Thursday, December 10, 2009

Nakayoshi Monthly Update - December 2009

Happy holidays from your friends at Nakayoshi!

As 2009 draws to a close, we'd like to thank everyone who has come out to all of our social and volunteer events this past year. Nakayoshi has grown tremendously in both number and capacity in just a year and a half since we held our first event. We could not have done it without your continued support and enthusiastic participation! We'd also like to thank our main sponsor, the NCWNP District of the Japanese American Citizens League, as well as our many community partners who we've had the pleasure of collaborating with, including the JCCCNC, AsianWeek Foundation, JCYC and Kearny Street Workshop, among others.

We hope to see some of you at our 2nd annual holiday party, and for the rest of you, we hope you can make it out to some of the great events we already have underway for 2010. We'll be volunteering in January at the JCCCNC's Oshogatsu (New Year's) Festival, and at the Bay Area Day of Remembrance in February. Make sure to save the date for our big social events coming up, including Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night, and our annual Tahoe ski trip!

Again, have a safe and happy holiday, and if you can't make it to the holiday party, we'll see you in 2010!

In this update:
12/19/09 - Nakayoshi Core Holiday Party
1/9/10 - Volunteer at JCCCNC Oshogatsu Festival
1/22/10 - Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night
2/21/10 - Bay Area Day of Remembrance
2/26/10-2/28/10 - Tahoe Ski Trip

Other community events:
12/19-20/09 - nihonmachiROOTS Japantown Friends and Family Shopping Weekend


Saturday, December 19, 2009: Nakayoshi Core Holiday Party

Nakayoshi Chair Megumi Kaminaga is once again graciously hosting our 2nd annual Nakayoshi Core Holiday Party! The party starts at 6pm on Saturday, December 19, and will include delicious potluck, white elephant gift exchange ($5 value maximum), gingerbread house decorating, games, and an overall fun night celebrating the holidays with the Nakayoshi crew! Everyone is welcome, but space is limited, so RSVP ASAP at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com to let us know you're coming.

What: Nakayoshi Core Holiday Party
When: Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time: Party starts at 6:00pm
Location: Location given upon RSVP
Bring: Potluck items/beverages/wrapped white elephant gift for exchange ($5 max)
RSVP : nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com


Saturday, January 9, 2010: Volunteering at JCCCNC's Oshogatsu Festival

Ring in the new year with Nakayoshi volunteers at the JCCCNC's annual Oshogatsu (New Year's) Festival. We'll be helping once again with arts and crafts activities for children, traditional mochitsuki (New Year's rice pounding) and take in the cultural performances and more! Volunteers are needed for setup, assistance at crafts tables for children and for cleanup. Setup begins at 9am, the event runs from 11am-3pm, with cleanup after. Please e-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com and let us know if you can help out, even if it's only for an hour or two!

What: Volunteering at JCCCNC's Oshogatsu Festival
When: Saturday, January 9, 2010

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm (2 hour shifts)
Location: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
RSVP: nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com


Friday, January 22, 2010: Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night

We know all you NBA basketball fans have been waiting a whole year for one of Nakayoshi's biggest social events/fundraisers: Asian American Heritage Night with the Golden State Warriors! Come out and cheer for your team take on Yi Jianlian and the New Jersey Nets in Nakayoshi's section!

We've worked out online ticket sales with the Warriors, so stop reading this and buy your tickets NOW!!! Tickets are $28, $6 of which goes directly back to support Nakayoshi, and an additional $2 supports the SF Hepatitis B Free Campaign! Free T-shirt with ticket purchase! Plus we'll be playing the hapless NJ Nets, so it's totally a win-win situation for everyone--you, Nakayoshi, SF Hep B Free, and of course, the Warriors!

Here's how to get your tickets:
1.) Click on https://www.gs-warriors.com/forms/secure/fct_asianamerican10.html

2.) Join us at the $28.00 level -- $6.00 of your ticket purchase will automatically go back to Nakayoshi, $2 to SF Hep B Free!

3.) Before you check out BE SURE TO WRITE "NAKAYOSHI" IN THE QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BOX. This makes sure that you sit with us and your donation comes back to us.

That's it. Bring out your friends and family for a great time out with Nakayoshi and the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena! Go DUBS!!!

What: Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night
When: Friday, January 22, 2010
Time: 7pm
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
Price: $28

Buy tickets online at: https://www.gs-warriors.com/forms/secure/fct_asianamerican10.html (make sure to write "Nakayoshi" in the questions and comments box!)

Weekend of February 26-28, 2010: Nakayoshi Tahoe Ski Trip

Time to start waxing your snowboard or skis! Our social committee is busy making arrangements for our annual winter trip to Tahoe. We'll be hitting the slopes of Northstar by day and relaxing and hanging out by night back at the cabin. More information and pricing to come, but spaces are already filling up (we're almost at 20 people already!), so be sure to reserve your spot and save the date now!

Check for more information on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211107058728&index=1

What: Nakayoshi Tahoe Ski Trip
When: Weekend of February 26-28, 2010
Where: Northstar at Tahoe/Tahoe Cabin
Price: TBA
Updates/RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=211107058728&index=1


Other Community Events:

December 19-20, 2009: nihonmachiROOTS Japantown Friends and Family Shopping Weekend

nihonmachiROOTS is a newly formed group of progressive young adults (including several members of Nakayoshi) focusing on issues affecting San Francisco Japantown, including the redrafting of the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan.

