*Online Program

Japan is a country of museums. There are more than 1,200 art museums yet this fact is often little known outside its borders. They are sprinkled throughout Japan and their range is striking. Museums are a fascinating gateway into Japanese culture, whether traditional or contemporary, but foreign visitors are often bewildered by their quantity and variety. With only a few that offer information in English, a guidebook is indispensable.  

The Art Lover’s Guide to Japanese Museums acts as a personal guide, introducing readers to some of the most distinctive and inspiring art museums in the country. Visiting close to 200 venues nationwide, Sophie Richard conducted in-depth interviews with museum curators and directors, which provides an unrivalled insight into the world of Japanese museums. The vibrant, richly illustrated guide showcases public and private museums selected for the strength of their collection and their individuality, as well as pointers to further local attractions. Among them are sites that have survived earthquakes and wars, beautifully maintained estates turned into museums, sleek examples of contemporary architecture… Some are smaller than others but all are worth a visit.

Join us for a discussion with art historian and author Sophie Richard about her guide to Japanese museums.

The Art Lover’s Guide to Japanese Museums is available for purchase online from Kinokuniya.

Date & Time: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM (PST) | 9:00-10:30 PM (GMT) | Wednesday, February 18, 6:00-7:30AM (JST) 

Venue: Zoom (Link provided upon registration)

Agenda: 
1:00-1:05 PM Opening Remarks, Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California 
1:05-1:30 PM Presentation, Sophie Richard | Art Historian and Author 
1:30-1:45 PM Moderated Q&A 
1:45-2:00 PM Audience Q&A 
2:00-2:05 PM Closing Remarks, Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California 

🎌 Part of Nippon Vibes: Japanese Cinema Weekend at New People

In collaboration with The Roxie, New People Cinema reopens in historic San Francisco Japantown with a special weekend celebrating Japanese cinema. This pop-up event highlights the theme of awakening—a moment of return, renewal, and rediscovery through cinema across genres and generations.

A vivid, visceral Macbeth adaptation, Throne of Blood, directed by Akira Kurosawa, sets Shakespeare’s definitive tale of ambition and duplicity in a ghostly, fog-enshrouded landscape in feudal Japan. As a hardened warrior who rises savagely to power, Toshiro Mifune gives a remarkable, animalistic performance, as does Isuzu Yamada as his ruthless wife. Throne of Blood fuses classical Western tragedy with formal elements taken from Noh theater to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. NEW 4K RESTORATION.

Presented by Roxie @ New People

🎌 Part of Nippon Vibes: Japanese Cinema Weekend at New People

In collaboration with The Roxie, New People Cinema reopens in historic San Francisco Japantown with a special weekend celebrating Japanese cinema. This pop-up event highlights the theme of awakening—a moment of return, renewal, and rediscovery through cinema across genres and generations.

Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Yemani soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.

Presented by Roxie @ New People

Bay Area Day of Remembrance 2026: Neighbors Not Enemies, Stronger Together - Carrying the Light for Justice

Join us on Sunday, February 15th, from 2 to 4 PM to commemorate the signing of Executive Order 9066 and unite our Bay Area community against mass detention and deportation.

This in-person gathering will take place at the JCCCNC Gymnasium at 1824 Sutter Street. Reception will follow at the JCCCNC Issei Memorial Hall in San Francisco Japantown.

• Emcee Ryan Yamamoto (KPIX 5 Anchor).

• Round table panel discussion with David Chiu (City Attorney of San Francisco), Satsuki Ina (Co-Founder Tsuru for Solidarity), and Grace Shimizu (Campaign for Justice - Redress NOW for Japanese Latin Americans), and moderated by Kenji Taguma (Editor-in-Chief, Nichi Bei News).

• Dance Performance by IKKAI, choreography by Yayoi Kambara.

• Clifford Uyeda Award presentation.

• Presented by Bay Area DOR Consortium.

Free admission. All are welcome! Donations are appreciated. You can donate by selecting "Get tickets" and scrolling down to the donation option.

