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Wishing you a joyful Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) on March 3rd, and hoping the year ahead brings continued happiness, good health, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.
Click on graphics below to learn more information
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JASC 2026-2027 Scholarship Applications Now Open!
Deadline to apply is April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
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Join the Chicago Japanese American Council for the first ever Japanese Heritage Game on June 17th!
Buy your seats in our group's block of tickets for a fun night of community celebration!
To ensure your group is seated together, please include all members of your party in a single form submission. We cannot guarantee adjacent seating for separate orders.
This Special Ticket purchased here will include a special-edition Cubs Japanese Heritage Jersey. Jerseys are available in sizes M, XL and XXL.
Last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, March 8th!
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On Tuesday, March 10 at 6:00 PM, JASC will host a special program in partnership with JACL and the Asian American Bar Association. Journalist Adam Schraeger will present a lecture on his book, The Principled Politician, a biography of Colorado Governor Ralph Carr. The book explores Governor Carr’s courageous defense of Japanese American civil rights during World War II—an act of principle that ultimately cost him his political career.
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Hinamatsuri Open House
Thank you so much for the incredible response!
Due to high interest, we have reached our full capacity and registration for the Hinamatsuri Open House is closed.
Note for Walk-ins: While the community is always welcome to stop by, please note that we cannot provide Sakuramochi, Matcha, or Tsurushibina craft materials to walk-in guests.
These supplies are limited to our pre-registered guest count.
However, walk-in guests are still more than welcome to enjoy: The Hina Doll Viewing, Hina Doll Photo Booth, and The Origami Corner!
We look forward to celebrating with everyone soon!
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Join one of our Ikebana classes!
Sign up today to claim your spot in a relaxing, interactive class that will introduce you to the art of Ohara style flower arranging!
No previous experience required!
Beginners are encouraged to join!
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JASC Youth Volunteer Meeting
Calling all youth volunteers! We’re getting together on March 20 to prep, cook, and serve for our upcoming Soup & Rice event.
This time, we’re making delicious Kenchinjiru (Japanese vegetable miso soup) and rice from scratch.
We need your hands and your energy!
- Cooking & Setup Crew: (8 spots available) – Help us prep the ingredients and get the kitchen ready.
- Serving & Cleanup Crew: (6 spots available) – Help serve our guests and keep things tidy.
Please sign up via the button below:
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Join us for Soup & Rice on the 20th!
Proceeds will support Christ Church of Chicago's work assisting those facing food insecurity. Delicious soup made by volunteers, rice made by JASC staff, and a community meal for a good cause. Come in from the cold and enjoy a nice bowl of soup!
Soup chefs and setup volunteers needed! Sign up online by clicking below or contact Jenn at JASC at 773-275-0097, ext. 228 or email her at jtrautetter@jasc-chicago.org See you soon!
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There's still time to buy tickets!
Your ticket includes an inspiring night of great company, meaningful stories, and support for JASC’s vital programs.
General admission: $200
Enhance your evening by entering our Fine Dine Raffle.
All proceeds support JASC programming, social services, and the Legacy Center.
Winners will enjoy dinner for two at one of three outstanding restaurants:
- Sushi by Bou
- Itoko
- Oceanique
$25 for one ticket
$100 for five tickets
Click below to purchase tickets today!
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I have three dedicated assistants at Tampopo Kai.
Sachie comes every week like a soldier, and she is often joined by Gabby—another one of my lifesavers. But when Emma, Sachie’s daughter, is there with us and all three of them are together, I feel like I’ve grown wings—like everything is possible!
I can fly- I can fly!!
At least, that’s how I feel!!
They get the job done and make the program run so efficiently. Not only do they help with the class flow, but they also support me with everything involved in running a children’s program. From JASC’s pop-up events I’m sometimes part of, to future preparation work for different calendar events that will be introduced in class, organizing the children’s library, and getting ready for the special events I’m in charge of—they give me 100% support.
I am forever grateful for the time, energy, and both the mental and physical support they give me.
