by Jill Shiraki | Feb 9, 2026 | Classes & Events, Other News
Am I an American or Am I Not?, a traveling exhibit by Fred T. Korematsu Institute
J-Sei Group Visit & Docent Tour
Wednesday, February 18
San Leandro Public Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro
Inspired by Fred Korematsu’s courageous resistance against the violation of his constitutional rights, the exhibit examines the mass incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII and invites visitors to reflect on historical injustice and its relevance today. Developed in partnership with the Korematsu Institute, the exhibition emphasizes stories of resilience and civic engagement, encouraging all of us to stand up for equal rights. Exhibit Dates: January 6 to Feb 28, 2026. The opening event for the exhibit will be January 10th.
Travel as a group to see the exhibit and docent lead tour on Feb 18th at the San Leandro Public Library. To join the group visit, RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Korematsu” in the subject line for more details.
by Jill Shiraki | Feb 9, 2026 | Classes & Events, Featured, Other News
From Scraps to Sentiments, Lunar New Year Collage Card-Making Workshop
Friday, February 27, 1 to 3 pm
Join us for a mindful card-making workshop celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse. Using collage, we’ll create unique holiday cards from images, textures, and words—crafting personal messages of hope, memory, or blessing to share with loved ones. This gentle, hands-on session emphasizes presence over perfection, exploring how fragments come together to tell stories, just as we show up for our communities. No art experience needed—just bring curiosity and openness. All materials and reflective prompts provided. Leave with a handmade card infused with intention, ready to gift as an offering of care, gratitude, and connection during this season of renewal.
Trisha Mah (she/they) is a Chinese-Japanese American artist from the East Bay blending analog collage and taiko to explore cultural identity, intergenerational memory, and liberation.
Workshop Fee: $25 to $45 sliding scale, all materials included. RSVP to jill@j-sei.org with “Lunar New Yr” in memo.
by Jill Shiraki | Dec 29, 2025 | Classes & Events, Other News
Discover Japanese American History in Monterey
Friday, February 6, 2026
Join us for a chartered bus trip to explore Japanese American History in Monterey. Visit the JACL Heritage Museum, located at the historic JACL Hall. Founded in 2008, the JACL Heritage Museum is committed to developing a local resource center that houses artifacts and documents that explain the Issei and Nisei contributions in many fields: fishing oceans for abalone and sardines; farming the rich land; working in canneries on Cannery Row; operating retail fish businesses on old Fisherman’s Wharf; mixing business and social life in old nihonmachi, and competing in sports. A current, unfolding project will present historical photographs, artifacts, and architectural models that document life in the internment camps during WWII.
Then, visit the Monterey Museum of Art to see “Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo” curated by ShiPu Wang. This exhibition reveals a broader picture of the American experience through artworks and life stories of three Japanese American women from the pre–World War II generation. With paintings and drawings by Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo, the exhibition spans eight decades and reveals both the range and depth of these artists’ careers and connections that have not been explored previously.
Join J-Sei for an engaging trip to the Monterey Museums. The trip is $75 per person for a roundtrip chartered bus trip and bento from Ocean Sushi.
Reserve your space, by clicking on the button below. More details to follow.
by Jill Shiraki | Dec 1, 2025 | Other News
by Jill Shiraki | Nov 18, 2025 | Classes & Events, Other News
Improve Your Qi – Try Qi Gong at J-Sei
Mondays, 10 – 11 am
Try a new practice and get grounded by learning Qi Gong.
Improve your overall health, reduce stress and practice movement. Breathe easy, meditate, and improve the flow of Qi – life energy. Lois Brady is a practitioner and teacher of Qi Gong Dayan or Wild Geese style.
This class will continue as an in-person offering. Sign up for this on-going class.
by Jill Shiraki | Oct 7, 2025 | Classes & Events, Other News
Harvest Lunch
Thursday, November 13
Join with Congregate Diners, J-Sei volunteers & staff, and invite friends to celebrate all that we are thankful for. Enjoy sultry smooth jazz music by The Larry Walter Trio, featuring Larry Walter (piano), Wayne Samdahl (bass) and Glen Iwaoka (drums). We are grateful for the many hands that plant, grow, harvest, prepare and deliver the foods that sustain us. We are thankful for your health, nourishment, and connection to J-Sei.
The special luncheon will feature roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, spring mix salad, and dessert. Suggested donation: $12.
To reserve your lunch, please pay online or send a check to J-Sei, 1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. Include the names, contact info, and number of meals. If you have any questions, call (510) 654-4000 or email tara@j-sei.org
