Community News and Activities Archives (LINK)


9/26/2024posted – Movie – Carving the Divine
Saturday September 28, 2024 – 3pm @ SACBC

 

  • More Info

9/16/2023posted – Kintsukuroi (2024) Movie – East Bay Showing

Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT

Movie Preview (Link)

KINTSUKUROI – Movie

n.

1. the Japanese art of repairing pottery using gold

2. the strength and beauty found in something that has been broken

The philosophy of KINTSUKUROI shows us that something shattered can be restored and made stronger and more beautiful. The term is an apt metaphor for the Japanese American experience of WWII. 

Forced from their homes, farms and businesses, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned simply because of their race. Our new feature-length film KINTSUKUROI follows the Ito family from pre-war San Francisco to the concentration camps of the American West to the battlefields of Europe as it endures one of the most shameful periods in American History.

  • Movie Preview (Link)
  • More Information & Ticket Purchase (Link)

9/7/2024posted – Topaz Stories Exhibits and Events

September 22 – December 13, 2024 @ J-Sei

Event Link

While a few of the stories in this exhibit were displayed in the Utah State Capitol in 2022, all are being exhibited in California for the first time. The stories provide intensely personal accounts of the forced removal; daily camp life; the dispersal of the Japanese American community through the resettlement program; the heroism of Nisei soldiers with families incarcerated behind barbed wire; the challenges of returning to California after the War; and the impact of the camp experience on survivors and subsequent generations, decades later… Event Link


8/4/2024posted – Good Carma Car Show – Palo Alto

Saturday September 21, 2024

Flyer Link


8/4/2024 Shichi-Go-San Photo Session

Flyer Link


8/31/2024posted – Pardon Lam Hong Rally – Septermber 13, 2024


8/27/2024posted – Midori Kai Arts & Crafts Boutique

PDF Flyer


7/3/2024 – The Center Newsletter

The Center’s Monthly E-Newsletter
July 2024
E-News banner (3) 3
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Come visit us this month! The Center is bustling with the energy of ourKase Nikkei Community Scholarship Program Interns, the children of JCYC’s Tomodachi summer camp and the pickleball players who are Dinkin’ at the Center four days a week. We have a long list of summer workshops that will keep you busy!
 
We invite you to say hello to interns John, Ryan, Dash and Shelby, and learn about their project (see sidebar) to document Japantown’s History, then come to their Community Collection Day for the 
We hope to see you soon!


Upcoming Programs and Events

Tanabata cropped
TANABATA
at the Center
July 3-7
Center Lobby
Come to the Center Lobby to leave a wish to celebrate Tanabata.
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Introduction to Sewing 2-Part Workshop Series – July
IG Intro Pouch Project copy

Date: Thursdays, July 11 and July 25
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $110 Members / $125 General Public

Get started with machine sewing in our 2-part workshop with instructor Katie Furukawa of Old River Design Co.! Learn basic skills and make your very own zip pouch!

 
Monthly Kabuki Theatre Appreciation Class with JETAANC
IG Kabuki Class

Date: Friday, July 12*    (Normal scheduled 3rd Thursday of each month)
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: The Center
Fees: Free Admission

Are you interested in Japanese Kabuki theatre? Learn why millions have come to love the drama, spectacle and beauty of this powerful theatre tradition. The class is free and open to the public. Feel free to bring snacks. All ages are welcome!
*Please note that we will be returning to our regular monthly schedule of holding the class on the 3rd Thursday of each month beginning Thursday, August 15.
Hapi Coat 2-Part Sewing Workshop
Hapi Featured

Date: Tuesdays, July 16 and July 30
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $125 Members / $140 General Public

Sew your own hapi coat to wear to obons, festivals and other cultural events! All materials are provided; basic proficiency with a sewing machine is required.
60 + Basketball Open Gym
(For Center Members Only)
Senior Basketball

Date: Friday, July 19
(weekly schedule to resume August 16)
Time: 9:30am -11:30am
Location: The Center’s Gymnasium
Fees: Free admission; RSVP required

Are you an old-timer who needs a place to shoot around? Keep in shape and stay active on Friday mornings in our basketball gym! Current Center membership is required to register.

     LEARN MORE     REGISTER TODAY
Summer Wagashi Sweets Virtual Cooking Workshop
IG kuzuyaki2 2

Date: Saturday,  July 20
Time: 11:00am – 1:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Fees: $25 Members / $30 General Public

Make traditional Japanese wagashi confections with us online! Our summer workshop features a menu of kuzuyaki (grilled kudzu) and tamasudare (jeweled reed blinds).

