11/5/2022 – Mini-Conference of the Japanese-American Experience During WWII & Today
Saturday November 5th – Berkeley
More information, if you’re interested:
Two of our parishioners, Arlene Makita-Acuna and Dr. Troy Kaji, are children of internees of the World War II concentration camps. Arlene’s parents were from Central California, and they met (and married) at Amache in Colorado. She has volunteered a few times at the archaeological dig now taking place there, as recently as this past summer.
Troy will be speaking quite a bit about his father, Bruce Teruo Kaji, who was interned in Manzanar during high school, and went on to found the Japanese-American National Museum in Los Angeles. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_American_National_Museum#History Troy will then focus on what it was like to have grown up as a Japanese-American boy in Los Angeles in the 60s and 70s, coming to terms with his father’s experiences, and what it is like to be Japanese American in Berkeley today.
Finally, we are so honored to have as a special guest Berkeley nativeKazuko Iwahashi. Before the war, her father ran a florist shop at 1922 University Avenue in Berkeley. Her family was sent to Topaz when she was 12 years old, and she will be sharing some of her direct experiences.
Again, please accept my apologies for the short notice. I hope it will be in time to share the word with the members of your church. (Just so you know, the event will not be livestreamed, but it will be filmed. If you like, I can send you the link, once the video is uploaded to our website.)
10/8/2022 Okaeri – LGBTQ+ Japanese/Japanese Americans and Allies Event
A reminder to please rsvp for the upcoming “Women Rising: Strengthening & Connecting Our Communities” to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in two weeks on SATURDAY May 7, 2022 FROM 10am to 1pm. We have attached flyers in multiple Asian languages and English. Please distribute to your organization’s members and family.
The co-hosts are APALA Alameda County Chapter, Korean Community Center of the East Bay (KCCEB), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1021 & SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (UHW) along with many other community-based organizations and labor unions on the planning committee and endorsers.
As we have struggled to fight AAPI hate and violence in the midst of the Covid pandemic, we acknowledge AAPI women are on the rise as leaders, mothers, and workers bringing strength and unity to our communities.
This will be our 2nd annual event and will be family and elder friendly and follow all covid protocols to keep our communities safe. A diverse array of cultural dances and poetry will be performed along with keynote speaker, Oakland City Council President Nikki Bas. Please ask your union or community organization to support our event and bring your family too.
5/3/2022 – 442nd Nisei Exhibit on the USS Hornet – Alameda CA
This exhibit was installed and is managed by the Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans group. It honors the contributions made by Nisei soldiers during WWII.
Tour the exhibit aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda CA. Call in advance for a guided tour. More Infomation
4/20/2022 – Community Youth Pebble Collection & Educational Nature Walk Day
OFSCA is honored to be partnering with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) on an exciting and nature-filled day where Oakland youth are invited to participate in a special educational presentation and nature walk with an EBRPD naturalist on topics such as the local watershed system, environmental conservation and protection, climate change and its impacts, the history of the area, and so on.
Purpose
To deepen the symbolism in the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City 60th Anniversary mosaic mural and celebrate our connectedness to each other and nature, pebbles from Oakland, CA and Fukuoka, Japan will be incorporated into the water design of the mosaic mural with the message of “Compassion, Peace, and Community”.
Participants will be invited to a future US-Japan virtual exchange about the pebble exchange and mural where we can learn from each other.
We celebrate our relationship we have and recognize that water and our natural environments sustain us and connect us to one another
Who
Participation by approved application only.
Approximately 10-15 school-age youth participants and a chaperone.
As youth programming, promoting global citizenry, cultural exchange, education, and community building are central to OFSCA’s mission, we are inviting youth to connect with each other, learn about their local parks and environment, while collecting pebbles.
Fukuoka residents similarly participated in a pebble collection event hosted by the Fukuoka Oakland Friendship Association (FOFA) in January 2022.
Since 1997, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC/the Center) has been providing youth cultural exchange opportunities, between the United States (U.S.) and Japan, for youth and their families, through the Takahashi Youth Ambassador Fellowship Program (Takahashi Program) and the Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program (Shinzen Program). See below or the jcccnc.org website for more information on these programs.
