Nakayoshi has a new and revamped website, at www.nakayoshi.org. Stay updated with everything we're up to from the new website!
We will be discontinuing our posts to the Nakayoshi blog at this address. If you have been viewing our site at the http://www.nakayoshi-jacl.blogspot.com/ URL, please change your bookmarks to http://www.nakayoshi.org.
Thanks for following us!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Quarterly Volunteer Event - JCCCNC's annual fundraiser, "Tabemasho: From Generation to Generation"
For Nakayoshi's quarterly volunteer event, we are helping once again at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California's annual fundraising dinner event, "Tabemasho: From Generation to Generation." The JCCCNC's annual event raises critical funds for the JCCCNC's programs and activities throughout the year, featuring food prepared by chefs from selected restaurants. The event is on Saturday, September 25. Nakayoshi will be covering shifts from 3:00-5:30pm and 5:30-8:00pm, however, volunteers are also welcome to help during the setup and cleanup shifts before and after the event.
Volunteers at Nakayoshi's main shifts will mainly be servers and waiting tables. Each person will be in charge of one table and pass out food and drinks to everyone seated there. They’ll also be in charge of making sure everyone is getting food at their table and clearing off any trash/leftovers. There will be a Floor Manager during your shift who you can go to if you have any questions such as when to bring out food.
To sign up for a volunteer shift, go to:
http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=nakayoshijcccnctabemashovolunteers
Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Dress code is black pants and white shirt. Wear clothing that you are comfortable wearing in the event of spilling during food handling. Please call Nakayoshi volunteer coordinator Haruka Roudebush at (415) 203-7002 upon arrival, or ask of JCCCNC staffer Aya Ino to be placed during your shift. Please e-mail nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com if you have any questions prior to the event.
Below is more information on the event from the JCCCNC:
Since the first Japanese immigrants arrived in America (San Francisco) over 140 years ago, they celebrated good times and difficult times with food. This concept that we gather around the table to eat, celebrate, remember and rejoice has been handed down through the generations. The early Issei had no money to go to fancy hotels or restaurants, but they could bring their favorite dishes to the table and the family and the community would gather.
This year we dedicate the event to the Issei, Nisei, Sansei, Yonsei and to GENERATIONS to come. To the Issei and Nisei who displayed uncommon strength, courage, selfless giving and unrelenting spirit, we honor them for their guidance, inspiration and foresight in maintaining our culture and sense of community through the food that they shared with us. To the Sansei, Yonsei and future generations, we share the cooking traditions of our Japanese culture that were so lovingly passed on through the years. Through these generations our food both traditional and new has become international culinary delights and experiences.
For more information on the Tabemasho! event or the JCCCNC, please go to http://www.jcccnc.org/.
What: Volunteering at JCCCNC's Annual Fundraiser "Tabemasho: From Generation to Generation"
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Location: Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Shift Times: Setup (anytime between noon-5pm), Shift 1 (3-5:30pm), Shift 2 (5:30-8pm), Cleanup (7:30-11pm)
To sign up for a shift go to: http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=nakayoshijcccnctabemashovolunteers
To sign up for a volunteer shift, go to:http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=nakayoshijcccnctabemashovolunteers
Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Dress code is black pants and white shirt. Wear clothing that you are comfortable wearing in the event of spilling during food handling. Please call Nakayoshi volunteer coordinator Haruka Roudebush at (415) 203-7002 upon arrival, or ask of JCCCNC staffer Aya Ino to be placed during your shift. Please e-mail nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com if you have any questions prior to the event.
Below is more information on the event from the JCCCNC:
Since the first Japanese immigrants arrived in America (San Francisco) over 140 years ago, they celebrated good times and difficult times with food. This concept that we gather around the table to eat, celebrate, remember and rejoice has been handed down through the generations. The early Issei had no money to go to fancy hotels or restaurants, but they could bring their favorite dishes to the table and the family and the community would gather.This year we dedicate the event to the Issei, Nisei, Sansei, Yonsei and to GENERATIONS to come. To the Issei and Nisei who displayed uncommon strength, courage, selfless giving and unrelenting spirit, we honor them for their guidance, inspiration and foresight in maintaining our culture and sense of community through the food that they shared with us. To the Sansei, Yonsei and future generations, we share the cooking traditions of our Japanese culture that were so lovingly passed on through the years. Through these generations our food both traditional and new has become international culinary delights and experiences.
For more information on the Tabemasho! event or the JCCCNC, please go to http://www.jcccnc.org/.
What: Volunteering at JCCCNC's Annual Fundraiser "Tabemasho: From Generation to Generation"
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Location: Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Shift Times: Setup (anytime between noon-5pm), Shift 1 (3-5:30pm), Shift 2 (5:30-8pm), Cleanup (7:30-11pm)
To sign up for a shift go to: http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?datafile=nakayoshijcccnctabemashovolunteers
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September Volunteer Opportunities
Saturday, September 18th: National AIDS Memorial Grove Clean-up
The San Francisco chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League has invited Nakayoshi to help clean up the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, September 18th. Volunteering runs from 9am-Noon. Bring comfortable clothes that you can get dirty!
Please e-mail Haruka Roudebush directly if you are available to volunteer at haruka.roudebush@gmail.com
What: National AIDS Memorial Grove Annual Cleanup w/SF JACL
Location: Golden Gate Park , Intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East, San Francisco, CA
Time: 9am-Noon
RSVP: E-mail Haruka Roudebush at haruka.roudebush@gmail.com
Saturday, September 25th: JCCCNC's Annual Fundraiser: Tabemasho!
Come on out for Nakayoshi's official volunteer event for Q3 2010! We'll be helping out once again at the JCCCNC's annual fundraising event with shifts from 3-8pm. More details will be posted soon, but save the date! For more details on the event, go to: http://www.jcccnc.org/events/dinner.htm
The San Francisco chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League has invited Nakayoshi to help clean up the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, September 18th. Volunteering runs from 9am-Noon. Bring comfortable clothes that you can get dirty! Please e-mail Haruka Roudebush directly if you are available to volunteer at haruka.roudebush@gmail.com
What: National AIDS Memorial Grove Annual Cleanup w/SF JACL
Location: Golden Gate Park , Intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East, San Francisco, CA
Time: 9am-Noon
RSVP: E-mail Haruka Roudebush at haruka.roudebush@gmail.com
Saturday, September 25th: JCCCNC's Annual Fundraiser: Tabemasho!
Come on out for Nakayoshi's official volunteer event for Q3 2010! We'll be helping out once again at the JCCCNC's annual fundraising event with shifts from 3-8pm. More details will be posted soon, but save the date! For more details on the event, go to: http://www.jcccnc.org/events/dinner.htm
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hyphen's New Legacy Issue Release Party ft. Rocky Rivera!
Our friends at Hyphen are hosing their New Legacy Issues Release Party for their 21st issue! So join our friends as they celebrate their success and have a fun time mingling and networking with some amazing bay area folks!
WHEN: September 17 at 10:00pm - September 18 at 2:00am
WHERE: Mighty - 119 Utah Street, San Francisco, CA
DETAILS: Summer may be on its way out, but that doesn't mean we should hibernate and stay at home on a Friday night. Come out and join us as we celebrate another AMAZING issue of Hyphen!
LIVE PERFORMANCES:
Rocky Rivera (http://www.twitter.com/rockyrivera)
The Like Me's (http://www.thelikemes.com/)
Main Stacks (http://mainstacksdance.wordpress.com/)
Illest Villain (http://illestvillains.tumblr.com/)
DOPE BEATS:
DJ Esquire (http://twitter.com/tharesurreccion)
DJL! (http://www.DJLONLINE.com/)
TASTY APPEARANCE:
TaKorea (http://twitter.com/takoreasf)
21+ $10 ($20 includes a subscription
Help support our friends @ Hyphen and check it out!
WHEN: September 17 at 10:00pm - September 18 at 2:00am
WHERE: Mighty - 119 Utah Street, San Francisco, CA
DETAILS: Summer may be on its way out, but that doesn't mean we should hibernate and stay at home on a Friday night. Come out and join us as we celebrate another AMAZING issue of Hyphen!
