Community Events
We Are One Interfaith, Interracial Contingent in Chinese New Year Parade
Please sign up here if you are interested in marching with us in the 2025 Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco!
We're on the hunt for amazing drummers, dynamic dancers, enthusiastic prop holders, and individuals with bright, cheerful smiles!
Why We Remember the Japanese American Incarceration @ JCCCNC
Join us at Why We Remember the Japanese American Incarceration, a youth/young adult-focused Day of Remembrance event organized by young people and supported by the Japanese American Youth Alliance (JAYA) and the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) on Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 10am - 12:45pm. Lunch will be provided. This event is free to all youth.
The event will be held at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California - 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco.
Following this event, the group will walk down to join the Bay Area Day of Remembrance from 1-3pm at the AMC Kabuki. We encourage all of you to join us. Please check the box below so that we can provide you with a complimentary ticket.
Through interactive activities and discussion, we will be reflecting on what it means for younger generations of Nikkei and the greater Asian American community to learn about the history and the importance of Day of Remembrance, and more generally, the power of remembering governmental injustices that are too often written out of dominant recounts of American history.
2025 Day of Remembrance @ AMC Kabuki Theater
The 2025 Bay Area Day of Remembrance is quickly approaching. On Saturday February 16th, join us from 1 to 3 PM commemorating the Executive Order 9066.
Secure your tickets here -> https://bit.ly/4acDZ9P
All are welcome! $10 suggested donation.
This in-person gathering will take place at the AMC Kabuki 8 Theaters – 1881 Post Street, San Francisco 94115, followed by a candle light procession through the streets of Japantown to a reception and dialogue.
NAACP SF 102nd Annual Freedom Fund Gala @ Hyatt Regency Embarcadero
Join Us!
We are honored and excited to announce our 102nd Annual Freedom Fund Gala, themed “All In,” which will take place on February 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, located at 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94103. This momentous occasion is not merely an event, but a celebration of collective resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to justice.
This year, we are privileged to have Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, as our keynote speaker. With 21 years of esteemed experience in healthcare, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), government affairs, and executive leadership, Rev. Arline-Bradley embodies the spirit of our theme. Her profound words, “with every great vision, you got to know your history,” echo the legacy of Dorothy Height and inspire us to pursue greater societal impact for our future.
Our mission to shift the needle towards greater equity starts with forward-thinking partners like you. Your contribution will support our efforts to advance civil rights, eliminate disparities, and promote community health and well-being. Your sponsorship will directly impact our ability to deliver essential services and drive transformative initiatives within the community. We respectfully seek your support as a valued sponsor for this Gala. Your organization’s alignment with our vision for civil justice and community empowerment will fuel our initiatives and resonate deeply with an audience committed to these shared values.
In gratitude for your support, we will proudly acknowledge your business on all printed and digital materials associated with the Gala. Your financial support is instrumental in maintaining the momentum of this critical social justice movement, ensuring it continues to make a meaningful impact in communities of color.
If you would like to pay via check please email us at NAACPSFBR@ATT.NET
Films of Remembrance @ SF Japantown
WELCOME TO THE 14TH ANNUAL FILMS OF REMEMBRANCE
Films of Remembrance is the premier showcase of films commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans in American concentration camps during World War II.
In addition to our San Francisco and San Jose screenings, this year, thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, we are excited to expand Films of Remembrance to TWO Southern California locations: Little Tokyo in Los Angeles and Gardena, Calif.
We hope that you can join us for one of our in-person screenings. In March, most of these films will be available for streaming. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified.
For 2025, in–person screenings will be held in four cities: San Francisco; San Jose; Little Tokyo, L.A.; and Gardena, Calif. Each venue will host five programs, including panel discussions with filmmakers after each screening. There will be special Filmmaker Receptions after the programs in San Francisco and Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.
Films of Remembrance @ San Jose Japantown
WELCOME TO THE 14TH ANNUAL FILMS OF REMEMBRANCE
Films of Remembrance is the premier showcase of films commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans in American concentration camps during World War II.
In addition to our San Francisco and San Jose screenings, this year, thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, we are excited to expand Films of Remembrance to TWO Southern California locations: Little Tokyo in Los Angeles and Gardena, Calif.
We hope that you can join us for one of our in-person screenings. In March, most of these films will be available for streaming. Sign up for our mailing list to be notified.
