Current News & Ongoing Events

New Kimochi Club for Senior Garden/Plant Enthusiasts

Do you have extra plants, bulbs or gardening information? Do you have plants that you hate to throw away that others may enjoy? Would you like to exchange plants and get information on plants proven to grow in your area?

Kimochi is starting a plant enthusiasts club for all interested seniors. This club will be based on the exchanging of plants and information sharing with others in the group to expand the members' own garden or plant collection.

Those interested in participating and becoming a member can call Justin Ng or Jun Aita at the Kimochi Senior Center at (415) 931-2287.

Shopping Trips for Seniors

Tuesdays (except first Tuesday of the month) - Trader Joes @ Bay & Mason
Fridays - Safeway at Webster & Geary

Kimochi Inc. is providing grocery shopping trips for San Francisco Japantown seniors.

Transportation service will be door-to-door and the driver will help carry grocery bags into the lobby area of apartment buildings.

The Kimochi van will pick up participants at various locations in Japantown, starting at 12:30 p.m. and the return trip will be around 2 p.m.

On Tuesdays (except the first Tuesday of the month), the van will transport seniors to Trader Joe's at Bay and Mason streets. On Fridays, participants will shop at the Safeway store at Webster Street and Geary Boulevard.

The fee is $1. Space is limited. Those who are interested can sign up at the Kimochi nutrition/transportation office, 1840 Sutter St. (inside the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California), or call (415) 931-2287. New participants must fill out a paratransit application, available at the office.

S.F. Taiko Dojo Offers Classes

San Francisco Taiko Dojo offers beginning classes every week for adults and children of all ages, and is currently accepting new students every month. There are two locations serving the San Francisco Area.

Beginning classes for adults
* Buddhist Church of San Francisco, 1881 Pine St. (at Octavia). Classes temporarily closed due to the remodeling of the gymnasium's flood-damaged floors. Renovations should be completed by July.

* San Francisco Taiko Dojo, 212 Ryan Way, South San Francisco. Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., $65 per month.

Beginning classes for children
* San Francisco Taiko Dojo in South San Francisco, Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., $45 per month.

Open practice is held on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. $10 per session or $50 for five sessions.

For more information, call the San Francisco Taiko Showroom at (415) 92-TAIKO (928-2456) or the San Francisco Taiko Dojo at (650) 583-4900, e-mail classes@sftaiko.com.

The showroom is located on the pedestrian bridge between the Japan Center's Kintetsu Mall and Kinokuniya Building, above Webster Street. It is open every day except Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday Nagata Dance for Young People

April 5, 12, 19, 26
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(Dates are subject to change)
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

With their hearts pumping and muscles flexing, children will dance up a storm! In this loving, learning environment dancers will be challenged with fun sequences of movement, floor patterns and jazzy footwork. They will practice active listening skills and creative problem-solving while working together as a team to perform a lively class dance. Most importantly, as individuals their self- confidence flourishes and they develop an authentic positive image of their bodies.

From 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday from January through May, children ages 5 to 10 are welcome to join in dancing at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter Street (between Buchanan and Webster Streets) in San Francisco.

The cost to participate is $40 monthly rate for JCCCNC members, $45 monthly rate for non-members, $12 drop in rate, $205 unlimited class rate. Need based scholarships are available.

All monthly rates are paid for on the first dance class of each month and above rates are based on 4 dance classes per month and will be prorated accordingly. There are no makeup days.

For more information about Saturday dance classes, please call (650) 346-5592.

Major Construction in J-Town

Beginning the week of February 25
Post St. from Laguna to Fillmore
Laguna Street from Geary to Bush
Buchanan Mall (Osaka Way)

PG&E has announced major plans to replace gas lines in San Francisco Japantown along Post Street from Laguna to Fillmore streets, Laguna Street from Geary to Bush, and the Buchanan Mall (Osaka Way).

Beginning the week of February 25, PG&E crews will be out in the streets of Japantown replacing the existing 50-year-old gas pipes. The project is scheduled to last for four to six months. During construction, there will be limited on-street parking. In order to avoid traffic congestion, visitors are encouraged to use the Geary Blvd. entrance ot the Japan Center Parking Garage.

"PG&E is aware of the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival in April and will make every accommodations for a successful event," said Japantown Merchants Association President Richard Hashimoto.

