Please join Tsuru for Solidarity and fellow community members on Sunday, October 18, for a Liberation Obon and Solidarity Pilgrimage honoring Asian communities targeted by ICE.

Grounded in Buddhist teachings on interbeing and interdependence, we will co-create a space to honor our ancestors and grieve the lives lost to the unjust and inhumane immigration system, paying special tribute to the stories of Asian ancestors. Through altar building, Buddhist ceremony, walking meditation, and bon odori dancing, we will remember and console the spirits of all those who have been killed by ICE this year.

Our neighbors, friends, and communities face increasing arrests and deportations, with California seeing the highest rates of Asian arrests in the US. The conditions of ICE enforcement and detention are inhumane and deadly; since 2025, 80 people, including 14 people from Asian communities, have died at the hands of ICE. 

We must keep showing up. Interdependence means that we are not free, until we are all free. As we move toward the November elections, building our capacity for mass nonviolent resistance will be essential to upholding our democracy and keeping our communities safe. Let’s rise together to meet this moment with fierce compassion and solidarity.

ENDORSING ORGS:

• ASATA
  

• California Coalition for Women Prisoners

• Chinese for Affirmative Action

• Free Families

• Japanese American Families for Justice

• Kehilla Synagogue Immigration Committee

• New Light Wellness

• Stop AAPI Hate

• Wellstone Democratic Renewal Club

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WHAT: Liberation Obon & Solidarity Pilgrimage–altar building, Buddhist ceremony, walking meditation, music, and bon odori (obon dance)

DATE: Sunday, Oct 18 from 1-5pm

WHO: Open to all!

REGISTER: Register in advance

SCHEDULE/LOCATIONS:

1-1:30pm: Procession through Japantown, starting at KOHO (1675 Post St)
1:30-2:15pm: Altar building & Hatsubon Service @ Kinmon Gakuen (2031 Bush St) 
2:15-3:30pm: Walking Pilgrimage from Kinmon Gakuen to ICE Office (~2 mile walk)
3:30-4:30pm: Vigil, Bon Odori, & Cultural Offerings outside ICE Office (630 Sansome St)

About the event

You're Invited to a Fun-Filled Karaoke Night!

Join us for an evening of singing, laughter, and delicious food at our Karaoke Event! We will also have an exciting raffle and a chili oil tasting and a potluck with catered food options.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 23rd

• Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm

• Location: Konko Church Social Hall

Featuring an Exclusive Raffle: Gifts from the Japantown Visitor's Center!

Raffle Information:

Participate in our raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes!

For your donations you will receive: $5 per Ticket, $20 for 5 tickets

Don't Miss Out!

This is a great opportunity to enjoy good food, great company, and showcase your singing talent. We can't wait to see you there!

POTLUCK OPPORTUNITY! Show off your skills or bring a purchased food item sharing your taste with the group. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish or drink to share.

*Special Appreciation Ceremony: We will be recognizing our We Are One volunteers who marched with us at the Chinese New Year Parade at this Karaoke Night.

Let’s make this a night to remember!

Join us for a hands-on Udon Making Workshop where you’ll learn the traditional Sanuki-style method from scratch. From mixing and kneading the dough to perfecting the noodles, you’ll gain a deeper knowledge of Japanese culinary culture in a fun environment. Sign-up now to secure your seat; spots will be limited.

Rising pop star Mima has quit singing to pursue acting, but her fans aren't ready to see her go. When her handlers and collaborators begin turning up murdered, reality and fantasy meld into a frenzied paranoia.

As her stalker closes in — in person and online — the threat is more real than even Mima knows. Satoshi Kon's debut feature invented a visual grammar for the dissolving self that filmmakers are still borrowing from, Aronofsky and Nolan included.

It is also, quietly, the most accurate film ever made about being watched on the internet. It came out the year before Google.

