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Game Day at Gangnam Market - September 26
Echoes of Hiroshima - October 2
Samurai Movie Night - October 3
Crystal City Exhibit Opening Program - October 17
Open House Chicago - October 17-18
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Nihongo Table × Sip & Speak: Language Exchange & Cultural Games
Saturday, September 26 | 3–6 PM
Gangnam Market | 1001 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
JASC’s Nihongo Table is partnering with Sip & Speak for an afternoon of language exchange, cultural games, and community at Gangnam Market!
Stop by the JASC table to play Karuta, Hanafuda, and a Hiragana matching game while practicing Japanese and meeting fellow language and culture enthusiasts. Whether you’re a complete beginner, an experienced language learner, or a native speaker, everyone is welcome!
Come on your own or bring friends, learn something new, and enjoy a relaxed opportunity to practice Japanese and connect with others.
FREE ENTRY (suggested $10 donation)
Donations are optional and help support future Sip & Speak events.
We hope to see you there!
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Echoes of Hiroshima
October 2nd | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Join us at JASC for a special presentation introducing the story of Masakazu Saito, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Through Saito’s personal testimony and watercolor artwork, Echoes of Hiroshima shares his experience of survival and his message of peace, while raising awareness of the lasting impact and dangers of nuclear weapons. The project was developed by Clinton Fairbanks in partnership with Saito to bring his story to a wider audience.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about Saito’s experience through his own words and artwork and reflect on the importance of remembering these histories.
Free to attend. Please RSVP in advance so we can prepare enough seating and space for everyone.
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Samurai Movie Night
Saturday, October 3, 2026
We hope you will join us for the next Samurai Movie Night! Presented in partnership with the Japanese Mutual Aid Society, we will be screening the Seven Samurai (1954) at JASC.
Click below to RSVP.
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JASC is excited to share updates regarding our
growing team!
We are thrilled to introduce Martha as our new Social Services Coordinator! Martha brings a wealth of experience in caregiver and client support. As the Social Service Coordinator, Martha will be supporting our Home Support Services team with administration, compliance, and homemaker support.
Please join us in welcoming Isaac, our new Part-Time Custodian! Isaac is taking on the crucial work of keeping our facilities clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors. We are so grateful to have Isaac, a JET Program Alumni, who has a deep interest in Japanese language, history, and culture.
Many of you already know Jenn Trautvetter as a dedicated member of our team, and we are excited to announce her transition into a new role as Community Outreach Manager! Jenn will now be leading our effort to build strong community partnerships, expand our local engagement, and raise awareness for our programs. Be sure to congratulate Jenn next time you see her!
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Thank You for Celebrating With Us!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our August Block Party! We loved welcoming so many community members to JASC to celebrate this special milestone.
From teriyaki hot dogs and matcha from Matcha Queen to children’s games, popcorn, cotton candy, and more, it was a wonderful afternoon filled with fun and community.
Your support helps make JASC’s social services, cultural programs, and educational opportunities possible throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of our community!
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JASC is hosting an Introductory Japanese calligraphy class on Friday, September 25, 2026.
No previous experience necessary. Students will learn foundational skills in a fun and engaging environment!
Class will be held in JASC's Lower Level Activity Room.
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Youth Volunteers Wanted: Help Us Prepare for Onigiri Action & Open House Chicago!
Calling all young volunteers! JASC's Youth Volunteer Program invites students to join us on Wednesday, October 7, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM as we get ready for our events: Onigiri Action and Open House Chicago.
It's a great chance to give back to the community, meet other students, and learn more about Japanese American culture and history, no experience needed!
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Japanese Conversation Table
Thursday, October 8, 2026
10月の日本語お話会は10月8日（木）
です
開催日：10月8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, October 8, 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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Give your kids a day of energy, culture, and fun!
Join JASC on Monday, October 12 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM) for our Fall Sports Day Camp (Aki no Undokai) for ages 6–14. Campers will form teams for traditional Japanese undokai games and make their own onigiri bento lunch, choosing their favorite side dishes. Special guest Kana Kendziera, a former member of Japan's national volleyball team, will join us to inspire our young athletes. Lunch and snacks are included. Spaces are limited. Sign up today!
10/12（月）秋の運動会キャンプ 参加者募集！
JASCでは「運動会」をテーマにした、楽しいアクティビティが盛りだくさんの秋のデイキャンプを開催します！お昼はおにぎり弁当作り。お子さんが好きなおかずも選べます。楽しく温かい雰囲気の中で、思い出に残る一日を過ごしましょう。さらに、スペシャルゲストとして、元バレーボール日本代表のケンジエラかなさんが来てくださいます！かなさんは、バレーボールを通してシカゴと日本をつなぎ、たくさんの子どもたちに夢と元気を届ける活動をされています。
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Open House Chicago 2026
We’re happy to be participating in Open House Chicago again this year!
