Licensing

First Oliver Award

Kenji Takai, a basketball player from Garfield High School, receives the very first Oliver Outstanding Nikkei Athlete of the Year Award on October 28, 1961 at the old San Kwo Low restaurant in Little Tokyo. Kenji is in the middle, receiving the award from John Ando, first president of the Seniors. Harry Yamamoto (Cubs) is seated, and Midget Jack Kunitomi is on the far right. At he far left is George Fujita (Mustangs), president of the re-formed Olivers, and standing next to George is Bronco Kiyo Higa. Courtesy Joe Suski.