QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2019 | VOLUME 60

Children's Day Continuing an Important Tradition MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

My Children’s Day Memories

hildren’s Day was always When we held our first celebra- a special day for me when tion at the Center, we did a wide outreach to the community. CI was growing up. A few BOARD OFFICERS days before May 5th, my parents Phone calls were made to indi- Robert Sakai | President would start to set up our large viduals, the Consul General of Myron Okada | Vice President Boy’s Day display in the house and Japan’s O‘ce and our members raise and display our carp on a to let them know that we were Donna Ong-Kimura | Vice President long bamboo pole on the balcony creating a Children’s Day event Kelly Yuka Walton | Corporate Secretary overlooking the street. Executive Director and were looking for dolls to Kyle Tatsumoto | Chief Financial O‘cer display. Exhibiting the dolls was Shortly after I was born, both PAUL OSAKI going to be an important part of sets of grandparents gave me a this program because I remember BOARD OF DIRECTORS gift to celebrate Boy’s Day. One was a doll how school children would enjoy visiting Terry Akiyama of a famous samurai, Minamoto Yoshitsune my parent’s house to see our display and Sherilyn Chew purchased by my paternal grandparents. The receive Japanese treats. Thus we established David Fukuda doll was placed in a large glass case purchased school visits for students to experience and at Honnami’s Gift Store in San Francisco’s Chris Hirano learn about Children’s Day, the doll exhibit, Japantown. Stephen Katayama storytelling, cultural activities, carp flying and Ryan Kimura The other was a replica samurai helmet of course trying the special manju only made Hillary Nakano (kabuto) bought by my maternal Jichan and and eaten on this day. These are all things Bachan who lived in the Central Valley and that my parents have passed on to me. Rumi Okabe purchased at Komoto’s Department Store in Allen Okamoto Not having children of my own, Children’s Fresno’s Japantown. My parents also bought Scott Okamoto Day at the Center is a way for me to share me my own large colorful cloth carp for the important traditions I learned from my Marilyn Oshiro strength and good health. Our family display parents. I also wanted Sansei parents who Teresa Serata also included my three brothers’ dolls, carp may not have grown up knowing about this Jon Shindo and other replica items such as a small taiko celebration to learn with their children so Peter Weber drum, an archery set, a samurai sword and that they would create their own collec- other Boy’s Day display pieces. Together, tive memories and stories and pass it on it created a huge Boy’s Day exhibit at our STAFF to ensure that the tradition continues house. Paul Osaki | Executive Director This year during our Children’s Day Festival, Lori Matoba | Deputy Director What I looked forward to most was my we will be featuring a special pair of dolls. It father’s stories about the history and adven- Marjorie Fletcher | Executive Assistant was recently donated to us from the Estate tures of each of our dolls. My doll Minamoto Mika Shimizu | O‘ce Manager/Receptionist of Mrs. Tomoye Nozawa Takahashi. As some Yoshitsune was a great general who out- Stephanie Doi | Development Manager of you older San Franciscans may recall, Mrs. smarted his opponents using his wit. Takahashi was the owner of Takahashi which Matt Okada | Director of Programs Kato Kiyomasa, my older brother’s doll was had several retail stores in SF, Sausalito and Jennifer Hamamoto | Programs and mounted on a horse holding a spear that had even one in New York selling many modern Facilities Manager a broken point because a tiger had broken it toys and accessories made in Japan. The pair Haruka Roudebush | Programs Manager off while he was hunting tigers in Asia. of Hina Dolls illustrated in this issue was part Teresa Ono | Accountant of her private collection and stand approxi- Jerry Kika | Volunteer Coordinator Another doll, Benkei- a monk, was one of the mately 18 inches in height. This impressive strongest men in all of Japan killing over one pair was one of the last items to leave her hundred samurai soldiers in a single battle, warehouse that recently closed its doors at but Yoshitsune, my doll, was able to defeat the end of March. It was entrusted to the him. Soon after, Benkei and Yoshitsune Center for future generations to enjoy. became loyal friends until they passed away. MISSION I still remember all the stories that my father Because that is what the Center is all about… The Center is a non-profit organization which told me every time I see the dolls. I was al- strives to meet the evolving needs of the Japa- Celebrating and preserving our cultural ways fascinated how he was able to tell them nese American community by offering programs, heritage and traditions from one generation without a book, just off the top of his head. affordable services and administrative support to the next. and facilities for other local organizations. The Our Center’s Children’s Day Festival was Sincerely, Center also provides educational, cultural and modeled closely from my own experience and recreational programs that meet and address the me wanting to share my memories of this interests and concerns of the community. Our special day with others in the community, goals remain rooted in preserving the Japanese especially those who never had the same American cultural and historical heritage as well opportunity. as fostering the foundation for future generations Paul Osaki of Japanese Americans. Executive Director

2 Spring 2019 GETTING WITH THE CENTER

Shikishi Exhibit Highlights the Year of the Boar and Friendship

48th Annual Oshogatsu Festival Celebrates the Year of the Boar

The 48th Annual Oshogatsu Festival was held on Saturday, January 5 in the Center’s Nisei Community Hall and the Issei Memorial Hall. Youth and adults were able to celebrate the New Year by creating Boar themed crafts and getting a t-shirt screen The 2019 Shikishi Exhibit fi lled the hallways of the printed with a Year of the Boar design created Center and brought much joy and color to start off by former Japantown Arts and Media staff . the new year. This year’s theme was based on the year of the boar and friendship. Artists of all ages articipants also enjoyed a variety of live performances such submitted their one-of-a-kind shikishi board that as kendo, yosakoi dance, ukulele, taiko, hula and a variety of were displayed from January 9 through February 9. children’s performing groups. Everyone was treated to traditional ozoni soup (mochi in broth) throughout the day and were able to Pparticipate in pounding of mochi (sweet rice) using a traditional mallet hank you to the many to stop by our annual Mochitsuki artists that participated workshops in December or and usu (stone mortar). in this year’s exhibit. come celebrate the new year Arisa Hiroi co-chair of Nakayoshi Young Professionals hosted a craft We enjoyed seeing the with us at the Annual Oshogatsu table at this year’s festival. “All our Nakayoshi volunteers love com- Tdrawings and illustrations of the Festival held here at the Center ing out to support this free community event where kids can eat and boar and symbols of friendship. the fi rst Saturday of January. play together while exploring Japanese culture. It’s a great, feel good If you would like to participate We hopeeveryone has a wonder- way to start the year!” Be sure to join us at next year’s festival that is in our exhibit next year be sure ful year. always held on the fi rst Saturday in January here at the Center.

Spring 2019 3 THE CENTER NEWS

Introducing 2019 Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program Team Members New Board Member e are excited to announce SHINZEN GIRLS TEAM the 15 youth members Coach Danielle Mizuiri selected for the 2019 Shinzen Hillary Nakano Madeline Bader, Fremont Nikkei Youth Goodwill or me, the Center is a home away from WProgram (Shinzen Program). Started in Julia Hirahara, Walnut Creek home. Every time I climb those stairs 1997, this cross-cultural exchange program Kayla Ikuma, South San Francisco and step through those doors, I know a promotes the values of fair play and Jordyn Owyoung, San Francisco staff er that I have known for 15+ years competition, while fostering ties between "Fwill meet me. My parents, and especially my Reina Shimomura, Fremont the U.S. and Japan, and our Japanese and Tara Ushiro, Fremont mom, instilled in me the importance of the Japanese American communities. Through Japanese American (JA) community and the sports, youth exchanges and homestays, Camille Yabu, Moraga Center as its pillar. I participated in programs our young ambassadors build stronger the Center off ered including Shinzen, the relationships with the people of Japan, SHINZEN BOYS TEAM Nikkei Youth Cultural Heritage Program while learning about their cultural heritage, Coach Jon Burroughs (NYCHP), twice, and even ukulele classes! traditions and identity. Through the Center's programs, I have trav- Miles Chan, Burlingame eled to Japan three separate times, actually The Shinzen team will be traveling to Aaron Fujimoto, San Mateo living in Japan for two summers in a row. Japan with family members this July Kaiji Koga, San Leandro to celebrate the 25 Years of Friendship Tatsu Koga, San Leandro shared between the Center and the Osaka YMCA (1994-2019) and the Kobe Luke Kuroda, Belmont My most memorable YMCA (1995-2020). If you are interested Kenshin Nakamura, San Francisco moment was when in supporting these young ambassadors, Koji Wong, San Ramon they will be hosting a Poker Tournament Dru Yonemura, Millbrae the Center served as on Saturday, June 8 and will be selling ra› e tickets to support their travel costs. my wedding reception venue in 2018! We