     LEARN MORE     REGISTER TODAY

Sushi Rolling 101 with Chef Mark Gyotoku
IG sushi rolling 2

Date: Sunday,  July 21
Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $55 Members / $65 General Public

Learn how to roll your own makizushi with us from local sushi chef Mark Gyotoku! Bring your friends and have a sushi rolling party!

     LEARN MORE     REGISTER TODAY

Open Sewing Studio
IG-Open-Sewing-Studio-copy

Date: Tuesday, July 23
(4th Tuesday of Each Month)

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $45 Members / $50 General Public

Join us for a no-pressure time to hang out and sew. Help for your projects will be available if needed. Along with a machine, you will have access to tools, pressing equipment, a large cutting area, plenty of table space, and great company! Tea and water will be provided.

Uchiwa Fan Workshop
Uchiwa Fan

Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $45 Members / $50 General Public

With Obon season approaching, design your own personalized uchiwa fan to bring to the festivals and celebrate with your own design! This is a special opportunity to take home TWO uchiwa fans you can customize using watercolor chigiri-e collaging!

AUGUST WORKSHOPS
Ukulele 101 For the True Beginner: 4-Week Virtual Workshop Series
IG Ukulele Girl

Date: Tuesdays, August 6-27
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $90 Members / $110 General

Get started playing the ukulele with us online! Ukulele class instructor Don Sadler will teach you proper technique and have you strumming in no time!

Dessert Mochi Workshop – August
IG Daifuku

Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $80 Members / $90 General 

Mochi lovers won’t want to miss this hands-on cooking workshop, where we’ll make three mochi dessert favorites from scratch: ichigo (strawberry) daifuku mochi, mochi ice cream and mochi donuts!

Eco-Printing with Leaves Workshop
IG Eco Printing 2

Date: Sunday, August 11
Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm (with lunch break)
Location: The Center
Fees: $90 Members / $110 General Public

Explore the basics of eco-printing with leaves with dyer Lisa Rogers. This workshop will cover techniques, including tannins, iron and pounding leaf prints on paper, known in Japanese as Hapa Zome. Create your leaf print designs on silk, which can be used as a scarf, runner or wall hanging. 
Community Kitchen – Hawaiian Island Favorites
Spam musubi platter 2
Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: The Center (Issei Memorial Hall)
Fees: $20 Members / $25 General Admission
 
Learn how to cook Japanese American family recipes and share a multi-generational communal dinner. Community Kitchen is open to all who want to enjoy and share home-style cooking while connecting with the community.  Hawaiian Island Favorites Menu: TBA
 
Your Family, Your History: Monthly Virtual Genealogy Workshop Series
IG Camp Family Photo

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Date: First Thursday of each month beginning Thursday, October 3 (October workshop is FREE)

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Single Workshop Fees: $25 Members / $35 General Admission
Discounted Full Course Enrollment (12 Monthly Workshops + Field Trips + Shutterfly Photobook): $250 Center Members / $300 General Public
 
Our genealogy workshop series with genealogist Linda Harms Okazaki is back! Join us online every month beginning in October as you are guided through researching your family history and gathering documents and records, both in the U.S. and Japan. Our program has been expanded this year to a full 12-month schedule, with additional research field trips for local participants and the option for full course participants to produce a hardcover photobook chronicling your family’s story for relatives and future generations! Visit our website for more information on monthly workshop topics and more.
 


We’re Looking for New Class and Workshop Instructors

The Center is always looking to expand the classes and workshops we offer to the community. Let us know If you or anyone you know is interested in sharing your passion, skills, and talents by teaching a class or workshop. We’d love to work with you if you have experience in arts and crafts, cooking, Japanese cultural arts, music, sports or recreational activities!


Membership Promotions

New Student Membership Price

lowered price (3)

We’ve lowered our student membership price! Become a member and enjoy discounted rates on the Center’s programs and activities!

 
 

SPECIAL OFFER FROM THE WARRIORS – NBA Rookie Summer League Tickets

2024 California Classic HORIZONTAL (1) 3


Gather your family and friends and enjoy a specially-priced ticket to the sixth annual California Classic Summer League at Chase Center! The games will feature primarily rookies selected in the 2024 NBA Draft and players competing to make the NBA and G League regular-season rosters. 
 
