Warm up this December with a packed first week of events, opportunities and updates. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Japantown Task Force
Japantown Cultural District Logo

As winter descends, our event calendar remains full of exciting opportunities, including a calligraphy workshop, sake tasting, and the anticipated Godzilla exhibition! Don't miss signing up to watch unique performances, a teaching webinar, a woodcarving workshop, and checking an important update on the CalFresh GiveCards.

冬の訪れとともに、私たちのイベントカレンダーは、書道ワークショップ、日本酒テイスティング、そして待望のゴジラ展など、引き続き魅力的なイベントでいっぱいです!そしてユニークなパフォーマンス、教育ウェビナー、木彫りワークショップへのサインアップや、CalFresh GiveCards。

 

Japantown Cultural District Events!
ジャパンタウン文化地区イベント!

Poster promoting the latest winter calligraphy workshop at the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center.  This time we're making small unique holiday cards!

12/6 —**THIS Saturday** Winter Calligraphy Holiday Card
This Saturday, create your own unique and beautiful holiday card for your friends, family, pets, or even just for yourself. Sign up here.

12/6(今週の土曜日)冬の書道: ホリデーカード作成
今週の土曜日、ご友人、ご家族、ペット、あるいはご自身のためだけに、ユニークで美しいホリデーカードを作りましょう。お申し込みはこちらから。

 
Photo collage of the TennaBear mascot costume, 4 different types of gift sets available for purchase at the Visitor Center, and a photo of Mizue (JTF's mid-career intern) showing the prize wheel.

**Volunteers WANTED** TennaBear Actors and Visitor Center Gift Sets
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 2025 and January 3, 4, 2026
Interested in being a mascot for a day? Now is your chance to help bring our own TennaBear to life! Actors will be on a 20-minute rotating shift to allow for breaks and will receive a $25 gift certificate for the Visitor Center! Click here for more details and to sign up.
Spend $75 and get one spin on the prize wheel! Everyone wins a TenaBear original item, and the promotion runs through January 4, 2026 Stop by the Visitor Center for more details.

ボランティア募集 テナベア(TennaBear)着ぐるみアクターとビジターセンター・ギフトセット
日程: 2025年12月6日、7日、13日、14日、20日、21日、27日、28日、および 2026年1月3日、4日

一日マスコットになってみませんか?今こそ、私たちのオリジナルキャラクター、**テナベア(TennaBear)**に命を吹き込むチャンスです!

アクターには休憩を挟むための20分交代制シフトに入っていただき、ビジターセンターで使える25ドルのギフト券を差し上げます!詳細およびお申し込みはこちらをクリックしてください。

$75 のお買い上げでガラガラスピンが1回!もれなく当たるテナベアオリジナルグッズのプレゼントも 来年1月4日まで継続中!詳しくはビジターセンターまでお越しください。

 
Small photo collage featuring the poster for JTF/JCD's new Sake Tasting Experience December 13 and 14.  Photos are of Mizue (JTF's mid-career intern), and of a bunch of the free "I love Jtown" cups that come with the sake tasting experience.

12/13 & 12/14— **Saturday & Sunday** Sake Tasting Experience
Enjoy our latest sake tasting experience in the Visitor Center. Taste three different sakes in your own "I Love Jtown" cup and try fair trade, gluten-free Tcho chocolate specially paired with the sake. Tickets are $25 plus Eventbrite fees. Sign up here.

12/13・12/14(土・日)日本酒テイスティング体験
ビジターセンターで最新の日本酒テイスティング体験をお楽しみください。ご自身の「I Love Jtown」カップで3種類の日本酒を味わい、その日本酒に合わせて特別にペアリングされたフェアトレードでグルテンフリーのTchoチョコレートもお試しいただけます。チケットは25ドル(別途Eventbriteの手数料がかかります)。お申し込みはこちらから。

 

SAVE THE DATE! 予定を確保!

A photo promoting the 12/18 event by the APICC and Asian Improv aRts.  Hear about a Japanese immigrant family's experience of survival and making a home in the US.

12/18—History, Memory, Circumstance — A Japanese American Story, LIVE Performance
Presented by the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center and Asian Improv aRts. Hear about a Japanese immigrant family's experience of survival and making a home in the U.S. at the non-profit performance space Clarion in San Francisco Chinatown. Tickets are selling out fast! Buy them here.

