancestors while promoting cultural exchange and support for local initiatives.
"I realized there's a lot about my background and this community that I wanted to help maintain, especially here in San Jose's Japantown."
"Obon is a way to reflect and honor those who came before us. Here in San Jose, it also brings our community together to support local causes and share Japanese American culture with others outside of Japantown."
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