For more information, contact PG&E at (800) 743-5000.

Soko Gakuen's Japanese Classes to Begin in April

April 5 through June 18
Buddhist Church of San Francisco

Soko Gakuen, anon-profit Japanese language school sponsored by Buddhist Church of San Francisco, will offer 11-week Japanese language classes for adults this spring, starting on April 5 and continuing through June 18.

Saturday morning classes meet between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., with afternoon classes from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday classes are from 6 to 9 p.m.

The 33-hour course costs $150 per quarter. A student may take more than one course during the term if he or she wants intensive instruction in Japanese.

For more information or to register for classes, call (415) 928-9608 or visit the website at http://users.aol.com/sokogakuen/.

Soko Gakuen is located at 1881 Pine St., with the entrance on Austin Alley, between Bush and Pine streets, off of Octavia Boulevard.

April Events

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

April 12 & 13
April 19 & 20
Post from Laguna to Fillmore, SF Jtown

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit http://nccbf.org.

15th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Basketball Jamboree

Saturday and Sunday, April 12 & 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, April 19 & 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. JCCCNC, SF Jtown

The 15th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Basketball Jamboree showcases 3rd through 7th grade girls and boys teams from all over Northern California in fun and exciting games. Come see our youth in action! The Jamboree will be held in the JCCCNC Gymnasium located at 1840 Sutter Street in SF Japantown.

The proceeds from our annual Cherry Blossom Festival Jamboree will benefit the Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Basketball Program that sends 20 youth to Japan, every other summer, to learn more about Japanese culture through homestays and activities with the youth of Japan.

For more information about Fees, please contact Ken Maeshiro at (415) 567-5505 x 239.

To sign up, please call (415) 567-5505, email programsevents@jcccnc.org or inquire through the on-line form.

"Bullish on Asia" - Japan Society Lecture

Wednesday, April 16 at 5:45 p.m.
USF Main Campus, SF

With the American economy entering a recession, Japan's economy still struggling, the Chinese economy fighting inflation, and with Wall Street, the flagship of capitalism, being rescued by foreign state-backed investors (sovereign-wealth funds), where does one invest? Is Northeast Asia still a bullish bet?

To get some insights, come hear British-born, Cambridge-educated, San Francisco-based Paul Matthews, who has actively invested in Asian markets since 1982 when he moved to Hong Kong to work for the GT Group to manage their Pacific Growth Fund, one of the most successful Asian-oriented mutual funds in the U.S. In 1989 he left GT Group to establish Matthews International Capital Management. The rest is history-successful investment history.

Patrick Lloyd Hatcher, Ph.D., Kiriyama Senior Distinguished Fellow at the USF Center for the Pacific Rim, will conduct the interview.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended by calling (415) 422-6828. For more information, please visit www.usajapan.org.

Senior Safety Seminar at JCCCNC

April 16 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
May 7 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Please attend one of two workshops at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco on April 16 or May 7 from 2 to 3 p.m.

This seminar will teach about the following:

• Street Safety
• Public Transportation Safety
• Observing and reporting suspicious or criminal activities
• Giving descriptions
• Emergency and useful phone numbers

Asia Society Northern California to present three Leadership Awards at 5th Annual Dinner Celebration

Saturday, April 19 at 6 p.m.
Four Seasons Hotel, SF

Please join the Asia Society Northern California on Saturday, April 19 at 6 p.m. for their Fifth Annual Dinner to present Leadership Awards to three individuals in honor of their distinguished service in the fields of Arts & Culture, Education and Business and Policy at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, 757 Market Street.

A discussion between the awardees will be moderated by Steve P. Westly, Founder & CEO of the Westly Group. The theme of this year's Annual Dinner is sustainability - both locally and in Asia. As issues of energy production, global warming, and environmental degradation have become worldwide concerns with an enormous impact on California, the Golden State is poised to help lead the way to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Join us as we engage some of the key policy shapers and business leaders in California who are making a difference locally, nationally, and across the globe.

Arts & Culture honoree, George Lucas, is the creator of the Star Wars Saga and Indiana Jones series, director of American Graffiti and THX 1138, as well as the producer of a myriad of independent films. In 1971, Lucas formed his own film company, Lucasfilm Ltd, whose feature films have won 19 Oscars and whose television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucas' Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio and two ranches in Marin County, represent the highest possible standards of environmental sustainability. Always striving for harmony with local environments, he has permanently preserved over 95% of more than 5,000 acres through an agricultural easement.