...So here’s to you, my three angels.
ARIGATO. I love you all!!
-Naomi Negi, Tampopo Kai Coordinator
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Announcing our 2026 New Year Card Contest Winners!
The results are in! We were absolutely blown away by the creativity shown in this year’s New Year Card Contest.
After much deliberation, our judges have selected the top designs across our Teen, Kids, and Adult categories.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped us ring in the Year of the Horse with such style!
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Join us in March for Nihongo Table!
Nihongo Table is JASC’s new monthly Japanese language & culture meetup designed to be low-pressure, social, and fun. Whether you’re learning Japanese, thinking about starting, or simply love Japanese culture, you’re welcome here.
Each session features a theme of the month and may include casual conversation practice, games, crafts, mini cultural activities, and plenty of conversation starters to help everyone feel comfortable. No experience required—just curiosity! Japanese tea and snacks will be provided.
Join us for a relaxed, judgment-free space to practice, connect, and enjoy Japanese culture with others.
The March Meet-up will be on March 19, 2026!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ruby Grillier at rgrillier@jasc-chicago.org
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Japanese Conversation Table:
Thursday, March 12, 2026
3月の日本語お話会は3月12日（木）です
開催日：3月12日
開催時間：午後12:00から2:00まで
参加費：１人/１回10ドル
日本語で交流したい方へのお知らせです。（日本語の会話クラスではありません。）
普段あまりほかの方との交流のない方、一人でお住まいの方、思いっきり日本語でおしゃべりしてみませんか？
楽しい話題や暮らしのアイデアを分け合い、ちょっとした悩みや不安など、皆で話し合えば解決法がでてくるかも知れません。いろいろなことを日本語で話し合い、英語社会で溜まったストレスを解消しましょう。
このプログラムに興味のある方、参加したいと思われる方は、Eメールで川口ケイclasses@jasc-chicago.org とルビー・グリリエー rgrillier@jasc-chicago.org
または電話：773-275-0097内線226, までご連絡ください。
Calling all native Japanese speakers to our monthly gathering of fellowship and connection with other native Japanese speakers! Please note this is not a Japanese language class but rather a time for fellowship while speaking in fluent Japanese.
Date: Thursday, March 12, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Cost: $10 per person, per session
Location: JASC 5700 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60659
JASC's Conversation Table welcomes everyone to share their experiences, ideas, and stories through social interaction and offers an opportunity to expand their social networks with others in the local community.
If you know someone who would like to participate, please contact Kay Kawaguchi by email at classes@jasc-chicago.org or call her at 773-275-0097 x 226 and leave a message to RSVP. Kay can answer any questions about the program in Japanese or in English. You may also reach out to Ruby Grillier at rgrillier@jasc-chicago.org
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We are excited to host our second Repair Day next month!
In collaboration with CapTel Captioned Telephone, Geo Allen Shoes & CGM, and Mark Drug Medical Supply, JASC is hosting its second Repair Day in the lower level of the building.
All are welcome to bring their wheelchair, cane, or walker in for a free inspection and on-site repair to help improve quality of everyday life. Registration is not required - just simply walk in and get a number!
Parking: Guests may park at the St. Padre Pio School (5600 N Fairfield Ave) parking lot (off of California Ave.)
If you require special assistance, limited parking at JASC's lot is available.
Please enter through JASC's side door entrance off of the parking lot.
Thank you to the Japanese Mutual Aid Society for sponsoring this incredible program!
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JASC’s Adult Day Services provides older adults with a safe, engaging environment that supports their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through customized care plans and daily activities like art, music, and dance. Located at 5700 N. Lincoln Ave., our program also offers respite for family caregivers and the added support of two on-staff Registered Nurses.
Interested in Adult Day Services?
For more information, you can contact us:
We urge prospective clients and their families to tour our new facility on 5700 N Lincoln Ave and check out this wonderful program.