LIVE PERFORMANCES:
Rocky Rivera (http://www.twitter.com/rockyrivera)
The Like Me's (http://www.thelikemes.com/)
Main Stacks (http://mainstacksdance.wordpress.com/)
Illest Villain (http://illestvillains.tumblr.com/)
DOPE BEATS:
DJ Esquire (http://twitter.com/tharesurreccion)
DJL! (http://www.DJLONLINE.com/)
TASTY APPEARANCE:
TaKorea (http://twitter.com/takoreasf)
21+ $10 ($20 includes a subscription
Help support our friends @ Hyphen and check it out!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Fighting Hepatitis B in the Asian American Community - Wednesday Sept. 15th
Our friends at The Asia Society, AsianWeek Foundation, and the Chinese Hospital are having a major public event this month entitled “Fighting Hepatitis B in the Asian American Community.”
Panelists include Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who won the 1976 Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering the Hepatitis B virus, and who later developed a diagnostic test and vaccine against it; CA State Representative Fiona Ma, the author of CA Bill 158 and a renowned HBV activist; Dr. Samuel So, director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University and a national leader of the campaign against HBV; and Ted Fang of the AsianWeek Foundation and a leading advocate of HBV treatment and education.
Event will take place:
Wednesday, September 15th
5:30PM - Registaration
6:00PM - Program Begins
Genentech Auditorium
UCSF Mission Bay Campus
600 16th Street, San Francisco
Cost:
Students/Asia Society Members $8.00
Non-members $15.00
An interesting, educational and community event! Hope you all get a chance to attend!
For more information regarding this event, please contact our friends at Asian Week Foundation: Angela Pang, Community Relations Manager at apang@asianweek.com.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Call for Volunteers - Sunday 8/29 - SF Japantown at Lantern Parade & Obon
If you're not joining us for Nakayoshi's 2nd Annual Camping Trip to Tahoe, this is a great opportunity for you to volunteer for a great cause!
We're helping out our friends at SF Japantown to ask for volutneers at the obon this Sunday.
They are looking for volunteers to come help between 10am and 5pm - Volunteers are asked for the following:
Barricade Monitor. To not allow any vehicles in other than those involved with the event of Kabuki Hotel Guests.
(two hour shifts)
Set-up crew. Assist the JTMA members with setting up the various stations of the Yagura, Children’s area, registration area and posting various signs.
If you can attend or help out, please email our friend Jennifer Hamamoto, Program and PR Manager at the JCCCNC at jhamamoto@jcccnc.org .
Thanks everyone,
Nakayoshi
We're helping out our friends at SF Japantown to ask for volutneers at the obon this Sunday.
They are looking for volunteers to come help between 10am and 5pm - Volunteers are asked for the following:
Barricade Monitor. To not allow any vehicles in other than those involved with the event of Kabuki Hotel Guests.
(two hour shifts)
Set-up crew. Assist the JTMA members with setting up the various stations of the Yagura, Children’s area, registration area and posting various signs.
If you can attend or help out, please email our friend Jennifer Hamamoto, Program and PR Manager at the JCCCNC at jhamamoto@jcccnc.org .
Thanks everyone,
Nakayoshi
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
HELP WANTED: Internment Camp Documentary - Green Screen Shoot - Saturday August 7th
A friend of Nakayoshi’s is working on a documentary about the Japanese American internment camps for her thesis project.
Working alongside the visual effects department to recreate the Heart Mountain camp in 3D, she is asking for volunteers to help be in her shot of a winter scene depicting the harsh weather that the internees had to endure.
Director Vanessa Yuille is looking for 3 Japanese/Japanese American actors for the shoot. The request is for a few hours (she’s estimating 3 hours) on Saturday, August 7th at the green screen room on 180 New Montgomery.
If you'd like to help Directo Yuille out, please contact her at vyuille@yahoo.com for more details and to sign up!
- Nakayoshi
Working alongside the visual effects department to recreate the Heart Mountain camp in 3D, she is asking for volunteers to help be in her shot of a winter scene depicting the harsh weather that the internees had to endure.
Director Vanessa Yuille is looking for 3 Japanese/Japanese American actors for the shoot. The request is for a few hours (she’s estimating 3 hours) on Saturday, August 7th at the green screen room on 180 New Montgomery.
If you'd like to help Directo Yuille out, please contact her at vyuille@yahoo.com for more details and to sign up!
- Nakayoshi
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monthly Update - July 2010
Here's your July monthly update for this month's Nakayoshi events! Last month we kicked off our 3rd year of bringing together young professionals across the Bay Area at our annual Welcome BBQ in Golden Gate Park. We had a solid turnout and great weather to accompany an afternoon of fun and BBQ. Nakayoshi members also pitched in to help the San Francisco JACL chapter and Nisei Fishing Club host their annual Youth Fishing Derby at the San Pablo Dam Reservoir.
Be sure to check out what we have coming to you this month! Both of our July social and volunteer events are coming up this weekend, so you'll want to RSVP ASAP! On Friday night we are going bowling at the Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco to be followed up with tapas at Thirsty Bear, and on Sunday we'll be volunteering at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple's big Obon Festival. Make sure to mark your calendars in advance for our events in August as well - volunteering at the Nihonmachi Street Fair and our annual camping trip! More info below!In this update:
7/16/10 - Nakayoshi Bowling Night
7/18/10 - Volunteering at Mt. View Obon Festival
Weekend of 8/14-8/15 - Nihonmachi Street Fair
Weekend of 8/27-8/29 - Nakayoshi Camping Trip
Friday, July 16 - Nakayoshi Bowling Night
Friday, July 16 - Nakayoshi Bowling Night
Come roll with Nakayoshi this Friday for July's social event. We'll be at the Yerba Buena gardens in downtown SF (right next to the SF Metreon) bowling, rollin' and LOL'n all night long. Don't forget to bring some extra cash for shoe and alley rentals. After our forearms and fingers are strained and sore, we can migrate to Thirsty Bear at 661 Howard Street to hang out and enjoy some tapas.Date: Friday, 7/16/10
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: Yerba Buena Skating and Bowling, 750 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134184499949030
Sunday, July 18 - Volunteering at Mt. View Obon Festival
Come celebrate obon season with Nakayoshi at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple on Sunday, July 18. We will be assisting the temple to man game and food booths and the main dining area at the festival. Volunteer shifts are 2-hours each, starting from noon until 6pm. Let us know when you sign up which shift you would prefer by e-mailing nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com. Come hang out with the rest of Nakayoshi and enjoy the great food and fun before and after your volunteer shift! Volunteers are still greatly needed to assist with the kitchen and take-out booths, so sign up today!
For those of you unfamiliar with obon, obon is an annual Buddhist holiday to honor one's departed ancestors. Many Japanese Buddhist temples hold a festival in conjunction with this holiday, which are often one of the biggest local community events of the year. Mountain View Buddhist Temple holds one of the largest obons in the Bay Area, which will include lots of great food, game and drink booths, as well as an optional Buddhist religious service and will culminate in a traditional obon dance (bon-dori) open to anyone to participate in. Obons are also a fun opportunity to come out dressed in more traditional Japanese dress, so come out sporting your yukata or hapi-coats if you have them!Questions? E-mail us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com
More information on the temple and obon at: http://www.mvbuddhisttemple.org/
Also, if any of you in the South Bay are available during the week, the temple could also use volunteers on the evenings of Wednesday, July 14th and Friday, July 16th to help prepare the teriyaki chicken and beef to be sold during the obon festival. Contact Ron Murata at remurata@comcast.net if you are available during the week.
What: Volunteering at Mt. View Obon Festival
Date: Sunday, 7/18/10
Time: Noon-6pm (2 hour volunteer shifts starting from noon)
Location: Mt. View Buddhist Temple, 575 North Shoreline Blvd, Mt. View, CA
RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136916066336313
Weekend of August 14-15 - Nihonmachi Street Fair
Mark your calendars for the weekend of August 14-15 for the Nihonmachi Street Fair in SF Japantown! Started in 1973, the Nihonmachi Street Fair began as an effort of young activists of the Japantown community. Every year, NSF continues to bring together community organizations, Asian/American artisans, local musicians and cultural performers to celebrate the culture and to share and educate others about Japantown. Nakayoshi has assisted JCYC set up and man booths and games in the Children's Village for the last couple of years. We'll be sending out more information on volunteer opportunities for this great event in our August monthly update, so stay tuned!For more information on the Nihonmachi Street Fair, go to: http://www.nihonmachistreetfair.org/index.htm
Weekend of August 27-29 - Nakayoshi Camping Trip
Get ready for our 2nd Annual Camping Trip in the Lake Tahoe area! Keep your calendars open the weekend of 8/27-8/29 for fun times. Our outdoor activities last year included kayaking on the lake. We're still finalizing the itinerary, but we're looking into rafting on the Truckee River (more floating than anything) as well as some hiking for this year's trip. We'll be camping at Fallen Leaf Campgrounds (same as last year).Feel free to take Friday 8/27 off and drive up earlier (to avoid Friday afternoon traffic and having to set up camp in the dark!). More time to relax...