Currently many Japantown businesses, especially those in the Japan Center mall, are experiencing rising operating expenses since the mall properties were sold in 2005. In order to help support local small businesses in Japantown, nihonmachiROOTS is putting together a Japantown Friends and Family Shopping Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20 from 11-3pm. The Friends and Family Shopping Weekend will feature discounts from many participating Japantown businesses and restaurants, and a free entry in a raffle drawing for customers with receipts of purchases from 3 or more Japantown businesses during the weekend event.

Check for more event information and links to sale coupons at: http://www.japantownnow.com

What: nihonmachiROOTS Japantown Friends and Family Shopping Weekend
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20
Time: 11-3pm
More info and coupons: http://www.japantownnow.com

February 21, 2009: Bay Area Day of Remembrance

As the Bay Area Day of Remembrance Consortium continues to prepare for the event on February 21, 2009, we are still welcoming additional volunteers and energetic new members to join the planning committee. Come be a part of next year's community-wide event honoring the history and legacy of the Japanese American experience in WWII and beyond.

What: 2010 Bay Area Day of Remembrance Planning Committee Meetings
When: Next meeting: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: JACL National Headquarters, 1765 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
RSVP: bayareadayofremembrance@gmail.com


Stay warm everyone, and we'll see you soon!

All Nakayoshi events are free and open to anyone unless otherwise noted. Feel free to forward this message along to your friends or anyone interested. Not on the Nakayoshi e-mail list? Click here to subscribe. Have questions? Want to sign up or RSVP for an event? E-mail Nakayoshi at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com. For additional information and updates, be sure to check the Nakayoshi blog or find our group page on Facebook! Nakayoshi is a program sponsored by the Northern California Western Nevada Pacific District of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Join Nakayoshi at Asian American Heritage Night with the Warriors!

Come join Nakayoshi as we watch the Warriors take on the Nets (or the "Nyets," as I like to say) at Asian Heritage Night with the Golden State Warriors on January 22nd. We went last year and had tons of fun. For your ticket you receive:
  • A commemorative Asian Heritage Night T-shirt by the winner of the T-Shirt Design Contest.
  • Cultural performances throughout the night.
  • A warm feeling knowing you've raised money to support Nakayoshi.
  • The opportunity to hang out with really cool folks at the Warriors game.
Here's how to join us:
  1. Click here to buy your tickets.
  2. Purchase at the $28 level ($8 of your ticket will go back to Nakayoshi!)
  3. Write "NAKAYOSHI" in the Questions and Comments Box*
* - This is key, both to make sure we receive your donation and that you sit with us at the game!

Invite your friends and your family! Email us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com if you have any questions. See you at the game!

Go Dubs!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Support JCCCNC on Facebook!


Please vote for the Japanese Cultural Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) on the Chase Community Giving’s page on Facebook – they are donating $5 million to non-profit organizations across the country.

If you are a current user of Facebook, you will have to “become a fan” of Chase Giving before you vote. If you’ve never used Facebook, then you will have to create an account to get started. You can only vote once a round for any organization.

We are trying to become one of the top 100 vote getters in the first round – hoping to become eligible for $25,000. Take a minute and support the JCCCNC.

Click on the link below and VOTE NOW and then forward to other family and friends:
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/890843

If you are part of the JCCCNC group on Facebook, the easiest way would be to go to our page and click on the wall post. It'll take just five seconds!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

REMINDER - Nakayoshi's Quarterly Planning Meeting - Nov. 22nd

Nakayoshi's quarterly planning meeting is this month! So if it's not on your calendar yet, plug it in now!

On Sunday, November 22nd, Nakayoshi will have their general quarterly meeting at the National JACL Headquarters building in San Francisco Japantown from 1pm-4pm. The building is located at 1765 Sutter Street.

If you haven't attended a meeting yet, now is the time! More importantly, find out how you can get involved with Nakayoshi's committees and upcoming projects, including the 2010 Day of Remembrance, Career Mentorship Program with the JACL, and the youth/young adult committee on the redrafting of the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan!

General meetings are used to plan and brainstorm upcoming events, socials and volunteer activities. For the next few months, Nakayoshi has a lot going on that we could use your help and input on, so come out and give us your two cents and be part of our planning process!

If you have any questions or want to RSVP for the meeting, please feel free to contact us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com.

Nakayoshi Monthly Update - November 2009

Hey everyone! Yup, it's that time again... Nakayoshi Monthly Update time! First, we'd like to thank everyone who came out to the Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer on the 24th. We were excited to meet all the new faces, and hopefully everyone who came out had a great time as well! In case you haven't done so already, please take a minute or two to leave us feedback on the event on our online event feedback survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=iAVmYtr73Z9ZpEkl8uHRIQ_3d_3d

Nakayoshi finished out the month by spooking the children and passing out candy at the JCCCNC's Haunted Hallway during their annual children's Halloween Carnival. This month, we're starting with our monthly volunteer event this weekend at the Holiday Chocolate Show at Fort Mason, San Francisco. Our social event this month is a Friday night of dinner and karaoke on the 20th, to be followed by our final quarterly meeting of the year on Sunday the 22nd.

Nakayoshi is also getting involved with a couple ongoing projects in the greater Japantown community, so be sure to check out how you can get directly involved with the redrafting of the Japantown Better Neighborhood development plan, as well as Day of Remembrance next year!

