J-Sei helps older adults flourish by

Providing over 25 ongoing wellness classes

Offering over 40 cultural and educational community-wide events

Delivering over 37,000 hot Japanese meals

Guiding over 120 families with social workers who coordinate care and services

Engaging over 40 seniors with friendly visitors and friendly callers volunteers

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.

The Four Immigrants Manga

The Four Immigrants Manga Saturday, September 19, 1 pm One of the first comic books in the U.S., “Manga Yonin Shosei” (or The Four Student Worker’s Manga”) by Henry (Yoshitaka) Kiyama was first exhibited in San Francisco in 1927, and published as a comic book in...

J-Sei Family Festival 2026

J-Sei Family Festival - Coming soon! Sunday, September 27, 12 to 3 pm From the beat of the taiko to the intergenerational singers and hip-hop dancers, we celebrate the J-Sei Family Festival each year.  Enjoy an array of festival foods, music, and activities. Come...

A Place for What We Lose, a book conversation with author Tamiko Nimura

A Place for What We Lose, a memoir by Tamiko Nimura Saturday, October 10, 2 pm Hear from historian/writer Tamiko Nimura as she shares "A Place for What We Lose, a daughter's return to Tule Lake".  Joining in conversation is fellow writer Susan Ito who will serve as...

Restoring America’s Promise: The Fight for Justice

Restoring America’s Promise: The Fight for Justice Saturday, October 24, 1 pm Featuring Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, President & CEO of Go For Broke National EducationCenter A truly impactful and interactive presentation that delves into the poignant history of the...

The 100th Seeds of Aloha, a new film by Steve Sue

The 100th Seeds of Aloha A special test screening, with live music, and Q&A with producer/director Steve Sue Sunday, November 15, 1 pm Be among the first to experience THE 100TH: Seeds of Aloha, a feature-length documentary honoring Hawaiʻi’s legendary 100th...

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.

Hanafuda

Hanafuda

Learn to play Hanafuda Mondays, Aug 17, 24, & 31, 10 - 11:30 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...

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A Beginner’s Clinic: Introduction to Pickleball

A Beginner’s Clinic: Introduction to Pickleball

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...

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Queer Asian Spirit, film screening at SF Presidio

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:...

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J-Sei Congegate Dining Re-Opens

J-Sei Congegate Dining Re-Opens

  J-Sei Nutrition Program Update We are thrilled to announce that after 3 long years, we have reopened our onsite dining. We welcome you back to enjoy a delicious and nutritious lunch in a congregate setting.  Much has changed since we last served meals onsite so to...

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COVID 19 Policy Update

J-Sei COVID-19 Policy updated on February 13, 2023 For all J-Sei participants, visitors and volunteers: We no longer require proof of  vaccination and booster. We support being cautious and strongly recommend that you wear a mask. Free N95 masks are available onsite....

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32nd Annual Crab Feed To Go

32nd Annual Crab Feed To Go

Join us for our 32nd Annual J-Sei Crab Feed Sunday, February 26, 2023 El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moesser Lane, El Cerrito Early Seating 4-5:30 pm; Late Seating 5:30-7 pm with live entertainment throughout. To-Go Pick-Up from 4-6 pm Fresh Dungeness Crab Asian...

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