transformed the gym in the community and take advantage of the and it looked amazing! opportunities, similar to the programs that I participated in that the Center provides." Looking ahead, I would love to see younger Some of my closest friendships have generations using the Center as a com- stemmed from both Shinzen and NYCHP and munity hangout for all types of events for that, I will always be grateful. The Cen- from weddings and birthday celebrations, ter's programs have aff orded me countless to potlucks, get-togethers and community opportunities and memories within the JA organizing. Above all, the Center provides community that I will forever cherish. By venue space for any type of community joining the Board, I hope that I can encourage gathering and I want the younger generations other young people to become more involved to not only realize that, but utilize it. HIllary as a Shinzen participant, 2003

4 Spring 2019 CULTURAL TRAIL MIX

GODZILLA still a Looker at 60! (Originally published in the Fall 2014 Edition)

The name Gojira, is a hybrid derived from We thank Jeff for keeping the spirit of the word gorilla and kujira (whale), and the Godzilla alive and reminding us that character is still considered one of Japan’s pop culture icons can also be used as most popular icons even though the big important educational tools. guy has been around for sixty years. Local Godzilla expert Jeff Adachi, (bet- ter known for his role as our Public De- fender and JA community activist), has been following Godzilla through all of its fi lms and by building his own collection. Started in 1990 when his father bought him his fi rst Godzilla for his birthday, Adachi odzilla has been in the news lately found an immediate interest in the beast because of the movie, bearing the and started collecting them one by one. same name, that was released in When he collected his fi rst several dozen, May. This version retells the large he put them on top of his refrigerator Gmonster’s power to destroy in modern times. but once they outgrew that space, they However, Godzilla is not an American were accorded its own special room. creation. It has been around since 1954 and Jeff fi nds his Godzilla’s at fl ea mar- was the creation of producer Tanaka kets, science fi ction Thank You Jeff . Tomoyuki and Toho Studios in Japan. shows and has even On February 22, 2019, the commu- traded them. Then Gojira, as it is known in Japan, was nity lost an important and irreplace- conceived during the postwar period when EBay was born, “I was free to shop able friend and supporter. Jeff Ada- for Godzilla’s at any chi, Public Defender for the City time, any place so and County of San Francisco, also The name Gojira, I did go crazy for a known as a talented fi lm producer, little while” he states. is a hybrid derived CA Bar Prep Tutor, author and so- Currently, Jeff ’s cial justice activist passed away at from the word collection stands the young age of 59. gorilla and kujira at 200 but he has narrowed his focus Paul Osaki, Executive Director of (whale), and the in recent years to JCCCNC states, “He was always a acquiring Godzilla’s person I could count on to come character is still with unique characteristics. One of his down to Japantown to support an considered one of favorites stands 3 feet tall and has a 4 foot long tail and needed to be assembled important issue or when a strong Japan’s most popular and painted before it could make its of- voice was needed. He just got it. icons even though fi cial appearance amongst the collection. There was never a need to explain Although Jeff has many talents, he is the details. Jeff innately knew why the big guy has been not a modeler so he had to pay a mod- we needed to work together to get around for sixty years. eler to get involved at a pretty big price things done and never wavered on tag but it is all good because the big guy his commitment to the community." continues to be loved and admired. In 2014, Jeff was interviewed for Adachi is happy that he started his collec- of Japan when many Japanese were still tion as Godzilla has been able to survive in our newsletter because of his im- recovering from the disaster of World War pop culture for over 60 years and has a cool pressive and extensive collection of II. According to various websites, Gojira was roar. In addition to the green monster, Jeff Godzilla’s. We are re-printing it for ‘born’ as a result of the H bomb testing, and has a collection of fi lms and music as well as this issue in his memory. Thank you the original fi lm was intended to send a mes- a collection of 12” crime fi gures like Scarface Jeff . You will be sorely missed. sage to the world about the fears of nuclear and Jack Nicolson’s character in the Shin- testing and environmental degradation. ing as well as trading cards from the ‘60’s.

Spring 2019 5 CULTURAL TRAIL MIX

Oita City — Worth the Journey BY DIANE MATSUDA

JCCCNC’s Fall Cultural Tour to Japan tion, (JETRO), which promotes trade and sites in the area. We were fortunate to see focused on the region of Kyushu, investment between Japan and the United over 20,000 lit bamboo stalks placed through- States, and lucky for us, he never forgot us out the town of Taketa at the Bungo Taketa specifi cally Oita Prefecture. Those of in SF. So when he made a brief courtesy call Chikuraku Festival; visit a town famous for you familiar with this area may think here last year and invited us to visit his city, the production of cool getas; enjoy a couple we quickly jumped at the opportunity. of soaks in several onsen and a foot bath, that our trek down there was to and create our own lunch featuring steamed Mayor Sato’s o’ ce was very helpful in devel- go on an onsen meguri, (hot spring seafood and vegetables using onsen water – a oping our itinerary. Upon our arrival into Oita, dish known as jigokumushi. Yums. Needless excursion), but we were even more we were greeted by his staff who whisked us to say, a trip to Oita is highly recommended. fortunate. off to the Oita City Museum for a delicious lunch featuring local products, and to see This year, Oita is one of the venues se- art created by local residents. Despite his lected for the World Rugby World Cup. ou see, about 20+ years ago, there extremely busy schedule, the Mayor took the They are also the home to the Oita In- was a man named Kiichiro Sato who time to meet and talk with each of the partic- ternational Wheelchair Marathon. This served as Consul of Economic Aff airs ipants and expressed a sincere desire to con- is in addition to their staple attractions for the Consulate General’s O’ ce of tinue relations between the Center and Oita. such as their famous nearby onsen (hot YJapan in San Francisco. Consul Sato was then This is something we will be happily pursuing! springs); the abundance of delicious sea- food, and special chicken called toriten. ‘on loan’ from Japan’s Ministry of International This great introduction to Oita City was even Trade and Industry, (now METI), to serve further highlighted when we visited other Not to forget, fantastic Mayor Sato! as the country’s economic liaison to our area. It was also at that time that California had established a new program to send and receive high school students with the Prefecture of Osaka. The challenge, however, was that the program did not have any funding to accompany its implementation. That is when Consul Sato immediately stepped in. Within a record period of time, he was able to convince a number of Japanese companies to donate, and the project was up and running. This success- ful program is still in existence today. Consul Sato is now Mayor Sato of Oita City. He has held many prestigious positions in between these posts, including the Presi- dent of the Japan External Trade Organiza-

6 Spring 2019 CULTURAL TRAIL MIX

An Attempt to Spring Cleaning — the Kon Mari Way BY DIANE MATSUDA

A few years ago, someone gave me Marie Kondo’s fi rst book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I am assuming it was a hint to get rid of some of the precious fl ea market fi nds I have accumulated over the years.