SATURDAY, JULY 6
1:30 PM – Kings vs. Lakers
3:30 PM – Warriors vs. Heat
SUNDAY, JULY 7
1:30 PM – Kings vs. Heat
3:30 PM – Warriors vs. Lakers
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
7:00 PM – Warriors vs. Kings
 
With tickets starting at only $35 per ticket, you can enjoy the summer fun at Chase Center! Visit the link below to secure your single-day tickets!


DISCOUNTED Tickets to SF Giants SPECIAL EVENT Games 
The Center would like to invite community members to join us for select games at discounted prices, with even more savings for Center Members* 
SPECIAL EVENTS with Giveaways
Lou Seal Start Wars

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

 

Star Wars Day vs. the Detroit Tigers – Sunday, August 11, 1:05 PM
Harry Potter Night vs. the Chicago White Sox – Monday, August 19, 6:45 PM

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE DISCOUNTED TICKETS

*If you aren’t a member, you can join today (click here) to take advantage of the discount.  Please contact Membership Coordinator Julianne Ho at jho@jcccnc.org if you have any questions!
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6/19/2024 – American Bon Odori:

Dancing in Joy and Remembrance


Posted – 6/19/2024 Soy Festival

Saturday June 22, 2024


5/5/2024 – The Center – San Francisco

Upcoming Programs and Events

May 2024

Happy May from the Center!

Please note the Center will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

We had a blast at the beginning of the month celebrating the Japantown Children’s Day Festival at the Center, and we’re looking forward to all the other great programs we have coming up the rest of May and into June! We can’t wait to see everyone at the SF Giants Japanese Heritage Night game this Friday, and our 200 community volunteers helping beautify the historic Japanese Cemetery in Colma on Saturday in preparation for Memorial Day services. We’ve got a lot going on at the Center too, so be sure to check out our various events, including craft and cooking workshops coming up!

Warmly,

The Center’s Programs Department

Tel: (415) 567-5505 | E-mail: programsevents@jcccnc.org

Upcoming Programs and Events

2024 Japanese Cemetery Clean-Up / Colma

墓場掃除

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: Japanese Cemetery, 1300 Hillshire Blvd., Colma, CA 94014

LEARN MORE

The Center) is holding our annual youth and family community Clean Up Day at the historical Japanese Cemetery in Colma this Saturday. Thank you to all of the volunteers from the community who have signed up to help at this year’s annual clean up!

Monthly Kabuki Theatre Appreciation Class with JETAANC

Next Class Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: The Center
Fees: Free Admission

LEARN MORE

Interested in Japanese Kabuki theatre? Learn why millions have come to love the drama, spectacle, and beauty of this powerful theatre tradition. The class is free and open to the public. Feel free to bring snacks. All ages welcome!

CHANGE OF CLASS DATES MAY – JULY
Please note our class dates for May – July have changed. Classes will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, Thursday, June 13, 2024 and Friday, July 12, 2024. Our normal monthly class schedule will resume in August (every 3rd Thursday of the month). Please contact us at programsevents@jcccnc.org with any questions.

Okaeri Norcal – Japantown LGBTQ+ Pre-Pride Potluck

Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: Free!

LEARN MORE        REGISTER TODAY

The Center is teaming up once again with Okaeri to co-host a fun potluck to kick off your Pride month celebrations! Come out to meet other Nikkei LGBTQ+ folks and allies from around the Bay Area, and enjoy some great food as we connect and look forward to the rest of the month’s Pride events.

Washi Ningyo June Workshops

Date: Saturday, June 1 and June 22, 2024
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $45 Members / $55 Non-members

LEARN MORE        REGISTER TODAY

Explore the art of Japanese paper doll making at the Center’s Washi Ningyo Workshop with our instructors Yuri Nakamura and Rochelle Lum! Our instructors will teach you the step-by-step process in creating a beautiful doll using only paper and simple materials. Complete doll kits included with registration.

Summer Kaiseki Virtual Cooking Workshop

Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: 11:00am-1:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Fees: $25 Members / $30 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Learn how to make traditional Japanese kaiseki dishes perfect for the summer with us online at our next virtual cooking workshop! Instructors Larry Sokyo Tiscornia and Kimika Soko Takechi will show you how to make their carefully curated summer menu which will feature the traditional meal format of ichiju sansai, consisting of one soup, three dishes and rice.

