DOWNTOWN : Japanese-Americans: Building Bridges

Continuing discussions on how the Japanese-American community can build bridges with other groups both in the United States and overseas are the thrust of the second annual National Japanese American Conference Friday and Saturday at the Biltmore Hotel.

Several hundred Japanese-Americans from across the country are expected to attend the two-day conference and a related fund-raising dinner and golf tournament for the Japanese American National Museum.

Akio Morita, chairman of Sony Corp., will be the keynote speaker at Friday’s luncheon, where he will discuss his views on the relationship between the United States and Japan and the role of Japanese-Americans.

“We’ll look at the whole nature of Japanese America through the eyes of relationships,” said organizer John Tateishi.

Cost for the conference, including two continental breakfasts and the keynote luncheon, is $50 for members of participating organizations and $75 for others.

Morita will also speak at the museum’s annual Fall Dinner, a black-tie affair at the Century Plaza Hotel on Saturday night. Mayor Richard Riordan will also speak, and a representative of the National Trust For Historic Preservation will present an award for the museum’s restoration and use of the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist temple building. Ticket prices begin at $150 for individuals.

Information: (213) 625-0414.