New York City Tomo Launch on March 31, 2012

Saturday, March 31, was the New York City launch of Tomo: Friendship Through Fiction. The event was held at the charming and historic Ottendorfer branch of the New York Public Library.

Ottendorfer Library on left

 Librarian Laura Rifkin had set up the room with wonderful displays of Japan-related picture books...

and a table with Tomo stationery for writing messages to teens in Tohoku.

Contributors read excerpts from their stories...

Andrew Fukuda

Tak Toyoshima

Katrina Toshiko Grigg-Saito

Ann Tashi Slater

and answered questions from the audience. 

Tak Toyoshima, Katrina Toshiko Grigg-Saito, Ann Tashi Slater, Andrew Fukuda

Afterward we gathered at the Ukrainian restaurant Veselka across the street for borcht, pierogi and beer--not exactly Japan themed, but wonderfully international!

Excellent borcht for the Tomo crowd!