12/18 — 歴史、記憶、境遇 — 日系アメリカ人の物語(パフォーマンス)
Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center と Asian Improv aRts の提供でお届けします。サンフランシスコ・チャイナタウンにある非営利のパフォーマンススペース Clarion にて、ある日系移民家族が米国で生き残り、故郷を築いた経験についてお聞きいただけます。チケットは飛ぶように売れています!ご購入はこちらから。

 

THIS WEEK! 今週のイベント!

Image is a drawing of Godzilla in anime style featuring four different events happening during the next two upcoming weekends.  Events include: Godzilla Through Our Eyes (Exhibit in NEW PEOPLE), Movie  "Shin Godzilla", Exhibit, and stamp rally.

12/6 & 12/7, 12/13 & 12/14 —**Saturday & Sunday** Godzilla’s Seven Decades
The Japantown Community Benefit District invites you to celebrate Godzilla’s Seven Decades, featuring exhibits, a movie screening of "Shin Godzilla," and a stamp rally! Click here for more details.

12/6・12/7, 12/13・12/14(土・日)ゴジラ七十年祭 (Godzilla’s Seven Decades)
ジャパンタウン・コミュニティ・ベネフィット・ディストリクトは、展示会、「シン・ゴジラ」の映画上映、そしてスタンプラリーを特徴とするゴジラ七十年祭へのご参加を皆様にご招待します!詳細はこちらをご覧ください。

 
Poster promoting meeting the creator of "Land", Kazumi Yamashita.  Ticketed book signing and only available at Kinokuniya SF.

12/7—**Sunday** Author Book Signing
Kinokuniya SF invites you to meet the acclaimed creator of "Land" and "Wonder Boy," Kazumi Yamashita. Tickets are available while supplies last. Purchase your tickets at Kinokuniya SF. For more information, click here.

12/7(日)作家サイン会
紀伊國屋書店サンフランシスコ店は、『ランド』と『ワンダーボーイ』で高い評価を得ている作家、山下和美氏をお招きし、サイン会を開催します。チケットは在庫がなくなり次第終了となります。チケットは紀伊國屋書店サンフランシスコ店にてご購入ください。詳細についてはこちらをクリックしてください。

 

OTHER EVENTS THIS WEEK!
今週のその他のイベント!

  • Wed, 12/3, 6-8 pm: Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California Year-End Networking Party @ The Biltmore Apartments, Cupertino

  • Fri, 12/5, 6-9 pm: Kabuki Fried Chicken x Moët Christmas Dinner @ Hotel Kabuki 

  • Sat, 12/6, 10 am-12N: JCBD Japantown Community Clean-Up @ Osaka Way

  • Sat, 12/6, 2-3 pm: Shimenawa Workshop @ JCCCNC

  • Sat, 12/6, 2-4 pm: Kimbell Community Garden Volunteering @ Kimbell Park Lawn 

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7, 10-11:30 am: Knife Crafting Workshop @ SF76

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7, 10-11:30 am: Handrolled Sushi Workshop @ SF76

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7, 10 am-6 pm: Japan Center East Malls Dragon Ball Z Voice Actor Event @ Japan Center East Mall, 1st Floor

  • Sat, 12/6 & 12/13, 11 am-12N: Dr. Jay Lai, Ukelele Lounge Workshop @ SF Go Club Space, Japan Center EAST Mall, 2F

  • Sun, 12/7, 3-7 pm: Community Kitchen — Sukiyaki@ JCCCNC

 

NEXT WEEK! 来週のイベント!

Image for the webinar "Pathways to becoming a Japanese Language Educator" featuring speaker who are all ex-JET program participants all in teaching now.

12/9 —**Tuesday** Webinar: Pathways to Becoming a Japanese Language Educator
Sign up here if you are interested in learning about transitioning to teaching Japanese as a non-native speaker with the US JET Alumni Association.
https://www.usjetaa.org/news/japanese-language-educator-12-2025

12/9(火)ウェビナー:日本語教師への道
US JET Alumni Association(アメリカJETプログラム同窓会)と一緒に、非ネイティブスピーカーが日本語教師になる方法について学ぶことにご興味があれば、こちらからお申し込みください。
https://www.usjetaa.org/news/japanese-language-educator-12-2025

 
Image of an older Japanese man with a table full of intricately carved wooden sculptures that are usually featured above door frames in Japanese houses.