Business & Policy honoree, Peter A. Darbee, is a veteran of the energy, telecommunications, and investment banking industries. Mr. Darbee is Chairman of the Board, Cheif Executive Office and President of PG&E Corp. Based in SF, PG&E Corp. is a $34 billion energy-based holding company that has one of the largest natural gas and electric utilities in the US.

Education honoree, Dr. Steven Chu, was the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997. He is Director of the Lawerence Berkeley National Laboratory and Professor of Physics, Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. Previously, he held positions at Stanford and Bell Laboratories. He is an internationally renowned leader in energy research and policy and co-chaired the InterAcademy Council (IAC) study "Lighting the Way: Toward a Sustainable Energy Future."

For more information about the event or to RSVP, please contact Jennie Akune at (415) 421-8707 or email sfannualdinnfer@asiaoc.org. You may also visit the Asia Society website by clicking here

Free Workshops for Family Caregivers

Saturday, April 19th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
"Understanding Memory Loss - Dementia and Alzheimer Disease"
Speaker: Heather Grey, Supporting Group Coordinator, Alzheimer's Association

Thursday, April 24th:
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
"How to Cope with Caregiving Stress"
Speaker: Sachi Inoue, Ph.D, Rams Inc.

2:40 - 3:10 p.m.
"Stress Reduction Techniques: Exercise and Meditation"
Speaker: Atsuko Sells

Saturday, May 3rd:
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
"First Aid/Emergency Care for Seniors"
Speaker: Yukiko Kukimoto, RN, MS

2:10 - 3:40 p.m.
"Hands on Care Techniques for Family Caregivers"
Speaker: Yukiko Kukimoto, RN, MS

Pre-Registration is required: Please send in the registration form to Kimochi Office, or (415) 931-2294. Each workshop is limited to 20 participants. Participants MUST be non-professional family caregivers. Japanese translation will be provided. For more information, please contact Fumiko DiDomizio, Kimochi Social Services at (415) 931-2275.

Flat "Sushi" Plate Ceramics Workshop

Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter Street in San Francisco will host beginning ceramics workshops for adults instructed by Shu-hui yang, graduate of San Francisco State University.

Learn simple slab construction and surface techniques to create your own ceramic sushi plate. No experience is necessary. This workshop requires both sessions in order to finish your sushi plate.

The workshop is $45 for JCCCNC members or $60 for non-members. If time permits, you may be able to make an additional plate.

To sign up, please call (415) 567-5505 or email programsevents@jcccnc.org.

May Events

Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) School Visits

Tuesday - Thursday, April 29 - May 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday, May 6 - 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Elementary schools visit and learn about the meaning and symbolisms of the Boy's and Girl's Day dolls that are exhibited. They also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on arts and craft activities at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St. in SF Japantown.

This event is free to school groups. For more information, please contact Ken Maeshiro at (415) 567-5505 x 239.

To sign up, please call (415) 567-5505, email programsevents@jcccnc.org or inquire through the on-line form.

Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) Festival

Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Location: TBD

In recognition of Japan's national holiday to celebrate children, the JCCCNC presents our annual Children's Day Festival in Japantown. There will be entertainment, food and hand-on craft activities for children.

This event is free and open to the public. There will be an additional fee for food available at the festival.

Koto for Kids at JCCCNC

Sunday, May 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
2nd Sunday of each month thereafter
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

Teach your child the beautiful Japanese art of Koto Music! "Koto for Kids!" will be hosted by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center, 1840 Sutter Street in San Francisco Japantown on May 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and will continue the second Sunday of each month thereafter,

Koto for kids is targeted for children ages 6 to 12 years of age. This "Dojo" style class will cover:

• General History of Koto
• Reigi - manners
• Proper set-up and clean-up
• How to read notes
• How to play the Koto

4th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration in SF Japantown

Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
San Francisco Japantown

The largest gathering of Asian Pacific Americans in the nation is back and bigger than ever, featuring Asian American artists, Dj's, martial arts, today's Asian pop culture, J-cars, Muay Thai Kickboxing ring, scrumptious food, karaoke contest, arts and crafts, anime, free community health screenings and exciting prizes!

