Community Events
Exhibition - We Were Here: Views of San Francisco's Urban Renewal @ San Francisco Historical Society
The Museum of San Francisco’s first community-based exhibit is We Were There: Views of San Francisco’s Urban Renewal. It tells the tragic story of how the government-mandated urban renewal of the 1950s-1970s destroyed thousands of homes and displaced tens of thousands of residents in the Western Addition—mostly African Americans and Japanese Americans.
This exhibit features stunning photographs from the Burden Archive, many of them never seen before. The exhibit supports a special edition of The Argonaut focuses on urban renewal—a project made possible by a grant from the California Natural Resources Agency.
Exhibition - New Japanese Clay @ Asian Art Museum
Playful colors, otherworldly surfaces, adventurous and gravity-defying shapes — the world of contemporary Japanese ceramics is brimming with dynamic approaches to the medium of clay. From rugged works that mimic chunks of earth or stone to delicate forms imitating folds of paper or billowing textiles, the unconventional techniques in New Japanese Clay will expand your idea of what is possible in this time-honored art form.
The exhibition also introduces visitors to the makers behind the works on view. “This new generation of potters from Japan are building on the legacy of the mingei (folk art) movement while charting their own boldly experimental courses,” says Chief Curator and exhibition curator Dr. Robert Mintz, who notes that many of the featured artists also maintain social media accounts offering behind-the-scenes looks at their studio process.
“The artists in New Japanese Clay are challenging the conventions of functional ceramics and pivoting toward a purely sculptural experience,” Dr. Mintz notes. “Their creations are meant to intrigue and delight; the vessel form is just a point of departure for spectacular experimentation. Through a wide range of innovative materials and methods, these artists are reimagining ceramics for the 21st century.”
JCBD J-Town Community Clean-Up
JCBD J-Town Community Clean-Up
The J-Town Community Clean-Up has been a very successful effort led by the Japantown Community Benefit District. The J-town Community Clean-Up is also a great opportunity for groups and organizations to get involved in Japantown!
In order to provide all participants tools needed to clean our neighborhood we are limiting the number of volunteers to 30 for each Community Clean-Up date. This number will allow us to effectively use the volunteers time to clean our community.
Throughout the cleaning we will have community photographers taking photos of all the hard work. These photos will be shared on our social media as well as our Keeping Japantown Connected e-news that goes out to the community, City agencies/departments and to the general public. By signing on to this Google Form you have given us permission to use the photos taken during your volunteer time.
RSVP at the link below.
Japantenna Photo Contest @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center
Japantenna invites photographers of all levels to join our Social Media Photo Contest celebrating our Cameras & Photography Pop-Up in historic San Francisco Japantown.
Theme: “Old & New” — Capture Japanese culture, aesthetics, or Japantown itself for a chance to win exclusive prizes and be featured in our gallery. Submit your photos by Monday, Sept 4!
The exhibition will be open two weekends: Sept 6–7 and Sept 13–14, 12 PM–5 PM at Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, 22 Peace Plaza, East Mall 2F.
Kinmon Gakuen Hall Groundbreaking Ceremony
We are excited to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Kinmon Gakuen Hall! Join us as we celebrate the start of a new phase in preserving and revitalizing our historic space for the community.
We warmly invite community members, supporters, alumni, and friends to be part of this special moment.
Japantenna Photo Contest @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center
Japantenna invites photographers of all levels to join our Social Media Photo Contest celebrating our Cameras & Photography Pop-Up in historic San Francisco Japantown.
Theme: “Old & New” — Capture Japanese culture, aesthetics, or Japantown itself for a chance to win exclusive prizes and be featured in our gallery. Submit your photos by Monday, Sept 4!
The exhibition will be open two weekends: Sept 6–7 and Sept 13–14, 12 PM–5 PM at Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, 22 Peace Plaza, East Mall 2F.
Mixed Asian Day
Mixed Asian Day is back!
Save the date—September 13th at KOHO Creative Hub—for a vibrant celebration of mixed Asian Pacific identities. Enjoy a marketplace, panel discussions, workshops, and more throughout the day!
Created by Mixed Asian Media and Leviathan Lab, this event honors the diversity and richness of mixed Asian experiences, including Asian adoptees. Whether you’re mixed, an adoptee, or an ally, your unique perspective helps weave a stronger, more inclusive community. Join us and be part of this meaningful celebration!
JCYC’s 15th Annual SF Aloha Run @ Crissy Field
WELCOME TO THE 15TH ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO ALOHA RUN!