This year, we hope to resume these programs with potential travel to Japan in the Spring and Summer of 2023. If you are interested, please complete our interest survey. Click here for the survey or access it via bit.ly/shinzen2022 or scan the QR code in the image below.
TAKAHASHI YOUTH AMBASSADOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Workshops: Summer/Fall 2022 and Spring/Summer 2023
Travel: Spring or Summer 2023 (9-10 days)
The Takahashi Youth Ambassador Fellowship Program (Takahashi Program) was developed in 2011 as a dynamic youth exchange program for high school youth. The significance of a first-hand cultural experience is invaluable in helping a young person in the Japanese American community define their own identity, establish a greater connection to their heritage and encourage continued interest in Japan, its people, culture and history.
The Takahashi Program helps to initiate meaningful dialogue and goodwill exchange and provides students the opportunity to gain and develop leadership and civic skills to help them build a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Goals of the TYAFP –
To develop a deeper understanding and awareness of Japan, its culture, people and history as an international citizen ambassador.
To develop lifelong leadership and civic skills.
To provide an opportunity to visit Japan and participate in meaningful exchanges with youth from Japan.
To develop an appreciation and understanding of citizen action and involvement through community and international volunteerism.
To assist youth in obtaining admission to higher education, scholarships and future recognition through their participation in the program.
SHINZEN NIKKEI YOUTH GOODWILL PROGRAM
Workshops: Summer/Fall 2022 and Spring/Summer 2023
Travel: July 2023 (10 days) with Family
The Shinzen USA Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program is a cross-cultural exchange program that promotes the values of fair play and competition while fostering ties between the U.S. and Japan and local communities. Through sports, youth exchanges, touring and homestays, our young ambassadors build stronger relationships with the people of Japan while learning about their cultural heritage, traditions and identity.
GOALS OF THE SHINZEN PROGRAM
To promote international goodwill and exchange between the youth of Japan and the youth of the Japanese American community.
To provide meaningful and thoughtful dialogue and discussion on youth issues related to each other’s culture and heritage.
To develop and nurture young ambassadors between the U.S. and Japan.
To provide an opportunity for friendship and spirited competition.
To promote U.S./Japan bilateral interest and responsibilities amongst young people.
To engage with and encourage Japanese American youth and their families to learn about their personal family history and our San Francisco Japantown and the broader community.
Lori Matoba Deputy Director
4/1/2022 JCCCNC – The Center – San Francisco
Center Announcements & Updates
Japanese Heritage Day with the San Francisco Giants
Saturday, May 21, 2022 @ 1:05 PM
San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres
Oracle Park 24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94107
Join the Center, and Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream to cheer on our hometown San Francisco Giants as they celebrate Japanese Heritage Day vs. the San Diego Padres. Show your pride with a Japanese-themed Giants T-Shirt designed by Sumofish artist and creator Brandt Fuse included with your purchase.
Receive special group rates and save 20% on tickets by purchasing your tickets through the Center while avoiding added service and convenience fees. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Center and Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream.
Join the San Francisco Giants in celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Kristi Yamaguchi’s Gold Medal triumph. You will also be granted access to an exclusive Q&A with Kristi to discuss her 1992 Olympic experience and the recent success with the USA Figure Skating Team during the Winter Games.
Purchase Includes:
Premium game ticket for Saturday, May 21 vs. the San Diego Padres
Kristi Yamaguchi signed bobblehead
Japanse Heritage Day T-Shirt
Access to the Triples Alley pre-game premium event space
Complimentary food & beverage during the pre-game event
Register today for the 27th Annual Nikkei Open Charity Golf Tournament held at the beautiful Half Moon Bay Golf Links on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Register as a foursome or play as an individual in our best ball scramble format tournament.
Registration includes green fees, cart, lunch credit, tee prize, and entry into all closest-to-the-pin and hole-in-one contests. REGISTER TODAY!
Support our 27th Nikkei Open Charity Golf Tournament by becoming a sponsor. Help support our mission by becoming a hole sponsor today. Hole sponsorships can help promote your business or even pay tribute to a family member by creating a memorial hole. Hole sponsor signs are completely customizable at no added cost. To view, a full list of sponsorship opportunities and benefits click HERE.
Want to sponsor the 27th Annual Nikkei Open? Register online HERE.
Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Japantown Peace Plaza during the Center’s annual Children’s Day Festival
Tickets are 18 for $100, 12 for $70, 6 for $35 or $7 each.
Welcome Joyce Taira the Center’s Newest Staff Member!
The Center welcomes another new staff member to the team! Joyce Taira, born and raised in Hawaii, recently joined the Center as our Senior Accountant. Joyce is a longtime resident of San Francisco, and eager to be a part of the community and contribute to the Center’s mission. “I believe it is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community. I am especially excited about working in Japantown and helping to preserve and share Japanese American cultural heritage. I am also very interested in learning more about the current issues and challenges facing Japantown and the Japanese American community.”
Stop by the Center and say aloha and welcome Joyce to our Center family.
New Member Benefit
NEW CENTER MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT: 10% off at Tokaido Arts!
Located in the West Mall of San Francisco Japantown, Tokaido Arts specializes in fine Japanese woodblock prints and Asian art from the 18th to the 21st century. Family-owned and operated, the small business was established in 1971 and is one of the very few remaining galleries in the United States where collectors can view and purchase a large selection of Japanese woodblock prints in person. To receive 10% off your purchase of fine Japanese woodblock prints, show your Center membership card to Tokaido Arts staff in-store or email membership@jcccnc.org for an exclusive discount code and shop online at TokaidoArts.com.
Tokaido Arts are located in the West Japan Center Mall at 1581 Webster Street, Suite 202, and can be contacted by phone at 415-567-4390. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @tokaidoarts.
Upcoming Programs!
J-Chat Virtual Japanese Language Conversation Exchange
Date: Friday, April 15, 2022
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Online Via Zoom
Fees: $3 Members / $5 General Public / Free for volunteer Facilitators
Native and fluent Japanese-speaking volunteers are needed! Sign up to volunteer!
2/25/2022 – Covid-19 Information – UCLA Asian American Studies Center
#TranslateCovid Mailing List | Feb. 23, 2022
How to Plan a Mobile Vaccine Clinic
This checklist provides tips on how you can plan a mobile vaccine clinic that will run smoothly and benefit your community. Contact your local county’s public health department to get started. Click here for more information about hosting clinics in LA County.
The California Endowment is helping to address myths and concerns around COVID-19 and vaccines. To assist partners who want to share teen and parent testimonials, we are featuring these videos from health workers, and comics in Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Punjabi on the TranslateCovid.org community resources tab. You can learn more about The California Endowment and their work to achieve health equity here.
Californians are sharing why they got vaccinated against COVID-19. Watch and share these testimonials with your community members who want to hear from real people about their vaccine stories. Here are some examples of videos you can watch:
A Nurse’s Vaccination Message for the Pacific Islander Community
Stockton: A Parent’s Advice to Protect Ourselves and Our Children From COVID-19
Los Angeles: A Mariachi’s Vaccination Story (Spanish) // “La historia de como un mariachi se vacuna por su comunidad”
See the full list of videos available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Mixteco, Khmer, and Triqui.
According to the CDC, only 48.4% of California’s rural population are fully vaccinated, as of February 2022. To view this data, visit the CDC data tracker, hover over the light blue “View” box and click “Urban/Rural.”
It’s critical to encourage rural communities to be vaccinated, as hospital staff are overwhelmed and exhausted by the number of unvaccinated and severely ill people in these communities. The COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative created a set of PSAs showing the unique experiences and stories of rural communities including this video from Coach Navarro in Spanish and English. The full set of videos of seven stories can be viewed here on YouTube.
You are receiving TranslateCovid.org updates because the UCLA Asian American Studies Center identified you as a valued community member who may benefit from our reliable and translated COVID-19 information. We hope that you continue to stay on this mailing list to receive new in-language fact sheets and resources for the communities you serve.
The AASC at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and pay our respects to the honuukvetam (ancestors), ‘ahiihirom (elders), and ‘eyoohiinkem (relatives/relations) past, present, and emerging.