he Kon Mari method, (aka Marie Kondo’s rule for tidying up), requires you to gather all things maybe pile? Saying goodbye seemed way too of one category; spread them out fi nal. Tover a wide open area, and then hold up So I had to create my own priority amongst each piece to decide if it sparks joy. If it the sentimental stuff and titled it the “ir- does, you put it away neatly in your drawer replaceable” pile. Defi nition: if it is an item or bookcase or shelf. If it does not, you made just for me, it will stay with me until I thank it for being in your life and it goes leave this world. away. Sounds simple but I have to admit that when I attempted to follow her rule, In real terms, that meant that the pj’s went I cheated and created a maybe pile before away because I will never wear them again. deciding which side of the fl oor it would After all, I do have other auntie items AND eventually land. I am keeping all the recipes and some of the books from dad that I will actually use. Initially, following this method wasn’t too painful but the decisions were not as fi rm Also, if an item was well loved, and then given when I held up something received from to me to continue a tradition or custom, it friends and family members no longer here. is a keeper. The rest of the stuff can start to Removing them from my life would cause transition over to the no-spark pile. sadness, BUT keeping EVERYTHING would I hear that the donation venues are now in- continue the chaos of clutter; cause further undated with items once owned by Kon Mari frustration of disorganization, and defi nitely then books; then papers; then miscellaneous items and then fi nally sentimental items). participants so that it can be re-sold to bring not bring joy. joy into someone else’s life. I think I need to So I put Marie on hold for a while and de- I had sentimental items from all of these cat- stay clear of those places for a while until I cided I would continue the job one day. But egories so even the “easiest” ones made it hard can discipline myself to use her rules outside as the buzz about “Kondo-ing” started to to proceed. I had a pair of pajamas my aunt in of the house. Hiroshima bought me 35+ years ago; my aun- circulate more and more in conversations, I Kondo now has a Netfl ix series for those who knew that it was a sign to get back to work. tie’s hand written recipes she created just for me so that I would stop pestering her on how are ready to take on the adventure. I do admit In addition to creating the yes and no to make baked goods, and my dad’s books that that it is a cleansing feeling to know that I piles, the Kon Mari method requires you to he carefully covered with old brown grocery can immediately fi nd things without digging declutter in a certain order. You start with bag paper and had placed post Its throughout around in drawers and boxes, and I think it is items holding the least amount of emotion- the various pages. worth a try to consider a new way of viewing al attachment before graduating to those spring cleaning, or at least consider buying hard to part items sparking a lot of feeling, What to do….call Marie and say hey, what do I one of her books and watching a few of her (you are instructed to start with clothing; do? Can I bend your rules and just expand my Netfl ix programs.

Spring 2019 7 CULTURAL TRAIL MIX

Got Treasures? Here are some examples of hidden treasure Have Any Hidden items that you may wish to donate or purchase Treasures? For those readers interested in finding new homes for items you have in your house such as gently used or brand new dishes, platters, owan bowls or other Japanese folk art, the Center is con- sidering a Hidden Treasures Sale in the near future.

Depending on inventory and interest, the Center is exploring the possibility of organizing a sale where items that have a Japanese or Japa- nese American origin can be featured, appreciated and purchased by someone who wishes to take your hidden treasures into their home.

As this project is still in its initial stage, further details will be developed based on the responses received. Please feel free to contact the Cen- ter at [email protected] for further information and stay tune in future newsletters and our email blasts! It may be a sale that is worth the wait.

Even though you may be a Kon-Mari advocate, one person’s unwanted or unused item can be another person’s treasure that can spark joy!

8 Spring 2019 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Come Celebrate with your kids at the 27th Annual Children’s Day Festival Come join us for a fun day at San Francisco’s Peace Plaza as we celebrate the Japanese national holiday Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi). Children’s Day is a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to appreciate their happiness. Come join the Center and the many community organizations and companies supporting this event as we host carnival games, arts and crafts, live cultural entertainment, bounce house and much more. This event is free and open to the public. Saturday, May 4 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. San Francisco Japantown’s Peace Plaza, 1610 Geary Blvd (intersection Post and Buchannan Streets)

Pair of vintage Hina Dolls donated from the Takahashi Family will be premiered at our Center's Children's Day exhibit

Spring 2019 9 Faithful volunteer Yaeko Tondo, age 92, cleaning the glass Troop 58 members diligently cleaning their assigned area. The Center's Board President Robert Sakai providing in the columbarium guidance. Honoring Our Past: Japanese Colma Cemetery Clean up Day, Saturday, May 18, 2019

Each year, the Center organizes the cemetery. Last year the Center created a historical interpretive panel for the newly an annual community clean-up installed bulletin board. The purpose of the day at the Japanese Cemetery in interpretive panel is to provide visitors with Colma to remember and honor an educational background and overview of the cemetery. The information and stories those who have passed away. documents why the cemetery is considered one of the most important Japanese American olunteers participate for various cultural heritage sites in the United States. reasons. Some to visit with family; some to support the Center’s activi- The 2019 Colma Clean Up Day is sched- ties and some to clean on behalf of uled from 9am – 2pm. A bento lunch Vfamily members and friends who are no and dessert will be provided but there longer able to take care of their family graves. is a suggested donation of $7/person to Many come who have no direct connection to cover expenses. Volunteers are welcomed the cemetery. They volunteer to honor those to join us also for part of the day. who are laid to rest at the cemetery and to For more information, please contact care for this very special place. our Program and Facility Manager Jen- nifer Hamamoto at jhamamoto@jcccnc. Colma Leaders Lori Matoba (the Center's Deputy Over the past many years volunteers have Director) and Stephanie Doi (the Center's Development org or call (415) 567-5505. asked why there was no information about Manager). This was Stephanie's fi rst Clean Up Day!

10 Spring 2019 THE CENTER NEWS

What's Happening in 2019

There will be some exciting things happening in and around the Center this year. Be sure to mark your calendar, visit and participate in some of our annual and special events. In addition to the events listed, we have daily classes and weekly workshops in cultural arts, fitness, cooking/food, music and dance, as well as a sports league and social programs for all ages. Stop by for visit jcccnc.org!

APRIL Spring Membership Drive* Become/renew as a Sustaining Member and get a gift

Cherry Blossom Festival at the Center 13-14 and Visit sfcherryblossom.org for the cultural 20-21 entertainment schedule

23-26 Children’s Day School Visits By reservation only

Year of the Boar MAY Sustaining Member Gift 1-4 Children’s Kimono Dressing* 4 27th Annual Children’s Day Festival in Japantown

18 Colma Japanese Cemetery Clean-up JUNE 8 Shinzen Poker Fundraiser* Children's Day Festival at the Peace Plaza 12 Kase Nikkei Community Scholarship Program through August 23. Applications due April 7 JULY 15 Nikkei Open Golf Tournament* Peninsula Golf and Country Club

23-Aug 1 Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Program Sake Day at Hotel Kabuki

Spring 2019 11 Pound SEPTEMBER Pound 4-15 Fall Online Auction Pound: 21 Tabemasho: Let’s Eat!* The Center (Annual Fundraising Event) Hosts 28 Sake Day* Annual Hosted by True Sake Mochitsuki Workshops OCTOBER he Center hosted its annual 25 Halloween Carnival* Mochitsuki workshops on TSaturday, December 9. NOVEMBER Over 140 participants learned about the process of steaming, pounding and Winter Online Auction making their own mochi. Thanks to a very generous donation of sweet rice from Nomura and 10-20 Fall Cultural Tour to the Co., participants were able to take home approximately two pounds of their own fresh mochi. Mr. George Yamada, former owner of Hokuriku Region of Japan Yamada Seika Manju-Ya, came to help prepare the rice and teach the participants how to form the steamed sweet rice into komochi. Sharon Williams has been a long time annual participant and DECEMBER always brings several generations of her family. “My children and grandchildren wanted to learn more about their Japanese heritage, so 21 Mochitsuki Workshops* we started making the Center’s Mochitsuki workshop a family event. Everyone enjoys the workshop and we can’t wait for the next one Most events are FREE (unless noted) *ticket fee or donation required each year. I think we have been coming since the fi rst time the Center hosted this workshop. Through the years we've added more family and friends and everyone has enjoyed the experience of making mochi and learning about our Japanese traditions. Thank you to everyone at the Center for making the workshop educational and fun!” Be sure to join us this December for your chance to make your very own mochi.

Thank you Volunteers! he Center hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on December 7 and invited over 420 volunteers that supported us throughout the year. Volunteers assisted the Center at multiple events and tasks such as Tabemasho, Colma Cemetery TClean-up, Children’s Day Festival, Children’s Day School Visits, mailings for the Center, workshops, photographers for our events and Girls Summer league. Our volunteers are extremely valuable and we would not be able to off er the many programs and activities without the help we receive from dedicated volunteers like Nathan Segal. “I wanted to volunteer where the pulse of the community is…And I was right. To be able to volunteer at the Center has been a stimulating experience for me. I am most appreciative!”

