Thank you to all who attended & supported Cranes & Cocktails last week! More than $110,000 was donated this year surpassing last year’s event. The generosity during the paddle raise, silent auction, raffle, as well as from sponsor support and online donations was incredibly inspiring. We will take this renewed energy into our mission to provide high-quality services and programs.



The rain held off and attendees enjoyed the spring weather on the outdoor patio. The evening was a delightful celebration of JASC programs and services. Guests were able to congratulate the five scholarship recipients during the night during a special presentation. 

Congratulations and best wishes to the new JASC Scholarship Winners!

The John (Jun) Iwaoka Scholarship recipients are:

Kanato Foley, a current senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, will attend Florida State University to pursue a BA in Japanese and Business

Aiko Hamamoto, a graduate of Grinnell College, will pursue an MA in Library and Information Sciences at San Jose University.

The Taketo "Tak" tomiyama Scholarship recipients are:

Lisa Doi, a graduate student at Indiana University pursuing her PhD in American Studies

Jeremiah Rejuso, a DePaul University student, is pursuing a BFA in Film and Television

Ema Satsutani, a James B Conant High School student, will attend College of DuPage to pursue a BA Kinesiology/Science before becoming a personal trainer

Click on image to visit the program’s webpage for more details.

Are you an advanced Japanese speaker looking for a way to maintain or refresh your skills? Join the Advanced Conversation Class beginning on Thursday, May 23. Class is online (Zoom) from 6 – 7 pm. All language classes are online via Zoom until we move into the new building.

Kay Kawaguchi can help determine which of our youth or adult classes would be best for you. Reach her at the JASC office, (773) 275-0097, ext. 226, or by email classes@jasc-chicago.org. JASC Language Classes can be joined at any time. Take a trial class at no cost. For full schedules and details click here.

The 2024 Summer session registration is open for Level 1 Online class for Retuning Students and new beginners in grades 3 – 6. Class is in English and includes speaking and learning the alphabet. The class will meet on Tuesdays for 45 minutes starting at 5:30 pm.

Click on image to visit the program’s webpage for more details.

June Japanese Conversation Table – Thursday, June 13, 2024

6月の日本語お話会は6月13日（木）です

開催日：6月13日（普通毎月第２木曜日）

開催時間：午後1:30から3:00まで

参加費：１人/１回5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　または電話：773-275-0097内線226, までご連絡ください。

Do you know a native Japanese speaker who would like to connect and socialize 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: Monthly, second Thursday, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Cost: $5 per person, per session

NEW Location: Ravenswood Fellowship UMC, 4511 N Hermitage Ave

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.

The Board of Directors of the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) has opened a search for the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Later this year, JASC will be fulfilling its long-time dream of moving into a newly renovated building that will create a destination center for the community. JASC’s new home will be in the West Ridge neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois at 5700 N. Lincoln Avenue. 

JASC is seeking a talented executive leader capable of positioning the organization for the future by setting the vision, strategy, and plans; then, engaging people to act and participate. This individual will become a key leader in the community at large, and work with staff, board, funders, and stakeholders across academia, government, private sector, the arts, and other community organizations. To apply or learn more, visit our website: https://jasc-chicago.org/about-us/opportunities/

2024 Community Memorial Day Service

The Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago is pleased to announce that the annual Memorial Day service will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 11:00 am, in the Japanese section of Montrose Cemetery (5400 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago).

Participants will include representatives from area temples, churches, Japanese community organizations, and the Consulate General of Japan. Guests can park their cars inside the cemetery or on the side streets along Bryn Mawr Avenue. Please note that the parking lot directly opposite the cemetery on Bryn Mawr will not be available to those attending.

The Chicago Nisei Post #1183 will hold its special service at the Veterans Monument in Montrose Cemetery at 10:30 am, just before the community service. After the observances at the cemetery, the Post will host a free luncheon at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago (1151 W. Leland Avenue, Chicago).

For further information, please contact Karen Kanemoto (773/907-3002 or

jmaskanemoto@gmail.com).

Until our new building is ready, please note the following updates:

• Our 4427 N. Clark St. office will be closed to the public. JASC staff will be working remotely. To reach us, you can email jascinfo@jasc-chicago.org.
• Our mail will be forwarded to a P.O. Box 25380, Chicago, IL 60625
• For questions about mailing checks & donations, please reach out to development@jasc-chicago.org

For updates on Programming, Adult Day Services, & Legacy Center, please go to our website.

Thank you for your patience and understanding! For any moving questions, please contact operations@jasc-chicago.org.