For convient, accessible, and secure parking, please use the Japan Center Garage (Post or Geary Entrances). For more information about the garage, please visit https://www.japancentergarage.org/

Phone: 650-224-5501 | email: Njahs@Njahs.org

🎌 Part of Nippon Vibes: Japanese Cinema Weekend at New People

In collaboration with The Roxie, New People Cinema reopens in historic San Francisco Japantown with a special weekend celebrating Japanese cinema. This pop-up event highlights the theme of awakening—a moment of return, renewal, and rediscovery through cinema across genres and generations.

Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.

From acclaimed director Sang-il Lee (Pachinko), KOKUHO (meaning “national treasure”) is a film of awe-inspiring scope and sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance. Shortlisted for International Film Feature in the 98th annual Academy Awards.

Presented by Roxie @ New People

KOKUHO opens February 20 at THE ROXIE!

🎌 Part of Nippon Vibes: Japanese Cinema Weekend at New People

In collaboration with The Roxie, New People Cinema reopens in historic San Francisco Japantown with a special weekend celebrating Japanese cinema. This pop-up event highlights the theme of awakening—a moment of return, renewal, and rediscovery through cinema across genres and generations.

Mitsuha is the daughter of the mayor of a small mountain town. She’s a straightforward high school girl who lives with her sister and her grandmother and has no qualms about letting it be known that she’s uninterested in Shinto rituals or helping her father’s electoral campaign. Instead she dreams of leaving the boring town and trying her luck in Tokyo. Taki is a high school boy in Tokyo who works part-time in an Italian restaurant and aspires to become an architect or an artist. Every night he has a strange dream where he becomes…a high school girl in a small mountain town.

Presented by Roxie @ New People

Learn about the Japanese incarceration performing arts during WWII by watching the film Hidden Legacy, followed by some koto music performance by the creator of the film, Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto.

About the Film:

The Hidden Legacy project researched and collected stories from former incarcerated artists and Sansei and Yonsei students who learned from some of these teachers. The questions were: how and why did traditional Japanese arts in the camps continue, how they used creativity to practice them, and how they fashioned equipment, kimonos, instruments and so on to be able to practice them. These arts played a critical role in the lives of those incarcerated to continue to survive and help them be resilient. After the war as many felt these traditional arts would make them appear “un-American”, many shunned these arts.  Now, we are learning that traditional cultural arts and music aid in survival and continue to do so today as we learn how the arts help us to understand ourselves.

NR, 56 mins., 2014. Closed captions (CC) are unavailable. 

About the Filmmaker and the Koto Performer:

Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto’s roots in koto music grew from the dusty desert American concentration camps during WWII. Her mother, Barbara Hori (aka Kazuko Muramoto), was incarcerated at 9 years old with her family, yet still learned to play the ancient instrument from fellow internees at Topaz and Tule Lake prison camps. In these desolate prisons, Barbara learned to play the koto by rote, with finger picks made of cow bones and tuning bridges carved by her grandfather from scraps of wood and toothbrush handles. It became the music of survival.

From these humble beginnings, the music of the koto came into Shirley’s family. Later, her mother started teaching the koto in their home in Oakland, CA. From a young age, the music of Japanese koto filled the air, and Shirley naturally heard and learned the music growing up. She also learned the violin and guitar and was in the school choir in Oakland public schools.

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 promises to 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.

To honor the screening of the 1954 Classic Godzilla at New People during the Nippon Vibes: Japan Cinema weekend, we are thrilled to reopen the Godzilla Through Our Eyes Exhibit at the New People SuperFrog Gallery next weekend (Feb. 14 & 15) from noon to 5pm!

Come and experience this tribute to the King of the Monsters and soak up the “awakening” of cinema in Japantown all weekend long!

Join us next Friday 2/13 2-4pm or Saturday 2/14 11-4 pm and make a Valentine’s Day Card!

$10 to sit and make your own, or $12 to buy a pre-made card.

The origami heart is a removable pin so doubles as a cute gift

Skill level: beginner

Have you been using tape, staples, or simply rolling up the cuff of your pants to prevent them from dragging on the ground, but are dissatisfied because your efforts don’t last or leave an unflattering look? Or maybe you usually take your pants to the tailor, but would like to start doing it yourself. This workshop was MADE for you! Your instructor, Katie, will guide you through the basics of Pant Hemming in this 3-hour workshop.

We’ll review blind hem and “American Style” pant hems, and you’ll have time to hem a pair of your own pants as well. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have the confidence to customize the length of all your pants!

