by Jill Shiraki | Jul 6, 2026 | Classes & Events, Featured
A Plant-Based Diet to Ease the Joints,
a Saturday morning talk
Saturday, August 22, 10-11:30 am
While arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, is the pain and discomfort of inflammation something that we must learn to live with? Is there anything we can do?
Hear from Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University, as she unpacks the science behind arthritis. She explains the key differences between osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear on joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. While there is no cure for arthritis, Dr. Katsumoto reveals why chronic inflammation plays a central role and how the modern diet is making things worse. She is fascinated by the impact of diet and lifestyle on inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Dr. Katsumoto is passionate about the merits of sustainable whole food plant-centered diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation. Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Katsumoto and enjoy healthy light snacks to start your day.
RSVP here for in-person or online.
by Jill Shiraki | Jul 6, 2026 | Classes & Events, Featured
Healthy Aging: Supporting Brain Health in Our Community
Thursday, August 27 2026, 2 pm
Everyone deserves a life with the healthiest brain possible, and we can all take action to help protect our brain health. Supporting Brain Health in Our Community shares important information about brain-healthy actions we should all build into our routines to benefit our brains, including the U.S. POINTER recipe. It’s never too early—or too late—to start prioritizing brain health. This presentation helps everyone understand the science-backed steps we can take to support lifelong brain health.
RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Brain Health” in the subject line.
by Jill Shiraki | Jun 12, 2026 | Classes & Events, Featured
Learn to play Hanafuda
Mondays, 10 – 11:30 (to begin in August, date tbd)
Hanafuda, known as “flower cards” is a form of traditional Japanese playing cards. Hanafuda has a rich history dating back to the HEIAN ERA (794-1185). It has 48 cards divided into 12 months of the Japanese calendar. Each month features a floral theme and symbols proposed by Japanese nature through the seasons of a year.
This beginner’s class will teach Hanafuda with KOIKOI rule, a popular two person player game forming combinations ( yaku) and trying to gain more points than the opponents. Learn the basics of Hanafuda and practice playing together.
RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Hanafuda” in the subject.
by Jill Shiraki | Jun 12, 2026 | Classes & Events
A Beginner’s Clinic: Introduction to Pickleball
Friday, June 26th, 12 to 1:30 pm
Oceanview Pickleball and Tennis Courts, 900 Buchanan, Albany
Curious about pickleball? Join us for a fun and welcoming 90-minute introduction to one of the fastest-growing sports in America. In this beginner-friendly clinic, you’ll learn the basic rules, essential strokes, court positioning, and simple strategies that make the game enjoyable and competitive. By the end of the session, you’ll have a solid understanding of how pickleball is played and the fundamentals needed to get out on the court and start playing with confidence.
Yas Takata is a PPR-certified pickleball coach with two years of coaching experience in the Oakland Hills area. Yas enjoys helping new players build a strong foundation while creating a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Patrick Wong is a PPR-certified pickleball coach with three years of coaching experience. He coaches out of Harbor Bay Club in Alameda and is passionate about helping players develop their skills and enjoy the game.
RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Pickleball” in the subject line. Limit to 12. Donation: $10 Sign up today.
by Jill Shiraki | May 29, 2026 | Classes & Events, J-Sei Book Club - Southland, Other News
J-Sei is pleased to support the
Queer Women of Color Film Festival
Please check out the exciting line-up of films to be screened on June 12, 13 & 14 at the Presidio Theater in San Francisco.
We have been invited to be a community partner for the Closing Night: Queer Asian Spirit, a showcase of six films form Asian American filmmakers on queer identity, belonging and in-betweenness, ancestors and the trials they left, community spaces worth fighting for and the people who keep showing up.
Queer Asian Spirit
Sunday, June 14
7 – 10 pm
Presidio Theater
99 Moraga Ave, SF