For 2025, in–person screenings will be held in four cities: San Francisco; San Jose; Little Tokyo, L.A.; and Gardena, Calif. Each venue will host five programs, including panel discussions with filmmakers after each screening. There will be special Filmmaker Receptions after the programs in San Francisco and Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.
Introduction to Yosakoi Dance with Ito Yosakoi @ JCCCNC
Join the Ito Yosakoi Dance Group's weekly classes to learn the lively, energetic dance style of Yosakoi dancing! Yosakoi dancing features choreographed group dances with traditional movements mixed with modern, uptempo music to make for a captivating dance style that is growing in popularity in Japan and abroad! No dance experience is necessary. Class members have the option of dancing with the class recreationally, or learning the group's repertoire to perform in public, including at local festivals like Cherry Blossom Festival and the Center's annual Children's Day Festival!
Class Instructions
Please wear comfortable clothing and have water on hand.
Please give yourself enough space to move around.
For online participants: If you are comfortable, please turn on your video, as it is helpful for the instructors to see participants to adjust the class' pace. If you do not want to turn on your video for any reason, that is okay too.
If you have disabilities or require physical accommodations, or would otherwise like to contact us, please email itoyosakoi@gmail.com.
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About Ito Yosakoi Dance Group:
What is Ito Yosakoi 糸よさこい?
ITO YOSAKOI (pronounced: yoh-sah-coy) is a yosakoi dance group based in San Francisco Japantown based in San Francisco Japantown. We practice weekly as a program of Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC). Our name "Ito" (糸 "Thread") emphasizes the relationships woven together between members of a community.
We welcome all who are willing to learn and open to trying new experiences!
Contact: itoyosakoi@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/itoyosakoi
Instagram: @itoyosakoi
Japantown Osaka Way Upgrades Project Community Briefing @ KOHO Creative Hub
The Japantown Task Force, in collaboration with the Japantown Community Benefit District, Nihonmachi Parking Corporation, and the City of San Francisco, will host a community information session on the "Osaka Way Upgrade Project."
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 6:00pm-7:30pm @ KOHO, Japan Center East Mall 2nd floor (above Daiso)
This event will be held at the KOHO Creative Hub, located on the second floor of the Japan Center East Building . You will get to see the latest designs. The project team has incorporated valuable community . Your diverse input has been essential in shaping this vision , and the project team looks forward to sharing with you the latest progress towards the final design .
You can join us in person or online. We will also have light refreshments, so please come along.
Register here . Project details can be found at osakaway.org .
We are looking for people to participate in the temporary "Osaka Way Renovation Committee." For details and to apply, click here .
Kakizome/First Writing of the New Year Calligraphy Workshops @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center
Join us for Kakizome/First Writing on January 11-12, 2025 at the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, Japan Center East Mall, 2nd Floor. Register for 45-minute workshops with members of the Goyo-kai Calligraphy Studio on Saturday, 1/11, 1:30 pm -4:30 pm and Calligraphy Instructor Yaoi Sengoku on Sunday 1/12, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Shodo calligraphy materials with shikishi calligraphy boards will be provided. Suggested donation for materials is $20 per person. 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm. On both days, the exhibit will feature name-writing. RSVP required below. Space is very limited!
BONUS: Guests will be served a special New Year's beverage amazake(non-alcoholic). The Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center opens 12N to 5pm.
54th Annual Oshogatsu Matsuri/New Year's Festival @ Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
Join us in welcoming 2025, the year of the snake, at our annual Oshogatsu Matsuri! Co-hosted with the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), API Legal Outreach, and the Hamilton Senior Center, we are excited to present an afternoon filled with cultural arts, crafts, food, and fun! Come with family and friends to enjoy shikishi art, *screen printing, our children’s art contest, a mochitsuki (rice pounding) demonstration, food for sale, and much more! We are excited to ring in the new year with everyone and encourage all to join us for this free community celebration!
*Bring a plain, light-colored t-shirt and Japantown artists will silkscreen print a Year of the Snake design on it for free!
Hatsumode New Year’s Blessings @ Soto Mission of SF Sokoji Temple
The Tradition of Hatsumode
Hatsumode is the first temple or shrine visit of the new year, a cherished Japanese tradition where people express gratitude for the past year and pray for health, peace, and prosperity in the year ahead. This practice offers a moment of reflection and renewal, making it a meaningful start to the new year for many.
New Year’s Blessings at Sokoji
At Sokoji, we warmly welcome you to join us for our special New Year’s Blessings and Hatsumode.
January 1
11:00 AM: New Year’s Prayer Ceremony for temple members
12:00 PM: Open for the public.
1:00 PM: New Year’s Prayer Ceremony for the general public
January 2 and 3
The temple will be open to the public for Hatsumode from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Prayer Ceremony will be held at 1:00 PM for general public.
Omamori, prayer tablets, and omikuji: Various lucky charms and blessings for the new year will be available for purchase.
Start the new year with prayer and hope at Sokoji. We warmly invite you, your family, and your friends to join us for this meaningful occasion.
We look forward to your visit!
Joya no Kane Bell-Ringing @ Soto Mission of SF Sokoji Temple
The Japanese Tradition of Joya no Kane
Joya no Kane is a cherished Japanese tradition held on New Year's Eve at temples across Japan. The temple bell is struck 108 times, representing the number of worldly desires believed to cloud the human mind. This sacred practice purifies the past year's impurities and prepares the heart to welcome the new year. The resonating sound of the bell brings a sense of peace and gratitude, as well as hope for the year ahead.
Joya no Kane Event at Sokoji
Sokoji warmly invites you to join us in celebrating the end of the year with our Joya no Kane event.
10:00 PM: Temple doors open.
11:00 PM: The final sutra chanting of the year.
After the chanting, everyone is welcome to strike the temple bell as we prepare to transition into the new year.
12:00 AM: At the stroke of midnight, we will hold a New Year’s Blessing to pray for the health, peace, and well-being of all attendees in the year to come.
Omamori, prayer tablets, and omikuji: Fortunate charms and blessings for a prosperous year ahead will be available for purchase.
Shiratama Zenzai: Warm, sweet red bean soup with rice flour dumplings, perfect for a chilly night.
Toshikoshi Soba: San Francisco's new soba restaurant, “Soba Katsu,” will be selling toshikoshi soba from 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Don’t miss this traditional Japanese dish to mark the year's transition.
No Reservations Required
This event is open to all! Please feel free to bring your family and friends to spend this meaningful time with us at Sokoji.
We look forward to welcoming you to our temple.
39th Annual Japanese New Year Bell-Ringing Ceremony @ Asian Art Museum
Celebrate with your museum community for an experience the San Francisco Chronicle calls “a great way to end a year and start a new year.”
ing in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, this inspiring ceremony will include a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Visitors will have an opportunity to ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds, or ill luck from the year. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (bonno) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.
Schedule
10 AM | Doors open
10:30 AM–12 PM | Member Bell-Ringing
1–2:30 PM | Public Bell-Ringing
Holiday Night Market w/Lyfe Jennings, Vendors, Kids Wonderland & More! FREE
Holiday Night Market w/Lyfe Jennings, Vendors, Kids Wonderland & More! FREE
The free, family attractions seem infinite, beginning with the magic and joy at Kids Wonderland as Gene Suttle Plaza is transformed into a real-life snow globe with faux-snow, games & train ride, arts & crafts, photos with Santa and so much more.
It’s Winter family fun for kids of all ages.
Welcome to the Holiday Night Market! Join us for a festive evening featuring live music from Lyfe Jennings, a variety of amazing vendors to shop from, and a Kids Wonderland for the little ones to enjoy. The event is FREE and will be held at Fillmore Street & O'Farrell Street. Don't miss out on this exciting holiday event!
2024 Presidential Election Recap with Washington Insider Glen S. Fukushima @ The KOHO Creative Hub
The outcome of the 2024 Presidential election came as a surprise to many of us. What were the key factors that influenced the vote? What happened in the swing states? Hear from Washington insider Glen S. Fukushima on these questions and implications of the election outcome.
LOCATION: KOHO Co-Creative Hub, Japan Center EAST Mall, 2nd Floor.
PARKING: Japan Center Garage.
SUGGESTED DONATION: $20, $10 Members (cash or card), collected at door.
CO-SPONSORS: Japanese American Citizens League San Francisco Chapter, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Japantown Task Force/Japantown Cultural District.
