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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260412T170000
DTSTAMP:20260510T032153
CREATED:20260326T015111Z
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UID:10000675-1775905200-1776013200@www.usajapan.org
SUMMARY:2026 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
DESCRIPTION:Join the Japan Society at the 2026 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival! \nThis year the Japan Society will have a booth at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday\, April 11th and Sunday\, April 12th from 11AM – 5PM (PDT) on both days. The festival will be held on Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets. There will be food booths\, cultural performances\, martial arts\, live bands\, the annual Queen Program\, and more! \nTo make this year a success\, we need your help! Please join us in-person to pass out cute stickers and flyers\, promote our newsletter\, enjoy the lively atmosphere\, and mingle with festival goers. This is a perfect opportunity to meet up with other Japan Society members and see the Cherry Blossom Festival together! \nIf you have any questions\, please send them to deidre@usajapan.org\nJapan Society prefers volunteers work a 3 hour shift\, at minimum.
URL:https://www.usajapan.org/event/2026-northern-california-cherry-blossom-festival/
LOCATION:Japantown\, Post and Buchanan\, San Francisco\, CA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.usajapan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Northern-California-Cherry-Blossom-Festival.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Japan Society of Northern California":MAILTO:jsnc@usajapan.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T164500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T181500
DTSTAMP:20260510T032153
CREATED:20260325T010309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T014412Z
UID:10000674-1776185100-1776190500@www.usajapan.org
SUMMARY:Annual General Members Meeting & The World of Kokuho: A Kabuki Theatre Primer and Live Dance Demonstration\, Ume Nakamura
DESCRIPTION:*Hybrid program. Professional Nihonbuyo dancer Ume Nakamura will only appear online! Kabuki program contents will start from 5:10 PM PT / 9:10 AM JT \nIt is that time of the year again — our Annual General Members Meeting! Join us for a special opportunity to network with other members\, hear JSNC’s highlights from the past year\, and discover what cools things the Society has planned for you in 2026. \nThe highlight of this year’s AGMM is a unique and engaging program that brings the world of kabuki to life through the lens of the film Kokuho. Whether you’ve seen the film or not—whether you are a longtime kabuki enthusiast or completely new to the art—this hybrid event invites everyone to discover\, learn\, and experience together. \nAt the heart of the program is acclaimed Nihonbuyo dancer Ume Nakamura\, who offers both live performance and insider insight drawn from her professional training and experience. Through two dance excerpts inspired by Kokuho\, accompanied by real-time English commentary\, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the nuance and storytelling behind each movement\, alongside candid reflections on the film and an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of kabuki.
URL:https://www.usajapan.org/event/2026-agmm-world-of-kokuho-kabuki/
LOCATION:Morrison & Foerster\, LLP\, 425 Market Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94105\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts & Culture,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.usajapan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kabuki-Graphic-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Japan Society of Northern California":MAILTO:jsnc@usajapan.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260415T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260415T193000
DTSTAMP:20260510T032153
CREATED:20260331T004351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T212520Z
UID:10000676-1776276000-1776281400@www.usajapan.org
SUMMARY:Summer 2026 Open House – Virtual
DESCRIPTION:This event will NOT be recorded.\n \nPlease join us to learn more about the Japan Society of Northern California’s Japanese Language Program! \nOur language coordinator will be available to answer questions about Japanese classes and registration\, and you will also be able to sign up for a free language assessment check with some of our qualified teachers to assist in proper class placement. \n*Please note that language assessments are on a first come\, first serve basis
URL:https://www.usajapan.org/event/summer-2026-open-house-virtual/
LOCATION:https://www.usajapan.org/event/summer-2026-open-house-virtual/
CATEGORIES:Community,Language
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.usajapan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Japan Society of Northern California":MAILTO:jsnc@usajapan.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260420T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260420T200000
DTSTAMP:20260510T032153
CREATED:20260303T224511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T005044Z
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SUMMARY:*SOLD OUT* Natto Cooking Workshop
DESCRIPTION:*Tickets are now sold out for this event. \nCome join us for a class on natto\, a traditional Japanese fermented superfood known for its health benefits. You will learn how to make batches of it in your own home\, and taste various ways to eat it. Cooking demonstrations will also be done to showcase natto as an ingredient in several dishes. You will go home with dried soybeans specific for natto\, a starter to get you going\, and the knowledge to start your own natto habit and fuel a long\, healthy life. \nPlease bring a beverage of your choice to refresh your palate between tastings and also let Sachi know ahead of the class if you have any food allergies. Soy\, gluten and egg will be served\, but accommodations can be made.
