The JASC is proud to be a part of Chicago's vibrant Asian American community, and is happy to work together with our sister Japanese American and Asian American organizations to provide programs of interest.   The following events are held annually. 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.   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.   Intergenerational Dialogues Discover more about what it means to be Japanese American in Chicago in this ongoing series presented jointly by the Japanese American Citizens League and JASC. Explore the complexity of Japanese American identity as influenced by age, gender, generation, and many other factors. Panel discussions, round table discussions, and group discussions are used to allow participants to share their feelings, experiences, opinions and insights about being Japanese American. You will gain perspective and understanding on preserving, promoting, living with and transmitting a Japanese American identity to future generations. Held periodically throughout the year.   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.