Biography of Glen S. Fukshima from the Securities Investor Protection Corporation website. Glen S. Fukushima is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he focuses on U.S.-Asia relations. Before joining CAP in 2012, he was based in Asia for 22 years as a senior executive with one European and four American multinational corporations, including AT&T and NCR, and he served on the corporate advisory boards of the Industrial Bank of Japan and Daiwa Securities and on the board of directors of Mizuho Financial Group and Fidelity International Funds. He was elected to one term as Vice President and two terms as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Prior to his business career, he served in Washington, D.C. at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as Director for Japanese Affairs and as Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan and China. During the Clinton Administration, he was appointed as Vice Chair of the Japan-United States Friendship Commission.
A native of California, Fukushima is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Global Council of the Asia Society, President’s Leadership Council of the Asia Foundation, Board of Councilors of the U.S.-Japan Council, Advisory Committee of Harvard University’s Asia Center, and Leadership Council of the Harvard Law School. He has served as a Visiting Professor at Kyoto University, Waseda University, and Sophia University in Japan. He earned his B.A. at Stanford University, M.A. at Harvard University, and J.D. at the Harvard Law School. He also studied at the Harvard Business School and was a Fulbright Fellow at the Faculty of Law, University of Tokyo.
![MEaN Acapella Performance @ Hotel Kabuki [JCBD]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/620ec63367883f16baedc01e/1734216269046-MS1YQQKGHMGA9TJYBCT8/24.12.14-12.15+Jtown+Jingle.png)
MEaN Acapella Performance @ Hotel Kabuki [JCBD]
Presented by Japantown Community Benefit District, Inc.
Snow Globes with Judy Hamaguchi @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center
Welcome the holidays by creating your very own SNOW GLOBE with the Jtown Queen of Crafts Judy Hamaguchi on Sunday, December 15. Suggested donation of $10 to cover materials, payable at the door. You are welcome to bring a meaningful item to include in your snow globe but it MUST BE WATERPROOF and SMALL.
Session 1: 12:30-1:30 pm
Session 2: 1:45-2:45 pm
Session 3: 3-4 pm
There are only 5 spaces per time slot. Each person must register separately. If you are registering for your child, you are welcome to use the same contact information (email, phone). Please only select ONE time slot. If you select more than one time slot, your entire reservation will be cancelled. Unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule your session if you miss your workshop time as we expect to have a sellout crowd.
Parking is available at the Japan Center Garage.
Questions? Contact Akiko Yamada Klenk, aklenk@japantowntaskforce.org
Forest Choir Holiday Concert under the direction of Ruriko Miura @ Western Addition Library
Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and let the beautiful singing voices of the ladies of the SF Forest Choir soothe you. They'll be singing seasonal songs and wishes for peace from around the world in several languages.
The San Francisco Forest Choir was founded in 2003 and is under the guidance of Artistic Director, Ruriko Miura.
Kimochi Silver Bells 2024 Winter Crafts Fair @ St. Mary's Cathedral Event Center
Silver Bells is one of Kimochi’s longest running, most popular fundraising events featuring a large array of artisan handcrafts and food items. We greatly appreciate the participation of creative vendors and the many Silver Bells shoppers who help support Kimochi seniors
Winter Japanese Tea Ceremony at Kanso-An @ Hokka Nichi Bei Kai
Reserve your seat at the Winter Tea Ceremony! This traditional event is held annually to celebrate the transition of the beautiful seasons and to enjoy a peaceful moment with friends and family.
There will be 4 tea ceremony sessions on December 8th, 2024 (Sun) at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm at the historical Kanso-An tea room in Hokka Nichi Bei Kai Building.
We will be serving traditional Japanese Green Tea and Sweets, also only for this Winter Ceremony, Soba (buckwheat noodle) will be served after the ceremony. You will have the opportunity to experience the Tea Ceremony and learn about its Rich History and Cultural significance. Participants can choose to sit on the Tatami floor or bench seat.
Each session is about 45 minutes. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the event. We can not guarantee your attendance at the ceremony if you are late.
S OCKS REQUIRED. White color is preferred per the examples of traditional Tabi socks.
Please refrain from wearing jeans as they may damage the tatami mats.
RSVP by December 7th, 2024. If you have any questions or special requests, please do not hesitate to contact us at hokka.nichibeikai@yahoo.com
We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!
Online Reservation: $35 + fees (Credit card)
Nichibei Kai Member: $25 (w/Promo Code) + fees
Walk-in: $40 non-members, $30 members (Cash only) *Based on availability, first-come, first-serve
* Price increased to offer upgraded desserts and Soba noodle at this event.