Led by Kathy Yoshida of Hanko Designs, learn how to create your very own washi collage card using handmade artisan papers from Japan!  This class will go over various design tips to help harmonize your collage with all the various strips of washi. Using the guidelines covered in class, choose your collage color palette from the washi papers you will receive in your kit, and create an original card design!

Come celebrate our elders while enjoying live performances, arts & craft activities, games, and a visual art exhibition.

Program:

• 1:00 – 1:30 pm: Performances by Gen Taiko youth groups

• 1:30 – 2:00 pm: Art activities, games, light refreshments

• 2:00 – 3:00 pm: Preview performance of In Their Footsteps: The Issei Women’s Legacy and the Japanese YWCA

• 3:00 – 4:30 pm: Opening reception for art exhibition by Leon Sun “Animal Spirit: Visions from across the river”

Thank you to:

• Japan Center Malls

• The Creative Work Fund, a program of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund that also is supported by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

• Zellerbach Family Foundation

• Grants for the Arts

• SF Japantown Foundation

• Avenue Green Light

• Kimochi
  

This traditional Japanese kaiseki workshop will feature delicacies for the autumn season. In addition to the seasonal foods on a lacquer tenshin tray, sakana no kuzutataki (kudzu coated poached white fish) will also be prepared. The tenshin style of kaiseki presentation is often served during a traditional tea ceremony. Ichiban dashi (soup stock) will also be made. Easy to follow recipes and the video recording will be provided to all registrants.

Menu:

• Ichiban dashi (soup stock)

• Seasonal foods

• Sakana no kuzutaki (kudzu-coated poached white fish)

Music in Every Neighborhood

San Francisco Fleet Week is proud to welcome an expanded lineup of military musicians to our 2026 Neighborhood Concert Series, including Navy Band Southwest, the 1st Marine Division Band, the 191st Army Reserve Band of the Wild West, the USAF Band of the Golden West, and the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Band of the West Division.

These free performances give San Franciscans the opportunity to connect with our nation’s service members through music at venues throughout the city. Explore the 2026 concert calendar below to find a performance in your neighborhood!

5:00 PM
Navy Band SW Brass Band
Osaka Way in Japantown(opens in new tab)
Buchannan Street Between Post and Sutter

JTOWN FUNK IS BACK! 🎶✨

Join us this Sunday, October 4th, on Osaka Way starting at 1:00 PM for an incredible lineup of live music! We’re bringing some funk and soul to Jtown featuring:

🎸 Sayonara Picnic
🎷 Paul Yonemura Band
🎤 Forum

Come hang out, enjoy the music, and support local community vibes!

📍 Where: Osaka Way, Japantown San Francisco
🕐 When: Sunday, Oct 4 | Starts at 1:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free!

This Pop Up Performance is made possible with support from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and our fiscal sponsor for this grant, Kultivate Labs.

Join us for the Seventh Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage

Sat., Oct. 3, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Angel Island Immigration Station
Angel Island, CA

Join us for the seventh Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage to honor our immigrant pioneers and rediscover the little-known history of the Japanese and Japanese American legacy at Angel Island, where up to 85,000 persons of Japanese descent — the second largest immigrant group — landed between 1910 to 1940, before setting foot in America.

The Pilgrimage includes:

• Exhibits at the Angel Island Immigration Museum

• FREE Family History Consultations with the California Genealogical Society

• Presentation by SFSU Provost Amy Sueyoshi

• Taiko performances by IWA DAIKO

• Bon Odori dancing to honor ancestors

• Delicious Japanese bento lunches

Tickets

Packages from SF and Tiburon ferries, plus buses from Sacramento and San Jose Japantown. Space is limited — reserve your tickets by September 18, 2026!

[RSVP by Thu, 10/1] JAYA Convention (or “JAYACon”) brings together Northern California Nikkei youth organizations and community leaders to meet each other, share what we’re working on, and discuss where we want our community to go next. The day will include a panel with community leaders, time for organizations to share about their work, and space for conversation and connection.