Japanese Knife Sharpening Workshop

Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $95 Members / $110 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Learn how to properly maintain and care for your highest quality Japanese kitchen knives with Josh Donald, co-founder of Bernal Cutlery! You’ll learn the process of sharpening a Japanese chef knife on a Japanese whetstone from start to finish, and all students will be provided both knives and stones to use during class. No previous experience is required and all are welcome.

Hapi Coat 2-Part Sewing Workshop

Date: Thursdays, June 6 and June 20, 2024 (SOLD OUT); July 16 and 30, 2024
Time:  6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $125 Members / $140 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Learn how to sew your own hapi coat to wear to community festivals, obon dances and other cultural events! Our instructor Katie Furukawa will show you how to properly measure, mark and cut, and then sew together a hapi coat pattern. All supplies and materials will be provided.

Introduction to Yosakoi Dance Workshop

Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: Free, RSVP required

 

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Yosakoi is an energetic dance style from Kochi, Japan that combines traditional dance movements with modern music. Join Ito Yosakoi either in-person OR virtually as we dance yosakoi together! This summer workshop is a great introduction to the dance form for those interested in trying it for the first time.  No dance experience is necessary to join.

Dinkin’ at the Center Pickleball Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Times: Division 1 – Intermediate Women: 9:00am – 12:00pm (SOLD OUT)
Division 2 – Intermediate Women 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Division 3 – Intermediate Men: 3:00pm – 6:00pm (SOLD OUT)
Location: The Center’s Gymnasium
Fees: $20 Members / $25 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Sign up for the Center’s first ever pickleball tourney! Meet new people, catch up with old friends, and have a great time! Almost all spots are filled, but there are still spots open in the afternoon intermediate women’s division.

Valorant Summer Showdown E-Sports Tournament

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Online
Fees: $20 Lower Division/ $30 Upper Division

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

The Center Gaming is excited to announce our upcoming Summer Showdown for Valorant players! The tournament offers an upper division open to players ranked Immortal and below for more competitive players, and a lower division for more casual players ranked platinum and lower (Current episode peak). Tournament limited to 4 teams per division on a first come first served basis, so gather your friends and sign up your team!

Stay informed of our gaming events and join our online community on the Center Gaming Discord Server.

The Healing Art of Kintsugi Virtual Craft Workshop

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Fees: $75 Members / $85 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by joining the broken pieces together with lacquer coated in gold. This technique creates a transformed piece of pottery with the golden seams of the repaired cracks becoming part of the design, highlighting the beauty in the imperfections and flaws of the repaired item.

Gunpla Hobby Kit Social

Date: Sunday, June 23, 2024
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $25 Members / $30 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

The Center is excited to announce a new Gunpla Social event! On June 23rd, join the community in building your very own gunpla model and meeting new people! We’ll have 3 different models available and are given out on a first come first serve basis. No experience required and there will be experienced builders available to help! This event is for ages 14+, participants 13 or younger must be accompanied by a guardian or adult.

Community Kitchen Natsumatsuri Summer Festival Dinner

Date: Sunday, June 30, 2024
Time:  3:00pm-7:00pm
Location: The Center
Fees: $20 Members / $25 Non-members

LEARN MORE         REGISTER TODAY

Join us for our next Community Kitchen night! Community Kitchen is organized by volunteers to bring members of the community together to learn how to cook Japanese and Japanese American family recipes and to share a multi-generational communal dinner.

Natsumatsuri Summer Festival menu:

  • Nanban Fried Chicken
  • Tenzaru Soba
  • Japanese Potato Salad
  • Broccoli and Shrimp Salad
  • Green Bean Gomae
  • Kakigori Shaved Ice
  • Drinks BYOB – Bring Something to Share!

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our Japantown Community Volunteers Facebook Group!

Stay informed and get involved! The Center invites you to join our Japantown Community Volunteers Facebook group, where you’ll receive announcements for upcoming volunteer opportunities at the Center and throughout the Japantown community!

JOIN JAPANTOWN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS FACEBOOK GROUP

New Class and Workshop Instructors Wanted

The Center is always looking to expand the classes and workshops that we offer to the community. If you or anyone you know may be interested in sharing your passion, skills and talents with the community, let us know! From arts and crafts, cooking, Japanese cultural arts, music, sports and other recreational activities, we’d love to work with you! E-mail us at programsevents@jcccnc.org.