Rainbow World Fund Tree of Hope Lighting @ Grace Cathedral
Join us for the 19th Annual RWF World Tree of Hope Celebration LIVE at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco — Monday, December 9, 2024 from 6:30-8 PM
Rainbow World Fund Invites You To Make A Wish and Join us for Celebration of Hope
Join us as we gather wishes and hopes for the future of our global community and give them wings.
Living the Work #10 feat. Erika Oba and Scott Oshiro @ Studio Gen
Come experience yet another session in the intimate salon setting of Genryu Arts’ cultural space. Enjoy performances by Erika Oba and Scott Ishiro.
KOHO Artist + Maker Marketplace @ KOHO Co-Creative Hub
Celebrate the Holidays with us!
#communityisanartform
December 7 + 8
Japan Center East Mall (above Daiso)
12:00 - 5:00 PM
KOHO warmly invites you to celebrate the holidays at our Creative Hub—a space dedicated to nurturing belonging, unity, and community spirit. To kick off the holiday season, KOHO is hosting its first Holiday Artist + Maker Marketplace!
We’re proud to uplift and amplify the stories, creativity, and passion of our local cultural entrepreneurs. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures, meet talented makers, and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
Bring your friends and family to share in the joy! Cozy up, shop small, and connect with our vibrant community.
KOHO is committed to uplifting, supporting and amplifying the stories, creative work and passion of entrepreneurs in our cultural communities.
✨ Bonus: The first 50 guests to RSVP will receive an exclusive KOHO button pack!
“Now & Then” Artists' Holiday Sale by Japantown Artists Leland Wong, Rich Tokeshi, Leon Sun @ NJAHS Peace Gallery
Join us for some Holiday Cheer and refreshments Saturday, December 7, 2024, 12-5PM at the NJAHS Peace Gallery.
Hosted by NJAHS.
Once in Japan Photo Contest hosted by the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco! Deadline for entry
A message from the Consulate General of Japan: The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is now accepting entries for the 2024 Once in Japan Photo Contest for a chance to win the latest cameras and products from Canon U.S.A., Inc.
This year, the contest has a theme of People-to-People EXCHANGE & CONNECTION with Japan! Show use your recent favorite photos from sister city events, study abroad, festivals, and more, highlighting memories that connect you to Japan and its culture and people! You can submit up to three photos taken on a recent trip to Japan, or up to two Japan photos, and up to one Local Photo taken in your neighborhood, city, and community in Northern/Central California or Nevada expressing a connection with Japan and/or Japanese culture. See the winners of the 2023 contest here.
The deadline for this contest is Sunday, 12/1/2024. Details and 2024 application form are available here.
Japantown Townhall: Redevelopment + the Certificate of Preference Program - Reclaiming Roots and Community in Japantown and the Western Addition @ The KOHO Creative Hub
On November 18, 2024 join KOHO, the New Community Leadership Foundation (NCLF), Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and the Office of Community and Infrastructure for an evening of sharing about how Urban Renewal effected the Japantown and Western Addition areas. Hear stories from our community, the work lead by NCLF and the investigators looking for the families who were displaced, and the City agencies with an update of the Certificate of Preference Program as it lives today.
11/18/24
6-8pm
KOHO Creative Hub, 22 Peace Plaza, 2nd floor (above Daiso)
6:00p Light dinner for those who rsvp
6:30-8:00p Program
Community Kitchen - November @ JCCCNC
We are excited to announce our last Community Kitchen of the Year! Join us in celebrating our ongoing communal dinner program on Sunday, November 17, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Community Kitchen is organized by volunteers to bring members of our community together to learn how to cook Japanese and Japanese American family recipes and to share a multi-generational communal dinner. Adapting our Bachan's Kitchen program started in 2016, our Community Kitchen is open to all who want to enjoy and share Japanese home-style cooking while connecting with the community.
Each dinner consists of a menu determined in advance by the Community Kitchen volunteer committee, who then instruct and assist attendees in preparing the dishes on the menu. Participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! Just be prepared to help in the preparation, cooking, and cleanup, but most of all, to have a great time!
November Community Kitchen menu: Winter Comfort Foods!
Beef Sukiyaki
Korokke
Corn Korokke
Sunomono Cucumber Salad
Spinach Ohitashi
Yaki Imo Sweet Potato
Fruit Sando Dessert
Register by Friday, November 15, 2024