In this update:
11/14/09 - Volunteering at Holiday Chocolate Show
11/20/09 - Japantown Dinner and Karaoke Social
11/22/09 - Final Quarterly
Planning Meeting of 2009
12/5/09 - Volunteering at SF JACL Spaghetti Crabfeed

1/22/09 - Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night
Day of Remembrance Planning Committee Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan Youth/Young Adult Committee

Saturday, November 14, 2009: Volunteering at Holiday Chocolate Show

Nakayoshi has been invited to volunteer with Les Tso, host of the Holiday Chocolate Show on November 14th in the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center. Showcasing 30-40 local chocolatiers, the event also benefits non-profits serving children and children's issues. SF Firefighters will be on hand to collect new unwrapped toys for their annual Toy Program and other non-profits will be tabling with informational booths. Expected attendance is 2,000-4,000 and they need Nakayoshi's help! Plus, this is a great way to get into the event for free!

Nakayoshi's volunteer shift is 10:30AM-12:45PM and you are invited to stay and enjoy the rest of the event (event time runs from 12:00-5:00pm). Meeting point is outside the Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center. For more questions and to RSVP, please email namailto:nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com or contact Megumi at (916) 801-2104.

Please RSVP to volunteer no later than November 12th.

What: Volunteering at Holiday Chocolate Show
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009

Time: 10:30am - 12:45pm
Where: Meet outside Herbst Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, 99 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&gid=30593261168#/event.php?eid=190550020934&index=1


Friday, November 20, 2009: Dinner and Karaoke in SF Japantown

Come on out to Nakayoshi's November social event on Friday, November 20th! We'll be meeting up in SF Japantown for dinner at Bushi Tei Bistro (Downstairs from Kinokuniya Bookstore in the Japan Center Mall) at 8pm and then move on for a fun night of karaoke at DoReMi Music Studio following dinner.

Please RSVP by Sunday, November 15 so we can get a headcount for dinner.

What: Dinner at Bushi Tei Bistro and Karaoke after at DoReMi Music Studio
When: Friday, November 20, 2009

Time: Dinner starts at 8pm, Karaoke at 10pm
Where: Dinner is at 1581 Webster Street (Downstairs from Kinokuniya Bookstore in Japan Center Mall), San Francisco, CA
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&gid=30593261168#/event.php?eid=186196573400&index=1
_2344061033&gid=30593261168#/event.php?eid=186196573400&index=1

Sunday, November 22, 2009: Quarterly Planning Meeting


Been meaning to get involved with Nakayoshi? Here's another chance to jump in! Help us decide future events, get involved with our committees, and have fun hanging out with the rest of the Nakayoshi core committee! It's our last meeting of the year, so come out and see what we've been up to! We could definitely use your help in making Nakayoshi a great success!

For questions, visit http://www.nakayoshi.org/ or email us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com or contact Megumi Kaminaga at (916) 801-2104

What: Nakayoshi Q4 Planning Meeting
When: Sunday, November 22, 2009

Where: JACL National Headquarters, 1765 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&gid=30593261168#/event.php?eid=199088597785&index=1


Saturday, December 5: Volunteer at SF JACL's Annual Spaghetti Crabfeed

Join Nakayoshi as we volunteer at the San Francisco JACL chapter's annual Spaghetti Crab Feed on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the Christ United Presbyterian Church in SF Japantown. Volunteers will assist with setup and cleanup of the event, as well as help prepare and serve food and drinks. Past beneficiaries from the SF JACL's annual Spaghetti Crabfeed include the Nikkei Community Internship program and the Campaign for Justice for Japanese Latin American Internees.

Don't feel like volunteering? You can still support by buying tickets to the event and having a delicious crab/spaghetti dinner for $25/person, or $45 for 2! E-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering or purchasing tickets.

What: Volunteer at SF JACL's Annual Spaghetti Crabfeed
When: Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Christ United Presbyterian Church, 1700 Sutter Street (At Laguna), San Francisco, CA
Price: Free for volunteers, $25/person or $45 for 2 tickets
RSVP on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&gid=30593261168#/event.php?eid=178910732693&index=1

Friday, January 22, 2010: Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night

Just another reminder to save the date! Nakayoshi is teaming up again this season with the Warriors for Asian American Heritage Night! The Warriors will be playing against Yi Jianlian and the New Jersey Nets on Friday, January 22. Check back for details on how to reserve/purchase tickets, or e-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com if you're interested. Tickets to last year's game were $40, so expect similar pricing this year.

RSVP for advance notice on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2344061033&gid=30593261168#/event.php?eid=272856850579&index=1

Bay Area Day of Remembrance Planning Comm
ittee

Day of Remembrance is the Japanese American community's annual memorial observance of the internment of 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry during WWII. Day of Remembrance 2010 will be held on February 21, 2010, with planning for the annual event by a consortium of Japantown community organizations and activists already underway. The planning committee this year is being co-chaired by Nakayoshi member Haruka Roudebush, who is calling out for anybody who would like to be involved with putting this year's event and program together. In particular, the committee is looking for people with creative graphic design, print layout, copy editing, videography and website experience. General members are also encouraged to get involved and lend a hand where they can. This event has several hundred people in attendance annually, so every bit of help is needed and appreciated!

Please e-mail Haruka at bayareadayofremembrance@gmail.com if you can help with this year's event. Committee meetings are generally every other Thursday evening in Japantown. Attendance at every meeting is not mandatory, but please come if you are available.