E-MAIL US

Special Events and Promotions

New Student Membership Price

We’re lowering our membership price for students! Become a member and enjoy discounted rates on the Center’s programs and activities!

Join today at: www.jcccnc.org/membership

2024 SF Giants Games with the Center

Get your Giants game tickets with the Center this season!

The Center would like to invite community members to join us for select games at discounted prices, with even more savings for Center Members*:

VS. THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS – Friday, June 28, 7:15 PM

The Center still has tickets available for the following special event games at discounted rates:

• Peanuts Night vs. the Houston Astros – Monday, June 10, 6:45 PM

• Pixar Day vs. the Los Angeles Angels – Sunday, June 16, 1:05 PM

• Star Wars Day vs. the Detroit Tigers – Sunday, August 11, 1:05 PM

• Harry Potter Night vs. the Chicago White Sox – Monday, August 19, 6:45 PM

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE GIANTS SPECIAL EVENT GAME TICKETS

*If you aren’t a member, you can join today (click here) to take advantage of the discount.  Please contact Membership Coordinator Julianne Ho at  jho@jcccnc.org if you have any questions!

Ongoing Classes and Programs

60 and Over Basketball Open Gym Fridays
(For Members Only)

Date: Fridays

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

Location: The Center

Fees: Free Admission,

Over 60 and looking for ways to stay active? Come and get some exercise, work on your shooting, dribbling, and practice your trick shots at our 60 and over open gym on Friday mornings!

REGISTER TODAY

Weekly Tai Chi Class

Date: Sundays

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm

Location: The Center

Fees: $10 Drop-In Members / $13 Drop-In General Public; $35 Monthly Members / $45 Monthly General Public,

Improve your balance, strength and mental clarity with the serene exercises of Tai Chi at our newest weekly class with instructor Rei Den. Class taught in Japanese with English interpreter.

REGISTER TODAY

Shamisen Lessons

Learn the classical Japanese 3-stringed shamisen with Master (Shihan 師範) Hidekyouharu Fujimoto! Group lessons for the shamisen are held on Monday evenings for up to 5 students. Private lessons for individual students also available. Rental shamisen instruments are available to borrow directly from the instructor.

Weekly Shamisen Lessons at the Center:

Group Lessons (up to 5 students)

Mondays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Member Fee: $35/lesson

Non-Member Fee: $40/lesson

Private Lessons

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and

8:00pm – 9:00pm

Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm and

8:00pm-9:00pm (alternating weeks)

Member Fee: $40/lesson

Non-Member Fee: $45/lesson

Practice Room – 1 hr. Rental

Subject to availability. Please e-mail us at programsevents@jcccnc.org to make a reservation.

Room Rental: $20/hr

LEARN MORE               REGISTER TODAY

Koto Lessons

Learn the koto, the classical stringed Japanese instrument similar to a harp, with Grand Master (Dai-Shihan 大師範) Kazuma Ishikawa! Group lessons for the koto are held weekly on Monday evenings and every other week on Thursday evenings for up to 5 students. Private lessons for individual students also available. Koto instruments are available to borrow directly from the Center and instructor. Students must provide their own finger picks (about $40-60). Students may rent a koto for 1 hour practice sessions for an additional $10.

Weekly Koto Lessons at the Center:

Group Lessons (up to 5 students)

Koto Group 1 (weekly)

Mondays, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Member Fee: $35/lesson

Non-Member Fee: $40/lesson

Koto Group 2 (every other week)

Thursdays, 8:00pm-9:00pm (alternating weeks)

Member Fee: $35/lesson

Non-Member Fee: $40/lesson

 

Private Lessons

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and

8:00pm – 9:00pm

Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm and

8:00pm-9:00pm (alternating weeks)

Member Fee: $40/lesson

Non-Member Fee: $45/lesson

Practice Room – 1 hr. Rental

Subject to availability. Please e-mail us at programsevents@jcccnc.org to make a reservation.

Room Rental: $20/hr

Koto Rental: $10/hr

LEARN MORE               REGISTER TODAY

Pickleball Open Gym

Join us on one of our three indoor courts, play a pickup game with friends, or work on your skills with other community members. Get active while meeting new friends and seeing familiar faces from the community.