We’ll be focusing on how to hem woven materials, so please bring a skirt or pair of pants that are made from a woven material such as denim, twill, or linen that you’d like to shorten. We will not be covering how to hem knit/stretch materials in-depth.

**PRE-WORK REQUIRED**

• When you have selected the garment you want to hem, email the instructor at hello@oldriverdesign.com with a photo of the garment. This will allow us to ensure that we have appropriately colored thread on hand for your garment!

• If you have not already done so, make sure to pre-wash your garment to account for shrinkage.

• Determine how short you want to hem your pants. This is extra important if you are hemming pants for someone else (spouse, child, etc) because they won’t be at the workshop! If you are doing this for your own pants, you may need to enlist a friend to help you out, or if bending over is difficult for you.

  • To do this, you can follow these steps:

    • Have the owner of the pants try them on.

    • Fold one of the pant legs up until you get the length you want. You will fold the pants towards the outside (ie outside touching outside) rather than the inside. 

    • Use what you have available to you to mark the pants – two safety pins or tape are recommended, but straight pins can work too (be mindful not to poke yourself!).

    • Have the wearer sit down in the pants and also stand and wear the type of shoes they plan to wear with the pants (ie sneakers, loafers, heels, etc) to check that the length is still good. 

    • Continue to adjust the fold line until you find the right length.

Participants should have completed our Introduction to Sewing class or be able to demonstrate basic sewing machine proficiency.*

TẾT is an essential tradition that powerfully represents Vietnamese culture. This remarkable day unites families across generations as we celebrate fresh beginnings and the arrival of the lunar new year. We are committed to preserving and promoting the vibrancy of Vietnamese culture within our community, providing a platform for local businesses to showcase their amazing products, and fostering opportunities for Vietnamese youth to develop their leadership skills and contribute through community service. Join us in making this celebration truly unforgettable! Please join us on February 7, 2026

The Tet Festival cannot succeed without the help of the volunteers and sponsors each year. We appreciate all the support you can provide.

Join us for our next Nabe Night, our community fundraiser program where the Center teams up with a different community group once a month to host a nabe (Japanese hotpot) dinner! Proceeds from ticket sales go toward supporting both the Center and the partnering community organization for the month. JETAANC invites you to our in-person 2026 JETAANC Shinnenkai Nabe Noon Time to celebrate the new year at JCCCNC! We will be collaborating with JCCCNC on their community fundraiser program, and the proceeds from ticket sales go toward supporting both the Center and JETAANC Scholarship Fund.

We’re looking for more community partners to host additional Nabe Nights! If your community organization, group, team or program is interested in scheduling a Nabe Night fundraiser with the Center, please contact Programs Manager Bryant Miura at bmiura@jcccnc.org.

Printed Legacies: A Community Silkscreening Demonstration with JAM50

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 12 pm – 4 pm

Join JAM50 at NJAHS for a silkscreening program centered on passing tradition from one generation to the next. The first half of the event will feature a live silkscreening demonstration, offering insight into the history, techniques, and cultural significance of the practice. In the second half, participants will take part in a guided takeaway silkscreen activity, creating a printed piece to bring home. Together, we’ll celebrate printmaking as a living tradition—one sustained through shared knowledge, creativity, and collective memory.

Join us for Golden State Warriors Japanese Heritage Night on January 30, 2026!💙💛

Watch the Warriors take on the Detroit Pistons at the Chase Center and help us celebrate Japanese culture. Your ticket purchase (using QR Code or link) directly supports incredible Japanese cultural performing groups during the game and at Thrive City!

Plus, every ticket gets you a commemorative Japanese Heritage Night T-Shirt!

Scan the QR Code or see link in bio to secure your spot and T-Shirt. Let’s make this night a huge success!

KEIZAI SILICON VALLEY 36th Anniversary Shinnenkai Reception Please join us in celebrating the new year with Kristi Yamaguchi

KEIZAI SILICON VALLEY U.S. - JAPAN BUSINESS FORUM

36th Anniversary Shinnenkai Reception

Please join us in celebrating Keizai Silicon Valley’s 2026 Shinnenkai (New Year’s Reception) on Friday, January 30 at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club

This year, we are honored to award Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi with the Keizai Silicon Valley Distinguished Achievement Award.

