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.

Kristi Yamaguchi's Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) Festival

Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Peace Plaza, SF Jtown

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.

Kimochi First Aid & Caregiver Workshop

Saturday, May 3

Please join Kimochi as they will be hosting a free workshop for family caregivers, "First Aid / Emergency Care for Seniors" from 1 to 2 p.m. and "Hands on Care Techniques for Family Caregivers" from 2:10 to 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at the Kimochi Administration Building, 1715 Buchanan Street, 2nd Floor.

Donna Schempp, Program Director at Family Caregiver Alliance will be the speaker.

Pre-Registration is required. Registration forms are available at Kimochi Front Desk. Please send in the registration form to Kimochi Office, or just call Kimochi at (415) 931-2294 to register. Each workshop is limited to 20 participants.

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE NON-PROFESSIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS.

For more information, please contact Fumiko DiDomizio, Kimochi Social Services at (415) 931-2275.

Re-Election Reception for Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi

Friday, May 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Yoshi's Jazz Club, SF

A kick-off reception for the campaign to re-elect Ross Mirkarimi to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will be held on Friday, May 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Yoshi's Jazz Club, 1330 Fillmore St.

Mirkarimi represents District, which includes Japantown and the Western Addition. He was elected in November 2004.

The host committee, which is still in formation, includes Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin; Assemblywoman Fiona Ma; former Mayor Art Agnos, Public Defender Jeff Adachi; Sheriff Mike Hennessey; San Francisco Board of Education President Mark Sanchez; Caltrans Distrct 4 Director Bijan Sartipi; Redevelopment Commissioner London Breed; Taxi Commissioner Min Paek; Fire Commissioner Steve Nakajo; Melissa Emergui; San Francisco Labor Council President Tim Paulson; Professor Elahe Enssani; and Khaled and Musa Dajani, Paul Osaki, Sandy Mori, Michael Johnson, Jeff Maruyama, Mehran Esmali, Alexis Wong, Felix Levy and Angelo Quaranta.

2008 Kodomo no Hi Kimono Dressing
Tuesday, May 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Additional Appointments available
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter St in SF Jtown in conjunction with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is proud to present Kodomo no Hi Kimono Dressing on Tuesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This is a rare opportunity to dress your child in traditional Japanese Kimono in celebration of Kodomo no Hi.

Kimono sizes are limited. (please see below)

Kimono	Ideal height of child
Girl Kimono #1 / #2	42" to 58"
Girl Kimono #3	36" to 41"
Boy Kimono #1	39" to 48"
Boy Kimono #2	36" to 39"

There will be four shifts:
Shift 1 - (4:00 to 4:45)
Shift 2 - (4:30 to 5:15)
Shift 3 - (5:00 to 5:45)
Shift 4 - (5:30 to 6:15)

Space is limited. We can accommodate up to three children per photo opportunity. Hair, make-up and photos are not included with the dressing.

Please call Ken Maeshiro to make an appointment at (415) 567-5505 x 239. For more information, please visit www.jcccnc.org

Japanese Cemetery Clean Up Day

Saturday, May 10
1300 Hillside Blvd, Daly City

Please join us on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for the Japanese Cemetery Clean Up Day at 1300 Hillside Boulevard, Daly City.

For more information or to RSVP, please call (415) 771-3440.

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

Japanese Heritage Night at AT&T Park

Friday, May 16 - first pitch at 7:15 p.m.
AT&T Park, SF

Watch your San Francisco Giants battle the Chicago White Sox! You do not want to miss out on this once a year event that shows off our rich Japanese culture here in Northern California. From individual tickets to large groups, we are more than happy to accommodate any size group you may have. When you buy the $20 ticket package, you will have the opportunity to enjoy pre-game and in-game entertainment, sit in the Japanese Heritage Night Section as well as receive a very special limited edition Masanori Murakami Bobblehead! Don't miss out on the $6 savings for a Friday night game!

The $20 ticket package includes:

• Seat in Japanese Heritage Section
• Pre-game entertainment w/various Japanese performers
• Limited edition Masanori Murakami bobblehead
• $6 savings for Friday Night Game!

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.