Weekly Pickleball Hours at the Center:

Mondays 12:00pm – 4:00pm 

($4 Members / $6 General Public)

Wednesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm

($3 Members / $5 General Public)

Thursdays 12:00pm – 3:00pm

($4 Members / $6 General Public)

Saturdays 10:00am – 12:00pm

($3 Members / $5 General Public)

 

LEARN MORE

Line Dancing

Date: Fridays
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Instructor: Darlene Masamori
Fees: $4 Center Members / $5 General Public

Practice your smooth moves to R&B and pop music while keeping in shape and making new friends. This fun, low-impact class is open to all, no dance experience required.

 

LEARN MORE

Sr. Chair Aerobics Virtual Class

Date: Thursday Mornings (Instructor on vacation, classes to resume June 20, 2024)
Time: 10:00am – 10:45am


4/26/2024 – Lost Kinj0


4/7/2024posted – Giants – Japanese Heritage Night

Friday May 17th, 2024


4/6/2024 – Advancing Democracy – Minoru Yasui Day

Flyer (LINK)


4/28/2024 – Eden JACL Bento Sale

Online Ordering (LINK)

Printable Order Form (LINK)


3/8/2024posted – Berkeley Buddhist Temple – “Impermanence is a part of Life” Seminar

“Impermanence is a part of Life” Seminar
March 17 from 12pm – 2pm (PT)

YouTube Presentation

Presented on YouTube. (LINK)


3/8/2024 – May We Gather

Saturday March 16, 2024
A National Buddhist Memorial Ceremony For Asian American Ancestors

More Information (LINK)


3/8/2024 posted – Meeting the Moment 

Saturday March 30, 2024
A Discussion on Interfaith Work in Addressing and Resisting Genocide 

More Information (Link)


4/21/2024 – Carving the Divine – Film Screening

More Info


3/23-24/2024 – Japanese Hidden Treasurers Sale – Buddhist Temple of Alameda

More Info


3/9/2024 Colors of the Infinite – Contemporary Buddhist Art

More Info


3/2/2024 – Why Balance Is a Predictor of Longevity
Speaker: Karen Owoc, ACSM-CEP, ACSM/CEP-CET

Saturday March 2 – Hybrid Meeting
(In Person and on Zoom)

In-person: Meet at 9:30 AM. Program 10:00-11:30 AM
Zoom room will open at 10:00 AM. Click here to join us.

Why Balance Is a Predictor of Longevity

Speaker: Karen Owoc, ACSM-CEP, ACSM/CEP-CET In-person: Meet at 9:30 AM. Program 10:00-11:30 AM
Zoom room will open at 10:00 AM. Click here to join us.For our March 2, 2024 hybrid meeting, you are cordially invited to attend an exclusive in-person (Kaiser LL-B) and Zoom session with Karen Owoc, a certified Cardiopulmonary Rehab Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Karen will introduce the seven key elements of an effective balance training program, and one lucky person will be evaluated. All in-person attendees will have the opportunity to try a few exercises with Karen’s expert guidance and modifications tailored to your ability.On Karen’s website (link), she reports, “Researchers in a 2014 study of 841 women and 546 men found that the inability to balance on one leg for longer than 20 seconds is associated with diminishing brain health.” (link)
 
Don’t curtail the hobbies and sports that you love because you think the aging process has now limited your physical abilities. YOUR BODY CAN CHANGE – and it’s never too late to start. Please don’t postpone being proactive! Your mobility will change how you age.

In Person details
Kaiser Hospital Building at 3600 Broadway, Lower Level, Conference Rm B (LL-Rm B) in Oakland, CA. Room is open at 9:30am for set-up, and will remain open until 12noon.

Zoom Room details
Zoom room will open at 10:00 AM. Click here to join us.

Karen Owoc is an active member of the Buddhist Church of Oakland.


2/21/2024 – An Interfaith Vigil of Compassion & Solidarity

 

More Information (LINK)


2/11/2024 (posted) Carrying the Light for Justice

More Information (LINK)


2/11/2024 (posted) – Japanese Heritage Night – Giants vs Dodgers Game – Friday May 17, 2024


More Information (LINK)


2/11/2024 (posted) – Bazaar – Berkeley Higashi Buddhist Church

Bazaar March 3, 2024

Flyer (Link)


2/1/2024 (posted)- KQED Interview:

4/6/2023 – Bay Area Teacher on Growing Up ‘Multiracial Japanese American’ — and Why Ethnic Studies Matters – Joemy Ito-Gates

“Woman. Daughter Adoptee. AIDS Orphan. Hapa. Japanese-American. Asian. Asian-American. Queer Musician. Writer. Martial Artist. Alive.” Those are the words a 21-year-old Joemy Ito-Gates wrote below a photograph of her taken by artist Kip Fulbeck as part of his photography project documenting mixed-race people…. (KQED LINK)

Note: Joemy is an active member of the BCO community.