Yame Tea Tasting w/ JAPAN TEA STUDIO 108 @ ChaTo

Yame is one of Japan’s leading regions for premium tea production.

In particular, Yame Gyokuro Tea has won first place for many years at the National Tea Competition and is recognized by some of the world’s top chefs and sommeliers.

A Japanese tea ambassador, Reiko Wake will carefully serve this Gyokuro and other Yame teas.

If you would like to enjoy high-quality and authentic Japanese tea, please join us!

It is also recommended to attend with friends. Mini sweets included.

Celebrate the Daiso Japantown San Francisco Grand Reopening with us October 2–4 at Japan Center Malls!

Join us for three days of family-friendly fun, giveaways, games, special guests, live performances, and more as we celebrate Daiso's new look in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Japantown.

Grand Reopening Weekend Highlights:

• LIMITED-EDITION Daiso San Francisco Tote Bag in three cute designs, free with $30 purchase!

• Pocky and Calbee giveaways while supplies last

• Gashapon games with fun surprises

• Spin the prize wheel for a chance to win Daiso goodies

• Special guests and performances throughout the weekend

• Meet Daizo, Daiso’s mascot, and snap a photo together

• Family-friendly activities and fun for all ages

• Shop Daiso favorites, new finds, Japanese-inspired products, and more

October 2–4, 2026

Daiso Japantown – Japan Center Malls
Peace Plaza
22 Post St, Ste 400
San Francisco, CA 94115

Whether you’re a longtime Daiso fan or discovering us for the first time, come celebrate with us and experience everything Daiso Japantown has to offer. Bring your friends and family, play some games, grab some giveaways, meet Daizo, and explore the store!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Giveaways, games, appearances, performances, and activities may vary by day and are available while supplies last.

Store Hours: Sun. - Thu. 9am and Fri. - Sat. 9am - 10pm

Hear from Assessor-Recorder Torres, HERA, Japantown CBD, and the JCCCNC about the importance of estate planning.

Join Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres for an important community conversation about property assessments and the importance of estate planning.

Learn how thoughtful estate planning can help protect your family, preserve your home and assets, and ensure your wishes are honored for generations to come. We’ll cover important topics including wills and trusts, transferring property, avoiding common pitfalls, and resources available to help you take the next step.

Visit the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center (Japan Center East Mall, 2F) to explore books about Japantown history, Hiroshima, and photography—and take a fun photo with TennaBear! Follow @japantownculturaldistrict

Visit the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center (Japan Center East Mall, 2F) to explore books about Japantown history, Hiroshima, and photography—and take a fun photo with TennaBear! Follow @japantownculturaldistrict

Visit the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center (Japan Center East Mall, 2F) to explore books about Japantown history, Hiroshima, and photography—and take a fun photo with TennaBear! Follow @japantownculturaldistrict

JCYC’s 16th Annual SF Aloha Run 5K, 10K, Keiki Mile, and Keiki Trot will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Crissy Field in San Francisco.

Register now until July 29!

For the past 16 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 2026 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. Donations are tax-deductible!

To learn more about our impact, visit sfaloharun.org/impact.

Packet pickup will be on Saturday, September 19 from 10 AM - 3 PM at Sports Basement Presidio and is required for all runners.

Join us for the Center’s largest fundraising event of the year, held in the Nisei Community Hall/gymnasium, as we celebrate Mottainai.

This year’s theme is mottainai (もったいない), a common Japanese expression used when something is wasted before its value has been fully appreciated. We wanted to take a moment to recognize the importance of mottainai in an era of quick fashion, quick food, and quick social media posts, and to encourage a greater sense of gratitude for all the things that are part of our daily lives. Through food and culture we hope to celebrate the community that connects us.

