The sport of bowling boomed in the 50’s.  The American Bowling Congress (ABC) was high in command with millions of members… millions of caucasian members.  Thus, Nikkei bowling associations across the states were created because of the minority segregation rules at the time. Pioneers such as Hiroto Hirashima from Hawaii, Masao Satow and Fuzzy Shimada have helped break those rules creating local and national Japanese bowling associations.

The Southern California Nikkei Bowling Association was formed in 1955 to service the local Nisei bowlers in the area due to the caucasian only rule of the American Bowling Congress (ABC).  Some of the pioneering members were Tai Kajimoto, Tom Sakamoto, Yas Minamide and Nob Kagawa.  Amazingly the primary members of the association were produce managers and gardeners. The organization, which was run with a separate men’s and women’s board, merged into one functioning unit in 1998.

The Southern California Nikkei Bowling Association continues to increase the general interest in the game of bowling within the heritage of the Japanese culture and community allowing its members to foster and encourage the spirit of good fellowship, keen competition, and sportsmanship in all its bowling activities. Pioneer in 1995. He is the founder of the Hawaii State Bowling Association and the Oahu Bowling Association. He was honored as an ABC life member in 1995, and served on the ABC Board of Directors for over 30 years.