Kintsukuroi Screening and Restoring Our Brokenness

 KINTSUKUROI

FILM SCREENING
followed by Q&A with cast and crew

Thursday March 13, 6:30 pm
Rialto Cinemas Cerrito, 10700 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA

Tickets: $20

For tickets: https://rialtocinemas.com/coming-soon-cer/

Back by popular demand, join us for a theatrical screening of KINTSUKUROI. The film, with its cleverly written script, interwoven stories and depth, this movie is a must see and must see again favorite.  Get your tickets now! 
About the Film
The philosophy of KINTSUKUROI shows us that something shattered can be restored and made stronger and more beautiful. The term is an apt metaphor for the Japanese American experience of WWII.

Forced from their homes, farms and businesses, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly imprisoned simply because of their race. Our new feature-length film KINTSUKUROI follows the Ito family from pre-war San Francisco to the concentration camps of the American West to the battlefields of Europe as it endures one of the most shameful periods in American History.

RESTORING OUR BROKENNESS

Join us for an intergenerational conversation inspired by the film KINTSUKUROI by director Kerwin Berk.

Saturday, March 22
12pm to 3pm
J-Sei, 1285 66th St., Emeryville, CA

Free registration: https://bit.ly/3WE7cVV

Please note that the film will not be shown at the event but all are welcome, whether or not you have seen the film.

Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art practice of piecing together shards of pottery to repair, then using gold leaf to restore beauty and make it whole again. The film touches on the legacy of the Japanese American incarceration, a range of experiences, from loyalty to resistance, despair and loss, and rebuilding of lives. What is your connecting point and how does it impact you today?  Connecting Across Generations is an evolving collaboration of individuals and Japanese American community groups interested in broadening cross generational relations.

Connecting Across Generations including J-Sei, Japanese American Women Alumni of UC Berkeley, Japanese American Youth Alliance, Nikkei Student Union of UC Berkeley, Berkeley JACL, Berkeley Buddhist Temple, Okaeri Northern Cal, and Friends of Topaz Museum.

Japanese Woodblock Class – Feb 2025

Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock – six 3-hr classes

Fridays Feb 7, 14, 28, Mar 7, 14, 28 (no class on the
3rd Fridays)

9:30 am -12:30 pm

Mokuhanga – a water-based Japanese woodblock printmaking – is environmentally friendly and can be done at home, any time, and anywhere without a press! Participants will learn the basics of this unique process, carving the woodblock, using kento (registration system), and printing with water-based ink on Japanese paper. Participants will create a small edition of beautiful, multicolor prints. All levels are welcome.
The suggested donation for the six class session will be $150( includes $45 materials fee).
Limited space is available. This class is for beginners and continuing students.  For any questions, please email jill@j-sei.org 

  

 

 

Japanese Movie Night – January 2025

Japanese Movie Night – January 2025

J-Sei At The Movies (on Zoom)
Friday, January 10, 6:30 pm

J-Sei Movie Night is dedicated to the wonderful and fascinating world of Japanese cinema, as well as Japanese American and AAPI films!

Join us for our next Japanese Movie Night program, when we will watch and discuss one of the best representatives of 1960s-era chambara: THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI (Sanbiki no samurai), directed by legendary action filmmaker Gosha Hideo. Gosha’s debut feature-length film was a prequel to his hit TV series, telling the origin story of how the three samurai met, amidst a dispute involving a magistrate and a group of poor farmers, with shifting alliances that will turn traditional notions of samurai loyalty and honor on its head.

If you would like to join us, please RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Jan 2025 Movie” in the subject line to receive Zoom info prior to the event.

See you at the movies!

J-Sei Movie Night Bento

MOVIE NIGHT BENTO: NOW TAKING ORDERS!
Great news for local Bay Area viewers! Chef Yuji has come up with two delectable options for movie night bento:
 Salmon & Chicken Teri Bento ($18): Roasted salmon and chicken in homemade tare with roasted cabbage and koshihikari rice;
 Sabazushi ($34): Masaba from Japan pressed into a bozushi (boxed or pressed sushi) with ginger, negi and sweet kelp.

To order: When you click on the button above, it will take you directly to a pop-up order form on the My Friend Yuji Tock webpage, where you first select a pickup time. In the next window, click on an item and select the number you want to order, then click “Add”; repeat with other items if desired. Click the “View order” bar at the bottom to confirm your order, then click “Continue to payment” to sign in and pay for your order.

Support J-Sei At the Movies

Thanks to you, J-Sei At the Movies is in its Eighth Year! We look forward to more creative programming with educational and inspiring Japanese and Japanese American films. We are especially grateful for the up close and personal chats with filmmakers as we learn so much from the exchange.

We love having a growing and enthusiastic audience. We welcome any donations to help us offset costs for Movie Night. Thanks for considering this.