12/12 —**Friday** Inami Woodcarving: Japan’s 250-Year Tradition of Wood Sculpture
Join the Japan Society of Northern California at KOHO for this unique opportunity to learn about one of Japan's traditional art forms. Sign up here.

12/12(金)井波彫刻:日本の250年の伝統を誇る木彫り芸術

日本文化協会(Japan Society of Northern California)と一緒にKOHOにて、日本の伝統的な芸術形式の一つである井波(いなみ)彫刻について学べるユニークな機会です。ぜひご参加ください。お申し込みはこちらから。

 

COMMUNITY CORNER!
コミュニティコーナー!

CalFresh Logo with the word "update" featured in the top left corner, prefacing the updated information about the GiveCards.

**Announcement** CalFresh GiveCards
From the SF Human Services Agency Department of Disability and Aging Services:

  • Redemption Deadline: 12/31/2025

  • Card Balance Available Until: 3/31/2026

  • Help Unlocking Cards: Call HSA at (855)355-5757

  • Reminder: GiveCards do not affect CalFresh benefits for any month

お知らせ CalFresh GiveCards(ギブカード)について
サンフランシスコ ヒューマン・サービス・エージェンシー 障害者・高齢者サービス局より:

  • 引き換え期限: 2025年12月31日

  • カード残高の利用期限: 2026年3月31日まで利用可能です。

  • カードのロック解除に関するヘルプ: HSA(福祉局)(855)355-5757 までお電話ください。

  • リマインダー:GiveCardsは、どの月のCalFresh給付にも影響しません。

 
The last two days for the Grocery Pop-up Program BFRESH hosted by the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center.

BFRESH Grocery Pop-up Program **Final Days, 12/2 and 12/9**
Booker T. Washington has announced the BFRESH Grocery Pop-up Program. Many thanks to our friends at the Japantown Community Benefits Program for forwarding the information. See details in the flyer.

BFRESH グローサリー・ポップアップ・プログラム 最終日、12/2と12/9
Booker T. Washington(ブッカー・T・ワシントン)が BFRESH グローサリー・ポップアップ・プログラムの開始を発表しました。この情報を共有してくださったジャパンタウン・コミュニティ・ベネフィット・プログラムのご友人たちに深く感謝いたします。詳細はチラシをご覧ください。

 

UPCOMING JTF MEETINGS
今後のJTF会議予定

JTF Meetings are free, open to the public. Check the JTF website for meeting agendas. All meetings are hosted via Zoom unless otherwise noted.

今後のジャパンタウンタスクフォース会議(無料、一般公開)。会議の議題については、JTFのウェブサイトをご確認ください. 特に記載がない場合、会議はすべてZoomで行われます。

DECEMBER

  • 6-8 pm, Tues, 12/9 or Thurs 12/11, Land Use & Transportation Committee (check JTF website for updated date)

  • 6-8 pm, Wed, 12/17, Full Board of Directors Meeting (hybrid format)

The following committees will not meet in December: Cultural Heritage & Sustainability, Japan Center Malls Technical, Osaka Way, Peace Plaza.

 

SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
下記のイベントにもぜひご参加ください:

  • Sun, 11/15/25-1/4/26, 12N-5 pm: TennaBear Celebration @Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center

  • Wed, 12/3, 6-8 pm: Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California Year-End Networking Party @ The Biltmore Apartments, Cupertino

  • Fri, 12/5, 6-9 pm: Kabuki Fried Chicken x Moët Christmas Dinner @ Hotel Kabuki 

  • Sat, 12/6 11:30 am - 5 pm Winter Holiday Calligraphy @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center

  • Sat, 12/6, 10 am-12N: JCBD Japantown Community Clean-Up @ Osaka Way

  • Sat, 12/6, 2-3 pm: Shimenawa Workshop @ JCCCNC

  • Sat, 12/6, 2-4 pm: Kimbell Community Garden Volunteering @ Kimbell Park Lawn 

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7, 10-11:30 am: Knife Crafting Workshop @ SF76

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7, 10-11:30 am: Handrolled Sushi Workshop @ SF76