Clean-Up in Colma

Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Japanese Cemetary, Colma

Community Clean-Up Day at the Japanese Cemetary, 1400 Hillside Blvd. in Colma, is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Volunteers are asked to help clean up the cemetary in preparation for the annual Memorial Day service, which will be held on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m. Representatives from the Japanese Consulate, the Japanese American Religious Federation and Japanese American community organizations will attend.

The cemetary is operated by the California Japanese Benevolent Society (Jikei Kai), which can be reached at (415) 771-3440 or jikkeikai@aol.com.

SF Giants Game - "Hep B Free Night" after Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Saturday, May 17 at 6:05 p.m.
AT&T Park, SF

You can help support the SF Hep B Free campaign by purchasing San Francisco Giants tickets for Saturday, May 17th against the Chicago White Sox. For each ticket purchased, $9 will be donated to the SF Hep B Free campaign.

SF Hep B Free is a city-wide campaign to turn San Francisco into the first hepatitis b free city in the nation. This unprecedented 2-year-long campaign will screen, vaccinate and treat all SF Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents of hepatitis b (HBV) by providing convenient, free or low-cost testing opportunities at partnering health facilities and events.

Purchase tickets by calling (415) 972-2298 or visit www.sfgiants.com/specialevents or at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration.

The 4th annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration will be on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Post Street from Laguna Street to Fillmore Street).

For more information on the event, please visit www.asianfairsf.com.

Kimochi Home's 25th Anniversary Celebration

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

Kimochi Home will hold its 25th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Kabuki's Imperial Ballroom, 1625 Post Street in San Francisco's Japantown. All funds raised will go driectly to the Kimochi Home Improvement Capital Campaign to replace and update the furnishings and carpeting in the residential rooms and two lounge areas plus upgrade two large bathrooms. The event will be hosted by KTVU Channel 2's John Sasaki, and includes senior performances and raffle drawing for over 40 prizes - the grand prize is roundtrip tickets for two to Japan donated by Japan Airlines.

Kimochi will also honor the following people with the Kimochi Spirit Award for their many years of commitment to Kimochi Home:

• Program Assistant for over 10 years: Dorcas Hautea
• Volunteers for over 15 years: Keiko Akashi, Yasuko Fujita, Mary Ishisaki, and Annie Spivack
• Corporation: Japan Airlines

Kimochi Home, located at 1531 Sutter Street, provides 24-hour supervised and non-medical care for Kimochi’s residential/respite program and supervised care for the adult social day care program. While services focus on the Japanese American and Japanese-speaking community, Kimochi provides a continuum of culturally sensitive programs and services to all Bay Area seniors and their families, regardless of ethnicity, to preserve their dignity and independence.

For more information about Kimochi Home 25th Anniversary Celebration and Kimochi Home Improvement Capital Campaign, contact Kimochi, Inc. at (415) 931-2294 or kimochikai@kimochi-inc.org or visit www.kimochi-inc.org.

Fukuoka Kenjin Kai Japanese Cooking Class

Tuesday, May 20 from 12 to 2:30 p.m.
Konko Church, SF Jtown

The San Francisco Fukuoka kenjin Kai will be holding its second cooking class in a four-part series on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at Konko Church of San Francisoco, 1909 Bush St. in Japantown.

The Kenjin Kai is inviting Yoko Yoshii and Toshiko Kamishita, who will give deomnstrations on how to make dora yaki (a type of pancake), fukashi manju, and date maki (omelette roll). Although lunch will not be served, participants will be able to taste the treats after the demonstration.

The fee is $7 for members and $10 for non-members. Call Fusako Ayabe to RSVP or for more information at (925) 672-4063.

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.

Japantown Safety Workshop

Friday, May 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.
JCCCNC, SF Jtown

The Japantown Task Force, with the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco SAFE and Command Security will offer a community safety workshop on Friday, May 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter Street in San Francisco's Japantown.

Residents, businesses are families are encouraged to attend for updates on Japantown safety and concerns, particularly as the summer approaches with more youth and tourists are enjoying the neighborhood.

Meet your SFPD beat police officers, as well as representatives from Command Security, which provides the security officers often seen walking around the Japan Center.

SAFE representatives will speak about personal safety for your children, help families to reinforce family safety rules regarding "latchkey" children, and discuss appropriate, safe responses to emergencies.

The workshop is free to the public. Complimentary pizza dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. RSVP by calling (415) 346-1239 or email judy.hamaguchi@gmail.com.

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.

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'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.