Join us on October 17–18 as we welcome visitors to JASC throughout the weekend.
We’re planning a few special events and activities, so stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the weekend. We look forward to seeing you!
We are in need of volunteers! If you or someone you know is available to volunteer at any time during the weekend, please let us know via our sign-up form below.
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JASC is hosting an Opening Program for the traveling exhibit Crystal City: America’s Last WWII Concentration Camp on Saturday, October 17.
Hear personal stories from Crystal City camp survivors and descendants, followed by a screening of the short documentary Then Becoming Now. The program will explore the experiences of incarceration, resilience, and the lasting legacy of Crystal City.
RSVP is required and seating is limited to 100 guests.
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Special Collaboration Menu added!
We added ”Fruits Daifuku" to the next cooking class, which came about through a wonderful collaboration with Yamasho, a local Japanese food wholesaler, who introduced us to Imuraya's delicious daifuku! We're so excited to feature it for the first time in this cooking class, and we look forward to sharing more great products through this partnership in the future.
Everyone loves gyoza, but getting that perfect juicy center and golden-crisp skirt takes practice.
Join our Gyoza Party to master every step from rolling and folding to the perfect sizzle!
Come hungry, leave with a new signature dish to show off at your next gathering!
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敬老の日 (Keiro-no-Hi: Respect for the Elderly Day) was celebrated in Japan last Monday, September 21.
This is a special holiday in Japan to honor and show appreciation for our elderly loved ones.
Last Saturday, Tampopo children learned about and acknowledged this special day. We made sure they reached out to their grandparents—whether they live here in the States, far away in Japan, or anywhere else—and sent them their love.
Open up those tablets and laptops, and do FaceTime, or whatever works! The important thing is to reach out and let Grandma and Grandpa know they are loved.
A personal note from me:
As someone who has lived far away from my loved ones for many years, I’ve always made sure my love was physically delivered—through care packages and handwritten letters.
Back in the day, I would pack up a care package here in the States, write a letter, and send it all the way to Japan. And phone calls? Oh my, they used to be so expensive to make even one call!
Now, thanks to technology, things have changed so much. Phone calls, LINE messages, and FaceTime let me see their faces, hear their voices, and talk to them in real time, even when we are miles apart.
And even sending a care package has changed! Instead of packing everything here and shipping it across the ocean, I can simply get online, shop at a Japanese market, order what I want, and have it delivered straight to their door—all on Japanese time!
We’ve come a long way!!
Keiro-no-Hi may be over, but let me shout it out one more time:
Oji-chan, Oba-chan, Arigato!
Happy Keiro-no-Hi!!
Naomi Negi / Tampopo Kai
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October Nihongo Table
The October meet-up will have a special onigiri-making workshop to support the cause "Onigiri Action,” a World Food Day Campaign!
We will spend our time making onigiri and side dishes to enjoy together in our demo kitchen.
What is Onigiri Action?
Onigiri Action is an annual social good campaign organized by TABLE FOR TWO, connecting a simple photo of a Japanese rice ball with school meal support for children in need. During the campaign, each qualifying onigiri photo shared with #OnigiriAction helps provide five school meals to children in need through TABLE FOR TWO’s partners.
You Can Participate Too!
It’s easy to join! From October 8–November 17, take a photo of an onigiri—whether homemade, store-bought, or creatively made—and share it on social media with #OnigiriAction. You can participate more than once, and there’s no cost to post.
Grab an onigiri, snap a photo, and join us in making a difference, one rice ball at a time!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ruby Grillier at rgrillier@jasc-chicago.org
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Join Our Team!
We are looking for a Director of Development to join our team.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@jasc-chicago.org.
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Join Our Team!
We are looking for Japanese Language Teachers to help us grow the Adult Language Program.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@jasc-chicago.org.
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New JASC Community Spotlight Series
Introducing JASC’s new Community Spotlight series!
We’ll be highlighting the guests and community members who are sharing their passions, doing meaningful work, and making an impact in Chicago and beyond.
Click to read more about Ryosuke Kawamura, a Japanese exchange student from Kyushu University, and his experience at JASC.
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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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Back to School Donuts Social
Thank you so much for joining us at the Donuts Social on September 12th, the first day of in-person classes!
It was a joy to see so many of you there. We celebrated the new school year with Pokémon donuts, and we hope first-time families felt right at home, while returning students enjoyed reconnecting with friends and parents had a chance to catch up with one another. We hope your children had a wonderful time!
Wishing everyone a fantastic school year ahead. We hope your children enjoy studying Japanese through Tampopo Kai and Donguri Kai! Thank you again for being part of our community.
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Cranes for Peace Project
A new project has been launched by the Japanese Culture Center and the Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, and the Japanese American Service Committee is proud to be a partner!
We’re setting a goal to fold over 1,000 origami cranes to contribute to this collaborative art project—and we’re calling on our community to help us reach it.