12 Spring 2019 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Preserving Culture One Class at a Time What's Happening at the Center Greetings from the Center’s Programs Department! We welcome you to peruse the list below that features all the fun and enriching cultural and recreational classes that we offer The first class session is free for any first-time participant materials costs for select classes still apply e encourage you to try something new! For more information or to register for a class, please visit our website www.jcccnc.org or call -

Cost: $35 M | $45 NM monthly ARTS AND CULTURE $11 M | $14 NM drop-in Asian American Senior Writing A place for both new and experi- Ikebana “Dancing hula allows enced writers alike to write and Reflect on the simplistic beauty me to feel Hawaiian share about themselves, their of nature and create a harmony music. The Center is of linear construction, rhythm families and others to preserve the where I most enjoy and color through the traditional stories and memories of our Asian dancing hula. We American community. Japanese art of Ikebana (floral could always use Instructor: Genny Lim arrangement). Participants are When: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon encouraged to bring their own vases. more guys in our Please contact the Programs Cost: $44 M | $50 NM monthly class!” Department at least 48 hours in $14 M | $16 NM drop-in advance if interested. —David Walton Instructor: Chizuko Nakamura Basic Drawing When: Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Join instructor Rich Tokeshi, an Cost: $70 M | $90 NM monthly original instructor of Japantown Art $22 M | $28 NM drop-in and Media (JAM), and bring out the artist in you. This eight-week class Shigin functional wares. During this When: Third Saturday every month, concentrates on basic drawing eight-week class you will also learn 9 a.m.-noon and concepts and subject matters such Shigin is a form of Japanese poetry, glazing techniques to create 12:30-4 p.m. as still life, portraits, scenes from which is usually chanted or sung. personalized pieces. Class sessions Cost: $10 M | $15 NM (+$10-$25 everyday life and drawing from Yoshimura Kokujyou Sensei, who is run eight consecutive weeks and materials fee) $30 M | $40 NM photos. All supplies are provided at considered one of the top teachers in Kokuseiryu Shigin Kai will teach registration opens six weeks prior to First-time participants no additional fee. The class is open the first scheduled class. The next to all skill levels. students vocal training and singing lessons. Each class will begin with class session is tentatively scheduled Watercolor Instructor: Rich Tokeshi for Tuesday, April 2, 2019. You can students singing together and then Learn the basics and joy of When: Saturdays, noon-2 p.m. register on our website or by giving individual lessons will be given to all watercolor painting, and bring your Cost: $70 M | $90 NM (eight us a call. Class participation is students. Each student will practice art to life with the help of instructor consecutive weeks) $13 M | $16 limited and is based on a first come singing the poem they have chosen Wendy Yoshimura in this fun and NM drop-in first served basis. and can add their emotions and relaxing class. Available to all artists Instructor: Tomoko Nakazato interpretation of the poem when regardless of skill level. Beyond Basic Art Class When: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. they sing. Class will be conducted in Instructor: Wendy Yoshimura This weekly art class is designed for Cost: $175 M | $225 NM both English and Japanese and is When: Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon both intermediate and advanced (eight consecutive weeks) open to all. Cost: $40 M | $48 NM monthly students and will allow participants Instructor: Yoshimura Kokujyou $11 M | $14 NM drop-in the opportunity to explore new When: Second and Fourth Washi Ningyo media, subject matter and ways of Wednesdays, 3–5 p.m. Engage in the art of Japanese paper thinking. This class will use basic Cost: $15 M | $20 NM Monthly doll making and create your own 3D drawing, painting concepts and DANCE $10 M | $12 NM Drop-In Japanese washi (traditional) paper subject matter, but will also look to Materials: Shigin Text Book dolls. In this class made for all skill expand participant’s artistic Hula: Beginning English Version: $15 | Japanese levels, participants will learn the Learn both Auana (modern) and horizons. The atmosphere of the basics, or perfect their skills in doll class is very informal for creating art. Version $30 Kahiko (ancient hula). You will making. First-time participants must experience anaerobic (low impact) Instructor: Rich Tokeshi register by phone by the first exercise while learning to dance. No When: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon Tougei: Ceramic Art Saturday of the month. Class fees dance experience required. (Class Learn various ceramic techniques include all materials. Class is for including hand-building, wheel participants also must join the M = Members ages 18+. throwing and surface decoration to

KEY NM = Non-Members Instructor: Rochelle Lum create unique sculptures and/or continued on page 14

Spring 2019 13 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Instructor: Kaeko Inori Programs When: Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. continued from page 13 Cost: $4 M | $5 NM drop-in

Yoga Prema Hālau, Hālau Ka Liko Pua O “I enjoy Tone your body, heal an injury, lose Kalaniākea, for an additional fee.) participating in weight, increase flexibility or relieve Instructors: Denise Teraoka and karate because it stress … Whatever your purpose, Alice Jeong gives me a once you start and continue When: Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. connection to practicing, you'll feel more energized Cost: $32 M | $48 NM monthly as your body improves and your $10 M | $15 NM drop-in my mind and mind becomes clearer. This class is body.” open to both the beginner and Hula: Gracious Ladies and —Benita Sanvely experienced yogi. Wahine (Adults) Instructor: Ai Tanaka Learn both Auana (modern) and When: Saturdays, 10:30a.m.-noon Kahiko (ancient) hula. You will Cost: $28 M | $40 NM monthly experience anaerobic (low impact) $9 M | $12 NM drop-in exercise while learning to dance hula. (Class participants also must Zumba Gold join the Hālau, Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Participate in a fun and energetic Kalaniākea, for an additional fee.) workout while dancing to upbeat Instructor: Mary Leong When: Tuesdays and Fridays, application of the principles of the music. Join instructor Janet Cordova When: First and third Thursdays, 12:45-2:15 p.m. katana. This class is hosted by San as she hosts Zumba Gold classes 5:30-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.- every Sunday. Whether you are Cost: $4 M | $5 NM drop-in Francisco Kendo Dojo. To learn 1 p.m. more and to register visit sendo. looking for an energizing workout or Cost: $45 M | $55 NM monthly github.io or contact them at to make new friends, come and (Saturdays) $60 M | $75 NM enjoy this fun ongoing class. This MARTIAL ARTS info@sendo.org. monthly (Thursdays and Saturdays) class is open for all skill levels. AND FITNESS Instructor: San Francisco $14 M | $17 NM drop-in Kendo Dojo Instructor: Janet Cordova When: Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Karate—Monday and When: Mondays and Thursdays, Hula: Keiki (Youth) Cost: $32 M | $37 NM monthly Wednesday Class 7-9 p.m. Give the gift of hula to your child Locations: Mondays: Buddhist $10 M | $12 NM drop-In through this class, where they will Karate is an Okinawan martial art meaning “empty hand.” Develop Church of San Francisco; learn coordination, grace and Thursdays: the Center (JCCCNC) teamwork through both Auwana self-defense skills and strengthen MUSIC (modern) and Kahiko (ancient) hula yourself mentally and physically. Our Senior Chair Aerobics while experiencing anaerobic class is part of the International Chorale May Designed for seniors who want to exercise. Classes are open for all Karate League (IKL) which instructs Be part of a male chorus group and build basic physical strength in a children ages 5+. a modified Shorin-Ryu style of sing a variety of songs, mainly in low-impact class. Students will use a Instructor: Mary Leong karate. This class is open to all skill Japanese with some English. levels age 6+. chair to participate in exercises to When: Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Instructor: Ruriko Miura-Raffa Instructor: Craig Hamakawa increase flexibility, muscle coordina- Cost: $30 M | $40 NM monthly When: Second and fourth When: Mondays and tion and strength. Classes end with $10 M | $12 NM drop-in a hands-on massage to relieve any Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $25 M | $31 NM monthly Cost: $30 M | $48 NM monthly lingering stress. Hula: Kupuna (Seniors) $15 M | $18 NM drop-in $9 M | $14 NM drop-in Learn ancient and modern hula while keeping your coordination and memory sharp. (Class participants Karate—Sunday Class Instructor: Craig Hamakawa also must join the Hālau, Hālau Ka When: Sundays, 10 a.m.-noon “I like shamisen Liko Pua O Kalaniākea, for an additional fee.) Cost: $15 M | $24 NM monthly because it’s Instructor: Mary Leong $9 M | $14 NM drop-In different than When: Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. other string Cost: $45 M | $55 NM monthly Kendo with San Francisco instruments. I like Kendo Dojo $14 M | $17 NM drop-in the sound and Learn the modern Japanese martial melody. It’s more Line Dancing art of Kendo. Kendo is an activity that combines martial traditional and Practice your smooth moves to R&B arts practices and values with and pop music while keeping in cultural.” strenuous sport-like physical activity. shape and making new friends. This Kendo uses bamboo swords and —Ryuma Yamaguchi fun, low-impact class is open to all, protective armor to discipline the no dance experience required. human character through the Instructor: Alan Kitashima