Keynote Speaker: Jon Osaki Filmmaker & Executive Director, JCYC Emcee: Dr. Emily Murase Executive Director, Japantown Task Force Clifford I. Uyeda Peace & Humanitarian Award: Karen Kai & Robert Rusky (posthumous) Performances by: Jerry Waki & Anthony Brown Virtual Candlelighting Ceremony Interfaith Benediction: Japanese American Religious Federation (JARF) Call to Action: Black & Japanese Latin American Reparations Now! For more info: www.njahs.org (415) 921-5007 njahs@njahs.org
2/12/2022 – 11am – An Interfaith Vigil of Remembrance & Solidarity
Saturday February 12, 2022 – 11am – 12:15pm – Free Event on Zoom
Interfaith Vigil of Remembrance and Solidarity
Join us on Saturday, Feb 12, 11am – 12:30pm PST for an interfaith vigil to remember the 80th Anniversary of Executive Order 9066 signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt that led to the mass incarceration of 120,000 mostly Japanese Americans. This shameful part of American History must be remembered to ensure the survivors stories are not forgotten, and this injustice is repaired.
During Black History Month, while we remember this legacy in the Japanese American community, we will also be calling for solidarity with: Reparations for African Americans and Stop AAPI Hate. Let us acknowledge that U.S. imperialism globally, xenophobia, and systemic racism have all been common threads that weave our struggles together, historically and today.
We invite people of all faiths, cultures, and traditions to join us!
Speakers include:
Jeff Matsuoka, San Francisco Bay Area Day of Remembrance Committee
Chizu Omori, Tsuru for Solidarity, incarcerated for 3 1/2 years during World War II
Tara U., Berkeley Buddhist Temple, grandparents were incarcerated during World War II
Rev. Marjorie Wilkes Matthews, Plymouth United Church of Christ
Prof. Russell Jeung, Stop AAPI Hate and Professor at SFSU
Chanton Bun, Asian Law Caucus – Advancing Justice, served 23 years in incarceration
Joyce Xi, daughter of Chinese scientist unjustly targeted by the FBI
Songs, cultural offerings, and prayers by:
Ito Yosakoi
Rev. Harry Bridge, Buddhist Church or Oakland
Rev. Theon Johnson, Downs Memorial United Methodist Church
Elijah Chhum, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants
Minister Cherri Murphy, Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy
The vigil is co-sponsored by: Buena Vista United Methodist Church, Tsuru for Solidarity, San Francisco Bay Area Day of Remembrance Committee, Berkeley Buddhist Temple, Pine United Methodist Church, East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy, Sycamore Congregational Church UCC, CERI – Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Plymouth UCC
2/2/2022 – Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto performing at SFJAZZ with Destiny Muhammad
Thu Feb. 3rd in person, two shows 7p and 8:30p
Hi everyone and Happy Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger!
Just wanted to let you know that I will be performing with Destiny Muhammad and many great artists this coming Thursday, February 3, in person, for two shows at 7p and 8:30p. We had a rehearsal yesterday, and it was truly a wonderful feeling to not only be playing in person, but also to interact spontaneously with these phenomenal musicians and artists! It really warms my heart to be able to experience this, and I hope you will consider joining us this Thursday to feel the groove, as well!
Best regards,
Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto, koto
—————————————————————
with
Tammy L. Hall piano Arthur Chico Lopez bass Leon Joyce Jr. drums Marvin K. White, Minister of Celebration, GLIDE Memorial Church, San Francisco spoken word
In the spirit of the artist and quilter, Rosie Lee Tompkins
Shirley Muramoto performs and teaches the koto (a Japanese string instrument). Shirley’s group was recently featured on the BCO Virtual Obon Event in August 2022 (Link). More information: Website: https://skmkoto.com/
31st Annual J-Sei Crab Feed to be held once again on a To-Go basis. Fresh Dungeness Crab Asian Salad, Garlic Noodles, Bread and Dessert Dinner Tickets: $50/person Pre-order early as a limited number of dinners will be sold. Pre-order online (Order Page).
1/13/2022 – Covid-19 Information – Omicron & Testing
#TranslateCovid Mailing List | Jan. 13, 2022
FAQ: Omicron, testing, and vaccines
California is experiencing a record surge in COVID-19 cases, as well as remaining gaps in vaccination rates.
80.6% of the state’s population over the age of 5 is vaccinated with at least one dose. However, with the spread of Omicron, the state reached a record high of 23.1% positivity rate over a 7-day period, as of Jan. 12, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 dashboard. In comparison, California’s 7-day positivity rate was at 2.2% on Dec. 3 and 17.1% on Jan. 1 of last year, according to the CDPH.
