KOKUHO and Kabuki Talk

KOKUHO and Kabuki Talk

by | Apr 6, 2026 | Classes & Events, Other News

KOKUHO and Kabuki Talk at J-Sei

Thursday, April 16, 4 pm (hybrid)

KOKUHO (2025), directed by Sang-il Lee, a theatrical masterpiece to experience, has become the top-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time. J-Sei movie fans have clamored to the local theaters and are eager to talk about it and learn more about the art of kabuki.

Whether you have or have not seen the film, join us to meet special guest Nakamura Gankyō (aka Bandō Hirohichirō), the first American-born professional kabuki actor and teacher, who will talk about the art and tradition of kabuki. In addition to performing and lecturing nationwide, Sensei Kirk Kanesaka teaches kimekomi doll at J-Sei, and coordinates the Asian Studies program at California State University San Bernadino.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and having a lively group discussion of the movie KOKUHO (2025).

RSVP for this free event.

The Making of a Japanese, film screening and Q&A with Ema Ryan Yamazaki

The Making of a Japanese, film screening and Q&A with Ema Ryan Yamazaki

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Classes & Events, Other News

The Making of A Japanese

a film screening and Q&A with Ema Ryan Yamazaki

Sunday, April 19, 4 pm

Join us for a film screening of “The Making of A Japanese” and Q&A with filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki. 

Intimately capturing one school year from the perspective of 1st and 6th graders at Tsukado public elementary school in Tokyo, The Making of A Japanese has the magic of childhood with precious moments of joy, tears, and discovery — as they learn the traits necessary to become part of Japanese society.

While living in New York, Ema realized that her core values stemmed from experiences during her public elementary school years that she experienced in Osaka, as she learned crucial values of discipline and responsibility. That became her thesis: 6-year-olds around are pretty similar, whereas a 12-year-old Japanese child is distinctly Japanese. With no narration or interviews, the viewer is invited to experience what it’s like to go through the Japanese school year, where the balance of freedom and restraint is at question, and every life lesson tows the line of growth and sacrifice.

RSVP for the free event

Listen to the podcast.

In episode 6 of Hibiku Kotoba, Oscar-nominated and award-winning documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki joins Kathleen on the podcast. Together they talk about Ema’s origin story as a filmmaker, her menteeship with Sam Pollard, and all three of her feature films along with her Oscar-nominated “Instruments of a Beating Heart.

Ema’s decision to go back to Japan and create documentary films about Japanese society is to share to the world her experiences as a Japanese person and to showcase the nuances of living in a country where culture is deeply instilled in every part of its society. For aspiring documentary filmmakers, this episode is definitely worth listening to as she shares her insight and advice for those who also want to be a documentary filmmaker.

About the Filmmaker

Ema Ryan Yamazaki is a Japanese/British documentary filmmaker based in Tokyo, with roots in New York. With a unique perspective as an insider and outsider in Japan, Ema strives to tell stories that empathetically show human struggle and triumph. Ema is the Director of Instruments of A Beating Heart and Editor of Black Box Diaries, which were both nominated for the Academy Awards in 2025. She has directed three acclaimed feature documentaries; The Making of A Japanese, Koshien: Japan’s Field of Dreams, and Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious Georges Creators.

Sansei Musings, a conversation with Naomi and Karen

Sansei Musings, a conversation with Naomi and Karen

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Classes & Events, Featured, Other News

Sansei Musings

A conversation with writers Naomi Hirahara and Karen Tei Yamashita

Friday, June 19, 5 pm

Discovery and creative imaginings fill the pages of the historic fiction works by Naomi Hirahara and Karen Tei Yamashita. With new works to share, they will join in conversation on what inspires the writing, what comes from our shared histories, what transpires through the process, and what remains to be told. 

In Crown City, Naomi Hirahara brings to light Pasadena at the turn of the century, when Japanese design and art piqued the interest of high society, with an art theft mystery from the vantage of the Japanese craftsmen and laborers who built a new life in America.

In Questions 27 & 28, Karen Tei Yamashita reaches backward and forward from the time of the questionnaire, chronicling the individuals who arrived in the US from Japan at the turn of the century, their children who came of age during war and incarceration, and their descendants who lived in its aftermath. 

 Naomi Hirahara is an Edgar Award-winning author of multiple traditional mystery series and noir short stories. Her Mas Arai mysteries, which have been published in Japanese, Korean and French, feature a Los Angeles gardener and Hiroshima survivor who solves crimes. A former journalist with The Rafu Shimpo newspaper, Naomi has also written numerous non-fiction history books.

Karen Tei Yamashita is the author of nine books, including I Hotel, finalist for the National Book Award. A recipient of the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, she is Professor Emerita of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Sashiko Project Workshop with Carolyn

Sashiko Project Workshop with Carolyn

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Classes & Events, Other News

Sashiko Project Workshop with Carolyn

Mondays, May 4, 11, 18, from 1-3:30 pm

Learn how to draft a Sashiko design, transfer the design to your fabric, and stitch your design. Choose your own project such as a Portable Chopstick Case, Japanese Coin Purse or Japanese Wallet. Beginners and experienced stitchers are welcome. Instructor Carolyn Hayashida has been using Sashiko-stitching on quilts, clothing and other items for over 20 years. A supply list will be provided upon sign up.  Join this 3-class session. Workshop Fee: $30

RSVP for this workshop.

Am I an American or Am I Not?, exhibit by Fred T. Korematsu Institute

Am I an American or Am I Not?, exhibit by Fred T. Korematsu Institute

by | 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.

Lunar New Year Collage Workshop

Lunar New Year Collage Workshop

by | Feb 9, 2026 | Classes & Events, 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.