Japanese Language Lounge: Explore Japan @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, Japan Center East Mall, 2F
Practice Japanese and make new friends! The theme for this session is "Explore Japan"—discover Japan's diverse regions, unique local cultures, and foods. Learn useful travel phrases, share your favorite destinations and future travel plans, and connect with fellow Japan enthusiasts. Open to all levels—from beginners to native speakers. Free; advance registration recommended.

[Sat-Sun, 7/4-5, 10 am-6 pm]: 2026 Fillmore Jazz Festival @ Fillmore DistrictJoin for two free days packed with music, community, and celebration! The 2026 Fillmore Jazz Festival returns, bringing live jazz back to the heart of San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District— once known worldwide as the “Harlem of the West.” Presented by the Fillmore Jazz Festival Preservation Fund and the Fillmore Merchants Association. Details.

[Sat-Sun, 7/4-5, 10 am-6 pm]: 2026 Fillmore Jazz Festival @ Fillmore DistrictJoin for two free days packed with music, community, and celebration! The 2026 Fillmore Jazz Festival returns, bringing live jazz back to the heart of San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District— once known worldwide as the “Harlem of the West.” Presented by the Fillmore Jazz Festival Preservation Fund and the Fillmore Merchants Association. Details.

Your introduction to Kōdō & Tea Ceremony — taught by senior teachers invited from Japan. Charitable opportunity to support Japanese culture.

（日本語テキストは英語のあとに続きます。）

In one elegant afternoon or morning, experience Kōdō (the Way of Incense) and a Tea lecture and Tea ceremony — two of Japan's most treasured classical arts. Both AM and PM sessions share the same program.

Wonderful charitable opportunity to support Japanese traditional arts. Proceeds of this event will support preservation of Japanese culture, including maintenance of Kanso-an, one of the most authentic Tea Houses in California.

◆ Program

I｜Kōdō — The Way of Incense Lecture

Gyōyū Yashima, Licensed Senior Instructor of Oie-ryū Kōdō

Quietly appreciate the fragrance of rare aromatic woods in the traditional art of "monkō" — listening to incense.

II｜Tea Ceremony Lecture & Tea Ceremony, Omotesenke

Teruko Hatakeyama, Certified Teacher, Omotesenke-ryū

Observe the preparation of "usucha" (thin tea), savor Matcha and Wagashi (Japanese sweets), and learn the history of the Way of Tea — tracing Japan's unique aesthetic of harmony.

◆ Sessions

🕥 AM Session: Begins at 10:30 AM

🕥 PM Session: Begins at 1:30 PM

*You may not be able to join the session if you are late more than 15 minutes.

◆ Ticket

Tatami seat $75 (Tatami seating during tea ceremony)

Bench seat $65

*Nichi Bei Kai members enjoy 10% off

◆ Included

Kōdō & Tea Ceremony lectures, Matcha and Wagashi (Japanese sweets)

◆ Capacity Limited to 35 guests per session — advance reservation required

Are you a fan of the iconic mecha anime Gundam? Join the community in building the popular Japanese mecha models! Gunpla models allows individuals to showcase their craftsmanship and attention to detail creating miniature works of art! Whether you are a seasoned builder or a newcomer to the world of Gundam, this event will be a fun and enriching opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts. (Never a better time to start going through your backlog!)

Participants below the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the event.

One day. Three classical Japanese arts taught by senior teachers invited from Japan. Charitable opportunity to support Japanese culture.

（日本語テキストは英語のあとに続きます。）

Experience three of Japan's most revered traditional arts in a single day: Kōdō (the Way of Incense), live Koto performance, and Tea Ceremony. Hosted at Kanso-an, the intimate cultural salon of Hokka Nichi Bei Kai in San Francisco.

Wonderful charitable opportunity to support Japanese traditional arts. Proceeds of this event will support preservation of Japanese culture, including maintenance of Kanso-an, one of the most authentic Tea Houses in California.

◆ Program

I｜Kōdō — The Way of Incense

Gyōyū Yashima, Licensed Senior Instructor of Oie-ryū Kōdō

Precious aromatic woods from Southeast Asia are gently warmed over charcoal, and participants quietly "listen" to the rising fragrance — a meditative practice refined over centuries. Guests will experience "kumikō," a traditional incense-matching game.

II｜Live Koto & Kaiseki Bento Lunch

Kō Ishikawa, Grand Senior Instructor, Ikuta Chikushikai

Enjoy a specially crafted Japanese Kaiseki bento lunch by a local acclaimed chef from Sora, accompanied by a live koto performance.

III｜Tea Ceremony Lecture & Thick-Thin Tea Sessions

Teruko Hatakeyama, Certified Teacher, Omotesenke-ryū

Observe the preparation of both "koicha" (thick tea) and "usucha" (thin tea), savor matcha, and learn the history of the Way of Tea — tracing its connections to Zen, political power, and Japan's unique aesthetic of harmony.

◆ Admission

Tatami seat $250 per person (10 seats available)

Bench seat $220 per person

*Hokka Nichi Bei Kai members enjoy 10% discount — please contact us before purchasing.

