August is a time for reflection, matcha, soul music, activism, and pilgrimage planning!

From the Nichi Bei News: “To commemorate the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, the first nuclear destruction of a civilian population in the world, the Nichi Bei Foundation and Friends of Hibakusha will present A Remembrance for Peace: Commemorating Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, 5:30 p.m., at the Konko Church of San Francisco, 1909 Bush Street in San Francisco’s Japantown. This free program, held in collaboration with the Japanese American Religious Federation of San Francisco, will also be accessible virtually on the Nichi Bei Foundation Facebook channel (www.facebook.com/nichibei/) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/NichiBeiFoundation). For those attending in-person at the Konko Church of San Francisco, there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to participate in the Litany for Water Ceremony.”

From the Japantown Community Benefit District: “Omotesenke Domonkai in partnership with the Hotel Kabuki will hold an intimate chanoyu tea tasting event on Sunday, Aug 13 from 2-4 pm on the Garden Level. Omotesenke is one of the main schools of Japanese tea ceremony. Their mission is to educate and provide exhibition on the traditional Japanese culture, in particular the ancient art of tea ceremony. Participants will be able to get a basic introduction to Japanese tea ceremony. They’ll learn about the history of tea ceremony, the process of making, tasting and enjoying the tea along with special wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Space is limited to the first 30 registrants. In respect to the tatami floor we ask that you bring clean white socks to put on before you walk onto the tatami.” Fee: $30+small fee. Register here."

From the Nihonmachi Street Fair Committee: “The hope for the Nihonmachi Street Fair’s newest pop up, “Kokoro-Soul” is to fill our heart & soul with awareness and understanding for our brothers and sisters of all communities. At the Saturday, August 19 Pop Up, we’ll bring together performers from Japantown as well as the Western Addition/Fillmore and Latino communities. During the performances you’ll have a chance to hear about the long ties between Japantown and the Western Addition/Fillmore and our musical ties with the Latino community. Experience how communities can come together, Embrace the love that generates through music and performances, Enjoy the voices and sound of our communities.” Entertainment lineup will be posted here.

A message from the Committee Against Nihonmachi Eviction: “CELEBRATE the accomplishments of CANE in the fight against redevelopment in Japantown. LEARN about the past and what's happening in Japantown today. CONNECT with friends, neighbors and those who were part of the CANE legacy.” Sat, Aug 19, 2-5 pm. Doors open at 1:30 pm. The event is FREE but donations gladly accepted. Register here. More info at www.cane50.org

A message from the Crystal City Pilgrimage Committee: “This year’s Pilgrimage theme is “Reaching Across Barbed Wire Fences.” In addition to learning about the unique history and stories of survivors of the Crystal City Internment Camp in Texas, this year’s Pilgrimage will look at the legacy of solidarity and activism between the internees and the present-day Crystal City community. The pilgrimage will feature renaming a street in Crystal City to Calle Aiko y Sachiko (“Aiko and Sachiko Street”), in memory of two Japanese Peruvian girls, Aiko Oyakawa and Sachiko Tanabe. The dear friends tragically drowned in the Crystal City Camp Pool in 1944. They were both 10 years old. A stunning Swimming Pool Memorial Monument will be unveiled at the Crystal City Camp site created by the award-winning Art Director & Designer Kazumu Julio Cesar Naganuma. Kaz is a Japanese Peruvian who was kidnapped with his family and interned in the WWII Crystal City Internment Camp.” Join us on October 26-29, 2023. Details and registration information here.

AUGUST JTF MEETINGS: For agendas and Zoom links, go to the JTF website.　　　

• JTF各委員会の8月定例ミーティングの開催日と時間のお知らせです。議題内容やZoomリンク等は、JTF website からどうぞ。

• Thurs, 8/10/23: Land Use & Transportation Committee

• Wed, 8/16/23: Board of Directors Meeting

• Thurs, 8/22/23: Peace Plaza Committee

Photo credits: Official event, organization websites, social media sites.