| | | | Children's Day Recap JASSC's annual Children's Day Event was held on 5/3 at the Pikes Peak United Way Family Success Center. The Center allowed us to have new opportunities for the children and their families to enjoy the JASSC Kodomo No Hito Matsuri (Children's Day Festival). Thank you for all the support from the community and the many new participants that found our event! This year's event attracted more than 275 people from Denver to Pueblo for the family who wanted to experience Japanese culture and learn about the history tied directly to how Children are celebrated in Japan. We not only provided the traditional activities such as Kendama, Darumaotoshi, and crafts, but also added new summer festival activities such as Bouncy ball scoop, Skee-Ball like game and more. The Pikes Peak Library District also provided an activity table. One of the biggest additions to the event was a Soccer camp hosted by one of the Colorado Springs Switchback players, Yosuke Hanya. The camp participants learned new skills and had an opportunity to play with Mr. Hanya as well as to obtain his autograph. Another new feature was the offer of food! We were able to bring a local event baker, Kazumi Morris, who sold her Japanese breads. Also, we sold sushi bento and onigiri from two Japanese restaurants, Jun Japanese Restaurant and Menya Briargate. Thank you to these local vendors who are so generous in their time and support by adding their delicious contributions in the spirit of the Matsuri (festival). We also increased the number of performers. Sun Mountain Taiko opened the performing part of the event, followed by Colorado Springs Kendo, and United States Karate Academy. It is amazing how many locals are interested in Japanese culture and provide training all year round with fun, alternate ways to be connected with Japan right here in Colorado Springs. We were especially honored to have Consul General Okajima Hiroyuki from Denver attend and say a few words about the importance of Children's Day in Japan. After the Children's Day event, families and friends stayed in the cafeteria and learned more about the Amache Internment Camp in Granada, Colorado. This presentation was prepared by Juliana Ellis, Park Ranger, Amache National Historic Site. Thanks again to all our community participants, volunteers and local vendors! Arigatou Goziamashita! Kaz Nagai | | | Conversation over Cookies At this event, Japanese speakers will stay in place at a table with a board/card game and English speakers will jump around where they want to play. We will try to speak in Japanese as much as possible! Any level of speakers are welcome! This event usually takes place at the CreateSpace at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920) Saturday, June 21, 1:30pm to 3pm Saturday, July 12, 1:30pm to 3pm Saturday, August 2, 1:30pm to 3:00pm Saturday, September 6, 1:30pm to 3:00pm See the Events page on our website for details and to register. | | | | | Call for Entries: T-Shirt Design Contest! JASSC is looking for new T-shirt designs to promote our sister-city relationship with Fujiyoshida City! Do you have a creative spark? Want to see your design worn by our community? Submit your artwork for the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado T-Shirt Design Contest this summer! To enter, you must be 18 years or older and a resident of Colorado. Membership with JASSC is not required. Your theme should be about Connecting to Japan. The design should promote the relationship between Colorado Springs, CO and Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi. This is Colorado Springs’ first sister city, established in 1962, connected by their iconic mountains. Submission Deadline: 6/25/2025 Winner Announced: 7/2/2025 Click here to enter the design contest. Email contest@japanamerica.org with any questions.
| | | | | Obi Tying Workshop (Pueblo) You still have a couple of opportunities to attend this free and fun event! 10 Jun 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Greenhorn Valley Library (4801 Cibola Dr, Colorado City, CO 81019) 24 Jun 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM @ Rawlings Library (100 E Abriendo Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004) Have you ever wondered how some can tie their obi so beautifully? Come learn how to do it yourself, step-by-step with Brooke Johnson, our kimono expert from the 2024 Bazaar! JASSC is grateful to partner with the Pueblo City-County Library District to provide this workshop on Japan's beautiful, wearable art! Sometimes overshadowed by its gorgeous counterpart, the kimono, people often forget that the obi is what really ties it all together (literally)! Obi can be tied in a variety of ways, with different reasons for each. You can learn about the Time, Place, and Occasion of certain kimono and obi, and get hands-on experience with obi provided at the workshop. Register at the Pueblo City-County Library District's website here! | | | Virtual JET Program Info Session
Event Details: Whether you're preparing your application or just starting to explore the JET Program, join USJETAA for a free virtual info session on June 17, 2025, from 8:00–9:30 PM ET to get the insights you need to take the next step. What to Expect: -
Firsthand Experiences: Hear from a panel of JET alumni who will share their personal experiences living and working in Japan on JET. -
Application Tips: Guidance from a JET Program Coordinator on the process and what makes a strong application. -
Q&A Session: Ask your questions and get real-time answers. | | | | | Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 The 51st Denver Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square is coming up on June 21 - 22. Click Here for updates and information. | | | New Members in May Please welcome these new members to JASSC. We're glad to have you here and hope to see you at events! - Seth Newlon
- Kazumi Morris
- Ian Howard
- Joyce Humble
- Adriana Jerome
