J-Sei helps older adults flourish by
J-Sei welcomes you to participate in our community and cultural organization that brings generations and families together to nurture and pass on Nikkei values through a broad array of senior services and cultural programs.
Book Club
New! K-drama fan club & DVD lending
Listen to J-Sei’s Podcast
Hibiki Kotoba
Come for a Visit
J-Sei Congregate Dining
We have enjoyed visiting and reconnecting with each other for Congregate Dining at J-Sei. We welcome you to join us as we expand our offering to EVERY THURSDAY at 11:30 am.
Please RSVP in advance with Sianne Susbilla at sianne@j-sei.org.
GIVE IN MAY for J-Sei
With the support of our team, we raised $210,620 from 490 donors! Not only did we achieve our goal, we doubled it! Plus, we received the $5,000 prize for most dollars raised for the campaign as well as two $500 sprint week prizes, totalling $6,000.
Our deepest gratitude goes to…
Our 8 matching donors: Thank you for setting us on the right footing by matching up to a total of $50,000, which was a great incentive to raise funds. We are grateful for the generosity of Susan, Scott and Mark Muranishi; June Masuyama and Harry Bergland; Arch Insurance Group; and 5 anonymous donors.
Our 26 fundraisers: Our awesome team, consisting of J-Sei staff, Board of Directors, and community members, brought their A-game to this campaign. They shared their heartwarming stories with family, friends, and beyond, and received so much support in return.
Arlene Swinderman, Binh Liang, Cole Yoshida, Diane Wong, Flora Ninomiya, Grant Din, Hannah Tang, Jaime Fukumae, Jane Tanamachi, Jill Shiraki, Kevin Toyama, Kris Mizutani, Ky Lam, Linda Okahara, Michael Goldrich, Mikako Amini, Mitch Muramoto, Miyuki Iwata, Naomi Yamada, Ruth Ichinaga, Sunnie Youk, Suzie Price, Tara Kawata, Tiffany Nguyen, Victor Uno, & Yuji Ishikata.
Our Team Leader: Nancy Otto has spearheaded the Give in May campaign for us from the beginning, for six years. We would not have a successful campaign without her coordination and guidance.
Our fabulous 490 Donors: Many, many thanks to all of you, first-time and returning donors for your support and encouragement. Your support helps us to continue the work and respond to the growing needs for care of our elders and the difference that social interaction makes as we build community at J-Sei.
Video by Gray Keankaew. @keuankaewproduction
Flavors of Spring 2026
Many thanks to our supporters!
Classes & Events
Art, music, film, or food? Check out the wide range of special events and classes offered now.
Nutrition
Enjoy a Japanese meal with us or seniors can have hot lunches delivered to their homes. Find out more about our nutrition and food pantry programs.
Senior Services
A wide range of programs to help older adults remain at home are offered. Discover our case management, caregiver registry and friendly visitor programs.
Donate
J-Sei must fundraise over 65% of our budget to provide programs and to support this vibrant community. Learn about different options to give back with a one-time, annual, or planned gift.
Improve Your Qi – Try Qi Gong
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...
Harvest Lunch 2025
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)...
Hibiku Kotoba – a podcast conversation with Mia Ayumi Malhotra
Hibiku Kotoba, a podcast series Episode 2: Mia Ayumi Malhotra On becoming a poet, Mia Ayumi Malhotra reflects on the challenges and joys of becoming an author. She found a deeper connection with her Nikkei roots while writing her latest release, Mothersalt. She...
J-Sei’s 29th Annual Crab Feed & Drawing!
We're hosting our 29th annual Crab Feed & Drawing! Join us on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at El Cerrito Community Center with friends and family and celebrate with fresh dungeness crab! Enjoy a great time with live entertainment provided during each seating. Don't...
J-Sei’s Asian Artisan Craft Fair
Click here for downloadable flyer Join us for an afternoon of shopping and holiday cheer at our Asian Artisan Winter Craft Fair. J-Sei cultivates hidden artists in our midst and connects with many talented handicraft artisans. It’s our delight to share their original...
Letter from Ned Isokawa, Outgoing Board President
Dear J-Sei Community, Community support is the lifeblood of any service organization like J-Sei. That support comes in many forms – volunteers and financial to name but a few. And what that support enables is the ability and confidence to expand existing capabilities...