JCYC’s 15th Annual SF Aloha Run 5K, 10K, Keiki Mile, and Keiki Trot will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Crissy Field in San Francisco.
For the past 15 years, the San Francisco Aloha Run has brought together individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join an uplifting and healthy movement that supports the local community. The 2025 San Francisco Aloha Run is a platform for all of us to educate and lead by example through individual acts of kindness and hope.
Proceeds from the run will provide scholarships for low-income, first-generation college students through the JCYC Scholarship Programs. By registering and fundraising, you're helping shape a brighter future for the children and youth in our community and beyond.
To learn more about our impact, visit sfaloharun.org/impact.
BonPOP 2025 @ Celebration Garden in Golden Gate Park
KOHO and Gardens of Golden Gate Park are excited to present the fourth annual KOHO BonPop community Bon Odori festival, taking place this year on Sunday, August 31 at the Celebration Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Vendors & Activities from 2 PM— 4 PM and dancing from 4 PM — 6 PM.
Open Sewing Studio @ JCCCNC
Join us for Open Sewing – a no-pressure time to hang out and sew. Help with your projects will be available, if needed. Everyone can share pressing equipment, large cutting areas, plenty of table space, and great company! Tea and water will be provided.
More information and RSVP at the link below.
Origami-Palooza @ Hotel Kabuki
Origami-Palooza returns to Japantown!
Join this free, family-friendly festival featuring hands-on origami workshops, expert-led classes, and fun folding challenges with prizes—perfect for all ages and skill levels. Learn more here.
When: Sunday, Aug 24 @ 11 AM — 5 PM
Where: Hotel Kabuki
Block Printing Workshop @ JCCCNC
The Center is excited to host printmaker Lance Nihei Van Cleve to share with the community the art of block printing in this hands-on workshop! This introductory workshop to relief printing will showcase the linoleum block print process from composition and carving techniques to printing multiple copies in an affordable and accessible way. You’ll learn the skills and techniques needed to create your own at home.
Kimbell Community Garden Public Comment Session @ Hamilton Recreation Center
Hello neighbors! Please join us for public comment sessions focused on a proposal for a new community garden at the Kimbell Recreation Area (Geary & Steiner). Sessions will feature garden design proposals & community feedback. Feedback gathered at the July session will inform a revised design proposal that will be presented at the August session, so we encourage you to attend both sessions, if possible.
Please RSVP at the link below.
Japanese American History Archive Symposium @ JCCCNC
Issei History Symposium – August 21 @ JCCCNC
Scholars from the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, Seijo University, UC Berkeley, and more will share new research on the pre–World War II Issei experience, using rare materials from the Center’s Japanese American History Archives. Highlights include records from the Yokohama Specie Bank, Japanese American Camp Haiku, Lordsburg WWII Camp, and the Walnut Grove farming community. RSVP via jaha@jcccnc.org.
Community Kitchen – Obon Festival @ JCCCNC
Come enjoy some classic festival foods at our next Community Kitchen night! Organized by volunteers, this event brings members of our community together to learn how to cook Japanese and Japanese American family recipes while also sharing in a multi-generational communal dinner. Community Kitchen began by adapting the Baachan’s Kitchen program from 2016 and continues to grow each year – it is open to all, so come enjoy and share Japanese home-style cooking while connecting with the community! Register by Friday, August 15th! (12pm)
Every dinner has a curated menu that is determined in advance by the Community Kitchen volunteer committee, who then teach the attendees hands-on how to prepare the dishes for the dinner. Participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! Just come prepared to cook, clean up, and most importantly, have a great time!
Encore Screening: Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America
JCYC presents an encore screening of this powerful documentary exploring the rise of Asian American identity, activism, and community. There will also be a post-film conversation with co-director Jon Osaki and guests, followed by a private reception with light bites and time to connect.
Valkyries Japanese Heritage Night
Japanese Heritage Night - Saturday, August 9 at 5:30 PM vs. Los Angeles Sparks
$37-52/ticket - Upper Level (various locations) includes exclusive Valkyries x Japanese Heritage Night shirt and ACCESS TO POST GAME chalk talk with Coach Natalie Nakase to purchase through this Center Member link - Buy | Golden State Valkyries (direct through Ticketmaster)
*The pre-game shootaround access has reached capacity for tickets purchased on or after June 26, 2025
Eyewitness for Peace: 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Atomic Bombing @ AMC Kabuki 8
On behalf of the Friends of Hibakusha, Nichi Bei Foundation, and the Eyewitness for Peace Consortium, we invite you to a special 80th Anniversary Commemoration of Hiroshima & Nagasaki on Sat, Aug. 9, 2025 at AMC Kabuki 8—featuring a screening of White Light / Black Rain and a community remembrance with prayers, reflections, and lanterns.