1/31/2024 – Topaz Stories Team

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(1): Infant on the bed. Collage by Jeanie Kashima, 2021. Courtesy of Jeanie Kashima. (2): Michi Mukai with friends in Topaz concentration camp, 1943. Courtesy of Michi Mukai. (3): The expanding fireball and shockwave of the Trinity explosion, seen .025 seconds after detonation on July 16, 1945. U.S. Department of Defense.

 

1. Topaz Collages are now on exhibit at J-Sei in Emeryville, CA. Textile artist Jeanie Kashima shares a collection of collages that she created incorporating family photos taken in Topaz. The exhibit is from January 22 – March 30, 2024, with an artist talk on  March 16 at 2 pm. Gallery hours at J-Sei are MWF 10-1 and TTh 1-5. Read Jeanie’s story “Topaz Birth” on our website.

2. Wait list for “Topaz Stories: Through the Eyes of Children at Rosie the Riveter Visitors’ Center, Richmond, CA, Feb. 24, 2024, 1-3 pm. Registration is full, but our sponsors are seeking a larger venue. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email us at topazstories@gmail.com. We will contact you if seats become available. (Admission is free.)

3. Jan. 27 is a National Day of Remembrance for Downwinders of atomic testing. Downwinders are people who lived downwind from the nuclear tests conducted from 1945 at the Trinity site in New Mexico to the Nevada tests in the 1950s and 1960s. The high exposure to radiation wiped out generations of families due to cancer and other radiation-inked illnesses. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), initially passed in 1990, provides compensation to some downwinders of the Nevada test site, but the Trinity downwinders have never been acknowledged or compensated by the government. RECA expires this year. For more information, follow these links: The Atomic Bomb’s First Victims Were in New Mexico and Extend and Expand RECA.

The Topaz Stories Team

Contact us if you have a Topaz Story to share.
Follow us on Instagram @topazstories


From the lack of baby food to corruption in the mess hall and the lack of medical supplies, Topaz was rife with conflict for those who spoke up. 

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(L): The Minamotos in Topaz with baby Gay, 1943. Courtesy of Gay Kapan. (R): The Topaz Buddhist Church in Block 17, 1944.

In Part 4 of Harue Minamoto’s Topaz memoir, she recounts her and her husband’s involvement in all of the above and the price they paid for speaking out.

Read “Dust-up in the Desert.

If you missed parts 1-3 of Harue’s memoir:
The Topaz Stories Team

Contact us if you have a Topaz Story to share.
Follow us on Instagram @topazstories


1-25-2024(posted) – Tule Lake Pilgrimage 2024

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2024 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Press Release

2024 Tule Lake Pilgrimage ~

Reframing The Narrative 

Dates: Friday, July 5 through Monday, July 8, 2024

Registration forms posted February 19 at www.tulelake.org

The Tule Lake Committee announces an in-person Tule Lake Pilgrimage this July 5-8, 2024.  Registration materials will be posted on February 19, 2024 at: www.tulelake.org.

“We look forward to seeing old and new friends at the 2024 pilgrimage to Tule Lake,” pilgrimage chair, Hiroshi Shimizu said. “However, we continue to face challenges caused by the persistence of COVID.  With masking, vaccinations and testing, we can protect one another and have another ‘best ever’ pilgrimage.”     

The number of spaces for 2024 pilgrims is also impacted by COVID, as those registered for the 2020 pilgrimage canceled due to COVID, were offered pre-registration in 2024. They have until January 31 to complete registration and payment if they wish to join the 2024 pilgrimage. 

Remaining spaces in the 2024 pilgrimage community will be prioritized for survivors and descendants of Tule Lake and those who want to help preserve the historic Tule Lake Segregation Center site. Tule Lake is unique among the 10 WRA concentration camps, converted into the only maximum-security segregation center used to imprison and punish over 12,000 Japanese Americans who said ‘no’ to America’s injustice. 

“In today’s political climate, Tule Lake is evidence of the threat to democracy caused by racist, anti-immigrant hysteria and greed,” says Shimizu.  “This is a sacred place that tells an American story of protest against injustice, a place that should be cherished — not bulldozed, fenced off and erased.”  