You must confirm your spot by sending an email to nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com
What: Nakayoshi Camping Trip
Date: Weekend of 8/27/10 - 8/29/10
Location: Fallen Leaf Campground, South Lake Tahoe, CA (map)
Price: TBD
RSVP on Facebook (You still need to e-mail us in order to confirm!!): http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129674730389039
That's it for July's update! Hope to see you come out this weekend for bowling and volunteering at the obon!
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.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Alien/ation: Hyphen's first illustration show | Saturday, July 10 @ Space Gallery, SF
Our friends at Hyphen Magazine are presenting an art show this Saturday, come out and show your support! Should be one awesome event. Hyphen magazine, in partnership with Paper Hat Productions, presents Alien/ation - a group show of Hyphen illustrators and painters from past and present, whose works have increased the depth of our understanding of Asian America.
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, July 10th
5:30 pm - Artist's Reception
7:00 pm - Art Riot Extravaganza
Space Gallery
1141 Polk St., San Francisco
$5 at the door
$15 includes a one year Hyphen subscription (50% off!)
*RSVP on Facebook*
SPECIALS
First 25 paid guests @ 7:00 pm get a free copy of Hyphen magazine + limited edition mystery swag!
Saturday, July 10th
5:30 pm - Artist's Reception
7:00 pm - Art Riot Extravaganza
Space Gallery
1141 Polk St., San Francisco
$5 at the door
$15 includes a one year Hyphen subscription (50% off!)
*RSVP on Facebook*
SPECIALS
First 25 paid guests @ 7:00 pm get a free copy of Hyphen magazine + limited edition mystery swag!
LIVE PAINTING
Participating featured artists
LIVE BEATS
B-Haul (Dirty Dishes, Tasty)
Gordon Gartrell (Dirty Dishes)
EATS
Vegan cupcakes by Black Orchid Bakery
Participating featured artists
LIVE BEATS
B-Haul (Dirty Dishes, Tasty)
Gordon Gartrell (Dirty Dishes)
EATS
Vegan cupcakes by Black Orchid Bakery
FEATURED ARTISTS
Yoko Furusho, Kim Herbst, Rick Kitagawa, Jorge Mascarenhas, Danny Neece, Rob Sato, Eve Skylar, Jon Stich, Joseph To
Yoko Furusho, Kim Herbst, Rick Kitagawa, Jorge Mascarenhas, Danny Neece, Rob Sato, Eve Skylar, Jon Stich, Joseph To
*Artist bio's available online*
July Volunteer Event - MVBT Obon Festival, 7/18/10
Come celebrate obon season with Nakayoshi by volunteering with us on Sunday, July 18th at Mountian View Buddhist Temple's obon festival! Nakayoshi will be working 2-hour shifts from noon to 6pm to help man food and game booths at the festival. Let us know which shift you prefer (noon-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm) when you sign up! Please sign up no later than Wednesday, July 14th by e-mailing us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com or on our Facebook event invitation at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136916066336313.
We'll be hanging out and enjoying all the good food and fun at the festival before and after our volunteer shifts. For those of you unfamiliar with obon, obon is an annual Buddhist holiday to honor one's departed ancestors. Many Japanese Buddhist temples hold a festival in conjunction with this holiday, which are often one of the biggest local community events of the year. Mountain View Buddhist Temple holds one of the largest obons in the Bay Area, which will include lots of great food, game and drink booths, as well as an optional Buddhist religious service and will culminate in a traditional obon dance (bon-dori) open to anyone to participate in. Obons are also a fun opportunity to come out dressed in more traditional Japanese dress, so come out sporting your yukata or hapi-coats if you have them!
More information on the temple and obon at: http://www.mvbuddhisttemple.org/
Also, if any of you in the South Bay are available during the week, the temple could also use volunteers on the evenings of Wednesday, July 14th and Friday, July 16th to help prepare the teriyaki chicken and beef to be sold during the obon festival. Contact Ron Murata at remurata@comcast.net if you are available during the week.
What: Volunteering at Mountain View Buddhist Temple Obon Festival
Date: Sunday, July 18, 2010
Time: 2-hour volunteer shifts (noon-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm)
Location: Mountain View Buddhist Temple, 575 North Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136916066336313&ref=mf
RSVP on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136916066336313&ref=mf
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Monthly Update - June 2010
This June marks the 2nd anniversary of Nakayoshi's founding. We'll be kicking off Nakayoshi's 3rd year of operations this month with our 3rd annual Welcome BBQ. Join us as we get our third year off to a fresh start by welcoming in our newest class of recent college graduates and connecting them with the great activities and people that make up the Nakayoshi family!We are continuing to do our best to provide monthly social and volunteer opportunities, and are looking forward to seeing new faces and encouraging existing members to get involved with Nakayoshi and the community! To all of you who have been with us the past two years, thanks for your part in making Nakayoshi what it is today! And to all the newcomers, we look forward to getting to know you all at the BBQ and our other upcoming events!
In this update:
6/13/10 - Nakayoshi's 3rd Annual Welcome BBQ
6/19/10 - Volunteering at Youth Fishing Derby
Other Community Events:
6/19/10 - JCYC's 40th Anniversary
6/27/10 - NAAAP SF Summer Picnic
Sunday, June 13 - Nakayoshi's 3rd Annual Welcome BBQ
It's time again for Nakayoshi's annual welcome BBQ and picnic in Golden Gate Park to welcome new members and to kick off our 3rd year of connecting young professionals with the Bay Area Japanese and Japanese American community! The event is FREE for everyone, so come on out and bring your friends! We'll be grilling up burgers and hot dogs as well as providing additional dishes and drinks.
Come meet or catch up with other Nakayoshi members, learn more about our monthly social and volunteer activities, play games, eat great food, and have a great time on us! Please pass the word along about our BBQ and invite anyone who you think would be interested! We'll be at table #15 at Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park (at 30th Avenue and John F. Kennedy Drive) from noon to 4pm. Make sure you RSVP on Facebook or by e-mailing us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com. We look forward to meeting you!What: Nakayoshi's 3rd Annual Welcome BBQ
Time: Noon-4pm
Location: Table #15 at Lindley Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San FranciscoPrice: FREE
RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133136033363273Saturday, June 19, 2010 - Volunteering at Youth Fishing Derby
Nakayoshi's June volunteer opportunity will be at the San Francisco JACL chapter and Nisei Fishing Club's annual Youth Fishing Derby, held at the San Pablo Dam Reservoir in the East Bay. Volunteers will be needed to assist parents and other volunteers chaperone 20-25 youth ages 8-12 as well as to help set up and clean up the potluck picnic provided by the JACL chapter and Nisei Fishing Club members. No fishing experience necessary!This is an easy and relaxed volunteer opportunity to spend the day having fun helping kids and a chance to enjoy a potluck picnic at the scenic reservoir! Please RSVP to volunteer by June 13. Email us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com if you have any questions. We hope you can lend a hand!
What: Volunteering at Youth Fishing Derby
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Location: San Pablo Dam Reservoir, 7301 San Pablo Dam Road, Richmond, CA
Saturday, June 19 - JCYC's 40th Anniversary
Come on out and support the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), as they celebrate 40 years of providing non-profit programs, activities and social services for children and families in San Francisco Japantown and throughout the city of San Francisco! Their 40th Anniversary Gala will be a special evening in Japantown's Peace Plaza to celebrate their 40 year history of empowering young people for the future on Saturday, June 19, 2010, from 7pm to midnight.
The evening will be MC'd by Wendy Tokuda of CBS Channel 5 news and Jeff Mori, Executive Director of Asian American Recovery Services, and will feature live entertainment and a video reflection of JCYC from the 1970s to the present. Tickets are on sale; $100 for the all-night gala or $25 for the After-Hours Party from (9:30 pm-Midnight). Purchase tickets at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/104149
What: JCYC's 40th Anniversary Gala
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010Time: 7pm - Midnight (After Hours Party starting from 9:30pm)
Location: Peace Plaza, San Francisco Japantown (Post Street at Buchannan)Price: $100 all night, $25 for After Hours Party
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/104149
Nakayoshi is partnering with the San Francisco chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP-SF) for their annual summer picnic on Sunday, June 27 at Rengstorff Park in Mountain View.Continuing on NAAAP's success from last year's Summer Picnic, Nakayoshi will be joining NAAAP as they gather again for their 2010 Summer Picnic and Volleyball Tournament event bringing diverse Asian-focused organizations and like-minded professionals from all over the SF Bay Area for a great day of food, friends, and fun!