We Choose Peace: Remembering Nagasaki and Hiroshima Osaka Way Peacemaking: Generations of Joyful Dance for World Peace @ Buchanan Mall
Osaka Way Peacemaking: Generations of Joyful Dance for World Peace
Featuring: Japanese American Religious Federation, Gen Taiko, Japantown Task Force, Japantown Cultural District, Nihonmachi Little Friends, National Japanese American Historical Society, and more
JCBD J-Town Community Clean-Up
The J-Town Community Clean-Up has been a very successful effort led by the Japantown Community Benefit District. The J-town Community Clean-Up is also a great opportunity for groups and organizations to get involved in Japantown!
In order to provide all participants tools needed to clean our neighborhood we are limiting the number of volunteers to 30 for each Community Clean-Up date. This number will allow us to effectively use the volunteers time to clean our community.
Throughout the cleaning we will have community photographers taking photos of all the hard work. These photos will be shared on our social media as well as our Keeping Japantown Connected e-news that goes out to the community, City agencies/departments and to the general public. By signing on to this Google Form you have given us permission to use the photos taken during your volunteer time.
Hiroshima 80th Anniversary Atomic Bomb Remembrance @ Flytrap Annex
Join an evening of peace and reflection at Flytrap Annex, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. The program features a peace ceremony followed by two original pieces from Blue Leaf Arts—“Sadako’s Sun” and the new video work “8:15”. This is a free event and space is limited, so please RSVP via email to reserve your spot.
We Choose Peace: Remembering Nagasaki and Hiroshima Osaka Way Peacemaking: 200,000 Blessings @ Buchanan Mall
Osaka Way Peacemaking: 200,000 Blessings
Featuring: Japanese American Religious Federation, Gen Taiko, Japantown Task Force, Japantown Cultural District, National Japanese American Historical Society, Lao Seri Association, and more
Palo Alto Obon 2025
Schedule
Saturday August 2nd - 1-8pm
Food for sale in the PABT gym - 1-6:30pm
Entertainment (See lineup below!)
Craft beer, sake and wine
Homemade desserts (cookies, scones, manju, breads)
Crafts booth
Games for children (and adults!)
Mini-discussion: Buddhism Basics in the Hondo - 3 pm & 7 pm
Live taiko and music
Raffle Tickets for drawing @ PABT Care Show
Bonsai demonstrations and sales
Grandma's Treasures (located in Issei Hall)
T Shirts, Hoodies, Hats for sale (limited quantities)
Bookstore
Sunday August 3rd - 2-End
Bentos and BBQ for sale 2-5pm
Games open 2-4pm
Obon Service at 5pm
Odori dancing from 5:30-End
Craft beer, sake and wine for sale
NATSU NO SHODO Japanese Calligraphy Workshop @ JCD Visitor Center
2025 NATSU NO SHODO | SUMMER CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Welcome to the **Summer Calligraphy Workshop** happening at the Japanese Cultural District Visitor Center in Japan Center EAST Mall (above Daiso) on August 3, 2025 for 3 sessions held 12N-4 pm. Join us for a day filled with creativity and cultural exploration! $30 materials fee payable at door.
Sign up for one of 3 sessions, 8 seats per session. All materials, including an uchiwa fan, are provided. $30 materials fee is payable at the door. Credit card payment strongly preferred.
12 - 1PM
1:30 - 2:30 PM
3 - 4 PM
PARKING PRO TIP: The Nihonmachi Street Fair will be held Saturday, August 2-Sunday, August 3. To secure a spot at the Japan Center Garage, plan to arrive early (10 am or 11 am). The Garage will quickly reach capacity. Or plan to arrive by public transit.
Nihonmachi Street Fair
A Cultural Explosion Awaits at the 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair!
Get ready for a vibrant cultural explosion! The 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair is coming to San Francisco's Japantown on August 2nd & 3rd, 2025! Join us for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the rich traditions and dazzling diversity of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. 1 Stay tuned for exciting updates as we prepare to bring the spirit of Jtown to life!
We’ll keep updating our website. So stay tuned as the 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair unfolds!
Follow us on IG @nihonmachisf to stay up to date on what we’re planning!