Mikami Holiday Wine Tasting

Mikami Holiday Wine Tasting

Mikami Holiday Wine Tasting

Sunday, December 15, 2 pm

J-Sei, 1285 66th Street, Emeryville

Come meet Jason (and hopefully Mitzi and Kate too) for a special presentation at J-Sei on Sunday Dec 15 at 2pm! Over the years, Jason Mikami of Mikami Vineyards and his family have generously donated their delicious wine and participated in J-Sei Flavors of Spring and other events. Out of this, an informal J-Sei Wine Club formed in 2021.

Jason will talk about the history of Mikami Vineyards and their wines. Plus you’ll have a chance to purchase bottles – great gifts for the holidays/new year and for yourself too! We’ll have nibbles to go with the wine tasting along with some music and a festive atmosphere.

If you’d like to attend our Mikami holiday wine tasting party on December 15 (friends and family are welcome!) please RSVP to give us an idea of head count for food.

J-Sei’s Artisan Faire 2024

J-Sei’s Artisan Faire 2024

J-Sei Artisan Faire

December 8, 2024, 11 am to 3 pm

In-person – One day only! 

Come shop with us!  J-Sei encourages creative artists in our midst to share their inspired designs for gift giving and to spread the joy. 

  • Meet our artists and artisans and do some shopping!

  • Support local businesses and try our Asian pop-ups.

  • Share in the holiday cheer with Community Ukulele, Urban Groove, and others.

J-SEI’S 2024 ARTISANS

3 Locations: Atrium A – G / Warehouse 1 – 18

Food Court 1FC – 8FC

Berkeley Methodist United – A collection of handcrafts and homemade goodies for gift giving and stocking stuffers. Atrium F, upstairs

Cards by Joanne  – Hand made cards with Japanese motifs and unique designs. Warehouse 9

Chiyeko “Tezukuri” – Hand-built ceramics, hand-sewn bags, clothing and accessories with a Japanese wabi-sabi influence. Warehouse 12

Crafts by Carolyn Hayashida – Unique designed handcrafts, including infinity scarves, tote bags, and sashiko items. Warehouse 7

Creative Ninja – Creative Ninja aims to design and create delicate and intricate wears and wares inspired by the simple beauties found in everyday observations. Warehouse 8

Crochet by Megz – Handmade crochet items, ranging from fun hats and creative bags to adorable plushies and exciting decor that are both functional and cute!! Warehouse 13

Crooked Flower Ceramics – Hand built low fire ceramic pieces such as vases, cups and tiny ceramics made on a tiny wheel. Warehouse 11

Daruma Kiosk – Cal – Japanese inspired Street & Izakaya food. Food Court 3

DeLynda DeLeon Designs – One of a kind and limited edition jewelry made with hand rolled Japanese fabric beads. Atrium B, upstairs

Drinks for Sale – All proceeds from this table will benefit J-Sei. An assortment of drinks to quench your thirst while you shop! Brought to you by Wendy Kiniris and Aiko Kurokawa. 8 Food Court / lobby

Eastwind Books – Eastwind Books is an Asian American book seller that provides access to books written by and about Asian Americans. Eastwind Books of Berkeley closed its physical store in 2023 but has continued with its online store — www.AsiaBookCenter.com  Featuring “The Soul of Gift Wrapping”  by Megumi Lorna Inouye, plus many other titles to browse. Atrium C, upstairs

Harvest Land – Hand screen printed T-shirts,  sweatshirts and tote bags with Japanese culture-influenced designs. Warehouse 10

J-Sei’s Cookie Collective – Mouthwatering homemade cookies by Amy Shinsako, Yuki Otake, Haruko Nagaishi, Wendy Kiniris, Susan Nishizaka, Anne Takizawa & Grace Gomez. 8 Food Court / lobby

J-Sei Corner  – All proceeds from this table will benefit J-Sei. Warehouse 2
— Amy Funabiki –  Boxed pouch bags, Barrel round bag
– Anne Takizawa – Training treat pouches with carabiner clip, healthy baked dog treats
– Reiko Nabeta – Whimsical Christmas Stockings

Jane’s Homemade – Delicious homemade baked goods & candies that all can enjoy, even if avoiding glutens, dairy, eggs, or nuts! We incorporate various Japanese and other Asian flavors such as matcha, yuzu, hojicha, ginger, and sesame. 2 Food Court / outside

Jun Hamamoto / Folding 4 Justice – Handcrafted Cards by San Quentin Origami. Also, featuring Mixed Rice, a multicultural children’s story of food, feelings, and finding home by Sophie Dipti Sarkar. Atrium E, upstairs

Kayoko Designs – Original handcrafted jewelry made from Japanese Yuzen paper & metal. Warehouse 5

Kim’s Sushi – Offering a variety of fresh, delicious sushi. 1 Food Court / outside

Kiyomi Koide – Japanese ceramic artist•designer. Every work is handmade bringing the natural clay to everyday ware. Warehouse 15

Kimchi by Sunnie Youk – 3 kinds of Home made Kimchi. Warehouse 7

Koko Baker – Handwoven Scarves. Atrium A, upstairs

Linda’s Crafts – Handknit ascot and long scarves, beanies, and aprons. Atrium D, upstairs