14 Spring 2019 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Ensemble Shiki through a morning of play with other Japanese Mondays, 6-10 p.m. (up to 15 weeks per season) Be part of a mixed chorus group and sing a speaking families Cost: $110 M | $135 NM per season variety of songs, mainly in Japanese with some When: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon English. Cost: Free 40 and Over Basketball Instructor: Ruriko Miura-Raffa Get your friends and join the mature, wise and When: First, third and fifth Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Bridge friendly competition in our Wednesday Night Cost: $25 M | $31 NM monthly Keep your mind sharp while playing bridge in a (draft) League. See our website for league $15 M | $18 NM drop-in fun, social environment. information. Coordinator: Alice Moriguchi When: Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m. (up to 15 weeks GenRyu Arts Taiko When: Fridays, 1-4 p.m. per season) Develop rhythm, strength and agility through the Cost: $2 M/$3 NM/drop-in Cost: $105 M | $130 NM per season matsuri (festival) style of Japanese taiko drumming. A variety of classes are offered for Monthly Kabuki Theatre Class different skill levels and ages (4 ½ years to adult). Join us for a free monthly class where we enjoy Email [email protected] to find out which recorded stage performances of Kabuki and other class fits your needs. forms of Japanese theater. Kabuki is a classical Instructor: GenRyu Arts Taiko Japanese dance-drama theater form known for Contact GenRyu Arts at [email protected] the stylization of its drama, live music and sound for days, times and rates effects, and for the elaborate make-up worn by the performers. Minyo/Hauta/Shamisen Coordinator: Mark Frey, Sponsored by the Learn to improve your voice, tone and projection Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni through Minyo (traditional folk singing) and Association of Northern California (JETAANC) Hauta (singing with elements of popular and Kabuki Club light music) or learn to play the traditional When: Second Tuesday of each month, Japanese Shamisen (three-stringed traditional 6:30-8:30 p.m. instrument). Participants can engage with Cost: Free. Donations encouraged! singing, playing or participate in both. Contact the Programs Department at programsevents@ Mah Jongg Our Nikkei Youth Rae is back to support our jcccnc.org to schedule a lesson. Engage in social activity and develop creative year-round youth programming efforts! Help Instructor: Hideko Nakajima strategy skills by playing this popular Chinese tile us empower our community youth through a When: Second and fourth Sundays, individual game. If you would like to learn how to play rae ticket purchase. Tickets are $100 for 18, lessons between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mandarin style Mah Jongg, classes will begin when Cost: $40 M | $50 NM monthly $70 for 12, $35 for 6 or $7 each. Tickets may be we have four players. Sign up at the Center’s front purchased over the phone or at the Center. o–ce and indicate if you would like to attend either Tickets can also be reserved online at bit.ly/ Ukulele: Advanced a Tuesday, Thursday or both classes You will be youthrae2019. All rae proceeds support This class is for experienced Ukulele players that contacted by the Mah Jongg coordinator when we focuses primarily on Hawaiian song traditions, as have at least four students enrolled. Invite your the presentation of traditional and modern well as chords and rhythmic strumming friends! Japanese cultural activities and opportunities techniques. for youth to participate in and be a part of Instructor: Don Sadler Coordinator: Yone Higashigawa and Nancy our community. Youth power our community. When: Thursdays 6:30 7:30 p.m. Nakai They are the key to a future with cultural and Cost: $60 M | $80 NM monthly When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-4 p.m. historical preservation, and providing access $21 M | $25 NM drop-in Cost: $2 M | $3 NM drop-in to the skills and educational and recreational opportunities to learn and grow to support Ukulele: Intermediate SPORTS our community for decades to come. The Designed for ukulele players who have prior Nikkei Youth Rae drawing will be held at experience. This class will focus on learning and Community Volleyball our 27th Annual Kodomo no Hi (Children’s reviewing chords, as well as songs and strum- Day) Festival, a free, fun and cultural celebra- ming patterns. New students with no prior Create a team for your non-profit/service/ tion open to the public in Japantown Peace experience should participate in the Ukulele 101 interest organization and join us for a volleyball workshop held twice a year to cover basics such league filled with fun, food and friends! Each Plaza on May 4, 2019. The grand prize for this as tuning, basic chords and techniques. team must consist of either board/staff year’s rae is two roundtrip Hawaiian Airlines members or volunteers within your organization. Instructor: Don Sadler tickets from the Bay Area to Hawaii donated Please contact the Programs Department at When: Saturdays, 11 a.m.- by Hawaiian Airlines. Restrictions apply. Win- [email protected] if interested in 12:30 p.m. ner need not be present to win. Please help forming a team. Cost: $60 M | $80 NM monthly us empower over 3,500 community youth! When: Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m. $21 M | $25 NM drop-in Cost: $45 M | $55 NM per season

SOCIAL 30 and Over Basketball Sign up for the Center's Monday Night (draft) sponsored by Bambi League. Participate in games that are competi- Find a social network for you and your young one tive but friendly! See our website for league information.

Spring 2019 15 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

books with a third on the way in Fall 2019! Friday, May 10 | 6– 9 p.m. Upcoming Fall Workshops Instructor: Sonoko Sakai $55 M | $65 NM Below are some of our exciting upcoming workshops. For more information Register: http://bit.ly/sonokocurry about our workshops or ongoing classes, please contact the Center’s Programs Department at [email protected] or call us at (415) 567-5505.

Creative Tech Workshop: Introduction to Robotics Our Creative Tech instructor Charles Brandt will get you started on the fascinating world of robotics! The workshop will include a basic April Nabe Night cluding new menu items peanut butter mochi and strawberry Nutella mochi! kit including an Arduino processor, basic supporting the 2019 Saturday, April 27 | 1– 4 p.m. sensors and motors to produce a functional, COPANI XX Conference $55 M | $65 NM moving robot. Additional instruction will be provided on programming basic func- Enjoy a fun and delicious nabe (Japanese Register: http://bit.ly/dessertmochiapril2019 tions your robot. This workshop is suitable hotpot) dinner while supporting the Center for children ages 10 and up, and also for and our community partner for April, the adults who are curious to start tinker- 2019 COPANI XX Conference! The COPANI ing as well. We hope our Introduction to Conference is an international conference Robotics workshop opens up a whole new of the international Japanese commu- world of creativity and ingenuity for you. nity that happens every two years, draw- ing attendees from Japanese American and Sunday, May 19 | 1– 4 p.m. Japanese Latin American communities from Instructor: Charles Brandt countries including Canada, Mexico, Peru, $55 M | $65 NM Brazil, and more! This year’s conference will Register by Monday, April 22: be held in San Francisco from September http://bit.ly/introtorobotics 20-22. For more information on the CO- PANI conference, visit www.copani.org May Community Kitchen If you have a community group, class or team Join in on the fun and great food at our for which you’d like to set up a Nabe Night quarterly Community Kitchen nights, where fundraiser, please contact Programs Man- we prepare and share a communal dinner ager Haruka Roudebush at hroudebush@ Cooking with Sonoko Sakai: of Japanese and Japanese American fam- jcccnc.org. We’d love to work with you! Japanese Curry from Scratch ily recipes! Our dinners are a great way of Friday, April 26 | 6:30–9 p.m. connecting with folks from multiple gen- $25 General | $15 for Children 10 and under In her next cooking workshop at the Center, LA-based food writer Sonoko Sakai will show erations in the community while passing Register: http://bit.ly/nabenightapril2019 you how to make curry from scratch, using down cultural knowledge through food. fresh whole spices and seeds. Participants will Beverages are BYOB, so bring something to Dessert Mochi Workshop make their own spice blends and make a curry share! The menu for May’s event is in the works from our Community Kitchen volun- with Kaori Becker brick that is free of artificial preservatives or food coloring. Workshop participants will teer committee, and will be posted to the Local chef Kaori Becker of Kaori’s Kitchen then make a chicken and vegetable curry over Center’s website as the date approaches. returns to the Center for another one of sprouted brown rice and home made Fuku- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30–9 p.m. her popular dessert mochi workshops! jinzuke tsukemono relish – pickles of the sev- $16 M | $20 NM Learn how to make delightful assort- en lucky gods. Don’t miss your chance to cook Register: http://bit.ly/communitykitchen ment of mochi treats from scratch, in- with Sonoko, who has published two cook- may2019

