Marsha Aizumi
The inaugural Okaeri Benefit will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.
The event marks an important transition as Okaeri formally celebrates its future as a program of the Little Tokyo Service Center, while remembering and honoring the work of Okaeri’s founder, Marsha Aizumi.
The benefit will feature:
A discussion by criminal defense attorney and civil rights activist Mia Yamamoto, reflecting on Marsha’s impact;
Identity meetups with fellow LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, and allies;
A Hawaiian-themed lunch from Back Home in Lahaina;
Updates from the Steering Committee, donors, and Aizumi family;
An opportunity to contribute to an art piece in Aizumi’s memory.
Matthew Yonemura, Okaeri’s program manager, said, “This event marks not only the celebration of Okaeri’s future as a program of LTSC, but also our first event after the loss of our founder and guiding light, Marsha Aizumi. When we first were planning this event, our entire team was hoping that Marsha might join us in person, or at the very least be able to share a video expressing her optimism for Okaeri’s future with LTSC. After Marsha’s celebration of life in January, we will instead feature a tribute in honor of Marsha, and share the optimism we maintain for Okaeri’s future.
Mia Yamamoto
“We hope you will join us on March 28 to celebrate Marsha with a day of community, affinity-based gathering sessions, keynote speakers, and catered lunch. We ask for your support as we continue the work that Marsha was so passionate about.”
Okaeri is a place for LGBTQ+ Japanese/Japanese
Americans, parents, and allies of all backgrounds to find support, explore resources, and build a community where everyone is embraced and allowed to be their full,
authentic selves.
For tickets ($150) or to make a donation, go to: https://give.ltsc.org/event/okaeri-benefit-2026/e763070
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