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7, 10 am-6 pm: Japan Center East Malls Dragon Ball Z Voice Actor Event @ Japan Center East Mall, 1st Floor

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7 & 12/13-12/14, 12N-5 pm: JCBD Godzilla Through Our Eyes @ New People, SuperFrog Gallery

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-12/7 & 12/13-12/14, 6:45 pm: JCBD Godzilla Outdoor Movie Night “Shin Godzilla” @ Osaka Way

  • Sat, 12/6 & 12/13, 11 am-12N: Dr. Jay Lai, Ukelele Lounge Workshop @ SF Go Club Space, Japan Center EAST Mall, 2F

  • Sun, 12/7, 3-7 pm: Community Kitchen — Sukiyaki @ JCCCNC

  • Sun, 12/7, 6 pm: Kazumi Yamashita Book Signing @ Kinokuniya SF

  • Tues, 12/9, 4-5:30 pm: USJET Alumni Association Pathways to Becoming a Japanese Language Educator

  • Wed, 12/10, 5-7 pm: Japan Society 2025 Chairman’s Thank You Reception @ Morrison & Foerster Palo Alto

  • Fri, 12/12, 6-9 pm: Holiday Mah Jongg Night @ JCCCNC

  • Fri, 12/12, 5:30-7:30 pm: Japan Society, Inami Woodcarving @ East Mall, San Francisco

  • Fri-Sun, 12/12-12/14: Bay Area Kei and Black Ribbon Ursa Major Elegant Gothic Lolita & J-Fashion Conference @ Kabuki Hotel

  • Sat, 12/13, 1:30-5:15 pm & Sun, 12/14, 1-5 pm: Sake Tasting @Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center

  • Sat, 12/13, 8 am-4 pm: Feeding 5000 @Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness

  • Sat, 12/13, 1-5 pm: Gunplamo (Gunpla Social) @ JCCCNC

  • Sat, 12/13, 4-8 pm: Ursa Major Game Lounge @ KOHO

  • Sat, 12/13, 10 am-4 pm: Kimochi Silver Bells Arts & Crafts & Food Fair @ St. Mary’s Event Center 

  • Sat, 12/13, 5-8 pm: Nakayoshi Bonenkai End-of-Year Party @ Spark Social

  • Sun, 12/14, 11 am, 12N, 1 pm & 2 pm: Hokka Nichibei Kai Shiwasu Tea Ceremony @ Hokka Nichibei Kai

  • Thurs, 12/18 6 pm: Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center and Asian Improv aRts History, Memory, Circumstance – A Japanese American Story @ Clarion Performing Arts Center

  • Fri, 12/19, 5-9 pm: Fillmore Holiday Night Market @ 1330 Fillmore

  • Sat-Sun, 12/20-12/21, 12N-5 pm: Holiday Artists & Makers Marketplace @ KOHO

  • Sat, 12/20, 11 am-5 pm: Mochitsuki Workshop @ JCCCNC

  • Sun, 12/21: Pickup date for New Year Mochi Order @ JCCCNC

  • Sun, 12/28, 9-4 pm: Mochitsuki @ Sokoji Temple

    2026

  • Thurs, 1/8, 5:30 pm: Japantown Foundation Oseichi Ryori New Year’s Fundraiser @ Hotel Kabuki

  • Sat, 1/10: Sogetsu School Ikebana Flower Arranging Workshop @ Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center

  • Sat, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24 & 1/31, 1-3 pm: Kinmon Gakuen Saturday Afternoon Program @ Kinmon Gakuen

  • Sat, 1/17, 4:30 pm reception, 6-9 pm dinner: Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California New Year’s Party @ Westin St. Francis

  • Fri, 1/30, 7 pm: Golden State Warriors Japanese Heritage Night @ Chase Center

  • Fri-Sun, 2/20-2/22: National Veterans Network Opening Weekend “I Am An American” @ Hotel Kabuki, MIS Historic Learning Center, and Palace of Fine Arts

 

Photo credits: JTF staff, official event, organization websites, social media sites.

写真提供:JTFスタッフ、公式イベント、団体ウェブサイト、ソーシャルメディアサイト

 

Japantown Task Force, Inc.
1765 Sutter Street, 3rd floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
USA

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