2024 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Registration

Pilgrimage registration forms will be posted on the www.tulelake.org website on February 19 and should be completed and snail-mailed.  Payment is by check only. The registration fee is $650 per person.  For those needing assistance, we offer grants that will defray up to $300 of the registration fee. The registration fee is all-inclusive and covers charter bus transportation, lodging, meals and all activities during the four-day pilgrimage. 

If you lack internet access and need registration forms mailed to you, or if you want more information, contact Hiroshi Shimizu, cell: 415-317-2686 or email: hshimizu@pacbell.net

We expect registration to fill very quickly this year, and encourage families of survivors and descendants of Tule Lake and those who share our passion to preserve Tule Lake’s social justice history, to complete their registrations promptly.     

Pilgrimage Details

Pilgrimage participants travel together in deluxe, chartered buses that depart from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Union City, Sacramento, Seattle and Portland.

Accommodations are dormitory rooms at the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. There are two housing options: standard double-occupancy rooms are included in the registration fee; a single-occupancy room is an extra $50 per person. Rooms in the 4-bedroom/4-person air-conditioned Village Apartments cost an extra $100 per room/per person.  The Village apartments have no elevators and are further from the main activity building.  

Activities over the 4-day pilgrimage include a tour of the Tule Lake

concentration camp site and a memorial service. Intergenerational discussion groups and open forums provide an occasion to learn, share experiences and help heal the multi-generational wounds of the incarceration. The final night’s closing cultural program is held at the Ross Ragland Theater in downtown Klamath Falls.

© 2023 Tule Lake Committee. Proudly created with Wix.com


1/22/24 – JCCNC The Center News

Defining Courage Comes to SF
March 2, 2024
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DEFINING COURAGE: Celebrate the Legacy of True American Heroes  
Have you heard the exciting news? David Ono‘s riveting and powerful show about the legacy of the 100th/442nd Nisei veterans, Defining Courage, is coming to San Francisco on March 2nd. The Center has purchased a special section of seats at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in ORCHESTRA and LOGE for this show, so please consider supporting the Center and buying your tickets directly through us.
 
Call the Center at (415) 567-5505 or email Diana at dtsuchida@jcccnc.org to inquire and reserve your seats.
Saturday March 2nd, 2024
4:00 PM
The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123


MJ the Musical Tickets Still Available for 2/21!
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Enjoy a remarkable new musical fresh from Broadway with the epic MJ the Musical! The Tony Award-winning stage show featuring The Life Story of Michael Jackson is making its way across North America, and the highly anticipated tour includes a coveted stop in San Francisco, California! Featuring the massive hits of MJ, this is a show not to be missed. The Center still has a handful of tickets – hurry and get yours soon! 
 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 

7:30 PM

Orpheum Theatre

1192 Market Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

Premium Orchestra – Center Section Seats rows 3-6: $160 with no additional fees

(Regular Price with fees: $175)

HOW TO RESERVE

CALL the Center at (415) 567-5505 or email the Center’s Membership Coordinator, Julianne Ho, at jho@jcccnc.org to reserve your seats.


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1/11/2023 – Eden Township JACL/ETJCC Senior High School Scholarships 2024

Eden Township JACL/ETJCC Senior High School Scholarships 2024

It’s that time of the year when the High School Senior Scholarship Applications are available online.
All applicants must submit the application be March 1st , no later than 11:59 HST.

Link to application: Freshman Application Here!

There are SEVERAL scholarships available from the local Eden Township JACL/Japanese Community Center.  We encourage all Eden Township JACL & Eden Township Japanese Community Center High School Seniors to apply.  The Eden Township Japanese Community Centers include all organizations of the Center (Eden Athletic Club, Eden Aoba Taiko, Eden Karate, etc.)Note: Although the application states “JACL”,  the online form is also being used for the Eden Japanese Community Center scholarships too.
Please read the attached for more information on the local chapter scholarship

Questions:  edentownshipjacl@gmail.com

Are you a college student interested in scholarships?  (Undergraduate, Graduate, Law and more)
See that National JACL site for more information: https://jacl.org/scholarships


1/8/2024 – Mineta Statue Unveiling


2/4/2023 – J-Sei Crab Feed


Community News and Activities posts are intended to help keep our community informed on events in the Japanese American and Asian community.  BCO does not necessarily endorse, support, or fund these activities and organizations. Post are subject to the discretion of BCO.

Community News and Activities Archives (LINK)

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