COVID-19 disproportionately affects California’s low-income, Latino, Black and Pacific Islander communities, as well as essential workers, according to the CDPH. Moreover, a low proportion of children are fully vaccinated: only 18.5% of children ages 5-11 in the state as of Jan. 12. To find this data point, look for “Vaccination Status by Group,” go to “Select Category” and choose “Age.”
We hope the resources below are helpful to help address concerns, distrust, and misinformation that persist among our communities.
1. How can I stay safe from Omicron?
We have the tools to fight Omicron: vaccines, masks, and testing. Mask guidance from the CA Department of Public Health recommends using surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with a good fit. Their masking fact sheet is easily shareable with your community members. They also have a Q&A on face coverings.
The CDC recommends boosters for ages 12-17. Getting this population boosted will help limit the spread of Omicron. The Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) has updated talking points on boosters for 12-17 year olds.
For moderately or severely immunocompromised people, the CDC has age-specific recommendations for an additional primary dose and a booster dose. This includes updates about the third dose for ages 5+ and booster doses for ages 12-17. LA County breaks it down in a chart here.
To find vaccines near you: 1) go to vaccines.gov; 2) text your ZIP code to 438829; or 3) call 1-800-232-0233 for the national COVID-19 vaccination assistance hotline.
2. Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
There are several ways to find testing sites. Free, confidential COVID-19 testing is available to every Californian. Find COVID-19 testing sites in your area:
California has also partnered with OptumServe to provide free, confidential testing statewide. Tests are available for everyone, including: underserved communities and individuals who are at high risk, uninsured, undocumented and homeless individuals. You do not need a driver’s license to get this test.
You must register first at lhi.care/covidtesting. Tests are by appointment only. Once registered, you may find appointments in your area through the website. You won’t need to register again once you’ve signed up. If you do not have internet access, call OptumServe at 1-888-634-1123.
3. What should I do if I test positive or I was exposed to COVID-19?
If you test positive, you will need to isolate yourself from others. If you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you will need to quarantine. Please refer to the CADPH Guidance on quarantine and isolation. PHCC also explains what you should do in this FAQ.
4. What is the best time to test for COVID-19?
UCLA Health shares the following information: “Omicron ‘appears to behave more like a cold virus in the vaccinated population,’ says Dr. Omai Garner, director of clinical microbiology for UCLA Health. The now-dominant omicron variant presents differently in vaccinated and boosted individuals than previous variants, Dr. Garner says, which affects the need for, and timing of, testing.”
Read more at UCLA Health to pick the best time to test, depending if you’re vaccinated and if it’s a PCR or antigen test. The story is also available in Chinese, Spanish, Farsi, Korean, and Japanese.
This short video from the CDC explains the basics of how to purchase a self-test, collect a specimen, perform the test, and dispose of the test.
6. Is there a California COVID-19 hotline?
Yes, there is a COVID-19 information line. It’s a part of the state’s ongoing effort to provide reliable, trusted information and support. Translators are available to answer questions in: Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Japanese, Italian, French, and other languages. Call 833‑422‑4255 (833-4CA-4ALL).
The statewide call center is open 7 days a week:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Pacific Time
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
You are receiving TranslateCovid.org updates because the UCLA Asian American Studies Center identified you as a valued community member who may benefit from our reliable and translated COVID-19 information. We hope that you continue to stay on this mailing list to receive new in-language fact sheets and resources for the communities you serve.
The AASC at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and pay our respects to the honuukvetam (ancestors), ‘ahiihirom (elders), and ‘eyoohiinkem (relatives/relations) past, present, and emerging.
Chipotle restaurant fundraiser – Wednesday, November 17 –
3271 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland from 4-8pm Code:4G4MFZZ
(present flyer below or use this code for online orders so OFSCA gets credit).
We welcome Chef Lala Harrison from Juslaeats and Roux 40 and Josh Hammerling from Hammerling Wines for our third virtual chef/winemaker webinar fundraiser for the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City‘s 60th anniversary! Both chef and winemaker come from impressive backgrounds that is detailed in the link.
DATE: Wednesday December 8 from 4:00-5:00 via Zoom
Chef Lala Harrison will be showcasing the following Gluten free menu:
Blackened chicken, Charred Scallion Chili Oil, Garlic Collard Greens, Citrus Candied Yams. The meal kit is for two people.
