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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 us on April 30 for an unforgettable evening!
There’s still time to get your tickets to Cranes & Cocktails!
Support JASC while enjoying an exciting evening of great company, delicious food, a silent auction, and raffle. All event proceeds help support and expand our cultural programming, social services, and the Legacy Center.
Click below to purchase your tickets today!
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Donguri Kai Spring Class Registration Opens Monday, March 16th!
Happy Spring! We are excited to announce that registration for the next session of Donguri Kai classes will open next week!
Visit our website to see what classes are being offered and if you have any questions about your child's level and placement, please contact our Donguri Kai Coordinator Tomoko Hanna at thanna@jasc-chicago.org
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April Kids Cooking Class at JASC
Celebrate the beauty of spring at our Kids’ Ohanami Bento class! Designed for young chefs ages 6–14,
this hand-on session explores the Japanese tradition of "flower viewing" through food.
It’s more than just a cooking lesson - It’s a fun, flavorful journey into Japanese culture!
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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. Let's welcome April together with new blooming masterpieces!
No previous experience required!
Beginners are encouraged to join!
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Our New Spring Session 1 begins on Saturday, March 14!
Registration is now open!
Also starting on Saturday, March 14, we will be offering a 5-session Taiko Workshop Series. We will have Taiko classes on the
following Saturdays:
March 14
March 21
March 28
April 4
April 18
(No Taiko class on April 11.)
Class Times
Early Class: 10:15–10:30 AM
Late Class: 10:35–10:50 AM
The Taiko lessons will be organized and presented by AIRMW Tsukasa Taiko, with instruction by Noriko Sugiyama Sensei.
I hope you are all excited about the Taiko drum classes!
There will be no additional charge for these sessions—they are included in the regular class fees. Depending on which class you usually attend, please be prepared to do either one:
stay a little later for Taiko
or
arrive a little earlier
I will also have the Tampopo Library open all day, so you are welcome to check out or return books at your convenience.
If you have any questions about the Taiko workshop series, please contact me at:
tampopo@jasc-chicago.org
Thank you,
Naomi Negi
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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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April Adult Cooking Class at JASC
Join us for an evening dedicated to Shojin Cuisine, the soulful and healthy "temple food" of Japan.
You’ll enjoy discovering the art of authentic Japanese flavors in a mindful, welcoming environment.
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Join us for the next 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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We are excited to host our second Repair Day!
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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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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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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JASC WISHLIST
Large Print Word Search,
Crosswords, or Puzzle Books
Large Igloo Coolers for festivals
Clear Storage Boxes
Tall Glass Jars (see below)
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Tampopo Kai needs your help!
Please consider donating jars for our preschool craft projects.
We are looking for tall glass jars with an ideal size of 6.5" tall and 3" wide (approx. 17cm x 8cm).
If you eat Costco peaches - that is the perfect sized jar! All tall jars will be accepted as well!
Thank you! If you are able to donate, please contact Naomi Negi at tampopo@jasc-chicago.org
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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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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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The Asian Pop-Up Cinema is returning this season with an exciting lineup of films, including a particularly strong showcase from Japan. This year’s program features nine Japanese films, with several directors joining in person throughout the festival for special introductions and discussions.
The festival will also host several special screenings, including free-admission programs at One Rotary Center in Evanston featuring past Audience Choice Award winners I Am a Monk and Survival Family. Another free screening, The Chatterboxes, will be hosted by Illinois Institute of Technology (RSVP required).
One featured film is THE IMAGINARY DOG AND THE LYING CAT, screening on Saturday, March 21 at 3:00 PM at AMC NEWCITY 14. Adapted from Haruna Terachi’s novel, the film beautifully portrays Japanese culture while exploring the universal theme of family. Spanning 25 years (1988–2013), the story gently and respectfully follows a family’s journey through time, offering a moving reflection on the universal theme of family. The film’s director will also be present in person to introduce the screening.
Visit the Asian Pop-up Cinema's website to view more!
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Takashi Shallow at Elastic Arts
Friday, March 27th | Elastic Arts | 8:30PM
Elastic Arts, 3429 W Diversey Ave #208, Chicago, IL 60647
Takashi Shallow will present an array of recent works stemming from his varied sonic practice including teaching video game music at The University of Chicago, soundtracking a documentary about the ghosts of Portuguese steelworkers in Paris for a Villa Albertine-Fiminco residency, and writing a forthcoming book about DJing in collaboration with Evoke Gallery.
8:30pm Start
Tickets available at the door. $20/ $10 with Student ID
For more information visit Elastic Arts website: https://elasticarts.org/events/takashirecentprojects
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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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