Download Mr. Keizo Norimoto Keizo Norimoto Keizo Norimoto`s Contributions

Mr. Keizo Norimoto’
Norimoto’s Con
Contributions
ontributions
1. Promotion of the welfare of Japanese nationals
Mr. Norimoto came to the United States in 1963 as a missionary from Nishi Honganji, one of the
most renowned Buddhist temples in Japan. He subsequently founded Buddhist temples and
Japanese language schools in Los Angeles and Fresno and provided active support to Japanese
nationals and the Japanese American community. Mr. Norimoto has contributed to the founding and
management of many Japanese organizations, including Sumire-kai and various Kenjin-kai’s
(Japanese prefectural associations). Mr. Norimoto has been an active leader in the Japanese
community in Northern California through the media, serving as the president of the Japanese
newspaper Hokubei Mainichi Shimbun, in addition to publishing many columns throughout the
Japanese media. These efforts have garnered Mr. Norimoto great respect in the Japan-affiliated
community.
2. Promotion of Japanese language education in the United States
Mr. Norimoto founded Japanese language schools in Los Angeles and Fresno in 1963 and 1976
respectively. As Principal of both schools, he has promoted Japanese language education in both
cities over the past 34 years. Mr. Norimoto has designed numerous Japanese textbooks and has
also facilitated discussion and exchange between Japanese language teachers in the United States.
Mr. Norimoto’s enthusiasm for language studies has had a tremendously positive effect for students
of Japanese in the United States.