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JASC Partners with the Field Museum for Shared Stories, Shared Future: An Educator Symposium on AANHPI Histories
This event celebrates the culmination of a three-year journey exploring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) histories and stories through education, community partnerships, and museum learning.
The event will feature a screening of Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America, a film by JJML Productions, followed by a panel discussion with educators and young advocates who helped champion the TEAACH Act in Illinois. Breakout sessions, cultural activation stations, and cultural performances to follow. Field Museum Connections: AANHPI stories and the TEAACH Act programming is made possible with the generous support of the Cyrus Tang Foundation.
Event details:
May 1 - May 2, 2026
May 1 - Reception at JASC from 5:30-7:30 pm
May 2 - Full Symposium at Field Museum from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Early Bird Ticket Rate (Now through 3/31): $75
Regular Rate (4/1-4/30): $100
We encourage all educators to attend this special symposium to learn more about how to implement AANHPI histories in your curriculum!
This symposium consists of two days.
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The Chicago Northside Origami Group, together with OrigamiUSA, will be holding
an origami convention March 6-8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Magnificent Mile.
Please join us for a fantastic weekend of folding fun! Open to all origami
enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Details here:
https://origamiusa.org/cocon2026
Questions? Contact June Yamasaki at june.yamasaki@gmail.com
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Scholarship Applications Open | Due 11:59PM March 1st
Learn more: https://jaclchicago.org/programs/scholarship-program/
The Chicago Chapter of JACL offers scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000+ to undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to JACL’s mission. Scholarships are awarded based on an applicant’s understanding of and alignment with JACL’s mission, as well as academic performance and extracurricular involvement. Scholarships are open to all, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Previous JACL Chicago scholarship winners applying for a second award must demonstrate sustained engagement with JACL. Funding for scholarships is provided by generous donations from JACL Chicago members and the greater Chicago Japanese American community.
All application materials are due by email to scholarships@jaclchicago.org by 11:59 PM Central time on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Awards will be distributed at the annual Scholarship Luncheon on Sunday, May 17, 2026. For more information and application materials, please click the button below.
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Intergenerational Conversations: Ripples of the Past
Saturday, March 14th | 2-5pm Midwest Buddhist Temple 435 W. Menomonee St. Chicago, IL 60614
RSVP using this link by 11:59pm March 3rd: https://bit.ly/IntergenConvosRSVP
Intergenerational Conversations: Ripples of the Past is a JACL Chicago and Nikkei Uprising program that brings Chicago-area Nikkei (people of Japanese ancestry) together to connect and process the trauma of WWII forced displacement and incarceration through personal story sharing. It was created to address the community’s need for spaces to reflect on, and heal from, the generational impact of mass incarceration. We are also looking for facilitators to help us lead small groups. Facilitators are required to attend one training and will receive a small stipend. If you are interested in facilitating, please fill out this form: https://bit.ly/IntergenConvoFacilitate
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Kansha Project - Applications Due March 1st
Apply here or use the QR Code above: https://bit.ly/Kansha2026app
The Kansha Project is a JACL Chicago program founded in 2011 that connects self-identified Japanese Americans, ages 18-25, from the Midwest to their identity, history and community.
Participants engage in an in-depth examination of the WWII confinement site experience through an immersive educational trip to Los Angeles historic Little Tokyo neighborhood and Manzanar National Historic Site. Through workshops with local experts and community activists, historical tours, and group reflections, participants work to interpret and promote the stories, lessons and the legacy of the Japanese American confinement site experience.
Follow us on Instagram @kanshaproject
For more information, visit https://jaclchicago.org/programs/kansha-project
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Emma Wilkinson is a PhD student at Northwestern University who is working with Dr. Annette D'Onofrio to research Chicago-based JAs and their sociolinguistic contexts.Please consider helping her with her research!
If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please fill out the survey linked here or navigate to the following url: https://tinyurl.com/nikkeilang . It will ask for some demographic information to check study qualifications and will also ask for your availability. The interview typically takes about an hour to an hour and half. Please also let me know if you would like more information about the project, or if you have any questions.
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