URL:https://www.usajapan.org/event/natto-cooking-workshop/
LOCATION:Bernal Cutlery\, 766 Valencia St.\, San Francisco\, CA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts & Culture
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260510T032153
CREATED:20260322T011723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T233910Z
UID:10000672-1777201200-1777222800@www.usajapan.org
SUMMARY:Japanese Women in Fermentation: Sake\, Wine & Beer Tasting + Live Taiko
DESCRIPTION:*We invite you for this special event in cooperation with Sequoia Sake Company! \n*Sequoia Sake is happy to extend a 10% discount on any sake purchases during the event to Society members! \nTaste sake\, wine\, and beer crafted by Japanese women producers in Northern California\, with otsumami\, a panel discussion\, and live Taiko. \n\n\n\n\nA Historic First: Three Japanese Women\, Three Crafts\, One Afternoon\nFor the first time in the Bay Area\, three Japanese women masters of fermentation are coming together to host a collaborative celebration of craft. This is an incredibly rare opportunity to meet the women behind the labels of local sake\, wine\, and beer in a single\, intimate setting. \nNote on Attendance: To maintain the intimacy of the panel discussion and the quality of the tasting experience\, this is a very small event and seats are strictly limited. We recommend securing your tickets early for this one-of-a-kind gathering. \nAbout the Event\nThis guided tasting experience brings together sake\, wine\, and beer crafted by Japanese women working across the region. Guests will taste a wide range of sake\, wine\, and beer while hearing directly from the producers about fermentation traditions\, craft techniques\, and the stories behind each beverage. \nThroughout the event\, guests will enjoy 3–6 curated samples each of sake\, wine\, and beer\, accompanied by Japanese small bites (otsumami) designed to complement the tasting. \nThe afternoon will also feature a panel discussion with the three producers\, where they will share their experiences making alcoholic beverages in California as Japanese women—discussing challenges\, rewards\, and the paths that led them into fermentation. Guests are warmly invited to participate with questions during the conversation. \nAs a cultural highlight\, the event will also include a live Taiko drum performance\, bringing the powerful rhythm and spirit of traditional Japanese drumming to the gathering. \nMeet the Producers\nNoriko Kamei | Co-Founder & Brewer\, Sequoia Sake Company\nOur host for the afternoon\, Noriko\, transitioned from a career in IT to become a pioneer of the craft sake movement in San Francisco. Driven by a passion for fresh\, unpasteurized Nama sake\, she leads Sequoia Sake’s koji production with meticulous care. Using organic California rice and Yosemite watershed water\, Noriko’s sakes have earned prestigious recognition both locally and in Japan\, proving that world-class sake can have deep roots in the Bay Area. \nSonoe Hirabayashi | Owner & Winemaker\, Six Cloves Wines\nBorn in Nagano\, Japan\, Sonoe’s heritage is steeped in the “kura” (brewery) tradition. Her family has produced miso\, soy sauce\, and sake for generations\, giving her an intuitive connection to the living arts of fermentation. With a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis\, Sonoe founded Six Cloves Wines to bridge Japanese precision with the premier terroir of Sonoma County. She is also a dedicated Taiko performer\, bringing the same rhythmic discipline to her winemaking that she brings to the drum. \nNaoko Haruyama | Food Scientist & Brewer\, Barebottle Brewing Co.\nBringing both academic rigor and artisanal soul to the group\, Naoko holds an M.S. in Food Science from Kyushu University and is a graduate of the renowned UC Davis Master Brewers program. Her deep expertise in the microbiology of yeast allows her to innovate within the Bay Area brewing scene\, crafting beers that reflect a sophisticated balance of scientific excellence and Japanese aesthetic. \nFood Pairing\nJapanese small bites (otsumami) will be prepared by Mariko Grady of\nAedan Fermented Foods\, featuring thoughtfully fermented ingredients that pair beautifully with the beverages. \nThe Performance: Heartbeat of the Island\nThe afternoon will be energized by live Taiko performances representing the preservation of Japanese heritage: \n\nMiyake Daiko originates from the traditional festival music “Miyakejima Kamitsuki Mikoshi Daiko” of Miyake Island. Under the guidance of our sensei (instructors)—the Tsumura family of the Miyakejima Geinou Doushikai—this original festival music was dynamically arranged for the stage. The Miyake rhythm is deceptively simple\, yet highly physically demanding. Bay Area Miyake is a dedicated group composed of Miyake Daiko enthusiasts from across the region.\nHachijo Daiko by Hideaki & Hitomi : North Bay’s favorite taiko couple\, Hitomi and Hideaki\, share the improvisational spirit of Hachijo Daiko. After meeting in NYC and joining the historic group So-Daiko\, they have become pillars of the international taiko community\, sharing the unique\, two-sided drumming style that captures the spirit of Hachijo Island.\n\nTwo live Taiko performances will take place outside the brewery: \n1:00 PM\n3:00 PM \nEach performance lasts approximately 10 minutes. Guests attending any of the tasting sessions will be able to step outside to enjoy the performance either before or after their tasting experience. \nAdditional Information\n• This event is 21+ only\n• General Admission is $65 + Eventbrite Fees (Total: $71.21)
URL:https://www.usajapan.org/event/japanese-women-in-fermentation/
LOCATION:Sequoia Sake Company\, 50 Apparel Way\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94124\, United States
CATEGORIES:Arts & Culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.usajapan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screen-Shot-2026-03-21-at-6.01.41-PM.png
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