What: 2010 Bay Area Day of Remembrance Planning Committee Meetings
When: Next meeting: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: JACL National Headquarters, 1765 Sutter Street, San Francisco,
CA
RSVP: bayareadayofremembrance@gmail.com


Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan Youth/Young Adult Committee

Concerned young members of the community, including Nakayoshi members, have formed a committee to address the redrafting of the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan in the coming year. The committee is currently undertaking an analysis of the plan in order to coordinate outreach to the rest of the community and our peers about how the plan will affect future developments in San Francisco's Japantown neighborhood as well as how our generation within the community will be affected by the outcome of the plan. This is an opportunity for young people to build consensus on the issues presented and to take action in helping shape the future of our community!

We at Nakayoshi strongly encourage you to educate yourselves on the issue and get involved with this committee. The committee is currently scheduled to meet on Fridays from 6-8pm at the JCCCNC in San Francisco Japantown. To find out more about the youth/young adult committee, please contact Aya Ino at aino@jcccnc.org.

More general information and the current draft of the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan is available for download at: http://www.sfgov.org/site/planning_index.asp?id=57149

Hope we see you guys get involved this month, and happy Thanksgiving!

All Nakayoshi events are free and open to anyone unless otherwise noted. Feel free to forward this message along to your friends or anyone interested. Not on the Nakayoshi e-mail list? Click here to subscribe. Have questions? Want to sign up or RSVP for an event? E-mail Nakayoshi at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com. For additional information and updates, be sure to check the Nakayoshi blog or find our group page on Facebook! Nakayoshi is a program sponsored by the Northern California Western Nevada Pacific District of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Youth/Young Adult Committee for Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan

Please join Nakayoshi and other concerned young members of the community and get involved with a youth-based community input committee focusing on the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan, which will affect future development in San Francisco's Japantown. There will be a meeting this Tuesday, Nov. 3rd and on Friday, Nov 6th at the JCCCNC. Here's more information from Aya Ino, Programs Associate at the JCCCNC:

Hello! There is going to be a Better Neighborhood Plan committee meeting this Friday, Nov 6th at 6PM JCCCNC Conference Room 1. This is a youth-based group that we are trying to start up so we can breakdown the massive plan (huge booklet with lots of diagrams and paragraphs) and speak with merchants and younger generations about what they would like to see happen in J-town in the future. Many people are having a difficult time understanding the complicated plan and we are hoping that this committee will be able to come together and organize the community so everyone can have a collective say. We are having a smaller meeting today (Tuesday) at 6PM @ JCCCNC if you are unable to attend Friday's larger meeting. Please email me at ayaino@gmail.com if you would like to attend either of the meetings. The BNP Plan itself, highlighted versions with negative aspects identified by community leaders, agenda, and light refreshments will be provided. Hope to see/meet some of you soon!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Nakayoshi recognized for making a positive impact within the Asian American community by Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Nakayoshi was pleasently surprised this week to learn the Asian Heritage Street Celebration (AHSC) has selected Nakayoshi as one of the beneficiaries of a $250 donation in recognition for being an Asian American nonprofit organization that has made a positive impact within the community.

Each year the AHSC raises funds for the San Francisco Unified School District Raffle Program through ticket sales and a portion of those profits are presented to approximately 20 Asian American nonprofits and community groups who have made positive impacts within the Asian American Community at the AHSC Awards Reception.

It has been an amazing journey for Nakayoshi, and in as little as two years, we have grown so much. We could not have made such an impact without members like you supporting us.

As we continue to strengthen our mission to connect young professionals with the greater Asian American and Bay Area community, we are fortunate to have made so many great relationships with various community events and organizations.

To our friends at AHSC and to our community, thank you.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Saturday, October 24: Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer

"Irrashai" means welcome and a "nomikai" is a get-together (usually over drinks).

We want to take the time to introduce ourselves to our new members, whether you're brand new or just haven't had the chance to make it to an event yet. Please come out so we can get to know you!

Come join Nakayoshi for an evening of fun and celebration over food and drinks. We will be playing some traditional Japanese games and some very non-conventional American ones.

Dinner and drinks start at 8pm at Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant and Bar in downtown San Francisco for $20/person. It's already looking like a lively night, with 28 guests RSVP'd so far, so make sure to RSVP by this Saturday, October 17th at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com, or on the Facebook event invitation to make sure you get a spot at the table!

What: Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer
When: Saturday, October 24, 2009

Where: Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant and Bar, 619 Taylor Street, between Post and Sutter, San Francisco, CA
Time: 8:00-11:00pm

Price: $20 for dinner/drinks

RSVP by 10/17/09 on Facebook at:
http://www.facebo
ok.com/group.php?gid=30593261168&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=163505570419

Monday, October 12, 2009

Nakayoshi Monthly Update - October 2009

Hey Nakayoshi, here's our Monthly Update for October!

If you've followed what's been going on this past month, we had a great time in September volunteering at the JCCCNC's annual event where we celebrated 140 years of Japanese food in America, networked and checked out artwork by emerging API artists at Kearny Street Workshop's happy hour mixer for their APAture arts festival, and got our roll on at our second sushi-making class taught by the Inaba brothers at the JCCCNC.

October may be halfway over, but we still have our monthly events for October coming up the next couple weekends! We're excited to hold our first mixer for new members this month, so be sure to come out next Saturday and get to know us if you're new, and be sure to welcome the newcomers if you're already a regular at Nakayoshi events and activities! For those of you looking for opportunities to plug into the community and get more involved, be sure to get in touch with us and join one of Nakayoshi's committees! Finally, we'll be finishing out the month where we'll don our scariest costumes and man the Haunted Hallway at the JCCCNC/JCYC's annual Halloween Carnival!