About NAAAP:
NAAAP San Francisco is the Bay Area Chapter of the National Association of Asian Professionals. NAAAP-SF is an all volunteer non-profit organization. We serve and support organizations, associations, and enterprises committed to the betterment of the Asian American community. The National Association of Asian American Professionals is dedicated to promoting leadership development, professional networking, and cultural awareness on behalf of the Asian community. Through programs and leadership opportunities, NAAAP-SF is driving leadership development by providing hands on experience, feedback, and education. Founded in 1982, NAAAP has since expanded to over 25 cities and has grown to over 3,500 active members in North America. Over the years, NAAAP has established strategic, diverse, and collaborative relationships that further our commitment that "We Make Leaders!"
Find out more about NAAAP-SF at http://www.naaapsf.org
What: NAAAP-SF Annual Summer Picnic
Date: Sunday, June 27
Time: 10:30am
Location: Rengstorff Park, Mountain View
Price: Early Bird Special (expires 6/11)$12 NAAAP Members / $17 Non-Members; Regular (Online only): $17 NAAAP Members / $22 Non-members; On-Site: $22 NAAAP Members / $27 Non-members
To Register: http://www.naaapsf.org/Events/EventCalendar/tabid/1960/vw/3/ItemID/1044/d/20100626/Default.aspx
That's our June monthly update! We hope you can make it out for some picnics and BBQing this month. Keep your eyes open for our other events in the works for later this summer, including Obon festival volunteering and our annual camping trip!
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, May 24, 2010
Job Opening - Nichei Bei Foundation - Business Operations Manager
Our friends at Nichi Bei Foundation are searching for a new Business Operations Manager, if you or someone you know is looking for work and wants to get involved with an organization that is deeply devoted to community, please forward this information along.
Business Operations Mgr. at Nonprofit Asian American Media Org. (SF's Japantown)
The Nichi Bei Foundation, an educational and charitable nonprofit organization, is seeking an intelligent, motivated, and creative individual to serve as the Business Operations Manager for a groundbreaking start-up with an unmatched historical legacy in the Japanese American community.
About the Organization
With the impending closure of the historic Nichi Bei Times in September of 2009 — the oldest Japanese American community newspaper in Northern California — some Nichi Bei Times staff and contributing writers, media professionals and community leaders formed the Nichi Bei Foundation to create the first nonprofit ethnic newspaper of its kind in the country, the Nichi Bei Weekly.
This pioneering new media organization — which is in the process of creating and launching an innovative Website — will also continue to hold educational forums as well as community events designed to help fulfill its mission of keeping the Japanese American and Asian American community connected, informed and empowered.
Job Description
Applicant will plan, organize, and manage daily office operations including, but not limited to, the coordination of customer service/sales support, purchasing office supplies and finance.
Applicant will also assist in the budgetary and funding initiatives, strategic business planning, fundraising and grants development of the organization, including the Website project expected to launch in August of 2010.
Applicant should provide positive solutions for customer needs, ensure client and vendor file integrity, and maintain general oversight and ensure accuracy of internal accounting records including accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Applicant will also assist in the development of tools to increase the company efficiency and risk management; and will be expected to take on various ad hoc projects
This position reports directly to the President.
Qualifications:
Hiring Organization: Nichi Bei Foundation
Business Operations Mgr. at Nonprofit Asian American Media Org. (SF's Japantown)
The Nichi Bei Foundation, an educational and charitable nonprofit organization, is seeking an intelligent, motivated, and creative individual to serve as the Business Operations Manager for a groundbreaking start-up with an unmatched historical legacy in the Japanese American community.
About the Organization
With the impending closure of the historic Nichi Bei Times in September of 2009 — the oldest Japanese American community newspaper in Northern California — some Nichi Bei Times staff and contributing writers, media professionals and community leaders formed the Nichi Bei Foundation to create the first nonprofit ethnic newspaper of its kind in the country, the Nichi Bei Weekly.
This pioneering new media organization — which is in the process of creating and launching an innovative Website — will also continue to hold educational forums as well as community events designed to help fulfill its mission of keeping the Japanese American and Asian American community connected, informed and empowered.
Job Description
Applicant will plan, organize, and manage daily office operations including, but not limited to, the coordination of customer service/sales support, purchasing office supplies and finance.
Applicant will also assist in the budgetary and funding initiatives, strategic business planning, fundraising and grants development of the organization, including the Website project expected to launch in August of 2010.
Applicant should provide positive solutions for customer needs, ensure client and vendor file integrity, and maintain general oversight and ensure accuracy of internal accounting records including accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Applicant will also assist in the development of tools to increase the company efficiency and risk management; and will be expected to take on various ad hoc projects
This position reports directly to the President.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree or higher in business-related major preferred
- High proficiency in accounting and database software such as Intuit Quickbooks and Microsoft Excel
- Strong analytical skills and ability to draw conclusions based on data
- Ability to investigate, analyze and solve problems, and clearly communicate results
- Skills in business and financial management ideal
- Excellent proven interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to multi-task
- Ability to work well under deadlines
- Proficiency in software such as the Adobe Creative Suite is highly desired
- Past experience working with CRM applications ideal
- Japanese language skills (speaking, reading and writing) preferred
Send cover letter and resume to:
Kenji G. Taguma, Nichi Bei Foundation president, at jobs@nichibeifoundation.org
Hiring Organization: Nichi Bei Foundation
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Volunteers Needed: Honoring our Past, Remembering those who have passed on..
Our friends at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) is organizing a youth and family community Clean-Up Day at the Japanese Cemetery in Colma on Sunday, May 22nd.
When: Saturday, May 22nd
Time: 10:00am – Noon
Where: 1300 Hillside Blvd., Colma, CA 94014
Directions: http://www.jbens.org/index_e.
The JCCCNC will supply, garbage bags, tools, cleaning supplies, watering buckets, drinking water, rags, bento and flowers (please bring your owns gloves)
The day will start with a brief history of the cemetery. This year represents the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Kanrin-Maru in San Francisco, the first ship to come to America. This event lead to the start of our Japanese American history and communities in the United States.
The Japanese Cemetery is located in the quiet town of Colma on the San Francisco Peninsula. It takes about 20 minutes from San Francisco by car. The 3-acre cemetery is the final resting place for more than 5,000 people, and the tower commemorating three crewmen from the famous ship Kanrin-Maru is there as well. In 1901, the Japanese Benevolent Society of California was established with a grant from the Meiji Emperor of Japan to provide "for the relief of sick, disabled or destitute persons of the Japanese race" in California and to provide "a suitable burial ground for deceased Japanese."
The Society performed its historic mandate over the years, assisting those in need and acquiring land in Colma, California, for a Japanese cemetery. It also served as a unifying force in the Japanese American community by bringing together the Buddhist, Shinto and Christian religious organizations, and by participating in local historical, cultural, and memorial events that honor the Japanese heritage in the United States.
To volunteer, please RSVP, by contacting the JCCCNC at (415) 567-5505.
SAVE JAPANTOWN YOUTH LEADERS
Nakayoshi members involved with nihonmachiROOTS have been busy launching a weeklong campaign to lobby the Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, to reallocate funding for the JCYC's Japantown Youth Leaders program. Find out more on how you can join in the efforts, and how important this program is to Japantown's future.
Background: Recently, JCYC was informed by the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) that the only funding allocated for youth services in Japantown will not be cut in 2010/2011, but completely eliminated. For the past 12 years, the Japantown Youth Leaders (JYL) program, formerly known as JAYS, has brought hundreds of youth to Japantown on a weekly basis to participate in community service, leadership training, and personal development. The youth who consistently support our community festivals and events such as Cherry Blossom, Nihonmachi Street Fair, and Kodomo no Hi, are current or former participants of JYL.
Why You Should Care: Despite the city’s budget crisis, other communities will still be receiving funding from DCYF. In 2010/2011, DCYF will allocate $20 million for children and youth services and has decided that Japantown is not worthy of even a small amount of those resources. This decision demonstrates a blatant disregard for our community and sets a very dangerous precedent for the future. We believe it is in the best interest of our community to collectively take a stand and make it clear that the needs of Japantown can not and will not be dismissed by the city of San Francisco.