16 Spring 2019 OUR DONORS

PLATINUM CRANE $5,000+ Anonymous Ishizaki Family Trust Ms. Barbara Nagareda The Ray and Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation Frederick and Joan Nicolas Mr. Kiyoshi Sakakura Mr. Kelly and Mrs. Joanne Tsudama Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Annabelle Yasuda GOLD CRANE $1,000–$4,999 Ms. Mutsuko Arima 45th Anniversary Dr. James and Mrs. Cynthia Hayashi Mr. Garrett M. Hisatake and Ms. Phuong Bui Support Drive Donors Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Cynthia Hiura Dr. Mikiko Huang and We would like to extend a special thank you to our 45th Anniversary Mr. Marshall Stoller ear nd upport rive onors Forty-five years ago, the vision for the Mr. Greg Ishizaki Center was born and it was a historic new beginning for Japantown, Ms. Janis Ito one full of hopes and dreams for the future of our community. Mrs. Naoko Ito The Honorable Patricia Ito Throughout the years, donors like you have helped us touch and Ms. Gail Keikoan change the lives of five generations The enter was built with Mr. Gary and Mrs. Barbara Kitagawa individual donations from our community of both small and large Mr. Bernie and Mrs. Ginger Lee amounts which have allowed us to make a dream come true. continued on page 18

Donations received from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 are listed below.

r Happy Tappers: Tomoye Takahashi, Chiyo Wada and Mori Hama, circa 1992 r Madame Michiya Hanayagi with one of her young students, circa 2000

Spring 2019 17 OUR DONORS

Our Donors continued from page 17

Ms. Rochelle Lum Mr. Kaz Maniwa and Ms. Masako Fukunaga Mr. Colbert and Mrs. Gail Matsumoto Mr. Bradley Menda Mr. Kaz and Mrs. Cindy Nakamoto Ms. Janet Ninomiya Ms. Kay Nomura Mrs. Mickie Ochi Mr. Allen and Mrs. Patricia Okamoto Mr. Paul Osaki Ms. Marilyn C. Oshiro r Line Dancing, circa 1990's Mr. Robert and Dr. Alicia Sakai Dr. Dale Shimasaki on behalf of Strategic Education Services, Inc. Mrs. Lorraine Suzuki Ms. Matty Taga-Allen Mrs. Violet Tanaka Dr. Reiko True Mr. John and Mrs. Marge Tsukamoto Mr. Eugene Van Dyk Dr. David Walton and Ms. Machiko Nakatani Mr. Robert Yamabe

SILVER CRANE r Chair Aerobics: Amey Aizawa and Sumi Honnami $500–$999 Mr. Kazuo Abey Mr. Myron Okada and Ms. Lynne Ogawa EMERALD CRANE Ms. Joyce Ashizawa-Yee and Mr. Van Okamura and $250–$499 Mr. Bradley Yee Ms. Glynis Nakahara Ms. Keiko Akashi Ms. Sherilyn Chew and Ms. Teresa Ono Mr. Nelson Dong and Ms. Diane Y. Wong Mr. Peti Arunamata Mr. William and Mrs. Louise Osada Mr. Don and Mrs. Christina Hirose Mr. Donald Douglas and Mrs. Sally Osaki Mr. Kenneth and Mrs. Yoshiko Ho Ms. Tomoko Nakamura Fortune Mr. Paul Sakai and Ms. Carol Edmiston Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye Mrs. Kazue Ihara Ms. Kinko Sakamoto Mr. Edward and Mrs. Cynthia Ishizaki Mr. Charles Kagay and Ms. Teresa Serata Mr. Gerald and Mrs. Gayling Sakuyama Ms. Christine R. Iwanaga Mr. Hiroshi and Mrs. Sadako Kashiwagi Mr. George and Mrs. Doris Sasaki Ms. Hope Kamimoto Mrs. Mitsuko Kawashiri Ms. Yasuyo Satoh Mrs. Kikue Kiyasu Mr. Keith and Mrs. Priscilla Kojimoto Mr. Randy and Mrs. Linda Shigio Dr. Robert Kiyomura Mr. Hitoshi and Mrs. Joan Matsukuma Ms. Yone Shintaku Ms. Kuniye Koga Mr. Neal Miura Mrs. Elena Takahashi Mr. Tosh Mitsuda Dr. Gary and Mrs. Lisa Mizono Mr. Kyle Tatsumoto and Ms. Julie Nishihara Mr. Robert and Mrs. Marisa Mizono Ms. Carole Hayashino Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Anita Nunotani Reverend Roger and Mr. Scott Tomioka and Ms. Irene Szeto Mr. Michael Okagaki and Mrs. Christine Morimoto Mr. Yoshimitsu and Ms. Takeko Toya Ms. Wendy S. Hanamura Mrs. Shirley Murakami Mr. Keith and Mrs. Pam Uyeda Mr. Nick Plezbert and Ms. Mary Ann Ring Mr. Bobby Nakata Mr. Dick and Mrs. Elaine Yamamoto

18 Spring 2019 OUR DONORS

Mr. Don and Mrs. Ada Sadler Mr. Henry and Mrs. Adelina Serata Ms. Lisa K. Shigematsu Mrs. Rosemary Shigematsu Ms. Lia Shigemura and Ms. Helen Zia Mr. George Shimizu Dr. Dennis and Mrs. Wendy Shinbori Ms. Midori Tabata and Mr. Charles M. Ingram Mr. Russell B. and Mrs. Linda Takei Mr. Ko and Mrs. Hisako Takemoto Mr. Ben and Mrs. Fumiko Takeshita Mr. Edward and Mrs. Estelle Tomoda Mrs. Yae Tondo* Mr. Yoshimitsu and Mrs. Takeko Toya

Ms. Patricia Unterman and r PaulOsaki (right), Center's Executive Director receiving a donation to support the Center's efforts tohelp citizens Mr. Tim Savinar during the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe Japan Mrs. Joan Vellutini-Martino Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Hatsy Yasukochi Mr. Jason Yasumoto Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Candace Yee

RUBY CRANE $100–$249 Ms. Karen Aizawa Mrs. Sumiko Akashi Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Akiko Arikawa Mrs. Jane Babicz Mr. Harold Chan Ms. Stella Chu Ms. Eleanor Dong Mr. William J. Edick and Ms. Pamela Burns Ms. Nancy Fee Mr. Lucky Fung Mr. Shig Furuta

