Happy Holidays and New Year! On behalf of the JASC Board and Staff, we wish you peace, happiness, and good health throughout the Year of the Dragon.



Thank you for being a part of the Japanese American Service Committee family. We look forward to 2024, which will be a milestone year for JASC as we move into our forever home and continue making a positive impact on our community, ensuring that our culture and heritage thrive for generations to come.

It’s not too late to contribute to our 2023 Holiday Appeal. To make a direct impact on the lives of those we serve, donate today.

Click to learn more about our holiday appeal and read reflections from our CEO Mike Takada.

Contact Deborah Schwan at (312) 613-1799 for further information on donating. 

Donguri Kai New Year's Special Event Online Tonight  

Tonight only - Let's Learn about Japanese "New Year's Traditions"

8:00pm CST via Zoom on Dec. 28, 2023

This online special event will introduce the varied New Year’s traditions (正月行事) celebrated in Japan. Program in English is open to all ages but please register to secure your spot.

For more details and to register, click here.

Cozy up to Japanese language lessons this winter!

Donguri Kai is JASC’s online and in-person Japanese language program for children in kindergarten through middle school. 2024 Winter session goes for 10 weeks, starting the week of January 8th, 2024.  Sign up today!

Level 1: New Students - Mondays, 4:15 pm - 5:00 pm 3 spots left

Level 1: Returning Students - Tuesdays, 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm 2 spots left

Level 1: In -person - Saturdays, 9:30 am - 10:15 am 3 spots left

Level 2: Wednesdays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm, or 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm Filling fast – a few spots left

Level 3：Tuesdays, 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm 1 spot left

Level 4：Thursdays, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Full – sign up for a waitlist



Register online by clicking here. Class schedule and information online by clicking here.

Stop by JASC before we move out of our Clark Street location! Discounted office furniture, homeware, books, & Asian collectibles will be available for purchase.

Days & Times:

Friday, January 12th 10am - 4pm

Saturday, January 13th 9am - 12pm

Questions? Contact operations@jasc-chicago.org, 773-275-0097 x225

2024 New Year’s Kids Camp

Monday, January 15, 2024

9:00am - 1:00pm @ JASC

1st - 8th grade & High School students

JASC Members: $40

Non-Members: $45

Lunch is included. After camp care is available till 3pm.

For more information, visit JASC Kids Day Camp https://tinyurl.com/jascdaycamp

Start 2024 off with a cozy evening at the January Soup & Rice on the 19^th. Proceeds will support the Ravenswood Community Services’ work assisting those facing food insecurity. Delicious soup made by volunteers, rice made by JASC staff, and a community meal for a good cause. What a great way to start the New Year!

Soup makers and setup volunteers sign up online by clicking here or contact Jenn at JASC at 773-275-0097, ext. 228 or email her at jtrautvetter@jasc-chicago.org See you next year!

Learn Japanese in the new year at the JASC! Join an ongoing class or the Adult advanced conversation class and the Beginner for Youth class start new sessions in January. Classes are offered at all levels in both online and in-person formats. Take a trial class at no cost. For full details click here. Kay Kawaguchi can help determine the best class for you or answer any questions. Reach her at the JASC office, (773) 275-0097, ext. 226, or by email classes@jasc-chicago.org.

Applications for JASC Scholarships for the 2024-25 Academic Year are now available! Click here for details, guidelines, and the application form. Applications are due by 5 pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Legacy Center Service Changes

Due to JASC’s planned move and upcoming staffing changes, the JASC Legacy Center is temporarily suspending all public services. This means that until further notice, we are unable to provide any of the following:

• Reference service
• Research appointments
• Reproduction services
• Programming and outreach
• Donation consultations

This service disruption is necessary in order for Legacy Center staff to prepare the collections to be moved as safely as possible. Service will resume and new donations will be accepted as soon as the move has been completed and new staff have been hired. At present, there is no exact date for re-opening.

During this period, we recommend consulting our wealth of digital resources and the recommended resources list on our new website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience!