A number of special events are hosted or co-hosted by JASC throughout the year. To check dates of upcoming events, go to the calendar. For additional information, e-mail or call 773.275.0097.   Kagami Biraki Celebrate the New Year with an Oshogatsu tradition: join Tohkon Judo Academy and friends to pound mochi (sweet rice cakes) the old-fashioned way. Complimentary mochi, which is traditionally made and eaten at the beginning of each year to ensure the year will be a good one, will be available to all participants. After the mochi-tsuki, the judo dojo and JASC building are purified in a Shinto ohara-i purification ceremony. There is also entertainment, judo demonstrations and a potluck fellowship luncheon. Held the second Saturday of the year at the JASC.   Day of Remembrance The Japanese American community joins together to recall the signing of Executive Order 9066, which paved the way for the internment of almost 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II, and to consider the lessons to be learned from the internment. This event, which is open to the public, is co-hosted by the JASC, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society. It is held in mid-February each year.    (back)   Lunar New Year JASC joins the rest of Chicago's Asian American community to celebrate Lunar New Year and promote Asian American empowerment and advancement. The host community rotates each year from among members of the Asian American Coalition. The celebration is held in February or early March.    (back)   Community Picnic In 1995, the JASC and the Japanese American Citizens League decided to resurrect a beloved memory of many Sansei (third generation Japanese Americans) by hosting an old-fashioned community picnic, bringing together all segments and generations of the Japanese American community. The event was a rousing success, and with the additional support of the Japan America Society of Chicago, Asian American Law Enforcement Association, and Tohkon Judo Academy, has grown to be a treasured annual event. Held at a local forest preserve, it is BYO obento (traveling food), with beverages and snacks provided. There are games and prizes for the children, contests for the adults, and, of course, a cultural favorite, karaoke! This fun event is held in early August.    (back)   Bloomingdale's Shopping Benefit The JASC, along with more than 75 of the Chicago area's premier charitable organizations, participates in Bloomingdale's department store's annual Shopping Benefit. Here's how it works: you purchase a $10 ticket from the JASC. This allows you to take a 15% discount on most store items (cosmetics, fragrances and some designer items are excluded from this sale), including any item that may already be on sale! The JASC will receive credit from the ticket you purchased, along with an additional $5 when you turn in your ticket stub at any of the four Bloomingdale's stores (900 North Michigan Avenue, Old Orchard in Skokie; Home Stores at 600 North Wabash, and the newest store located at Oak Brook Center, in Oak Brook). Everybody wins at this event! This year's Shopping Benefit event will be held, TBA.    (back)   Fuji Festival & Silent Auction Kick-off the fall season by coming to the Fuji Festival & Silent Auction, the JASC's largest annual fundraiser. The Silent Auction offers more than 150 high quality items, including exotic travel opportunities, VIP accommodations at sporting events, certificates at some of Chicago's most popular eateries, nights at luxury hotels, tickets to popular theatre performances, antique quality Japanese artifacts, fashionable garments, and priceless jewelry. The dinner program has featured a variety of entertainers and speakers – from world class magician Higa to Grammy award winner, jazz ensemble Hiroshima, to distinguished speakers such as (former Congressman, current Secretary of Transportation) Norman Y. Mineta, Judge Lance Ito, (the late) Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink, and others. Held in mid-September each year. Click for info on this year's event.     (back)   Holiday Delight/Kodomo Matsuri Begin celebrating your holiday season by joining us at our annual Holiday Delight sale. Do some great holiday shopping by visiting our select vendors, who specialize in Japanese, Japanese American, and Asian handcrafted goods – from jewelry to special accessories, specialty paper items, garments, ceramics, and books. Find all of your stocking stuffers and gifts for teachers at Holiday Delight by purchasing unique gift items. Satisfy your hunger and sweet-tooth by enjoying sushi, teriyaki kabobs, teriyaki burgers and homemade baked goods. Kodomo Matsuri (children's festival) will entertain the kids, allowing them to have fun creating assorted holiday ornaments and decorations and await Santa's visit. This delightful holiday tradition is held the first Saturday each December. For a complete schedule of this year's event, go to Holiday Delight    (back)