How Can You Help: The Mayor has the discretion to restore this funding until June 1st when his office, by law must submit a budget to the Board of Supervisors. We have the rest of May to let the Mayor know that it is not acceptable for the city of San Francisco to dismiss the youth of Japantown.
SAVE JAPANTOWN YOUTH LEADERS (JYL)
Background: Recently, JCYC was informed by the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) that the only funding allocated for youth services in Japantown will not be cut in 2010/2011, but completely eliminated. For the past 12 years, the Japantown Youth Leaders (JYL) program, formerly known as JAYS, has brought hundreds of youth to Japantown on a weekly basis to participate in community service, leadership training, and personal development. The youth who consistently support our community festivals and events such as Cherry Blossom, Nihonmachi Street Fair, and Kodomo no Hi, are current or former participants of JYL.
Why You Should Care: Despite the city’s budget crisis, other communities will still be receiving funding from DCYF. In 2010/2011, DCYF will allocate $20 million for children and youth services and has decided that Japantown is not worthy of even a small amount of those resources. This decision demonstrates a blatant disregard for our community and sets a very dangerous precedent for the future. We believe it is in the best interest of our community to collectively take a stand and make it clear that the needs of Japantown can not and will not be dismissed by the city of San Francisco.
How Can You Help: The Mayor has the discretion to restore this funding until June 1st when his office, by law must submit a budget to the Board of Supervisors. We have the rest of May to let the Mayor know that it is not acceptable for the city of San Francisco to dismiss the youth of Japantown.
Continue to check back to JapantownNOW.com or visit nihonmachiROOTS' Facebook page to see how you can help us send this message to the Mayor.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
It's Not Too Late! Purchase SF Giant's Heritage Night Tickets Today!!!!
It's not too late to make those last minute purchases for SF Giant's Tickets for Friday's game! Make sure you come out to one of the 2 Japanese American Heritage Night's with the SF Giants! It's easy to purchase your tickets!
Call (415) 972-2298 or purchase online at www.sfgiants.com/specialevents and mention that you're with NAKAYOSHI YOUNG PROFESSIONALS!
And join us afterwards as we celebrate an amazing game with the rest of the Nakayoshi crew at 21st Amendment!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hyphen Magazine Release Party for Inside/Out Issue - 5/14 @ SOM Bar
Hyphen Magazine, a nationally distributed, nonprofit magazine that focuses on the Asian American community, is hosting a release party for their latest issue Inside/Out at Som Bar this Friday, May 14th. If you're not joining Nakayoshi at our monthly social at the SF Giant's Heritage Night game, definitely support this amazing publication.
Party begins at 9pm and expected to last til doors close at 2am. This release party will be a great chance to meet and mingle with fellow Hyphenites and friends. Additionally, Hyphen will have a great lineup of local DJs and live performers, food, and live art, so you don't want to miss it!
Nakayoshi has signed up this year to be a media sponsor for this year's events, so show them that we're great at spreading the word and get on down there to party with some amazing community folks.
For more questions, contact us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com or contact our friends at Hyphen Magazine at http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/.
Donate. Subscribe. It's worth it.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
2010 ASCEND West Coast Conference
Nakayoshi is a Supporting Organization of the Ascend leadership conference and gala dinner, “Inspiring across Generations” on May 7-8, 2010. Our role as a Supporting Organization entitles you to a $50 discount to the event!
We encourage you to join us for this unique networking and career building program. Information about the conference is below.
ASCEND Northern California, in cooperation with chapters in Los Angeles and Seattle, presents its 4th annual leadership conference and gala, “Inspiring Across Generations.”
The 2010 conference theme is “Reinventing for the Long Term.” The business world is undergoing rapid change, propelling and disrupting new careers and industries. How do you stay relevant and flexible? What skills enable you to anticipate risk, uncertainty, and change? Who can help guide your transformation? A top-tier panel of speakers and mentors will share tactics and strategies on how to successfully navigate these turbulent times and build lasting relationships.
The conference consists of a day-and-a-half of leadership and mentorship workshops with panel discussions, mentorship circles, keynote speeches, and networking. We include opportunities for both emerging and seasoned leaders to engage with our community partners and corporate sponsors and to meet our members and conference attendees. The conference ends with a gala dinner and entertainment. We expect another sell-out with 600 attendees. Workshops and panels have limited space, so register early! Price increases May 4, 2010.
Dates & Times: May 7, 2010; 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
May 8, 2010; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Intercontinental Hotel
888 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Conference website: http://www.ascendwestconf.com/
Registration: http://ascendwestcoastconference2010.eventbrite.com/
About ASCEND:
Ascend, a non-profit organization, aims to be the premier professional association for enhancing the presence and influence of Pan-Asian business leaders.
For more information, please visit their website: http://www.ascendleadership.org/.
For more information, please visit their website: http://www.ascendleadership.org/.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Nakayoshi's Social Event - SF Giant's JA Heritage Tickets on Sale Now!!
Make sure to join us on May 14th for the SF Giant's Japanese American Heritage Night, tickets on sale NOW!
Call (415) 972-2298 or purchase online at www.sfgiants.com/specialevents and mention that you're with NAKAYOSHI YOUNG PROFESSIONALS!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Nakayoshi @ SF Giant's Japanese American Heritage Night - Buy your tickets NOW!
Nakayoshi is helping the SF Giants for the 2nd time in the row with their 1st of JA Heritage Nights in 2010. Make sure you tell them you're with Nakayoshi when you purchase your tickets! Giants vs. Houston Astros!
*NOTE* Seating may not all be in same section
Japanese culture has always resonated strongly with both the city of San Francisco and the sport of baseball, so what better way to celebrate than at a Giants game?
The Japanese Heritage Night sake tasting festival returns for year two, with a brand new piece for your Giants' sake set collection: a Giants-themed individual sake glass and masu. This special-edition item is included in the price of your ticket, along with entrance to the pre-game festival with complimentary tastes, and a seat in the special Japanese Heritage section at the game.
Cultural performers will entertain fans at the festival and on the field pre-game, and ticket proceeds will benefit local Japanese charities. The sake-tasting festival ends when the game starts, so get there early!
TICKET INFORMATION:
$20.00 Tickets are located in upper deck between 1st and 3rd base
$25.00 Tickets are located in lower box corner in Section 131-135
To contact Giants for ticetking questions please call 415-972-2298 or send an email to specialevents@sfgiants.com
Hope to see you all there! Get your tickets early, Sake glass and masu will sell out quickly! Last year we completely sold out!
Photo taken in 2009 - Nakayoshi @ SF Giants Japanese Heritage Night
Press Release: Hyphen's Food for Thought
The nation’s premier Asian American magazine launches first food section in “Inside/Out Issue”
SAN FRANCISCO (April 15th, 2010) — Hyphen celebrates its first issue of 2010 by debuting a new section dedicated to inspiring and educating readers on all aspects of food. The recent “Inside/Out Issue,” released on newsstands April 15, follows one woman’s boundless dedication to creating better conditions for restaurant workers, breaks down the science behind the wok and updates a traditional jung recipe with an African American spin.
“Food is a celebration of heritage, but it’s also much more than that,” says Food Editor Nina Kahori Fallenbaum. “Hyphen reveals what’s happening behind the scenes, serving up stories from who’s growing, preparing and distributing the food.”
Fallenbaum, who holds a master’s degree in Food Policy, will utilize her passion for discovery to investigate the political and social issues connected to food and its unique relationship with Asian Americans. She didn’t become Hyphen’s first food editor by chance—Fallenbaum, a Japanese American San Francisco Bay Area native, lived in Japan for four years, where she worked for a millet entrepreneur and researched the environmental effects of the modern food industry. She’s contributed to Civil Eats, Nikkei Heritage, and Nichi Bei Times, and is a former editor for the Asian Development Bank Institute and the Sloth Club Japan (a green business publisher).
“We’ve found that our Asian American audience is craving more powerful stories to digest,” says Publisher Lisa Lee. “Now, in our 20th issue, we’re proving that Hyphen is evolving with its readers to reflect how Asian American interests are shaping politics and popular culture.”