Ms. Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist, a two-time World Champion and celebrated Hall of Famer in figure skating. She made history as the first Asian American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport. During her career in figure skating, she worked with a nonprofit, Make-A-Wish Foundation, which inspired her to continue working with families and serve underresourced children. In 1996, she founded Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream organization to support early literacy skills in children in Northern California and Hawaiʻi. She has also written numerous children’s books, making her a New York Times bestselling author.

Ms. Yamaguchi will be giving an acceptance speech and participating in a fireside chat. Dr. Yoky Matsuoka, CEO of Panasonic Well and founder of Umi, will be the moderator.

We will also be performing our traditional Kagamibiraki (sake barrel opening) ceremony. The Deputy Consul General of Japan, Mr. Takeshi Ishihara, is expected to lead this tradition.

directions to the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club

A buffet dinner will be served.

Please dress business casual (No T-shirt, jeans or shorts, please).

For more details:

www.keizai.org

Come join us at NJAHS SF Japantown for an Author Book Talk with Mary Uyematsu Kao as she discusses "Rockin the Boat" - it's gonna be awesome

Author Book Talk followed by community panel at NJAHS SF Japantown: Rockin the Boat: Mary Uyematsu Kao

Come join us for an exciting in-person event at the National Japanese American Historical Society in San Francisco's Japantown. Dive into the photojournalism of Mary Uyematsu Kao as she discusses her second book edition, Rockin the Boat: Flashbacks of the 1970s Asian Movement. Over 350 black and white photos chronicle the beginnings of the youth inspired multigeneration Japanese American community activism in Los Angeles. Their efforts spread from California to New York.

Author Mary Uyematsu Kao presentation , and conversation with community panel: Shoshana Arai, Keith Kojimoto, Kiana Hume.

The final workshop of our seasonal Sumi-e series is here! This Winter, we will focus on Year of the Horse for this year’s Zodiac animal as chosen by master artist Fumiyo Yoshikawa. This elegant artform most notable for its brushstrokes accented by watercolors, was first introduced to Japan by Zen monks who viewed this style as portraying reality to its pure form, reflecting their own Zen practice. All materials required will be provided to all participants; if you have your own supplies, please feel free to bring them.

Our instructor Yoshikawa-sensei recommends these brushes: Choryu series

Introduction to Sewing: 2-Part Workshop Series – January 2025

Instructor: Katie Furukawa Bonifacio of Old River Design Co.

Sunday, January 11 and 25, 2026
11:00am-2:00pm
Location: The Center
$60 Center Members, $75 General Public

Never sewn before? No worries! Learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine and all of its features, including: winding a bobbin, finishing edges, and installing zippers.

We will also go over how to choose fabric and thread, cutting fabric, and sewing terminology. All tools, including sewing machines, and materials are included in your registration fee.

By the end of your second session, you will have your own handmade zip pouch to take home.

Please note that participants in future Tezukuri Handcraft sewing workshops will need to know the skills taught in our Introduction to Sewing series in order to participate. Space is limited. Please e-mail us at programsevents@jcccnc.org if you are unable to register and would like to placed on a waitlist.

The final workshop of our seasonal Sumi-e series is here! This Winter, we will focus on Plum, of the “four gentlemen” as chosen by master artist Fumiyo Yoshikawa. This elegant artform most notable for its brushstrokes accented by watercolors, was first introduced to Japan by Zen monks who viewed this style as portraying reality to its pure form, reflecting their own Zen practice. All materials required will be provided to all participants; if you have your own supplies, please feel free to bring them.

Our instructor Yoshikawa-sensei recommends these brushes: Choryu series

Join us for an evening of tiles, strategy, and community at our Mah Jongg Night! If you’re an experienced player or just have a love for the game, this event is a great way to connect, play, and enjoy the community favorite game of Mah Jongg.

Mah Jongg is a tile-based game that originated in China and has become a beloved pastime across cultures. It blends skill, memory, and a bit of luck—perfect for a fun and engaging night out. All skill levels are welcome. We’ll have tables for beginners and experienced players alike, plus instructors on hand to guide newcomers through the rules and gameplay.

Light refreshments will be provided. Come solo or bring friends—everyone is welcome!

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) is pleased to announce that our 71st Annual New Year’s Party will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, starting at 4:30 PM at The Westin St. Francis Hotel.

