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JASC Origami-Folding Workshop - June 30
Tanabata Children's Festival - July 7
Smyl Fitness Presentation - July 9
Japan Fest - July 11 & 12
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Santa Ono Immigration Story & Fireside Chat
Postponed Until Further Notice
We regret to announce that this event has been postponed due to unforeseen family circumstances affecting our speaker.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. All registered attendees will receive a full refund.
We hope to reschedule this program at a future date and will share updates as they become available.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
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Congratulations 2026 Scholarship Recipients!
At this year’s Annual Members Meeting, JASC proudly announced and celebrated five scholarship recipients pursuing studies across a diverse range of fields. These students exemplify academic achievement, community involvement, and future leadership. We are delighted to invest in their continued education and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years ahead.
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New Origami-Folding Workshop at JASC!
Tuesday, 6/30 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM
5700 N. Lincoln Ave | Lower Level Activity Room
This beautiful collaborative art initiative is a joint effort launched by the Japanese Culture Center and the Osaka Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, and the JASC is incredibly proud to be a partner.
Our community has set a big goal: we want to fold over 1,000 origami cranes to contribute to this project. But to get there, we need your hands and your heart!
We invite you (and the youth in your life!) to join us for a fun, hands-on volunteering event at JASC!
This event is free to attend and origami paper will be provided. No registration required, just walk in!
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Join Our July Cooking Class!
Experience the ultimate Japanese summer tradition with a Summer Chilled Noodle Party!
Join us for a lively, refreshing culinary class that is the perfect summer activity to share with family and friends.
In this hands-on class, we’ll master the art of a classic Somen party! Together, we will learn to prepare ice-cold wheat noodles and an array of colorful, healthy toppings—including tender steamed chicken and crisp seasonal vegetables—finished with a refreshing lemon jelly for dessert.
Special Summer Highlight: We will also have a pair of Nagashi Somen (sliding noodle) machines on hand!
While we will plate and enjoy our main meals at the table, everyone will get a chance to try the fun, unique experience of catching flowing noodles.
It’s a hands-on, deeply satisfying, and beautifully vibrant way to beat the heat. Spaces are limited, so gather your favorite people and secure your spot today.
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Tanabata Children's Festival
July 7 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Join us for Tanabata, Japan's traditional summer Star Festival celebrating the annual meeting of two stars in the night sky!
This is a fun family night filled with traditional Japanese festival games and activities! Bring the whole family out to share wishes, enjoy delicious treats, and make wonderful summer memories together!
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Interested in interning or volunteering with JASC?
We’re currently seeking additional support across a few areas and would love your help spreading the word. If you—or someone you know—are interested in getting involved, we’d be grateful for your connection!
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Join Our Team!
We are looking for a Social Services Coordinator to join our team.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@jasc-chicago.org.
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Brain Health Presentation & Fitness Demonstration | July 9
Discover the connection between exercise and brain health with an interactive presentation and fitness demonstration led by Smyl Fitness Rx. Learn simple chair-based exercises that support strength, mobility, memory, and cognitive wellness, and receive an optional fall-risk screening with personalized recommendations.
Hosted by JASC, the Alzheimer's Association, Smyl Fitness Rx, and the Japanese Mutual Aid Society. Thursday, July 9, 6:00–7:00 PM at JASC. Register online or call 800-272-3900.
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Last Week of Tampopo Summer Session!
Finally, we've come to the point where there is only one class left—our final class on June 27!
In our last class, we will celebrate Tanabata (the Star Festival), which is observed on July 7 in Japan.
Please join us for our final class of the season.
If you are unable to attend, we hope you will come back and celebrate Tanabata with us at the special family event we have planned for children and their families.
Naomi Negi / Tampopo Kai
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Japanese Conversation Table
Thursday, July 9, 2026
7月の日本語お話会は7月9日（木）
です
開催日：7月9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, July 9, 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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Defining Courage Tickets On Sale July 1st!
Please email info@jasc-chicago.org if you are interested in sponsoring or would like additional information.
Tickets go on sale July 1, 2026
Visit the Defining Courage website to learn more about this project and sign up for their newsletter to receive announcements on ticket sales!
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Join us for the next Nihongo Table!
The next Meet-up will be on July 16, 2026!
If you have any questions, please 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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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.
Click below to learn more about the project and how to participate!
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Kristen Hayashi, Collections Manager at the Japanese American National Museum, is giving a virtual talk about photos—and the history—of Manzanar. 2pm EST on Tuesday, June 30. Click below for further information and how to register. | This year's Japan Fest needs volunteers! If you or someone you know is interested, please sign up via the link below: | |
Ginza Fest needs your help! Use the Ginza Volunteer Portal to learn about and sign up for a role in Ginza 2026.
Via the portal, you can sign up for any of the jobs during Ginza (Aug 7-8-9) and please consider signing up for Setup (Aug 1) and Cleanup (Aug 10). Click the link below to get started. Thank you!
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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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3rd Annual Toyoakimoto Recital
Saturday, June 27th | AIRMW | 1:00--2:00PM
4875 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, USA
AIRMW is delighted to present the third annual Toyoakimoto recital featuring current students:
Yuko Mitani, Ayako Shallow, Ian Taura, John Hamamoto, Ross Matsuda, Carol Baba, Lori Ashikawa, Anabel Hirano (Vocals),Yoshinojo Fujima (Rika Lin), Ikunojo Fujima (Yumi Nang) (dance), Toyoaki Sanjuro (Tatsu Aoki), Toyoaki Umeshi (Kiku Taura) and
Toyoaki Toho (Miyumi Aoki)
Free admission
For questions email: info@airmw.org
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