*Tatami seating places you inside the tatami room (Rinwa-ken), where you'll have an unobstructed, up-close view of the teachers at work — the most immersive experience of the day. Note that this is floor seating with no chairs, so please choose accordingly. Bench seating is located just outside the tatami room with a bench seating, and you'll have the opportunity to step inside during the Kōdō demonstration. All guests must bring white socks or white tabi (split-toe socks).

◆ Included

• Kōdō incense experience

• Japanese Kaiseki lunch

• Matcha & wagashi (Japanese sweets)

• A take home gift

◆ Schedule

Doors Open at 10:00AM

Event Begins at 10:30AM

*Please contact us if you will be late to join or leave early.

◆ Capacity Limited to 35 guests — advance reservation required

Questions? Contact us at

nichibeikaievents@gmail.com

Presented by Hokka Nichi Bei Kai (Japanese American Association of Northern California) www.nichibeikai.org

Kimochi Saimin to Go: Friday, June 26

$18.00

This comforting noodle dish brings together Japanese and local Hawaiian flavors with noodles, char siu (pork), kamaboko (fish cake), shredded scrambled egg, and green onion. Wakame salad and fruit kanten accompany the saimin.

Curbside Pickup
1840 Sutter Street #101 San Francisco, CA 94115
Available between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm in 30-minute intervals.
Please be sure to select your pickup time when placing your order.

Save the date for the JCYC Open House on Thursday, June 25 from 5-8 PM. This special one-night event offers a rare opportunity to step inside our Pine Street office as we open our doors to the public for an evening celebrating the impact, history, and future of JCYC. Guests will have the chance to learn about programs, connect with other community members, and be among the first to experience the unveiling of our new mural, a powerful visual story tracing our organization’s journey from its founding to the present day.

Light refreshments and drinks will be served. More information about how to RSVP will be released soon. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us the opening reception of Queer Japantown on Saturday, June 13, 2026, 2 PM- 4 PM.

Did you know that the Mattachine Society, one of the earliest gay rights organizations, had their first of many annual conventions right in Japantown? Or, that Chinatown was once known as being a nightlife entertainment capitol that had drag performers in 1942? The history of LGBTQ+ people is all around us. It is not isolated to a single neighborhood, a specific building, or a special district. It is everywhere where people who identify within the spectrum exist, you just have to know where to look.

Queer Japantown highlights some of the lesser-known items in history that happened in places you might not think. Specifically, these materials focus on things that happened in or have a connection to Japantown, and Asian American drag. This exhibit follows a few events like the Cherry Blossom Festival parade and the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, organizations like the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) and Older Asian Sisters in Solidarity (OASIS), and people like Li-Kar of Finocchio’s and George Choy.

The Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival, with an aim to educate the public on the benefits of soy and tofu, is our signature fundraiser. The festival showcases soy and tofu vendors, cooking demonstrations, cooking workshops, Asian American entertainment, family-fun activities, and a Youth Art Contest! It also serves as a vehicle for community-building and leadership development. 

​Join us at the San Francisco Main Library for a screening of Diamond Diplomacy, directed by Yuriko Gamo Romer. This engaging documentary explores how baseball became a beloved sport in Japan despite complex political tensions with the United States.

​Diamond Diplomacy explores 150+ years of shared history between the United States and Japan through our shared love of baseball. Anchored by the stories of two former players—Japan’s Masanori “Mashi” Murakami and the USA’s Warren Cromartie—the film traces the evolution of a complex international relationship, touching on racism, diplomacy, and the unifying power of sports.

​The screening will be followed by a special talk with director Yuriko Gamo Romer and executive producer Glen S. Fukushima.

​Date & Time:

​Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM

​Venue:

​Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library | 100 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102

​Parking:

​We highly recommend you take public transit to the event (Civic Center Station Muni/BART). If you must drive, please follow the SFPL’s recommendations for nearby parking.

​Agenda:

​5:00 PM Opening Remarks | Marc Smolowitz, Producer of “Diamond Diplomacy”

​5:05 PM Film Begins

​6:35 PM Director and Executive Producer Talk | Yuriko Gamo Romer, Director of “Diamond Diplomacy”; Glen S. Fukushima, Executive Producer of “Diamond Diplomacy”; and moderator Steve Pollock, President of Japan Society of Northern California

​6:55 PM  Audience Q&A

​7:05 PM Closing Remarks | Steve Pollock, President of Japan Society of Northern California

Join the Japanese Language Lounge! This is a relaxed, in-person meetup where participants of all levels can practice Japanese conversation and connect with others in a friendly, low-pressure environment. The program runs twice monthly on Sundays through 9/27, with two one-hour sessions offered at 12N and 2 pm, $10 per session. Join us at the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, Japan Center EAST Mall, 2F.

5th Annual Japantown Pride Flag Raising, 2-3 pm ceremony @ Osaka Way; 3:15-3:45 pm flag-raising @ Konko Church; 4-6:30 pm reception @ The Center. Please join for performances at Osaka Way, followed by a procession to Konko Church, 1909 Bush, and of course a flag raising! Afterwards, join Okaeri NorCal and The Center, 1840 Sutter, for an inaugural potluck to celebrate Pride Month!