Have any comments, suggestions or questions? Want to RSVP or sign up for an event? Feel free to leave any comments on our blog at http://www.nakayoshi.org/, Facebook group page, or e-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com.

In this update:
Nakayoshi Career Development Membership Survey
Join a Nakayoshi Committee!

10/22/09 - Career Development Committee Meeting
10/24/09 - Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer
10/30/09 - Volunteering at the JCCCNC's Halloween Carnival

Save the date! Upcoming events
1/22/10 - Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night


Nakayoshi Career Development Membership Survey
If you still haven't gotten around to it, we're still collecting information on Nakayoshi member preferences for career development-oriented events and activities. For those of you who have already participated, thanks for the great feedback so far!

Check out the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2H4JHFqcnUQ5MxHEIGpJqQ_3d_3d

Want to get more involved? Join a Nakayoshi committee!
As we expand the scope and scale of Nakayoshi's activities, we are actively seeking additional members to contribute their ideas, energy and talents toward continuing to provide all Nakayoshi members with events that are fresh, fun and impactful to the community. Interested in joining the Nakayoshi team? We'd love for you to join any of the following committees:

-Social Events Committee
-Career Development Committee
-Issues Committee

Planning for this year's San Francisco/Bay Area Day of Remembrance event in February will be commencing soon, so those interested in being involved in this important community event should sign up for Nakayoshi's issues committee ASAP!

For a good time, e-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com and let us know which committee you'd like to be part of!

Thursday, October 22: Career Development Committee Meeting
Our newly formed Career Development Committee will be holding its second monthly meeting on the evening of Thursday, October 22, at 7pm in the food court area on the ground floor of the San Francisco Metreon. Come on out if you'd like to help plan upcoming career development workshops and networking opportunities.

What: Career Development Committee Meeting
When: Thursday, October 22, 2009

Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: SF Metreon Food Court, 4th Street and Mission St, San Francisco, CA
RSVP: nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com


Saturday, October 24: Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer

"Irrashai" means welcome and a "nomikai" is a get-together (usually over drinks).

We want to take the time to introduce ourselves to our new members, whether you're brand new or just haven't had the chance to make it to an event yet. Please come out so we can get to know you!

Come join Nakayoshi for an evening of fun and celebration over food and drinks. We will be playing some traditional Japanese games and some very non-conventional American ones.

Dinner and drinks start at 8pm at Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant and Bar in downtown San Francisco for $20/person. It's already looking like a lively night, with 28 guests RSVP'd so far, so make sure to RSVP by this Saturday, October 17th at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com, or on the Facebook event invitation to make sure you get a spot at the table!

What: Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer
When: Saturday, October 24, 2009

Where: Ryoko's Japanese Restaurant and Bar, 619 Taylor Street, between Post and Sutter, San Francisco, CA
Time: 8:00-11:00pm

Price: $20 for dinner/drinks
RSVP by 10/17/09 on Facebook at: http://www.facebo
ok.com/group.php?gid=30593261168&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=163505570419

Friday, October 30: Volunteering at JCCCNC/JCYC's annual Halloween Carnival
Games and prizes, tricks and treats, arts and crafts and goodies to eat! Come help out at JCCCNC and JCYC's Halloween Carnival on Friday, October 30th. See all the kids in their cute costumes while helping to provide a fun, safe atmosphere for them to celebrate Halloween!

We will be at the brand-new HAUNTED HALLWAY this year -- so wear your best scary costume! (Save your funny costumes for Saturday, please.) This event takes place the evening before Halloween, so it won't interfere with any of your spook-tacular plans.

E-mail nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com by 5pm on October 25th with your name, phone number, and e-mail address if you plan on coming so that we can contact you with more specifics!

What: JCCCNC/JCYC Halloween Carnival
Date:
Friday, Oct. 30th
Location: JCCCNC (1840 Sutter St. | San Francisco)
Time: 5:30-9:30pm
5:30-6:00 -- orientation
6:00-8:30 -- event
8:30-9:30 -- cleanup
Please plan to be present for all three portions
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30593261168&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=152535017270


Save the date! Upcoming event:
Friday, January 22, 2010 - Golden State Warriors Asian American Heritage Night

The NBA season may not have officially started yet, but Nakayoshi is already gearing up and teaming with the Golden State Warriors again this season for Asian American Heritage Night. Last year was a blast and we hope you can make it out this year as well! This year the Warriors will be taking on Yi Jianlian and the New Jersey Nets for Asian American Heritage Night. Ticket proceeds will go towards Nakayoshi and help us program more fun events for you in the future. Think of it as a fun investment for even more fun! We are trying to get an advance head count for our ticket purchase, so please only RSVP if you plan to purchase your tickets from Nakayoshi and sit with your Nakayoshi friends. RSVP by e-mailing us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com or go to the Facebook event invitation at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30593261168&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=272856850579

Hope to see more new (or familiar!) faces at the Irrashai Nomikai or volunteering at the Halloween Carnival this month! Let us know if you want to join a Nakayoshi committee, and remember to e-mail us or RSVP on Facebook if you're coming out. Make sure to join our Facebook group if you haven't already! See you soon!

All Nakayoshi events are free and open to anyone unless otherwise noted. Feel free to forward this message along to your friends or anyone interested. Not on the Nakayoshi e-mail list? Click here to subscribe. Have questions? Want to sign up or RSVP for an event? E-mail Nakayoshi at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com. For additional information and updates, be sure to check the Nakayoshi blog or find our group page on Facebook! Nakayoshi is a program sponsored by the Northern California Western Nevada Pacific District of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Nakayoshi Volunteer Event: JCCCNC/JCYC Halloween Carnival


Games and prizes, tricks and treats, arts and crafts and goodies to eat! Come help out at JCCCNC and JCYC's Halloween Carnival on Friday, October 30th. See all the kids in their cute costumes while helping to provide a fun, safe atmosphere for them to celebrate Halloween!