Mr. Steven and Mrs. Mae Gotanda r Team of non governmental workers from Tohoku Japan who were sponsored by the Center in 2011 to learn about Ms. Dolly S. Hamamoto emergency relief and rebuilding efforts. Ms. Amy Hanamoto Mr. John and Mrs. Geraldine Handa Mr. Lewis Kawahara and Mr. John and Mrs. Shirley Lui Mr. Roy D. Hardy Ms. Akiko Takeshita Mr. Frank and Mrs. Yoko Lum Mr. Richard and Mrs. Ruby Hata Mr. Thomas Kawakami Mr. Scott and Mrs. Kimberly Mamiya Mrs. Mary K. Hidekawa Ms. Kay Kim Ms. Grace Marselis Mrs. Lynn Higa Mr. Russell and Mrs. Harumi Kishida Mr. Kazuo Maruoka Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Valerie Hironaka Ms. Kikuko Koba Mr. Greg Matoba and Dr. John and Mrs. Ema Hiura Ms. Kathy Kojimoto Ms. May Tsang-Matoba Mr. Roy and Mrs. Georgette Imura Mr. Thomas and Mrs. June Konno Ms. Sandi Matoba Mrs. Akiko Kagami Mr. Aki and Mrs. Michiko Kuramoto Ms. Helen Matoi Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Mimi Kagehiro Ms. Yaeko and Ms. Hiroko Kuwatani Ms. Diane Matsuda Ms. Kathleen Kamei Mr. Warren and Mrs. Ellen Lew Mrs. June Matsueda Mr. Gary and Mrs. Sharon Kato Ms. Nina Lowe Mr. Chester and Mrs. Nanako Matsuoka continued on page 20

Spring 2019 19 Our Donors continued from page 19

Mr. Jeffrey Matsuoka and Ms. Akemi Takagi Mr. Mark and Mrs. Lisa Melnick Mr. Philip and Mrs. Ella Miyamoto Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Patricia Mizuiri Ms. Haruko Nagaishi Ms. Claudine Naganuma and Mr. Joel Davel Mr. Kiyoshi and Mrs. Tazuko Naito Mrs. Nanami Naito Mrs. Emiko Nakahiro Mr. Hiroshi and Mrs. Joyce Nakai Mr. Michael and Mrs. Megumi Nakamura Mr. Curtis and Mrs. Jackie Nakano r Volunteer Ken Maeshiro conducting a docent storytelling session for Childrens' Day, circa 2010 Mr. Nobuo Nishi and Ms. Linda Omori Mr. Robert and Mrs. Delphine Obana Mr. Kaz and Mrs. Michi Takata Mr. Jon and Mrs. Shelley Hatakeyama Mr. Somao Ochi Mrs. Mineko Takata Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Clarice Hoy Ms. Harua Oda Mrs. Akiko Takeuchi Mr. Gaku Ito and Ms. Aya Ino Dr. Linda Kunie Oda and Mr. Greg Oda Mrs. Betty M. Tanaka Ms. Katherine Kato Mr. Scott and Mrs. Amanda Okamoto Dr. T. Miriam Tani Ms. Jessica Kawamura Mr. Ricky and Mrs. Glenda Okamura Mr. Kenji and Mrs. Mary Tomita Mr. Rob and Mrs. Nancy A. Okano Mr. Will and Mrs. Myrna Tsukamoto Mrs. Grace Ann Selim Kawamura Ms. Thelma Ong Mrs. Tokiko Ushijima Ms. Kyoko Keenon Ms. Patricia Y. Orr Ms. Patricia K. Wada Mr. Dave and Mrs. Patricia Martinelli Mr. Jon and Mrs. Julie Osaki Mr. Frederick M. Weissberg Ms. Lori Matoba and Mr. Jeff Wun Mr. John S. Ota and Ms. Mari Matsumoto Mr. Milton K. Wong and Mrs. Masako Koga Murakami Mr. Randal and Mrs. Laura Otsuki Ms. Dianne K. Furuya-Wong Mr. Robert and Mrs. Lynne Myers Mrs. Yaeko Ozaki Mr. Tim and Mrs. Jo Ann O. Wong Ms. Haruko Nakamoto Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Kaeko Park-Li Mr. Kenneth and Mrs. Nancy Y. Woo Mr. Hiroshi Oishi Mr. Hiroshi Sakamoto Mr. Kenneth Wu Mr. Raymon Oliver Mr. Randall Sakamoto Mr. William and Mrs. Irene Wu Mr. Gary Sada Mr. Sam Sato Mr. Kahn Yamada Dr. Fumio Shibata Ms. Joyce Satow Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Anna Yamaguchi Mr. Steven and Mrs. Marice Shiozaki Mr. Sim and Mrs. Tsuyako Seiki Ms. Wendi Yamanaka Ms. Mae Takeda Mrs. Harumi Serata Mr. Gary Yano and Mr. Jimmie H. Takeuchi Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Mary Shek Ms. Akemi Kikumura-Yano Mr. Kenji Tamaoki and Ms. Linda Yeung Mr. Gary Shimasaki Mr. Toby and Mrs. Tomo Yeh Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Etsuko Tani Mrs. Mary Shin Mr. James Yonemoto Mr. Robert T. Tucker and Mr. Takeo Shirasawa Ms. Tasha Yorozu Ms. Keija Kimura Mr. Edward and Mrs. Elaine Slintak Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Caroline Wong Mr. Glenn Smith and Ms. Yuko Terasawa DONORS *denotes deceased Mr. Gary and Mrs. Carolyn Soto $1–$99 Stewart Family Mr. Yoshihiro and Mrs. Fumie Aoyama Every effort is made to include all 45th Mr. Tom and Mrs. June Sugihara Mr. Mike Bickley Anniversary Donors through January Mr. Lawrence Sugimoto Ms. Lisa C. Eng-Beeman 2019. If a name has been inadvertently Mr. Kirk and Mrs. Flora Sujishi Ms. Michiko Fu omitted, please let us know at (415) 567- Mr. Ted and Mrs. Ann Suyeyasu Ms. Kiki Hamada 5505 or email [email protected] Mr. Kenneth Takahashi

20 Spring 2019 OUR DONORS

KOICHI AND TAKAO ISHIZAKI, YAMATO FLIGHT KITCHEN 45th Anniversary Mr. Edward and Mrs. Cynthia Ishizaki, $250 Tribute Donors PETER ITO For the past forty-five years, special people have helped to make the Ms. Janis Ito, $500 vision of the Center become a reality. Our donors, our members, our Mrs. Naoko Ito, $500 The Honorable Patricia Ito, $200 volunteers and our program participants have made the Center a special place in their own way. HISASHI JAMES KAGAMI Mrs. Akiko Kagami, $100 To celebrate our forty-fifth anniversary, we encouraged donors to make SAKAE KAWASHIRI a donation in memory or in honor of someone special in their life: a Mrs. Mitsuko Kawashiri, $500 grandparent, parent, spouse, family member or friend. Special people HISAKO KIMURA like you helped to make the Center what it is today. We thank you for Mr. Robert T. Tucker and Ms. Keija remembering and honoring those extraordinary individuals who have Kimura, $50 helped to make your lives and our community exceptional.

Donations received from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 are listed below.