Hyphen readers have always been interested in food, but as Editor in Chief Harry Mok noted in a recent blog post, “The perceived exoticness of Asian food and the explosion of fusion cuisine (mean that) many of the stereotypes about Asian Americans come from food. Our founding editor proclaimed Hyphen would never cover food in a way that doesn’t uphold Hyphen’s ideals.” Indeed, Hyphen’s inaugural food section shows that the world of Asian American food is diverse and opinionated. Contributors include scientists Fumei Lam and Jamie Bresson, analyzing the science behind the everyday wok, and restaurant worker organizer Bonnie Kwon explaining why she sees eating out as a political act. The illustrated jung recipe is an African-Asian creative mashup by cookbook author Bryant Terry and artist Jidan Koon.
The stories come from the heart, delving into deep issues that circulate within the agriculture and restaurant industries, which impacts all Americans. Hyphen’s take on food satisfies the curious reader, while continuing to spark interest and transform common perceptions, more often misperceptions, of the culinary aspects of Asian American cultures.
About Hyphen
Hyphen is a fiscally sponsored project of Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It is an Asian American publication that's distributed nationally and internationally. Based in San Francisco, Hyphen was created as a response to a void of media for young Asian Americans. Covering arts, culture and politics in a fresh and irreverent voice, Hyphen is a media must for savvy Asian Americans. With award-winning design and content, Hyphen is recognized nationwide as an authority on contemporary Asian American identity. Since its inception, Hyphen has been touted in print, online and on camera. Hyphen has been featured or quoted in media outlets such as Yahoo, ESPN, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle, Utne, Flavorpill, Gothamist and Racialicious.com. www.hyphenmagazine.com
SAN FRANCISCO (April 15th, 2010) — Hyphen celebrates its first issue of 2010 by debuting a new section dedicated to inspiring and educating readers on all aspects of food. The recent “Inside/Out Issue,” released on newsstands April 15, follows one woman’s boundless dedication to creating better conditions for restaurant workers, breaks down the science behind the wok and updates a traditional jung recipe with an African American spin.
“Food is a celebration of heritage, but it’s also much more than that,” says Food Editor Nina Kahori Fallenbaum. “Hyphen reveals what’s happening behind the scenes, serving up stories from who’s growing, preparing and distributing the food.”
Fallenbaum, who holds a master’s degree in Food Policy, will utilize her passion for discovery to investigate the political and social issues connected to food and its unique relationship with Asian Americans. She didn’t become Hyphen’s first food editor by chance—Fallenbaum, a Japanese American San Francisco Bay Area native, lived in Japan for four years, where she worked for a millet entrepreneur and researched the environmental effects of the modern food industry. She’s contributed to Civil Eats, Nikkei Heritage, and Nichi Bei Times, and is a former editor for the Asian Development Bank Institute and the Sloth Club Japan (a green business publisher).
“We’ve found that our Asian American audience is craving more powerful stories to digest,” says Publisher Lisa Lee. “Now, in our 20th issue, we’re proving that Hyphen is evolving with its readers to reflect how Asian American interests are shaping politics and popular culture.”
Hyphen readers have always been interested in food, but as Editor in Chief Harry Mok noted in a recent blog post, “The perceived exoticness of Asian food and the explosion of fusion cuisine (mean that) many of the stereotypes about Asian Americans come from food. Our founding editor proclaimed Hyphen would never cover food in a way that doesn’t uphold Hyphen’s ideals.” Indeed, Hyphen’s inaugural food section shows that the world of Asian American food is diverse and opinionated. Contributors include scientists Fumei Lam and Jamie Bresson, analyzing the science behind the everyday wok, and restaurant worker organizer Bonnie Kwon explaining why she sees eating out as a political act. The illustrated jung recipe is an African-Asian creative mashup by cookbook author Bryant Terry and artist Jidan Koon.
The stories come from the heart, delving into deep issues that circulate within the agriculture and restaurant industries, which impacts all Americans. Hyphen’s take on food satisfies the curious reader, while continuing to spark interest and transform common perceptions, more often misperceptions, of the culinary aspects of Asian American cultures.
About Hyphen
Hyphen is a fiscally sponsored project of Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It is an Asian American publication that's distributed nationally and internationally. Based in San Francisco, Hyphen was created as a response to a void of media for young Asian Americans. Covering arts, culture and politics in a fresh and irreverent voice, Hyphen is a media must for savvy Asian Americans. With award-winning design and content, Hyphen is recognized nationwide as an authority on contemporary Asian American identity. Since its inception, Hyphen has been touted in print, online and on camera. Hyphen has been featured or quoted in media outlets such as Yahoo, ESPN, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle, Utne, Flavorpill, Gothamist and Racialicious.com. www.hyphenmagazine.com
Monday, April 19, 2010
Volunteers Needed! Nakayoshi @ 2010 Kodomo No Hi Festival
Nakayoshi is volunteering for its 2nd year at the JCCCNC's Kristi Yamaguchi's Kodomo No Hi Children's Festival. We're at it again and making delicious spam musubi all day long to help fundraise for both Nakayoshi and JCCCNC's youth programs. 
We're looking for volunteers to help make, package and sell spam musubi at this year's festival. So please sign up for any of the folloing shifts starting at 9am. If you're interested in helping us make this year's Children's Festival a hit, please contact us at nakayoshi.ncwnp@gmail.com to sign up and volunteer with us!Volunteer Shifts
9:00am-12:00pm Shift - Prepping and making rice, making spam musubi
12:00pm - 3:00pm Shift - Making spam musubi and musubi sellers
3:00 - 4:30pm shift - Making spam musubi & musubi sellers & Clean
It's a great way to connect with your community, see a bunch of adorable kids come out with their families, and have some fun with Nakayoshi members as you make delicious spam musubi!
Look forward to see you there!
Press Release - Nihonmachi Little Friends Celebrates 35th Anniversary
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF), a bilingual and multicultural childcare organization in San Francisco’s Japantown, recently held a “Spring Social” for its supporters to kick off the agency’s 35th anniversary celebration. The event was a part of the year-long celebration and took place at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco’s Fillmore District.
NLF recently announced that it met its capital campaign goal of $2.2 million to fund the purchase and renovation of the historic 1830 Sutter Street building. “NLF is ecstatic to celebrate these important milestones with friends and supporters of our community,” said Cathy Inamasu, Executive Director of NLF. Formally known as the Japanese YWCA, the building was entrusted to NLF as part of the settlement of a community-supported lawsuit to save the building.
NLF is now embarking on a $300,000 Building Preservation Fund to ensure the continued upkeep of the Sutter Street facility for use by future generations, and to honor the legacy of the Issei women who built it. “With the help of our community friends and supporters, we are confident that we can accomplish this goal,” said Inamasu.
During the reception, NLF’s Board Chair, Adrienne Shiozaki Woo, raised a toast in honor of Hatsuro “Hats” Aizawa and his wife Amey, who recently announced that one-third of a newly formed Aizawa Family Trust will go towards NLF. The evening ended with an electrifying performance by Jake Shimabukuro on ukulele, with a repertoire that incorporated elements of jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock.
Upcoming events to celebrate NLF’s 35th anniversary will include an unveiling/dedication ceremony of the Tateuchi Auditorium to be held in November. The event will feature an original performance by Brenda Wong Aoki, who is acclaimed as one of America’s foremost solo performing artists. Plans are also underway for a Family Day in December, which will include mochi-pounding, singing by NLF children, and a performance by Eth-Noh-Tec, featuring award-winning storytellers Robert Kikuchi and Nancy Wong.
For more information about NLF or to contribute to the Building Preservation Fund, visit NLF’s website at www.nlfchildcare.org or call (415) 922-8898. ### Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) is a community-based, Japanese, bilingual and multicultural childcare organization committed to providing quality and affordable childcare services.
Cathy Inamasu, Executive Director
Nihonmachi Little Friends
(415) 922-8898
nlfchildcare@yahoo.com
NLF recently announced that it met its capital campaign goal of $2.2 million to fund the purchase and renovation of the historic 1830 Sutter Street building. “NLF is ecstatic to celebrate these important milestones with friends and supporters of our community,” said Cathy Inamasu, Executive Director of NLF. Formally known as the Japanese YWCA, the building was entrusted to NLF as part of the settlement of a community-supported lawsuit to save the building.
NLF is now embarking on a $300,000 Building Preservation Fund to ensure the continued upkeep of the Sutter Street facility for use by future generations, and to honor the legacy of the Issei women who built it. “With the help of our community friends and supporters, we are confident that we can accomplish this goal,” said Inamasu.