| | | Recap of Pueblo Cooking Class On Friday, May 30th, Pueblo Library transformed into a hub of culinary creativity as participants gathered for an engaging and delicious sushi cooking event. The highly anticipated program, held in a meeting room, drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to learn the art of sushi rolling. Led by 4 Volunteers, Laura Villagrana, Brooke Johnson, Sarah Deibler and Kaz Nagai , the event began with an insightful introduction to the history and cultural significance of sushi. Attendees then delved into the essential ingredients, from perfectly seasoned sushi rice to an array of fresh fillings like cucumber, avocado, imitation crab, shrimp Tempura, eggs, and nori (seaweed sheets). Participants were guided step-by-step through the process of preparing their own sushi rolls. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as everyone tackled the delicate art of spreading rice, arranging fillings, and, with a bit of practice, expertly rolling their maki. Many discovered the satisfying challenge and reward of creating their own edible masterpieces. The event concluded with everyone enjoying their freshly made sushi, a testament to their newfound skills. The program was a fantastic opportunity for community members to explore a new cuisine, develop practical cooking skills, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts. Pueblo Library looks forward to hosting more engaging and educational events in the future. Stay tuned for our next exciting program! | | | Japan Foundation Digital Library: For Your (Virtual) Shelf The Japan Foundation has a wealth of free information, including books and films. We're sure you can find something interesting here! For Your (Virtual) Shelf: Cheers to Japanese Drinks! Whether you're a longtime enthusiast of a particular Japanese drink or drinks or you're just starting to explore, JF USA Digital Library has you covered! Here are our recommendations: Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks By Stephen Lyman and Chris Bunting This comprehensive survey covers all the main types of Japanese beverages, from Japanese bars and restaurants to supermarkets and liquor stores around the world. Exploring the World of Craft Sake By Nancy Matsumoto and Michael Tremblay Designed for sake novices & connoisseurs alike, this guide walks readers through the world of sake, from the history and science of sake to the current trends. Discovering Yamaguchi Sake By Jim Rion The first to focus on a single sake-producing region, this book takes readers on a tour of all 23 breweries in Yamaguchi as well as the people, land, and culture supporting them. Not what you're looking for this time? There are plenty more books of all genres available. Visit the JF USA Digital Library today! LEARN MORE You will need a library card to be able to borrow and place holds for the books in the digital library. Visit the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles website below for instructions on how to get your digital library card. LEARN MORE JFF Theater is now streaming six films that capture the unique charm of regions across Japan. Even if you haven’t watched them yet, why not start by checking out the trailers? You’re sure to find your next favorite film here: JFF Theater | | | Announcement of “Japanese Culture Portal Site” I am pleased to announce the launch of our new "Japanese Culture Portal Site" free of charge. The website URL is https://www.ohboshi.com. This site consists of three main sections: 1) Video Collection – A wide variety of videos related to Japanese culture are available for viewing. 2) Western Literature on Japan – A collection of Western-languages books about Japan. For example, works by Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore and Lafcadio Hearn can be downloaded for free. 3) Japanese Literary Works – A section for supplementary reading, offering free downloads of famous Japanese books such as Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s The Spider's Thread and Kenji Miyazawa’s The Restaurant of Many Orders. I sincerely hope this site will be useful to a broad audience. We would be grateful for any feedback, advice, or guidance you may provide. Best regards, Ohboshi Labo FUJITA Takeshi 時下、益々ご清栄のことと、お慶び申し上げます。 さて、この度、無料の「日本文化ポータル・サイト」を作りましたので、ご案内申し上げます。 URL は、https://www.ohboshi.com です。 このサイトは3部構成で、 第１部では、日本に関する様々な話題の関連動画が、多数ご覧いただけます。 第２部では、日本に関する洋書を集めました。例えば、 Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore や Lafcadio Hearn の作品を、無料で、ダウンロードして頂けます。 第３部は、サイド・リーダーのコーナーで、日本語の書籍、例えば、 芥川龍之介の「蜘蛛の糸」や宮沢賢治の「注文の多い料理店」が、無料でダウンロードできます。 より多くの皆様に、お役に立てて頂けましたら、幸いです。 特に倦怠期を迎えた中級者に強壮剤として処方して下さい。 御意見等、ご指導ご鞭撻のほど宜しくお願い申し上げます。 大星研究所 藤田 武史 | | | Amache: An American Injustice is Airing on PBS through October 1, 2028 A new short film Amache: An American Injustice is now showing on the PBS app and PBS website through October 1, 2028. To view the the film visit https://www.pbs.org/show/amache-an-american-injustice/. The film features Amache survivors and the DU Amache Field School. | | | | | Other Interesting Organizations Want more news? Check out these other organizations supporting Asian Americans in Colorado and beyond!
- Golden Lotus Foundation - The GLF is working hard to build a botanical garden and tea house in Colorado Springs. They are always looking for volunteers, so sign up for their newsletter if you are interested!
- NAJAS - the National Association of Japan America Societies is the hub of all other JAS in the US.
- Japan America Society of Colorado (Denver) - JASC is our closest sibling organization, with most of their happenings located in Denver. They have a community e-bulletin which they send out monthly as well.
- El Pomar Foundation - Elevating Leadership Development Program. The ELD program is run by the El Pomar foundation and creates "greater access and support for people of color in Southern Colorado to tap into their leadership potential for the benefit of community." Their quarterly meetings are free to attend and convene advisory councils for the following groups: Asian / Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, and Native American.
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- Asian Pacific Islander Business Community of Colorado Springs - this new organization is building better connections to and awareness of Asian-led businesses in Colorado Springs. The link is to their linktree, which includes a newsletter signup.
| | | | | | | About JASSC JASSC web site Send us your news! Let us know what you’d like to see in the next newsletter. Please email the editor, Rayna Lindsey
rayna@japanamerica.org Did you know that you can edit your own address, phone and email information right on the japanamerica.org website? Simply enter your email and password in the upper-right corner and click Login. Don't know your password? Click Forgot Password and the website will help you out. You will also find a secure password-protected online member directory. Use it to look up names, addresses, phone numbers and emails for other members.
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