Tabemasho was envisioned to focus on guests having fun, much like they might at a summer matsuri or Japanese festival. It will feature eateries serving guests from Japanese-style yatai (food booths), surrounded by a lively atmosphere with hanging lanterns and festive sounds. Come graze your way through our Tabemasho matsuri with friends, family and loved ones! Matsuri or festive attire is encouraged!

Let's build together! Saturday, September 19, 2026. 1p to 6p. Karaoke gathering from 6p to 10p.
You can still continue to build.

Visit the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center (Japan Center East Mall, 2F) to explore books about Japantown history, Hiroshima, and photography—and take a fun photo with TennaBear! Follow @japantownculturaldistrict

Join us in Japantown SF for a fun and free local hangout on Geary Blvd, good vibes, great community, and excellent discussions!

Japantown Community on the Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study (In-Person)

Come to the first Japantown Town Hall on the Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study (WAGCS) as part of a $2M, 2-year planning project focused on re-envisioning Geary Boulevard between Laguna and Divisadero. The study is a community-driven effort to re-imagine the area which was harmed by the widening of Geary Boulevard in the 1950s and 60s, disrupting long-standing communities like Japantown and the Fillmore / Western Addition.

The event aims to gather input on how to repair harms and reconnect communities through transportation improvements, urban design, and land use strategies with community voices at the Center. Organized by the Japantown Task Force and Japantown Cultural District, and co-sponsored by JTF, KOHO, and Buchanan YMCA in partnership with SFCTA, SF Planning, and SFMTA.

There will be two free sessions available (we encourage you to join in at least one of the two):

1. *In-Person Session Thursday, September 17th from 6 - 7:30 pm
   (Please use this Eventbrite listing to reserve your spot)

2. Virtual session on Tuesday, September 15th from 6-7:30 pm
   (Use visit our virtual Eventbrite listing to reserve your spot)

Some questions you can expect during our community debriefing includes:
Some issues we plan to address include road safety for pedestrians/bikers, how to increase affordable housing in the neighborhood, and additional services and facilities for the community.

Learn more here when you visit: Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study

Take the 10 minute survey in your prefered language to make an impact today.

• English: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0

• Spanish: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=es

• Chinese: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=zh

• Japanese: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=ja

• Korean: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=ko

• Russian: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=ru

Be the voice of Japantown SF on the Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study (WAGCS) Town Hall by joining our virtual discussion.

Japantown Community on the Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study (In-Person)

Come to the first Japantown Town Hall on the Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study (WAGCS) as part of a $2M, 2-year planning project focused on re-envisioning Geary Boulevard between Laguna and Divisadero. The study is a community-driven effort to re-imagine the area which was harmed by the widening of Geary Boulevard in the 1950s and 60s, disrupting long-standing communities like Japantown and the Fillmore / Western Addition.

The event aims to gather input on how to repair harms and reconnect communities through transportation improvements, urban design, and land use strategies with community voices at the Center. Organized by the Japantown Task Force and Japantown Cultural District, and co-sponsored by JTF, KOHO, and Buchanan YMCA in partnership with SFCTA, SF Planning, and SFMTA.

There will be two free sessions available (we encourage you to join in at least one of the two):

1. In-Person Session Thursday, September 17th from 6 - 7:30 pm
   (Visit our other Eventbrite listing to reserve your spot)

2. *Virtual session on Tuesday, September 15th from 6-7:30 pm
   (Please reserve your spot with this Eventbrite listing. An email with a Zoom conference link will be provided for your convenience)

Some questions you can expect during our community debriefing includes:
Some issues we plan to address include road safety for pedestrians/bikers, how to increase affordable housing in the neighborhood, and additional services and facilities for the community.

Learn more here when you visit: Western Addition/Geary Boulevard Community Study

Take the 10 minute survey in your prefered language to make an impact today.

• English: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0

• Spanish: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=es

• Chinese: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=zh

• Japanese: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=ja

• Korean: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=ko

• Russian: https://form.typeform.com/to/qV4qVLP0?typeform-lang=ru