During the reception, NLF’s Board Chair, Adrienne Shiozaki Woo, raised a toast in honor of Hatsuro “Hats” Aizawa and his wife Amey, who recently announced that one-third of a newly formed Aizawa Family Trust will go towards NLF. The evening ended with an electrifying performance by Jake Shimabukuro on ukulele, with a repertoire that incorporated elements of jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock.
Upcoming events to celebrate NLF’s 35th anniversary will include an unveiling/dedication ceremony of the Tateuchi Auditorium to be held in November. The event will feature an original performance by Brenda Wong Aoki, who is acclaimed as one of America’s foremost solo performing artists. Plans are also underway for a Family Day in December, which will include mochi-pounding, singing by NLF children, and a performance by Eth-Noh-Tec, featuring award-winning storytellers Robert Kikuchi and Nancy Wong.
For more information about NLF or to contribute to the Building Preservation Fund, visit NLF’s website at www.nlfchildcare.org or call (415) 922-8898. ### Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) is a community-based, Japanese, bilingual and multicultural childcare organization committed to providing quality and affordable childcare services.
Cathy Inamasu, Executive Director
Nihonmachi Little Friends
(415) 922-8898
nlfchildcare@yahoo.com
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Nakayoshi Tea Tasting this Friday 4/23
Nakayoshi Tea Tasting!
When: Friday, April 23
Where: Samovar Tea Lounge at Yerba Buena Gardens (730 Howard Street)
Cost: $10 for tea tasting, plus additional for dinner
Time: 6pm
Tea is hot! Find out why at the Nakayoshi Tea Tasting this Friday, April 23. Nakayoshi member Tiffany P will be guiding you through a tour of tea's amazing flavors, from oceanic Japanese Senchas, to floral Taiwanese Oolongs, to earthy Chinese Puerh teas.
Don't know what any of those are? You will after you at attend this tea tasting and dinner event at the hip Samovar Tea Lounge in the San Francisco Yerba Buena Gardens.
Click here to RSVP for this event: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=109415302425860&ref=ts
When: Friday, April 23
Where: Samovar Tea Lounge at Yerba Buena Gardens (730 Howard Street)
Cost: $10 for tea tasting, plus additional for dinner
Time: 6pm
Tea is hot! Find out why at the Nakayoshi Tea Tasting this Friday, April 23. Nakayoshi member Tiffany P will be guiding you through a tour of tea's amazing flavors, from oceanic Japanese Senchas, to floral Taiwanese Oolongs, to earthy Chinese Puerh teas.
Don't know what any of those are? You will after you at attend this tea tasting and dinner event at the hip Samovar Tea Lounge in the San Francisco Yerba Buena Gardens.
Click here to RSVP for this event: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=109415302425860&ref=ts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Check out the JACL Active Choice Campaign
Hopefully everyone has been enjoying the wonderful weather and March Madness season and is finding themselves well. On behalf of the Japanese American Citizen's League and JACL Health Benefits, we would like to ask for your help in spreading the word about a JACL campaign that directly affects folks aged 18 to 29. While congress may have just passed the healthcare bill, it's not entirely clear how everything is going to shape up. The Active Choice Campaign seeks to engage youth and young adults in the dialogue about health care and insurance, and introduce people to a new health insurance option for JACL members.
Nakayoshi NCWNP Professionals is affiliated with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), which is a membership-based organization. One of the benefits of membership that may be of particular interest to Nakayoshi members is access to quality, affordable health insurance. The JACL Health Benefits Trust offers many insurance options, and recently one option has been created to fit the needs of students and young professionals ages 18-29, and includes: prescription coverage, medical coverage, accidental death coverage, national coverage, worldwide coverage, and personalized service.
For JACL members, the Blue Shield Active Choice PPO is one of the most inexpensive individual health insurance options on the market, starting at $110 a month for Northern California residents.
Please take a moment to become a fan of the campaign on facebook (search "JACL Active Choice Campaign") or follow us on twitter (@jaclhealth) to stay informed and voice your opinions on the current healthcare situation.
Nakayoshi NCWNP Professionals is affiliated with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), which is a membership-based organization. One of the benefits of membership that may be of particular interest to Nakayoshi members is access to quality, affordable health insurance. The JACL Health Benefits Trust offers many insurance options, and recently one option has been created to fit the needs of students and young professionals ages 18-29, and includes: prescription coverage, medical coverage, accidental death coverage, national coverage, worldwide coverage, and personalized service.
For JACL members, the Blue Shield Active Choice PPO is one of the most inexpensive individual health insurance options on the market, starting at $110 a month for Northern California residents.
To follow the campaign online, check out twitter.com/jaclhealth or search for "JACL Active Choice Campaign" and become a fan on facebook.
For more information about the Blue Shield Active Choice PPO, go to jaclhealth.org or call 1-800-400-6633.
Here are some of the realities associated with health insurance and young adults (provided by The Commonwealth Fund):
- Between 2001 and 2003, one-third of college graduates had a time uninsured in the year following college graduation.
- Two-thirds of uninsured young adults had cost-related access problems (including failure to see a doctor for a medical problem, fill a prescription, see a specialist when needed, or attend a medical test, treatment or follow up) in the past year, compared with one-third of those who were insured all year.
- Half of young adults with any time uninsured had medical bill or debt problems, twice that of young adults who were insured all year. Of those who are uninsured, twenty-four percent had to change their way of life to pay medical bills.
Coupling medical debt problems with school-related debts can be devastating to personal finances. Unlike older adults who may have retirement or other investment monies to draw on, young adults who face medical debts do not have anything to draw on, forcing many to start their careers in debt - twice.
JACL Health Benefits and Blue Shield of California are offering the Active Choice Plan as a community service to the members of the JACL, so there are no brokers or fees collected by JACL Health Benefits. With this plan, the options of culturally-sensitive customer service in English, Japanese, and Chinese are available.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
How can you help shape the future of SF Japantown?
We hope that you are able to support the work of several Nakayoshi members who are also involved with nihonmachiROOTS, a group of young leaders in San Francisco Japantown engaged in outreach efforts regarding the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan, which could significantly alter the future of San Francisco's Japantown. Please attend the Japantown Community Engagement Workshop for Youth and Young Adults on Saturday, March 27, 2010 if you can, or make a donation in support of nihonmachiROOTS' activities to be matched by the San Francisco Japantown Foundation's grant program. More information is below:
You can read the official grants announcement here.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
The nihonmachiROOTS team
How can young people help shape the future of SF Japantown?
Find out how at the Japantown Community Engagement Workshop for Youth and Young Adults on Saturday, 3/27/10!
nihonmachiROOTS presents: Japantown Community Engagement Workshop for Youth and Young Adults
Saturday, March 27, 2010
10am - 4pm, San Francisco @ Buddhist Church of San Francisco
1881 Pine Street at Octavia
nihonmachiROOTS invites all youth and young adults concerned with the future of SF Japantown to attend the Japantown Community Engagement Workshop. Registration is free and lunch will be provided to participants.
Register online for the workshop by clicking here.
The Planning Department of the City of San Francisco is currently working with members of the Japantown community to re-draft the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan in the next year. This plan will have a lasting impact on the state of Japantown in the years ahead. As members of the generation that will inherit the results of the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan, we have the most at stake in the outcome of this planning process. Whether or not you are a resident or visitor to San Francisco's Japantown neighborhood and community, we encourage everyone, especially young people, to raise their awareness and their voices regarding the future of our Japantown.
Through nihonmachiROOTs' Community Engagement Project, our goal is to engage 600 people in 60 days around improving the Better Neighborhood Plan and begin to develop new leaders within the community to organize around issues affecting Japantown for the future. It all starts with the Japantown Community Engagement Workshop on March 27th.
At nihonmachiROOTS' Japantown Community Engagement Workshop, you will:
- Learn how the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan will affect neighborhood development, residents, businesses and community organizations in the years to come
- Connect with other young people engaged in the Japantown community who are also concerned with the outcome of the planning process
- Strategize on how we can educate others and ensure that the voices and interests of the community are represented in the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan
- Build a foundation for youth and young adults to make a difference in San Francisco Japantown's future
We hope you can make it to the workshop! Please help us spread the word and forward this to anyone you think would be interested in getting involved!
Questions? E-mail us at nihonmachiroots@gmail.com
Learn more about nihonmachiROOTS at: http://www.japantownnow.com/about/
nihonmachiROOTS is supported by our fiscal sponsor, JCYC. The Japantown Community Engagement Workshop is made possible through a generous grant from the San Francisco Japantown Foundation.