We will be at the brand-new HAUNTED HALLWAY this year -- so wear your best scary costume! (Save your funny costumes for Saturday, please.) This event takes place the evening before halloween, so it won't interfere with any of your spook-tacular plans.

Date:
Friday, Oct. 30th
Location: JCCCNC (1840 Sutter St. | San Francisco)
Time: 5:30-9:30pm
5:30-6:00 -- orientation
6-8:30 -- event
8:30-9:30 -- cleanup
Please plan to be present for all three portions.

**E-mail nakayoshi.ncwnp9[at] gmail.com by 5pm on October 25th with your name, phone number, and e-mail address if you plan on coming so that we can contact you with more specifics!**

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Matcha Celebration at Samovar Tea Lounge


Tea companies DoMatcha and the Samovar Tea Lounge are partnering to host a celebration of matcha, a traditional Japanese green tea.

Matcha is the powdered green tea is used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Frothed to perfection with a bamboo whisk, high quality matcha has a sweet flavor with notes of seaweed and bittersweet chocolate. As news spreads of matcha's health benefits (it can have 12x the antioxidants of regular green tea!), people worldwide have begun to appreciate this jade green elixir and develop modern recipes like matcha lattes.

DoMatcha's Tea Master Handa can't wait to talk about his tea gardens in Uji, Japan, and share matcha with people in the Bay Area. You can sample matcha and tea lattes expertly prepared by Master Handa, pair your tea with luscious tea cakes made by a renowned pastry shop in Kyoto, and learn about the history, production, and future of matcha green tea. Door prizes include bamboo t-shirts and a gift basket of tea items that will take your tea drinking to a whole new level.

Join the celebration and experience matcha for yourself!

Where: Samovar Tea Lounge, Zen Valley location
When: Friday, October 9th, 3-5pm. Matcha talk 3:30-4:45
Cost: Free!

Monday, September 21, 2009

This Sunday - Tabemasho! Nakayoshi Sushi-Making Class at JCCCNC

Just a quick and friendly reminder that this Sunday is Nakayoshi's Sushi Class Fundraiser @ the JCCCNC - spaces are limited so sign up ASAP! Only $30 for JCCCNC Members/$40 for Non-Members (what a steal!) Other sushi classes range in the $100 range... so check it out!

Learn how to make your own delicious sushi! Nakayoshi's very own Graig and Sean Inaba will be instructing our second workshop hosted by the JCCCNC, where they will demonstrate and teach participants everything from making sushi vinegar to rolling traditional hosomaki rolls, hand/cone rolls, nigiri and Americanized sushi rolls!

Space is limited to the first 25 participants, so sign up ASAP! Price is $30 for JCCCNC members, $40 for general public, and includes all materials.A portion of the proceeds will also benefit Nakayoshi directly, so sign up to learn how to make your own sushi while supporting your favorite young professionals organization!

To sign up, contact the JCCCNC directly at (415) 567-5505 or e-mail programsevents@jcccnc.org

In case you missed it, check out our video highlighting the last sushi-making class we did at:




What: Tabemasho! Nakayoshi Sushi-Making Class at JCCCNC
When: Sunday, September 27, 2009Where: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Time: 1-4pm
Price: $30 JCCCNC members, $40 general public (materials provided)
RSVP: (415) 567-5505, programsevents@jcccnc.org

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Job Opportunities

Nakayoshi member Kai Mitsushio passed along some job opportunities at his company. Following is his message:

Esurance's Marketing department currently has 3 job openings for marketing analytics positions. We need some serious SQL / Excel junkies!

1 position on the Partner Revenue Team:2 positions on the Email and Website Analytics Team:
http://jobs-esurance.icims.com/jobs/3254/job
http://jobs-esurance.icims.com/jobs/3246/job

If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me - I work closely with both teams. If you have any friends with killer marketing analytics skills, please pass along the info.

-Kai
kmitsushio@esurance.com

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Monthly Update - September 2009

Hello Nakayoshi members! Time for the September monthly update!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our events in August! We hope you've all been enjoying the monthly volunteer and social events we've been busy putting together for everyone! Since our last update, Nakayoshi had a blast camping and kayaking up at Tahoe, got down to business at our quarterly planning meeting, and cheered on as Ichiro collected his 2,000th major league hit against the Oakland A's at their Japanese Heritage Day game.

We have more great stuff coming your way the rest of this month, including volunteering at the JCCCNC's annual event, a happy hour networking mixer in conjunction with the Kearny Street Workshop's 11th Annual APAture festival featuring emerging API artists, and our next sushi-making class fundraiser at the JCCCNC taught by Nakayoshi's resident sushi chefs, Graig and Sean Inaba. For those of you interested in career development activities, help out our Career Development committee by giving us some feedback and filling out our quick survey! More details in the rest of the update below!

Have any comments, suggestions or questions? Want to RSVP or sign up for an event? Feel free to leave any comments on our blog at http://www.nakayoshi.org/, Facebook group page, or e-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com.

In this update:
Nakayoshi Career Development Membership Survey
9/19/09 - Volunteering at the JCCCNC's annual event, Tabemasho!