IN MEMORY OF JEAN ABEY Mr. Kazuo Abey, $500 HATSURO AND AMEY AIZAWA Ms. Nancy Fee, $60 Y.J. AKASHI Mrs. Sumiko Akashi, $100 MINORU AND CHIZUKO ARIKAWA PETER AND MARGARET KITAGAWA Mr. George and Mrs. Doris Sasaki, $500 Mr. Gary and Mrs. Barbara Kitagawa, $1,000 ROY Y. AND FUMI ASHIZAWA YO HIRONAKA Ms. Joyce Ashizawa-Yee and MITS AND SADAME KOJIMOTO Ms. Marilyn Oshiro, $1,500 Ms. Kathy Kojimoto, $100 Mr. Bradley Yee, $500 Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Valerie Hironaka, SEAN DONAHOE $100 NELLIE KONO Mrs. Lynn Higa, $50 Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Mary Shek, $50 JOSEPH AND ELIZABETH FEE GEORGE KUSABA Ms. Nancy Fee, $60 Mr. Will and Mrs. Myrna Tsukamoto, $50 TERRIE FURUTA ALICE LAHL Mrs. Jane Babicz, $100 Mr. Henry and Mrs. Adelina Serata, $100 BOB HAMAGUCHI AL AND SHIGE MAMIYA Mr. Mike Bickley, $50 Mr. Scott and Mrs. Kimberly Mamiya, $200 KEN HIGA TONY MATSUDA Mrs. Lynn Higa, $150 Mrs. Yae Tondo*, $100 Mr. Gary and Mrs. Sharon Kato, $50 MICHIKO HORIO CAROLYN MITSUDA Ms. Janet Ninomiya, $1,000 Mr. Tosh Mitsuda, $250

continued on page 22

Spring 2019 21 OUR DONORS

TETS OKANO NORMAN TAKAHASHI Tribute Donors Mrs. Nancy Okano, $100 Mr. Toby and Mrs. Tomo Yeh, $100 continued from page 21 SHIGEKO OMORI Mr. Paul Osaki, $50 BABE AND MARY MORINO Mr. Nobuo Nishi and Ms. Linda Omori, KATSUTO AND BESSIE TAKEI Mr. Kaz and Mrs. Cindy Nakamoto, $500 $100 Mr. Russell and Mrs. Linda Takei, $350 STANLEY KAZUMI ONO MINORU TAKEUCHI Ms. Teresa Ono, $100 Mrs. Akiko Takeuchi, $100 DAVID TAMBARA Ms. Nina Lowe, $100 MITZIE TARVER Mr. Milton K. Wong and Ms. Dianne Furuya-Wong, $50 CANDY TOM Ms. Eleanor Dong, $150 Ms. Rochelle Lum, $100 JOE TONDO MARY MORINO Mrs. Yae Tondo*, $100 Ms. Marilyn Oshiro, $1,500 Mr. Gary and Mrs. Sharon Kato, $50 TOKUO MURAKAMI TAKEO BABE UTSUMI Mrs. Shirley Murakami, $500 WAYNE OSAKI Mr. George Shimizu, $250 SUE NAKAHARA Mrs. Sally Osaki, $500 YORI WADA Mr. Will and Mrs. Myrna Tsukamoto, $50 Mr. Paul Osaki for Terry, $200 Mr. Will and Mrs. Myrna Tsukamoto, $50 Mr. Kazuo Maruoka, $100 DONALD NAKAHATA Mr. Will and Mrs. Myrna Tsukamoto, $50 STAN OZAKI Mrs. Yaeko Ozaki, $200 JITSUZO AND FUSAYE NAKAMOTO Mr. Kaz and Mrs. Cindy Nakamoto, $500 BETTY OZAWA Mr. Kazuo Maruoka, $100 BARON AND ALICE NISHIHARA Ms. Julie Nishihara, $250 KATHY REYES Ms. Patricia K. Wada, $150 RICHARD YOSHIO NISHIHARA Mr. Shig Furuta, $100 YONE SATODA Mr. Don and Mrs. Christina Hirose, $250 WALLACE AND ALBERT AND EVELYN WONG KATHERINE NUNOTANI ARTHUR UNCLE YOICHI SERATA Mr. Bernie and Mrs. Ginger Lee, $1,000 Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Anita Nunotani, $250 Mr. Charles Kagay and Ms. Teresa Serata, $250 FLO YAMADA MAY OCHI Mr. Kahn Yamada, $100 Mr. Somao Ochi, $100 WALTER UNCLE KENBO SERATA Mr. Charles Kagay and Ms. Teresa Serata, Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Mary Shek, $50 JEAN F. OGI $250 TIO YAMAMOTO Mrs. Joan Vellutini-Martino, $250 Mr. Paul Osaki, $50 Mrs. Masako Koga Murakami, $25 Mr. Dave and Mrs. Patricia Martinelli, $50 Mr. Raymon Oliver, $50 ROY SHIGEMATSU HISASHI JAY YAMAMURA Ms. Kiki Hamada, $25 Ms. Lisa Shigematsu, $300 Mr. Hiroshi and Mrs. Joyce Nakai, $100 Mrs. Rosemary Shigematsu, $300 JAYNE KAZUKO OKA HOEY NOBORU AND Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Akiko Arikawa, $100 HARRY KATSUMICHI SHIN DOROTHY YAMANAKA Mrs. Mary Shin, $100 Ms. Wendi Yamanaka, $100 THOMAS SHIRO OKAGAKI Mr. Michael Okagaki and FRANK SHINTAKU MARY YONEMOTO Ms. Wendy S. Hanamura, $300 Ms. Yone Shintaku, $500 Mr. James Yonemoto, $100

22 Spring 2019 OUR DONORS

The Honorable Patricia Ito, $500 TERESA ONO CHRISTINE R. IWANAGA Ms. Janis Ito, $100 Ms. Sherilyn Chew and Mr. Peti HANA OSAKI Arinamata, $500 Ms. Diane Matsuda, $33 JCCCNC STAFF Mr. Paul Osaki, $250 Ms. Janis Ito, $200 The Honorable Patricia Ito, $100 ALICE AND MAS KAWAHATSU Ms. Mikiko Huang and Mr. Marshal Stoller, $500 AL KITASHIMA YONEO BO YOSHIMURA Mr. Warren and Mrs. Ellen Lew, $100 Mrs. Naoko Ito, $500 DONNA KOTAKE Ms. Janis Ito, $200 Ms. Janis Ito, $100 Ms. Patricia Ito, $100 DONNA KOTAKE AND EDDIE WONG Ms. Teresa Ono, $100 IN HONOR OF LORI MATOBA PAUL OSAKI SHERILYN CHEW AND Ms. Janis Ito, $100 Mr. Kenneth and Mrs. Yoshiko Ho, $300 PETI ARUNAMATA Mr. Ricky and Mrs. Glenda Okamura, Mr. Nelson Dong and Ms. Christine R. Iwanaga, $250 $100 Ms. Diane Y. Wong, $250 MARJORIE FLETCHER DIANE MATSUDA Ms. Janis Ito, $100 Dr. Linda Kunie Oda and Mr. Greg Oda, Ms. Lia Shigemura and Ms. Helen Zia, Mr. Gary Yano and $200 $250 Ms. Akemi Kikumura-Yano, $100 Ms. Janis Ito, $100 Ms. Teresa Ono, $50 Mr. Michael and Mrs. Megumi Nakamura, The Honorable Patricia Ito, $100 $50 NORIKO MATSUDA TH Mr. Michael and Mrs. Megumi Nakamura, Ms. Teresa Ono, $50 BIRTHDAY $50 Mr. Aki and Mrs. Michiko Kuramoto, $100 SALLY OSAKI STUART GWYNN AND Mr. Kaz and Mrs. Michi Takata, $100 Mr. Paul Osaki, $250 HILLARY NAKANO Mrs. Mineko Takata, $100 HARUKA ROUDEBUSH Stewart Family, $100 Mrs. Yae Tondo*, $100 Ms. Jessica Kawamura, $30 TSUYU HIURA* Mr. Paul Osaki, $50 Ms. Lori Matoba and Mr. Jeff Wun, $30 SF ARDENETTE’S TH Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Cynthia Hiura, $1,000 ANNIVERSARY RYOZEN MATSUDA Mr. Randal and Mrs. Laura Otsuki, $200 Ms. Diane Matsuda, $34 Mr. Paul Osaki, $1 KYLE TATSUMOTO AND CAROLE HAYASHINO ALICE MORIGUCHI Ms. Teresa Ono, $100 Ms. Mikiko Huang and Mr. Marshall Stoller, $500 JARED WONG Mr. Milton K. Wong and FRED NICHOLAS Ms. Dianne K. Furuya-Wong, $100 Mr. Paul Osaki, $100 TED YAMASAKI NEMO OKADA Ms. Janis Ito, $100 Ms. Diane Matsuda, $33 TED YAMASAKI AND BRIAN BUDDS GLENDA OKAMURA AND HER Ms. Teresa Ono, $100 NAOKO ITO RETIREMENT Ms. Janis Ito, $500 Mr. Tom and Mrs. June Sugihara, $100 *denotes deceased

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