For more information on the event, please visit www.asianfairsf.ocom. You may also contact Angela Pang at apang@asianweek.com or (415) 321-5894.

Save the Date: Kimochi Home's Anniversary

Sunday, May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Hotel Kabuki, SF Jtown

The 25th anniversary celebration of Kimochi Home will e held on Sunday, May 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco's Japantown.

More details about the event will be announced soon. For more information about Kimochi Home, please call (415) 922-9972.

Kimochi Home has the capacity to house up to 20 ambulatory seniors in either single or shared rooms. The residential program offers 24-hour supervised, non-medical care. Staff provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications.

2 Day AARP Senior Driving Certification Course

Wednesday & Thursday, May 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

Please join Instructor Guy Milano, AARP on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2-day course) at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter Street.

AARP's 8-hour refresher course for drivers age 50+ has been updated. New information and lively illustrations help you learn how to improve driving skills, reduce traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injures and to drive more safely. Graduates may be able to qualify for a discount on auto insurance. (Please check with your insurance agent).

The fee for the class is $10 for JCCCNC members and $15 for non-members. The class size is limited to 16 so reserve your spot now.

Please contact us for more information or to make reservations. You can contact JCCCNC at (415) 567-5505 or by e-mail at programsevents@jcccnc.org.

Wagashi Workshop with Kimika Soko Takechi & Larry Sokyo Tiscornia

Saturday, May 31 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
JCCCNC - Issei Memorial Hall

Participants will learn how to prepare two sweets, mismatsukaze and sasamaki. The class will include both demonstration and some hands-on practice.

Misomatsukaze is a steamed cake made with flour, various sugars and miso (soy bean paste) and topped with roasted sesame seeds. After it is steamed it is quickly grilled and then cooled before serving.

Sasamaki is a green bamboo leaf wrapped sweet that has a kuzu (kudzu starch) and kurozato (black sugar) filling.

Wagashi are usually served during a traditional Chanoyu gathering. A bowl of matcha will be served at the end of the workshop when tasting the wagashi.

Cost for the event is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Workshop is limited to the first 15 paid and registered participants. Participants are encouraged to bring an apron.

For more information or to register, please call the JCCCNC at (415) 567-5505 or e-mail programsevents@jccccnc.org.

Kimika Soko Takechi and Larry Sokyo Tiscornia are instructors of the traditional Japanese art of Chanoyu, the tea ceremony. They teach Chanoyu and its many related arts in San Francisco and travel to many places sharing their knowledge with others through lectures and demonstrations. They received their professional tea names in 1985 from Sen Soshitsu XV, then the head tea master of the Urasenke School of Tea, in Kyoto, Japan and both received the Junkyoju, associate professor, degree in 1994. The name Soko translates to "fragrance" and Sokyo to "bridge."

Paint Your Own Cup or Plate Ceramic Workshop

Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter Street in SF Jtown will host a beginning ceramics workshop for adults instructed by Shu-hui Yang on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come and paint your own cup and plate. No experience is necessary. Spend up to two hours painting your own cup or plate and let your creativity come alive!. This workshop is for both adults and youth as young as six years old.

The workshop is $25 for JCCCNC members and $32 for non-members. Space is limited.

Please call (415) 567-5505 to sign up or for more information. You may also email programsevents@jcccnc.org.

Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Workshop

Saturday, May 31 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter Street a Wagashi (Japanese sweets) Workshop with Kimika Soko Takechi and Larry Sokyo Tiscornia on Saturday, May 31 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Participants will learn how to prepare two sweets, misomatsukaze and sasamaki. The class will include both demonstration and some hands-on practice.

Misomatsukaze is a steamed cake made with flour, various sugars, and miso (soy bean paste) and topped with roasted sesame seeds. After it is steamed it is quickly grilled and then cooled before serving.

Sasamaki is a green bamboo leaf wrapped sweet that has a kuzu (kudzu starch) and kurozato (black sugar) filling.

Wagashi are usually served during a traditional Chanoyu gathering. A bowl of matcha will be served at the end of the workshop when tasting the wagashi.

The cost for the workshop is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. The workshop is limited to the first 15 paid and registered participants. Participants should bring an apron. For more information or to sign up, please call (415) 567-5505 or e-mail programsevents@jcccnc.org.

