The first ever Nishi Clan Reunion was held at the Diamondville Park and Pavilion on Aug. 2-3. Tetsuji (Tom) and Katsu (Mama) Nishi and some of their children operated the Corner Bar and Café, also previously named the Opera House Saloon and Opera House Pool Room, for many years, starting in 1920 until 1995, when Evelyn Carter sold the Corner Cafe.

Tom and Mama Nishi had 16 children (the Nisei/second generation), all of whom were sent back to Japan to be educated until high school graduation, when they returned to Kemmerer. The two youngest were unable to return due to the outbreak of WWII, and some other daughters accompanied Mama Nishi when she retired and returned to Japan in 1953.

Of the 16 siblings, there were six families represented at the reunion, including one cousin from Japan, with a total of 68 attendees. Families represented from the Nisei siblings were Henry Nishi, Tamayo Tani, Shizue Matsuyama (Japan), Harry Nishi, George Nishi and Shuie Nishi.

It was a joyous reunion, as many relatives had never met before and some who had some contact in their younger years reconnected and resumed friendships.

Some of the activities enjoyed by attendees included a drive through Oakley, where many of the original 16 siblings were born; a visit to the Indian Sun Dial in the Cumberland area; the Opera House Store which was the former home of the Nishi businesses; Kemmerer Cemetery where folks were able to pay respects to relatives and others; JC Penney Mother Store; JC Penney original residence; Fossi Butte National Monument; various fossil stores; Hamsfork Museum; and other Kemmerer establishments.

It was all a wonderful opportunity for folks to learn about and revisit the area where their Nisei ancestors grew up. A special item was a Buddhist prayer and chants offered by our cousin from Japan, Yugo Sato.

Everyone had a fun and entertaining time meeting new relatives, reacquainting, and learning about the Kemmerer community and surrounding area. There was a universal call to have a repeat reunion in the near future.