You can participate by:
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Folding cranes at home (please leave wings up and unfolded for storage)
- Joining upcoming folding workshops at JASC, where we’ll provide the origami paper and guidance
If you’d like to drop off your folded cranes at JASC, please contact Ruby at rgrillier@jasc-chicago.org, and we’ll make sure they are transported to the Japanese Culture Center.
We are proud to announce that thanks to our amazing community, we have collected over 6,000 cranes! Thank you so much for your help!
We are still collecting cranes if you would like to join.
Click below to learn more about the project and how to participate!
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Could You Have Missing Money Waiting for You?
Did you know that 1 in 4 Illinois residents has unclaimed funds waiting for them? The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is currently holding over $5 billion in forgotten cash, stocks, and property. This includes things like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, and life insurance proceeds.
The state's ICash program is a free service dedicated to safety-keeping these assets
until they can be returned to their rightful owners or heirs. The average claim paid out is $1,000—and it costs absolutely nothing to get your money back! For more info visit https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/ or reach out to the office at 800-961-8303.
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HAPPENING AT AIRMW: AMPLIFY!
September 24th, 25th & 26th | AIRMW Cultural Hub | 9:00AM-9:00PM
AIRMW Cultural Hub (4875 N Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60630)
The Music of Asian America Research Center, in partnership with Asian Improv aRts Midwest and Elastic Arts, is pleased to present “AMPLIFY! A Festival of Asian American Music, Sound, and Scholarship 2026.” The festival brings together engaged scholarship and live performance to cultivate a vibrant community of musicians and sustain dialogue across artistic, academic, and public spheres. AMPLIFY! also offers a platform for collaboration, critical inquiry, and creative exchange, centering the rich histories, aesthetics, and politics that define Asian American sound. Together, we aim to elevate marginalized voices, nurture intergenerational mentorship, and build lasting networks that reach beyond the festival. Both participants and audiences will explore pressing questions about cultural memory, migration, solidarity, experimentation, and the evolving landscape of Asian American music-making in Chicago and across the Americas.
RSVP requested.
For a complete schedule and more information visit: https://asianamericanmusic.org/fest2026/
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AIRMW PRESENTS: KURUMA NINGYO PUPPETRY WORKSHOP
Monday, Sept. 21st | AIRMW Cultural Hub | 7:00-8:30PM
AIRMW Cultural Hub (4875 N Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60630)
This 90 minute workshop will introduce the basic elements of the kuruma ningyō (cart puppetry) style, a 160 year old Japanese traditional puppetry technique. Participants will learn basic moves and sequences of this highly expressive one person form.
Suggested donation is $75. Space is limited.
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Koryū Nishikawa V is the fifth generation headmaster of the 165 year-old traditional puppet theatre company, Hachiōji Kuruma Ningyō (cart puppetry theatre of Hachiōji), designated an Intangible Folk Custom Cultural Asset by the Japanese government. This unique solo puppetry form was developed by Koryū Nishikawa the First at the end of the Edo Era (1603-1868). As a child, Koryū Nishikawa V received instruction from his father and grandfather. Hachiōji Kuruma Ningyō has performed in over forty countries, including the Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA) festivals in the Soviet Union, England, Belgium, India, Hungary and France. Koryū Nishikawa V has created two acclaimed collaborations with American puppeteer Tom Lee, Shank’s Mare and Akutagawa, which celebrate the traditional form and push the boundaries of contemporary puppet theater. In 2025, Koryū Nishikawa V was awarded the Heritage Preservation Award by the Union Internationale de la Marionette at Chuncheon Puppet Festival in South Korea.
Tom Lee is a puppet artist, designer and director based in Chicago. He is a student of Japanese master puppeteer Koryū Nishikawa V with whom he created Shank’s Mare (2015) and Akutagawa (2023). Professional performances include War Horse (Broadway), Florencia en el Amazonas & Madama Butterfly (Metropolitan Opera) and The Queen of Spades (Lyric Opera Chicago). Tom recently premiered the puppetry adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness at Chicago Puppet Festival and Mirrored Pool with Eighth Blackbird at Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts, in conjunction with Child of Wood, an exhibit of his puppet work. He is co-director of the Chicago Puppet Studio and Chicago Puppet Lab. www.tomleeprojects.com
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One-Day Beginner Shamisen Workshop
AIRMW Cultural Hub (4875 N Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60630)
$180 / person (workshop fee includes instrument rental) Payment is non-refundable.
A 3 hour one-day beginner workshop intensive in ozashiki style shamisen with Toyoakimoto to learn fundamentals of how to hold and play the Japanese three-stringed lute.
Sunday, October 4th (+ kids)
5:00 - 8pm (adults)
Open to all ages and experiences. Maximum of 5 participants.
Workshop fee includes instrument rental.For questions email: info@airmw.org
REGISTER HERE
Payment due upon registration and nonrefundable*
If you would like to pay via Zelle, please send us an email before
completing the registration form.
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