MoritaArts – Handmade Japanese-American crafts including origami and ribbon fish ornaments. Warehouse 14

Mume Farm – Family owned and operated since 1983, Mume Farm grows ume fruit (Japanese plum) to craft healthy, artisanal products. 5 Food Court, outside

Okkon Japanese Street Food – Oakland based husband and wife team interested in sharing okonomiyaki, a popular street food from Japan. 4 Food Court, outside

Old River Design Co – With roots from her family name, Furukawa, which translates to “Old River” in English, offers a blending of her architectural design and sewing skills. uses traditional Japanese motifs, mixed with fun and bright colors when making accessories like; key fob wristlets, dish towels, and storage baskets. Warehouse 17

Sachi’s Folk Art – A collection of folk art from travels to Japan and Japanese-inspired handcrafts. All proceeds from this table will benefit J-Sei.Warehouse 3

Sakura Kai – Handknit scarves by volunteers. Atrium G

Secrets of Tiger – A unique culinary style that graces their restaurant, a testament to the rich flavors born from the chef’s extensive expertise in both Thai and Chinese traditions. 7 Food Court, outside

Shared Cultures – A small batch producer in San Francisco specializing in using koji, an ancient fungi, to create modern fermented food products. Warehouse 16

Tracy Hui – Handmade Haori jackets. Warehouse 18

Visual Harmony Interiors ~ With a delight for design and creative handcrafts, Carrie Yoshida offers an array of visual accents for gift giving, with Cyanotype note cards, journals, desk calendars, and night lights, and Japanese paper art jewelry and hair clips. Warehouse 4

Wendy Yoshimura – Watercolor cards and prints. Warehouse 3

Wilder Bites – Single-ingredient dog and cat treats. 6 Food Court, outside

Jane's Homemade

Daruma Kiosk - Japanese street food

Mume Farm - crafting ume products

Okkon Pop-up featuring okonomiyaki

Secrets of Tiger - an Asian bistro

Shared Cultures - foraging and fermenting miso

J-Sei Marketplace – Food Vendors

We invite you to join us in supporting creative
food ventures and local businesses!

Daruma Kiosk – Takoyaki & Izakaya

Jane’s Homemade – gluten-free cookies & candies

J-Sei Cookie Collective

Kim’s Sushi – assorted sushi rolls

Mume Farm – pastries and ume products

Okkon Japanese Streetfood – okonomiyaki

Secrets of Tiger – Asian Bistro sandwiches

Sunnie’s Kimchi

Shared Cultures – farm to ferment miso

Don’t miss Sunnie’s Kimchi, J-Sei’s Cookie Collective, and Anne’s Doggy Treats for sale in the Holiday Warehouse.

J-Sei is located at 1285 66th Street
(between Hollis St & San Pablo Ave) in Emeryville.

 

Japanese Movie Matinee + Potluck

Japanese Movie Matinee + Potluck

J-Sei at the Movies
Friday, December 13, 2:00 pm (hybrid)

Special Matinee Start Time Plus Potluck!

Celebrate J-Sei Movie Night’s 7th year anniversary with us! Dedicated to the wonderful and fascinating world of Japanese cinema, our movie program offers a fun way to learn about and discuss Japanese history and culture through the lens of international film and commentary.

For our 7th anniversary party, join us for a hybrid program of movie watching, discussion, and fun. You can attend in person at J-Sei (indoors) for a special movie matinee plus potluck, or you can join us remotely via Zoom. We’ll watch an anime Christmas adventure film from 2003, TOKYO GODFATHERS, written and directed by legendary animator  Kon Satoshi, about three people on the margins of society who discover an abandoned newborn on Christmas Eve. [In Japanese with English subtitles.]

We’ll watch the movie first at its special start time of 2:00, followed by a group discussion. Then we’ll end the Zoom meeting and begin the party festivities and potluck feasting. Possible games and prizes too!

Hope you can join us on Friday, December 13, at 2:00pm (note the special daytime start time!). Send your RSVP to Jill (jill@j-sei.org) with “Dec movie night” in the subject line and be sure to indicate “in person” or “online” in your response. We’ll send Zoom info and reminders beforehand.

See you at the movies!

 J-Sei Movie Night Potluck

 
 
 
 
Chef Yuji is busy with plenty of holiday events this month, so we’re revisiting an old J-Sei Movie Night tradition: the potluck!
  • Bring a food or beverage to share – or just bring yourself!
  • Potluck theme: It’s A Party! Anything festive to eat or drink is welcome
  • We’ll eat following the movie & discussion.

Support J-Sei At the Movies

Thanks to you, J-Sei At the Movies is in its Seventh Year! We look forward to more creative programming with educational and inspiring Japanese and Japanese American films. We are especially grateful for the up close and personal chats with filmmakers as we learn so much from the exchange.

We love having a growing and enthusiastic audience. We welcome any donations to help us offset costs for Movie Night. Thanks for considering this.