This annual event is a cherished tradition where members of our business community and local residents come together to celebrate the start of a new year, strengthen connections, and enjoy an evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

We are thrilled to welcome our special guest artist, Crystal Kay, to headline this year’s celebration. Known for her hit songs such as “Koi ni Ochitara” and “Boyfriend - Part II”, Crystal Kay’s soulful voice resonates across generations and will surely bring a vibrant and heartfelt start to the new year.

We warmly invite you to join us for this special occasion and enjoy Crystal Kay’s live performance.

Daisuke Arai, Chair of New Year’s Party Committee

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Timeline:

4:30pm: Registration Starts, Cocktails (No-Host), Networking

6:00pm: Doors open, Dinner & Award Ceremony

8:00pm: Artist Performance

Introduction to Sewing: 2-Part Workshop Series – January 2025

Instructor: Katie Furukawa Bonifacio of Old River Design Co.

Sunday, January 11 and 25, 2026
11:00am-2:00pm
Location: The Center
$60 Center Members, $75 General Public

Never sewn before? No worries! Learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine and all of its features, including: winding a bobbin, finishing edges, and installing zippers.

We will also go over how to choose fabric and thread, cutting fabric, and sewing terminology. All tools, including sewing machines, and materials are included in your registration fee.

By the end of your second session, you will have your own handmade zip pouch to take home.

Please note that participants in future Tezukuri Handcraft sewing workshops will need to know the skills taught in our Introduction to Sewing series in order to participate. Space is limited. Please e-mail us at programsevents@jcccnc.org if you are unable to register and would like to placed on a waitlist.

KADOMATSU: 2026 Sogetsu School Ikebana Flower Arranging Workshop

Join us for a Sogetsu-style flower arranging workshop to create a KADOMATSU, traditional entryway decoration for the New Year.

The Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center is pleased to partner with the San Francisco Bay Area Branch of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Flower-Arranging to present a unique and rich traditional Japanese cultural experience ONE DAY ONLY - Saturday, January 10, 2026.

KADOMATSU, a traditional entryway decoration for the New Year, adorns many Japanese households and businesses at this special time of year. Here's your chance to make your own KADOMATSU with reknown Sogetsu instructor Sahshah "Ko Sen" Middleton who holds a first class certification, "Riji," the highest level in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

A graduate of the Nang Yang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, where she was raised, Middletown has been studying ikebana since the age of 7. She has conducted workshops throughout California and the United States and exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand, and Singapore.

ONE DAY ONLY, Saturday, January 10, 2026. Sign up for sessions held 11:15 am-12:30 pm and 1:45-3 pm. This event promises to sell out! Tickets: $35 + Eventbrite fees to cover materials.

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 Horse design on it for free!

Osechi Ryori Fundraiser

“Osechi Ryori” refers to a number of unique dishes that are prepared once a year to celebrate the New Year. Many of the items require hours of preparation, and are preserved in ways to make sure that they are delicious to eat throughout the first three days of the year. It is the traditional way of celebrating the Japanese New Year.

Save the Date: 2026 Osechi Ryori Annual Fundraiser

The highly anticipated 2026 Osechi Ryori event returns for the San Francisco Japantown Foundation's annual New Year's fundraiser on January 8th. Our event promises an exquisite showcase of authentic Osechi Ryori dishes, meticulously crafted to usher in the New Year with a celebration of health, happiness, and prosperity.

This is the San Francisco Japantown Foundation’s primary fundraiser and allows us to continue providing grants to Japantown and Japanese American-related nonprofit organizations.

Many of us remember waking up on New Year’s Day to have our bowl of ozoni and then patiently wait as all of the other osechi items were unveiled by our grandparents and great grandparents for us to eat. Being able to eat osechi ryori today, however, is a rarity.

That is one of the reasons the board of the SF Japantown Foundation continues to hold our annual Osechi Ryori event. It allows us to introduce and re-introduce the special food items that are prepared during the New Year that will bring us good luck, good health and prosperity throughout the year.

With the generous assistance of our restaurant partners, we are able to share authentically prepared osechi dishes that are expressly prepared for the event. We sincerely thank our culinary experts for supporting us in carrying on this important culture and tradition.