Buddhist Church of Oakland's Obon Festival
We, at the Buddhist Church of Oakland (BCO), wish to extend our warmest welcome to you. Try our Japanese delicacies at the food bazaar, enjoy the traditional Japanese cultural demonstrations and Ikebana Floral Exhibit. Complete the exciting evening by joining in and celebrating with us in the Obon dancing.
Palo Alto Obon 2025
Schedule
Saturday August 2nd - 1-8pm
Food for sale in the PABT gym - 1-6:30pm
Entertainment (See lineup below!)
Craft beer, sake and wine
Homemade desserts (cookies, scones, manju, breads)
Crafts booth
Games for children (and adults!)
Mini-discussion: Buddhism Basics in the Hondo - 3 pm & 7 pm
Live taiko and music
Raffle Tickets for drawing @ PABT Care Show
Bonsai demonstrations and sales
Grandma's Treasures (located in Issei Hall)
T Shirts, Hoodies, Hats for sale (limited quantities)
Bookstore
Sunday August 3rd - 2-End
Bentos and BBQ for sale 2-5pm
Games open 2-4pm
Obon Service at 5pm
Odori dancing from 5:30-End
Craft beer, sake and wine for sale
Shojin Ryori Kaiseki Virtual Cooking Workshop 2025
Our popular seasonal Kaiseki cooking workshops consist of an elegant multi-course meal in the Kaiseki tradition using a menu of fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors and colors of each season. Instructors Larry Sokyo Tiscornia and Kimika Soko Takechi will show you step by step how to make this specially curated Vegetarian/Vegan menu that keeps with the Shojin Ryori Buddhist tradition. Recipes for the workshop will be provided in advance to all registrants and the workshop will be recorded and made available for registrants following the live session. Sign up for this virtual workshop and cook along with us as we prepare the perfect Vegetarian/Vegan menu!
This Zen Shojin Ryori vegan workshop will include yuba (soy skin) salad, miso soup with kabocha (squash) kiritampodango, gomadofu (sesame “tofu”), yasai shiraae (tofu dressed vegetable) and edamame gohan (soy bean rice). Vegan dashi (soup stock) will also be prepared. Easy to follow recipes will be provided. The video recording will be provided to all registrants.
Shojin Ryori Kaiseki Menu:
Yuba (soy skin)
Miso Soup with kabocha (squash) and kiritampodango
Gomadofu (sesame “tofu”)
Yasai Shiraae (tofu dressed vegetable)
Edamame Gohan
Nihonmachi Street Fair
A Cultural Explosion Awaits at the 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair!
Get ready for a vibrant cultural explosion! The 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair is coming to San Francisco's Japantown on August 2nd & 3rd, 2025! Join us for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the rich traditions and dazzling diversity of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. 1 Stay tuned for exciting updates as we prepare to bring the spirit of Jtown to life!
We’ll keep updating our website. So stay tuned as the 51st Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair unfolds!
Follow us on IG @nihonmachisf to stay up to date on what we’re planning!
66th Annual Diablo Japanese American Club Summer Festival @ Diablo Japanese American Club
The JA Club Summer Festival is the annual fundraiser for the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center (JARCC). It is a very popular and highly anticipated event for many in the community and elsewhere throughout the East Bay.
Admission is free. Free parking is also available at nearby Ygnacio Valley High School - along with free shuttle service to and from the school!
The Summer Festival will now be held in the last weekend of July.
When and Where
When
Saturday, July 26, 2025 (1:00pm to 9:00pm)
Sunday, July 27, 2025 (12noon to 8:30pm)
Where
Diablo Japanese American Club
3165 Treat Boulevard
Concord, CA 94518
What You Will Find at the Summer Festival
There are games for the kids. There are cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations. And, of course, there is the food! Some of the things Festival visitors can enjoy include the following:
Performances and Demonstrations (see schedule)
Taiko
Judo
Kendo
Obon and Classical Japanese Dance
Ikebana Flower Arranging
Exhibits
Ikebana Flower Arrangements
Concessions
Children's Games
Crafts Boutique
Raffle Tickets
Calligraphy (Japanese Characters)
Food and Beverage
Sushi
Homemade Bake Shop Items (cookies, pies, manju, etc.)
Chicken Teriyaki Dinners
Tempura
Udon
Barbecued Beef Teriyaki Skewers
Gyoza
Hot Dogs
Shaved Ice
Soda, Bottled Water, Beer
Buddhist Church of San Francisco's 94th Bon Odori
Buddhist Church of San Francisco's 94th Bon Odori
Dancing with Joy and Gratitude!
