Topaz Collages - The Art of Jeanie Kashima - Artist Presentation

Eugenia "Jeanie" Kashima was the first baby born in Topaz (Central Utah) Concentration Camp, on September 22, 1942. Seventy-eight years later during the initial stages of the COVID epidemic Jeanie would revisit her birth via art. This journey would produce the collages here.

Her family lived in Berkeley before the war where her grandfather Seizo Oishi owned a wholesale carnation nursery in Richmond, CA, and her father was a landscape architect. Persuant to E.O. 9066 her mother, father, and older brother were forced from their home and sent to Tanforan "Assembly Center" before being transfered to "Central Utah War Relocation Center," later known as Topaz.

The idea of these collages began with the discovery of family photographs, during the COVID quarantine. Each photo by Edna Horiuchi/Discover Nikkei photo was only about two by three inches.

The family was photographed by her uncles, both of whom had volunteered to serve in the US Army 442nd Regimential Combat Team. Cameras were not normally allowed in camp but her uncles snapped pictures of the family while on leave.

In 2020, Jeanie enlarged these photo images and added them to her mixed media to create the collages. Her mix of the historic images blended with her artistic interpretation add to the richness and depth of life in Topaz, and her return to Topaz in 2022.

These collages have been shown at at the Visions Museum of Textile Art in San Diego.

On Saturday, March 15, 2PM NJAHS hosts Jeanie Kashima's "Artist Meet & Greet program and discussion. Kashima's art is currently on display at the NJAHS Peace gallery in Japantown, 12 Noon- 5PM & first Sats of each month. EVENT IS FREE. Please RSVP (light refreshements provided)

​The World Agri-Tech Summit in San Francisco provides a unique opportunity for global key players in the agricultural technology and related industries to meet and exchange insights. In conjunction with the summit, leading Japanese Agri-Tech companies and startups will showcase their latest technologies and collaborations that address pressing challenges in the industry.

​Both California and Japan aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 and 2050, respectively. This session will explore climate change mitigation strategies through the lens of Agri-Tech innovation. This program is generously hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco and the Japan Society of Northern California.

Date & Time: 
Monday, March 10th from 3:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
*Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

​Location: Digital Garage
717 Market Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94103

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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 .

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.

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!

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!

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