The grant program is a MATCHING PROGRAM. That means that if you donate anytime from now until April 30, 2010, the Foundation will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to $2000! In other words, if you donate $1, you are really giving $2 to nihonmachiROOTS to work on projects that engage the Japantown community.
You can donate online or by check. Visit this page for the online donation link or a downloadable form that you’ll need to send in along with your check: http://www.sfjapantownfoundation.org/donate, Donations must be made directly to the San Francisco Japantown Foundation and designated to our organization, nihonmachiROOTS. The web page tells you how to do that.
Again, donations must be received by the Japantown Foundation by April 30, 2010, so please don’t forget to donate soon!
You can read the official grants announcement here.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
The nihonmachiROOTS team
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Nakayoshi's 2010 Ski Trip
Where does one begin when blogging about one of Nakayoshis biggest event of the year? Well like any classic journey involving: organizing a mass group of people, unforgiving weather storms, dead stop stalls, a beautiful cabin and a combination of good times and fond memories; it all starts at the beginning.It was the last Friday of February (26th) an already cold and windy overcast day. I looked to the skies and couldn’t help but to worry about the storm coming in that night. To be honest, I was a bit afraid that the trip up to the cabin would be unbearable. I imagined driving and not seeing three feet in front of me, with heavy winds and snow barraging my windshield. I imagined hydroplaning, losing control and crashing my van over a rail, tumbling down the mountain and exploding at the bottom of a canyon, like a car chase out of a 007 movie. With my mind on other things, needless to say I locked myself out of my company car only to MacGyver my way back into it. After work I came back home and prepared my seven seater Toyota Sienna.
I checked the tire pressure, H20 level, cleaned out the entire van, refueled and prepared for the worst. With no experience on how to put snow chains on, my Dad had to teach me. With the van looking in good condition, I needed to pull out of the garage and assemble the “RocketDog,” a seven foot storage case which attaches to the roof of the van. I hopped in the van, stuck my keys in the ignition and cranked over the transmission…only the car wouldn’t start. The battery was died. After jumping the car I was now ready to attach the case. Pressing the garage door opener, I watched the door rise up like a horizon, and I caught a glimpse of what I would be driving in. Outside, rain wasn’t just pouring, it was slamming against the cement ground. The apocalyptic sky was a shadowy grey looming over the soft sunny suburbia I thought I lived in. The wind desecrated my trees, tearing its leaves straight off the branch. I stood there in awe at the power and ruthless fervor of Mother Nature.
Instead of setting up in the heart of the storm, I decided to wait and check the weather and traffic reports online. I began to wonder if our caravan should depart Saturday morning instead of Friday night. This way we could avoid traffic and the storm and more importantly, night driving. After a few more traffic and weather reports things started looking clear, so we all stuck with the original plan. I ate dinner and my passengers slowly but surely arrived at my house. We packed five snowboards in the Rocket Dog and everyone pilled into the van. We finally headed up 680 north, our next stop would be in Downtown Sacramento.
We zigzagged our way into heart of “Sactown” to a Vegetarian friendly burger joint called Jack’s Urban Eats. There, we met up with the San Jose carpool. We exchanged hellos and sat down to eat dinner. Everything was peachy keen, until I got a phone call from a carpool that left a lot earlier then we did. They were half way to the cabin, nearly there, until they were told that I-80 would be closed for the entire night. An accident had occurred and they were to turn back immediately and head back down the mountain. After spreading word that the 80 would be closed till morning, we kicked around plans to stay somewhere in Sacramento for the night. It was getting late but we decided to make the most of it, we stopped at a small retro desert diner called Ricks Desert Diner. The SF carpool was also held up somewhere in Sacramento killing their time at a Dive bar. We opted to meet them after desert, but we soon got word that i-80 was back open. We all came together for a quick Pow-wow and agreed that we would be traversing back up mountain. A quick bathroom break and a refill on gas, we were back on the road.
Luckily the snow storm that was supposed to happen never happened. It was raining and it was a bit windy but thankfully Mother Nature made it a lot easier to navigate in. The ride was nice and easy, until we came around a right banking turn and there it was. Hundreds of solid red lights which lit up the entire cabin of the van; it was a dead stop of parked cars, four lanes across. We sat there, in the traffic, waiting. With nothing to do and nowhere to go, we decided to play some word games. Surprisingly, it actually passed the time quite well and before we knew it we started moving again. After the traffic cleared after an hour, we came across a ‘Chain Checkpoint.’ Knowing we had to put on the chains, I decided to pull off to the left side of the road behind a few other cars who were also putting their chains on. While I pulled off on the WRONG side of the road, my co-pilot “Mika” and I hopped out of the van and scrambled to get these chains on.
Want to know what its like in a traffic jam? Stare at this for hours!If you’ve never had the pleasure of assembling snow chains made from the late 1980’s, I bless your young and innocent heart from the tremendous fear and finger lacing pains you’ll never experience. Luckily for us, it wasn’t raining nor snowing which made it a lot easier to put together, mind you, it was difficult as these chains have to be tied on. There isn’t an electronic snapping device or a buckle or a clip, these chains literally need to be tied on. What makes it even worse is the strap that has to be tied on, is stupidly short. Co-pilot “Mika” and I worked on the passenger side first; getting those down after a few minutes wasn’t an easy task. After that, I worked on the driver side. I struggled with it as I didn’t have enough rope to tie the thing. In order to make matters worse everyone started yelling in the van. They were warning me about an Ambulance coming up the left side road! With time running out and pressure to get out of the way, I somehow magically looped, swooped and pulled a knot together and jumped back in the van. Only to witness the ambulance wasn’t an ambulance but a police car, which passed us, anticlimactically. So we reached the checkpoint, the workers checked out our tires and let us pass. As soon as we passed it, they immediately took the checkpoint down and let a whole flood of cars pass us by.
After driving at a pathetic maximum rate of 30mph, while cars whizzed past us we decided to pull off the road and take the chains off. Again, it wasn’t raining and it wasn’t snowing. Taking off the chains felt like a good idea. It was a relief not only to our ears but our maximum speed limit nearly doubled! Feeling good about our speed, we would probably reach the cabin by at least 3:00am! That is until; we came across the second chain checkpoint. We again, pulled off (this time on the right side of the road) and slapped the chains back on. Thankfully it didn’t take nearly as long as the first time. With those strapped back on we traveled all the way up to Truckee. With a departure time of 6:45pm we finally reached the cabin at 4:30am, Saturday morning. We greeted the stragglers who were still awake and we all went to sleep knowing we’d be up in four hours for a day of boarding and skiing.
East Bay RidersFour quick hours later we all got up ate a quick breakfast with orange juice and pastries and headed toward the mountain. By some sort of miracle, the storm that threatened the entire trip never happened. The snow was great, there was a lot of powder and we carved both the backside and front side of the beautiful mountain. After the lifts closed, we all went back to the cabin for some rest and relaxation. The cabin was a two story four bedroom and two bathrooms with three HD TV’s, a PS3, a fully equipped kitchen and Pool Table! With so many things to do inside the cabin, we barely got started on dinner. Master Chef “Ushi” whipped up a massive 6lbs of Thai curry, complete with a separate vegetarian Thai curry, a side dish of eggplant and basil and a shredded cucumber carrot salad. With food drinks and good times we all hung around and enjoyed the night.
Veggie Eggplant Dish 
itadakimas!Sunday morning came too quick as we all packed our things, said goodbye, took a group picture and left the Truckee cabin. Traveling down the mountain that gave us so much trouble that dreadful Friday night, seemed like a walk in the park that Sunday morning. A majority of us decided to stop by the local Japanese Market Ikeda’s in Auburn. There we feasted on burgers and shopped at the market. From there, we said our final goodbyes and all headed back home.
Nakayoshi’s 2010 ski trip was a memorable, exciting journey from start to finish. What could’ve been a disastrous storm, turned out to be fair and perfect weather for the avid snowboarders in our group. It’s rare that we can all take a small vacation from the routine of everyday work in the month of February, but Nakayoshi can make anything happen. A big thanks goes out to everyone who attended, to those who couldn’t and those who helped out. A lot of people stepped up and made this trip possible and without them, it never would’ve happened. A massive thanks to Surreal, A sushi, Megan, Squirrelly Em , Sammy Davis Jr, Q, Spike Spiegel, Co-pilot Mika, and everyone in the Speeding Matrix Rabbit. I hope you all had fun and I hope to see you next year!
Thanks
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