10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Ginza Small Bites
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Bon Dancing on Octavia St.
66th Annual Diablo Japanese American Club Summer Festival @ Diablo Japanese American Club
The JA Club Summer Festival is the annual fundraiser for the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center (JARCC). It is a very popular and highly anticipated event for many in the community and elsewhere throughout the East Bay.
Admission is free. Free parking is also available at nearby Ygnacio Valley High School - along with free shuttle service to and from the school!
The Summer Festival will now be held in the last weekend of July.
When and Where
When
Saturday, July 26, 2025 (1:00pm to 9:00pm)
Sunday, July 27, 2025 (12noon to 8:30pm)
Where
Diablo Japanese American Club
3165 Treat Boulevard
Concord, CA 94518
What You Will Find at the Summer Festival
There are games for the kids. There are cultural performances, exhibits and demonstrations. And, of course, there is the food! Some of the things Festival visitors can enjoy include the following:
Performances and Demonstrations (see schedule)
Taiko
Judo
Kendo
Obon and Classical Japanese Dance
Ikebana Flower Arranging
Exhibits
Ikebana Flower Arrangements
Concessions
Children's Games
Crafts Boutique
Raffle Tickets
Calligraphy (Japanese Characters)
Food and Beverage
Sushi
Homemade Bake Shop Items (cookies, pies, manju, etc.)
Chicken Teriyaki Dinners
Tempura
Udon
Barbecued Beef Teriyaki Skewers
Gyoza
Hot Dogs
Shaved Ice
Soda, Bottled Water, Beer
League of Dreams Film Premiere @ California Museum
Don’t miss the Sacramento premiere of Lane Nishikawa’s compelling new film about the Japanese American Citizens League. Join in Saturday, July 26 at the California Museum. Get your tickets today!
Kimbell Community Garden Public Comment Session @ Hamilton Recreation Center
Hello neighbors! Please join us for public comment sessions focused on a proposal for a new community garden at the Kimbell Recreation Area (Geary & Steiner). Sessions will feature garden design proposals & community feedback. Feedback gathered at the July session will inform a revised design proposal that will be presented at the August session, so we encourage you to attend both sessions, if possible.
Session 1: Saturday, July 26, at 1pm
Session 2: Saturday, August 23, at 10am
Alameda Buddhist Temple Obon Festival
Alameda Buddhist Temple Obon Festival
July 19, 2025
Saturday at 5pm
2325 Pacific Avenue Alameda, CA
Talks by Reverend Dennis Fujimoto starts at 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
Bon Odori starts at 7:30 pm
Obon Dance Practice Dates:
Monday, July 7th 7:30pm
Wednesday, July 9th 7:30pm
Tuesday, July 15th 7:30pm
Thursday, July 17th 7:30pm
Food will be available starting at 5:00 pm.
Toro Nagashi Lantern Festival @ Sokoji Temple
In Japan, it is said that the spirits of our ancestors come back annually to visit us for several days in middle of July of the lunar year. It is at this time that food is offered at the altar and a visit to the grave is made to welcome and remember our ancestors.
Some regions of Japan also light bonfires so that the ancestors will find their way to visit their families, while other areas make paper lanterns (toro) that are cast down the river with the names of those who have passed away or a message for them to read.
We hope that you will take this time to remember your ancestors and wish them a safe journey back home by writing a special message on your toro.
Each Toro ordered is handmade with a picture and name written on it.
On the day of the event, guests will enjoy Teriyaki Chicken Bento and Teriyaki Tofu Bento, as well as a variety of drinks, desserts, and snacks.
We are prepared to provide entertainment until dark.
Please join us and invite your friends and family.
Nichi Bei Day with the Giants
Join your friends in the Japanese and Japanese American community for Nichi Bei Day with the Giants as the Giants take on reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, superstar pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Oracle Park in San Francisco!
Discounted tickets are as follow:
Left Field bleacher seats in Sections 136, 137 and 138 for $89 (regular $98)
Right Field seats in Section 307 (facing the Bay Bridge) for $77 (regular $82)
A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Nichi Bei Foundation, publishers of the Nichi Bei News Japanese American community newspaper and presenter of various educational programs and events.
Tanabata Star Festival @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center
Tanabata Star Festival
July 5-6 and 12-13, 12:00 - 5:00pm
Write wishes on tanzaku and hang on bamboo!
Origami station and coloring contest
Spin the prize wheel with a $20 purchase, 100% prize guarantee!