Join us for our next virtual Zoom Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) Workshop! Our instructors Larry Sokyo Tiscornia and Kimika Soko Takechi will show you step by step how to make these unique, delectable and beautiful handmade treats over Zoom. Recipes for the workshop will be provided in advance to all registrants. The workshop will be recorded and made available for registrants following the live session. Sign up for this virtual workshop and give making your own wagashi a try!

This summer wagashi workshop will include sasamaki and hasunekan. Sasamaki are steamed bamboo leaf wrapped sweets with a black sugar and kuzu (kudzu) starch filling. They are often served chilled during the summer months bringing a refreshing feeling to the guests. Hasunekan (lotus root yokan), favored by the 14th generation Urasenke grand tea master Tantansai, is a yokan style sweet made with grated fresh lotus root, sugar and kanten (agar agar). Easy to follow recipes and a video recording link will be provided to all registrants.

Summer Wagashi Treats Workshop Menu:

• sasamaki

• hasunekan

A private dining experience with the voice behind Scaramouche/Wanderer - Patrick Pedraza. Only 6 seats available.

Genshin Impact Voice Actor Signing Event featuring Patrick Pedraza, Emi Lo, Deneen Melody, and Mick Wingert!

Join us as we close out AAPI Month and usher in Pride Month with an afternoon of fashion, drag, and cultural expression at KOHO Co-Creative Hub. Organized by the National Japanese American Historical Society, this celebratory event takes place on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 12:30 PM and marks the opening day of a new exhibition at NJAHS’s Peace Gallery, Queer Japantown. This event will celebrate both the history and contemporary expressions of Japanese American youth self-expression—from repurposing Japanese textiles into new fashion forms to exploring Japanese American identity through drag.

Featuring a drag performance by Kristi Yummykochi, Kristi Yummykochi is a San Francisco Politi-Kween for the people, and member of the first A&PI drag collective in the US, the Rice Rockettes. She has been featured in publications from Vice News, NBC Asian American, and NewNowNext. In her spare time, she enjoys eating the rich and encouraging critical social dialog using her whip.

The event also includes a fashion show by Yutaka Ezekiel Goto, whose work reimagines Japanese American identity through sustainable design practices. Yutaka sources secondhand materials throughout the Bay Area alongside secondhand deadstock kimono textiles (tannmono 反物) from Japan to create garments that express a new form of Japanese American identity. Their work has been presented through their fashion brand Yutan_Ño, at San Francisco State University, pop-up venues, and other runway opportunities across San Francisco.

Together, this fashion show and drag performance offer a powerful celebration of creativity, identity, and self-expression—honoring how Japanese American youth, past and present, continue to shape culture, challenge norms, and imagine new possibilities.

This event is funded in-part by Grants for the Arts, and organized by the National Japanese American Historical Society, a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, authentic interpretation, and sharing of historical information of the Japanese American experience. Marketing partners for this event include Japantown Cultural District (JCD) and 82ALLNIGHT.

Japanese Heritage Night - Friday, May 22nd at 7:15 PM vs. Chicago White Socks

All tickets purchased through the link will receive a Japanese Heritage Night Baseball T-Shirt designed by Sumo Fish!

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (the Center) is organizing its annual youth and family community Clean Up Day at the historical Japanese Cemetery in Colma. Join us and over 200 volunteers from the community at this year's annual clean up!

Often times we find ourselves too busy in our daily lives to honor our past and remember those who have passed on.  The Japanese Cemetery in Colma is a unique cultural treasure that deserves our attention, our respect, OUR TIME.  the place represents our history and our loved ones.  For many of us, it’s the place where our grandparents, great grandparents, parents, family and friends are laid to rest.

During our lunch break, we will have a brief overview of the history of the cemetery. Please join us in helping us pay our respects and maintaining this historical jewel of our community.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Japanese Cemetery, 1300 Hillside Blvd., Colma, CA 94014
Fees: Free and open to the public - Please RSVP as light lunch will be served. (in order for us to group organization members together, please include your organizational affiliation under "preferences")

Discover the art of washi ningyo paper doll making with instructors Yuri Nakamura and Rochelle Lum! Learn to craft a beautiful ukibune doll using traditional techniques and simple materials—no experience needed. Join us 5/16 or 6/6 for this beginner-friendly workshop for ages 18+. For Center Members, $50, General Public, $60.

SAVE THE DATE: Excellence in Education Awards
TICKETS AVAILABLE: March 2!

The JCYC College Access Programs’ second annual Excellence in Education Awards will celebrate the achievements of our students, educators, and 47 years of our unwavering commitment to equitable access to higher education. We will recognize pioneers who have been nominated by members of our community and carefully selected by JCYC staff and our Board of Directors. These will include school staff members and students. The goal of this event is to recognize the achievements of students and educators and help to ensure that JCYC’s College Access programs can maintain high-quality academic and educational services for students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.