June Events

Save the Date: 2008 Shinzen Poker Tournament Fundraiser

Saturday, June 7
Location: TBD

Please come out and support the 2008 Shinzen Program during the Cherry Blossom Festival. They are hosting the annual Cherry Blossom Jamboree on April 12-13 and 19-20 at the JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street.

They are also starting to plan for their 2008 Poker Tournament on Saturday, June 7, 2008. Mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE!

We will also be hosting players from the Osaka YMCA on July 28 to August 4, 2008.

4th Annual Jtown Asian/Pacific Islander Craft Fair & Island Jam

Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

The Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC's) 4th annual Japantown Asian/Pacific Islander Craft Fair and Island Jam presented by Union Bank of California will be on Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter Street.

The Japantown Asian/Pacific Islander (API) Craft Fair will showcase many unique API crafts, gift items, and clothing vendors for an exciting shopping experience!

Island Jam Performers include: Manuia Polynesian Review, Ka Ehu Kai, JCCCNC Hula, Kaiulu, Touch of Polynesia, Kedalaulani Halau O'Lapa o Laka, and Merahi o Tehani.

Admission for the event is free and there will be validated parking for the Japan Center Garage.

For more information, please visit www.jcyc.org or call (415) 202-7909.

July Events

August Events

35th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair Saturday & Sunday, August 9 and 10, 2008
Post Street from Laguna to Fillmore Streets

The 35th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair is a celebration of the diverse Asian and Pacific American communities here in the Bay Area. A place where one can taste and learn about the various cultures. What makes NSF unique and what common thread there is between us. It is a place where our children can go and identify with ... a celebration they can call their own.

Organized by community volunteers, the Nihonmachi Street Fair is one of the premiere non-profit festivals for the Asian American community of the Bay Area during the summer. For the past 34 years, the Fair's goals have been to create an atmosphere in Japantown where Asian American and Pacific Island people can celebrate the spirit of community and cooperation. It is also a place where we encourage everyone from the diverse Bay Area to come, learn and see what our communities are all about.

The two-day festival is the largest gathering of the summer for Asian American social service organizations. Groups from around the Bay Area sponsor food booths and arts and crafts booths to raise funds for programs and services. Artisans will gather in Japantown as well for one of the biggest displays of Asian American creativity for the season.

Additional events include two days of free musical entertainment which showcases hip-hop, R&B, and Top 40 music and cultural performing artists.

For more information, please visit www.nihonmachistreetfair.org.

September Events

Save the Date: JCCCNC's 35th Anniversary - Salute to a Vision

Saturday, September 13, 2008
Westin St. Francis Hotel

Please join the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California to celebrate their 35th Anniversary "Salute to a Vision," a Tribute and Roast to Executive Director Paul Osaki on Saturday, September 13 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel , 335 Powell Street in San Francisco.

In recognition of Executive Director, Paul Osaki for his 20 years of vision and leadership at the JCCCNC and in serving the community for the past 30 years.

4:00 - Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction featuring hors' doevres from SF Bay Area renowned chefs

5:30 Dinner and Program

Individual tickets are $175 and Tables and sponsorships starting at $1750.

For more information, sponsorship or hotel rates, please call Joy Iwasa, Director of Development at (415 567-5505 or e-mail jiwasa@jcccnc.org.

'Fusion' - Weekly Magazine - now on TV "Pacific Fusion," a new weekely magazine show that explores and illuminates the diversity and flair of Asian Pacific American cultures and lifestyles recently debuted this past sunday with showings every week at 12:30 p.m. on KRON-TV (channel 4),

The host is 1997 Miss Universe, Brook Lee, who has hosted programs on ESPN, the Travel Channel, and E! Entertainment Channel.

The show also airs in Honolulu on KHON2. For more information, please visit www.pacificfusion.com

Japanese Language Courses Offered at Nobiru-Kai

Japanese language courses for beginner and advanced students are now in session at the Nobiru-Kai office located at 1840 Sutter St. Suite #207 in San Francisco's Japantown. Students can study Japanese in a ligh-t mood at competitive prices. Classes offered are:

*Level 1 (beginning) - Saturdays 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

*Level 2 (Beginning) - Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

*Level 4 (Advanced) - Saturdays 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The tuition is $7 per class for Nobiru-Kai members and $10 per class for non-members. There re is a $10 fee for each session after the first class. For more information, please call Nobiru-Kai at (415) 922-2033.