Winemaker Josh Hammerling will be speaking about his Sunflower Sutra (sparkling) and Cabernet Pfeffer (red).
10/26/2021 – We Shall Be Free, We Shall Find Peace
We Shall Be Free, We Shall Find Peace
Wir werden frei, wir finden Ruh
An exhibit of art by incarcerated persons at San Quentin State Prison.
Located in the main lobby of the War Memorial Opera House, this exhibit invites our audience to connect with the silent voices and expressions of an unseen and forgotten community, and to highlight the importance of providing arts education to the most marginalized and ignored citizens in our society. To learn more about the artists and to read their statements, click the image of each artwork.
This exhibit is presented in partnership with the William James Association, a Bay Area non-profit organization whose mission is to promote work service in the arts, environment, education, and community development.
Join us at the Commonwealth Club of California on October 25 for a discussion with the William James Association, and a few of their formerly incarcerated artists.
Event honoring all Japanese American WWII Incarceration Camp Internees (PDF Flyer)
9/26/2021 – Discover Nikkei – Website
What is Nikkei?
What does Nikkei mean? We’re not talking about the Japanese stock exchange. We are talking about Nikkei people – Japanese emigrants and their descendants who have created communities throughout the world.
Discover Nikkei is an international network that celebrates cultural diversity and explores both global and local identities. The project connects generations and communities by sharing stories and perspectives of the Nikkei, people of Japanese descent who have migrated and settled throughout the world. (Website Link)
List of Japanese American (JA) history and museum sites (Link)
SACBC’s’ Umenoki Gardens Senior Home is now ready to accept new residents. It is a lovely place and you can participate in SACBC events and their services. It is the only senior home on BCA church property and effectively run by a BCA church (More Information)
Asian Health “Virtual” Gala – Saturday September 18th – 5:30pm Free Online Event – Registration Required
2021 Virtual Gala Registration
Please join us at AHS’ 47 Annual Gala on September 18, 2021
Our virtual event will include exciting live & silent auctions. All registered guests will receive a link to this year’s event and silent auction the week of September 13th!
The JSIO is kicking off a discussion series on Clubhouse, with a 3 part series on intersections of identity. The first session is on the topic of intersections of identity: Buddhist, Asian-American, and Young Adult, and will take place next Saturday, August 21 at 11am Pacific. We hope you can join us and hear the diverse perspectives of these four speakers! You’ll need to download the Clubhouse app to listen in; the flyer has a link for more information or click on this link: (LINK)
6/28/2021 – Obon Dancers Needed for Stanford Film About Umenoki Senior Home – Ei Ja Nai Ka Performed by PJ and Roy Hirabayashi of San Jose Taiko – Thurs July 8th – 5-8 PM.
(From Naoko Fujii @ Umenoki Senior Care Home / SACBC)
Dear Friends,
We are looking for volunteers to join a fun group to dance “Ei Ja Nai Ka” for the closing scene of a documentary about the Umenoki Senior Home. PJ and Roy Hirabayashi and Irene Matsumoto, formerly of San Jose Taiko, will be performing.
PJ’s Ei Ja Nai Ka is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It is especially symbolic for this film which focuses on unique aspects of Japanese American culturally-adapted senior care. The goal of the scene is to show how our ancestors are celebrated at Obon with taiko music elucidating happy memories for seniors and everyone as they dance… More Information (PDF)
4/19/2021 – Interfaith dialogue on public safety in Oakland Chinatown and West Oakland
On Monday, one of our faith partners, the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, is co-hosting a faith dialogue with the Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy. In light of the recent anti-Asian violence, we wanted to create a space to hear from faith leaders serving in Oakland Chinatown and West Oakland – both communities impacted by violence and economic hardship.
This will also be an opportunity to hear from Oakland City Councilmembers Nikki Bas (Council President, D2) and Carol Fife (D3) about their vision for public safety, a just recovery, and for the faith community to ask them questions.