9/23/09 - APAture 2009 Happy Hour Networking Mixer
9/27/09 - Nakayoshi Sushi-Making Class

Save the date! Upcoming event in October
10/24/09 - Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer

More events to come!

Nakayoshi Career Development Membership Survey
As a young professionals organization, part of Nakayoshi's mission is to provide resources and programming focusing on personal and career development for our membership. To help us meet this goal of addressing your needs as young professionals, please take a couple quick minutes to fill out our online survey to help us assess what sort of career-related events and activities you all want to see us put together for you!

Check out the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2H4JHFqcnUQ5MxHEIGpJqQ_3d_3d

Interested in joining our career development committee? E-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com!

Saturday, September 19: Volunteer at JCCCNC's annual event, Tabemasho! (Let's Eat!)
The JCCCNC is hosting its annual event, Tabemasho (Let’s Eat!), on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the JCCCNC on 1840 Sutter Street in San Francisco. This year’s event will celebrate 140 years of Japanese food in America and will honor the Japanese American food industry in America. The event will also introduce the community cookbook, Nikkei Potluck. Come help out with the rest of the Nakayoshi crew!

Nakayoshi will be providing volunteers for the event. There are 3 separate 3 hour shifts:
12:00PM-3:00PM - Set Up Shift (10 volunteers)
3:00PM-6:00PM - Decorating Shift (6 volunteers)
5:00PM-8:00PM - Program Volunteers (15 volunteers w/dresscode - Semi-formal dinner attire)

Please let us know if you are willing to help out with this great cause! We need sign ups soon so please let us know what shifts you'd like to volunteer!

Email us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com with your name, telephone contact for the day of, and which shift you'd like. More information on the event at the JCCCNC's website at: http://www.jcccnc.org/events/dinner.htm

What: Volunteering at JCCCNC's annual event, Tabemasho! (Let's Eat!)
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Location: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Time: Noon-3pm set up shift, 3-6pm decorating shift, 5-8pm program volunteers (semi-formal attire for program volunteers)

RSVP to volunteer on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30593261168&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=149504265232

Wednesday, September 23: APAture Happy Hour Networking Mixer

Join Nakayoshi and members of 9 other Asian American professional organizations for an evening of networking and art at a networking happy hour for Kearny Street Workshop's 11th annual APAture Festival, featuring emerging Asian American artists. We'll be mixing it up and perusing festival artwork at the Goforaloop Gallery in San Francisco on Wednesday, September 23 from 6:30-8:30pm. Definitely come out with your friends for a little mingling and to check out some amazing artwork! Admission is FREE, cash bar at the gallery.

For more information on Kearny Street Workshop and the APAture Festival running from September 17-26, go to: http://www.kearnystreet.org/apature

What: APAture Happy Hour Networking Mixer
When: Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Where: Goforaloop Gallery, 1458 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Price: FREE Admission, cash bar
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30593261168&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=129940627012


Sunday, September 27: Tabemasho! Nakayoshi Sushi-Making Class at JCCCNC
Learn how to make your own delicious sushi! Nakayoshi's very own Graig and Sean Inaba will be instructing our second workshop hosted by the JCCCNC, where they will demonstrate and teach participants everything from making sushi vinegar to rolling traditional hosomaki rolls, hand/cone rolls, nigiri and Americanized sushi rolls! Space is limited to the first 25 participants, so sign up ASAP! Price is $30 for JCCCNC members, $40 for general public, and includes all materials.

A portion of the proceeds will also benefit Nakayoshi directly, so sign up to learn how to make your own sushi while supporting your favorite young professionals organization!

To sign up, contact the JCCCNC directly at (415) 567-5505 or e-mail programsevents@jcccnc.org

In case you missed it, check out our video highlighting the last sushi-making class we did at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yui5CRSCjyI&feature=channel_page

What: Tabemasho! Nakayoshi Sushi-Making Class at JCCCNC
When: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Where: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Time: 1-4pm
Price: $30 JCCCNC members, $40 general public (materials provided)

RSVP: (415) 567-5505, programsevents@jcccnc.org

Save the date! Upcoming October event:
Saturday, October 24, 2009: Irrashai Nomikai New Member Mixer
Haven't made it out to one of our events yet? Haven't come out in a while? Our Irrashai (welcome!) Nomikai New Member Mixer is the perfect chance for new and old Nakayoshi members to come out and get to know the rest of our regulars in a relaxed social setting over food and drinks. More details and other events to come!

Of course there's no reason to wait until the new member mixer to start coming out to our events! We're always happy to see you come out, get involved with Nakayoshi and the community, and have a great time with the rest of your Nakayoshi friends! Remember to e-mail us or RSVP on Facebook if you're coming out, and join our Facebook group if you haven't already! See you soon!

All Nakayoshi events are free and open to anyone unless otherwise noted. Feel free to forward this message along to your friends or anyone interested. Not on the Nakayoshi e-mail list? Click here to subscribe. Have questions? Want to sign up or RSVP for an event? E-mail Nakayoshi at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com. For additional information and updates, be sure to check the Nakayoshi blog or find our group page on Facebook! Nakayoshi is a program sponsored by the Northern California Western Nevada Pacific District of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

APAture 2009 Networking Mixer with Kearny Street Workshop

Join Nakayoshi at:

An Evening of Art and Networking
APAture Happy Hour Mixer with Kearny Street Workshop


Wednesday, September 23, 2009
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Goforaloop Gallery
1458 San Bruno Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
FREE Admission. Cash Bar.

RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129940627012

Co-Sponsored by Asian American Professional Organizations, including:
  • Asia Society - Young Professionals Group
  • Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area (AABA)
  • Asian Business League of San Francisco (ABL-SF)
  • Indonesian Professionals Association (IPA)
  • Nakayoshi Young Professionals
  • National Association of Asian American Professionals - San Francisco (NAAAP-SF)
  • Network of Indian Professionals - San Francisco Bay Area (NetIP SFBA)
  • ORIENTED.COM
  • South Asian Bar Association - Northern California (SABA-NC)
  • Young Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA)
APAture 2009: A Spotlight on Asian pacific American Art
September 17-26, 2009

Kearny Street Workshop's APAture is an annual multidisciplinary arts festival showcasing the work of emerging Asian Pacific America (APA) artists. APAture's mission is to provide artists with an early experience presenting their work at a large event; to build audiences for emerging APA artists; to strengthen the sense of community among our young artists; and to raise awareness of the existence of and diversity within the APA arts community. APAture values community-building, ethnic and artistic diversity, and collaboration across ethnic and disciplinary lines.

For more information, visit: http://www.kearnystreet.org/apature

Kearny Street Workshop
Kearny Street Workshop is the oldest Asian Pacific American multidisciplinary arts organization in the United States. Our mission is to produce, present, and promote art that empowers APA artists and communities.

Hope we see you there!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Upcoming Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan Meeting

If you're concerned about the future of San Francisco's Japantown, please join us next Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at a community meeting to discuss the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan. The draft neighborhood development plan that was released to the public this past May and June was met by much criticism and concern from the community, and was ultimately rejected by the San Francisco Planning Commission. At this point the community meeting will go over the current status of the plan for the neighborhood and also discuss how the community can have a greater voice and involvement in the planning process. More information is below:

Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan
Community Meeting

Wednesday September 9, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 PM
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
1840 Sutter Street


Learn about the status of the Japantown Plan and how to get involved in making it responsive to community needs! The Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan Organizing Committee is hosting this community meeting to share information on the status of the plan and to develop effective steps to incorporate community input into the process.

The agenda for this meeting will include:

  • Summarizing the Draft Plan.
  • Reviewing the Planning Commission Resolution approved on June 25.
  • An update on the Planning Department’s proposed workplan and funding for the next 12-months of the plan process.
  • Getting the community involved in reviewing and improving the Draft Plan.
  • General questions.
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Below is also a message from Paul Osaki, Executive Director of the JCCCNC regarding the upcoming meeting:

Thanks to all of you who wrote letters, e-mails, made calls, voiced your concerns and testified at the San Francisco Planning Commission Hearings in May and June what was considered a foregone conclusion by political insiders, the San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously rejected any endorsement of the draft Japantown Better Neighborhoods Plan and instead only voted to acknowledge the work done to date. This was described by many as HUGE VICTORY for the community and that we would not accept a bad plan or simply go away. What was thought to be a small minority of unhappy community activists turned out to be a huge majority of concerned community members of all ages and from throughout the state. I also believe by the comments made by the Planning Commissioners at the final hearing that actually once they had the chance to read the plan, that they came to their own conclusion that the plan was really not ready to go to the next phase of an Environmental Impact Review (EIR).

By the resolution merely acknowledging the work completed to date means that the planning effort is NOT over. Thanks to Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi efforts, the San Francisco Planning Department has agreed to extend our planning timeline for another year and as well included a ½ staff to assist with revising, changing and or alternating the plan as the community sees fit. (Pending final approval by the Board of Supervisors in Sept, 2009)

This means that WE ALL have to STAY ACTIVE and become MORE involved than never before, if we want this plan to truly fulfill the goals of helping us preserve and revitalize our historic Japantown. (We will not get another chance) If the plans fail this time around, it’s because WE failed the community, the generations that came before us and the generations that will follow us. There is a community meeting scheduled to update the community and to get your input about the direction the planning effort should take and also about changing/improving the Japantown community steering committee. YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT!
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Please join Nakayoshi and other community members at this meeting. It is crucial that we stay informed of the issues directly affecting our community.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

"What It Means To Be a Japanese American Woman"


Cherry Blossom Alumnae (CBA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is hosting the 2nd annual CBA conference with the theme, “What It Means To Be a Japanese American Woman.” The CBA conference will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown, 1625 Post Street in San Francisco.


The main speaker for the conference is Janice Mirikitani, Founding President of Glide Foundation, as well as noted poet and author. Other speakers include:


  • Sandy Mori, Development Director at Kimochi
  • A panel of successful Japanese American businesswomen, including:
    • Ellen Kiyomizu, owner of Scorch and Kimochi board member
    • Sarah Sasaki, Deputy Chief of Staff in Corporate Relations at PG&E Corporation, and the 2005 Cherry Blossom Queen
    • Amy Schoemehl, Manager/Trafficking and Global Outsourcing at Google, and the 2000 Cherry Blossom Queen

There will also be a special breakout session for participants to express their own views on the conference theme. Lunch is included at the event.


Registration cost for the event: early bird special is $30 for Adults/$25 for Students if registering for the conference by September 26, 2009. After September 26, the registration cost is $35 for Adults/$30 for Students. Registration forms can be obtained by contacting Tina Hamada-Wong at tina@structive.com or (650) 619-0613. Seating is limited, and the organizers expect the event to be sold out.


This event is open to the public. Please note that while the theme is focused on Japanese American women, men are also encouraged to attend the event. The San Francisco Japantown Foundation awarded CBA a grant for this event.