The recent wave of anti AAPI violence and the ongoing impacts of policing and the COVID pandemic on Oakland communities give us reason to consider what it would look like to refund local communities, restore dignity, and reimagine public safety. Many communities and congregants are struggling to pay their rent; fear eviction and are living in distress. The most vulnerable of Oakland residents — low-wage workers, undocumented, immigrants, refugees, Latinx and Black community members — are disproportionately suffering from COVID and the economic impacts of the pandemic.
We want Oakland to be a safe and welcoming place for all its residents where there are enough resources to support everyone to thrive, so that our communities are living in solidarity and not pitted against each other.
Join us for a timely conversation about how the Oakland city budget can support this vision, strengthen families and communities, and address root causes. We will hear from pastors of impacted Oakland communities and progressive council members, Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas (D2) and Carroll Fife (D3) as they talk about reimagining community safety and a just recovery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gala King || she/her/hers
Regional Organizer, Northern California
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
310 8th St. Suite 310
Oakland, CA 94607
510.759.4196 gking@im4humanintegrity.org www.im4humanintegrity.org
3/20/2021 – Racism Against Asians
Below, you’ll find information and resources to help you understand the Atlanta shootings and other recent acts of violence against Asian-Americans, and the practice self-care. We hope these resources are helpful when having conversations with your family and friends.
3/8/2021 – Seen and Unseen – Queering JA History Before 1945
Seen and Unseen: Queering Japanese American History Before 1945 is the first-ever exhibit focused on Nikkei (Japanese Americans) who were involved in intimate same-sex relationships or defied gender roles in the early 20th century. LINK
2/28/2021 – Regina Boone – Journalist Unravels Mysteries of her Japanese grandfather
YouTube Video
Regina Boone was featured at the 2021 BCA National Council Meeting Closing Program (Event Link).
NHK video on Regina Boone discovery of her Japanese Grandfather’s story (Video posted by NHK till March 31, 2021)
2/24/2021 – Oakland Great Plates Delivered – Senior Meal Assistance Program
Oakland Great Plates Delivered is a temporary food program that delivers fresh locally prepared meals to Oakland residents who are at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 exposure. Eligible participants can receive 3 deliveries per week containing four to six meals per delivery for a total of 14 meals per week. The program is free and available for qualified participants through March 8th, 2021.
Your local source for books. Eastwind Books of Berkeley supports the local community. They will special order books upon request. (Source: Jun Hamamoto)
1/24/2021 Dharma Family Service Announcements and Discussion
January 28, 2021 – Be the Refuge — Book Launch: A Conversation with Chenxing Han
9/15/2020 – Book: Setsuko’s Secret – Heart Mountain and the Legacy of Japanese American Internment
Book Trailer Video
Author Shirley Ann Higuchi, JD, chair of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, uncovers her family’s past and embarks on a transformational journey as she learns about the Japanese American incarceration during World War II and what happened to her family and those of other former incarcerees.
Please contact AHS for an appointment to get tested. (510) 735-3222
8/12/2020 – NextGen JCA Peace Day: 75 years after the Bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
NextGen JCA Peace Day: 75 years after the Bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Join us as we commemorate this Peace Day
6/29/2020 – Berkeley Buddhist Temples Virtual Obon Event
Our virtual obon will have obon dancing led by Hanayagi Sensei and stories shared by our Sangha members. The event will be on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 4:00 pm.
We will be dancing:
Obon no Uta (bring your uchiwa aka Japanese flat fan!)
Hanabi Ondo
Shiawase Samba
Tanko Bushi
We will be sharing youtube practice videos so you can prep beforehand. Be sure to check our Facebook and temple websites for resources closer to July 11th.
6/26/2020 – Tadaima ! – A Community Virtual Pilgrimage
Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages. In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, each of the annual pilgrimages to sites of wartime Japanese American incarceration have been canceled. These pilgrimages provide important educational and community-building opportunities for descendants of the camps, the Japanese American community as a whole, and the wider public. WEBSITE LINK
5/13/2020 – East Bay Food Bank Support
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Join the Buddhist Church of Oakland and help support the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Every $1 you donate helps provide $7 worth of food. Please goto http://VFD-ACCFB.ORG , Select our group (Buddhist Ch Oakland), and then “Shop”.
Thank you for your Dana
3/17/2020 – Update Tsuru for Solidarity Pilgrimage
3/17/2020 – Notice to Stay Home – from Six Bay Area Counties
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.
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2021 Virtual Gala
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