Programs are offered to encourage and facilitate the building of intergenerational and community relationships. JASC Family Activities are also intended to help preserve and promote Japanese and Japanese American heritage and culture as well as a sense of Japanese American identity.
 
Tampopokai (Japanese cultural program for pre-schoolers)
Tampopokai is a Japanese American children's program whose goal is to expose children to the richness and wonder of the Japanese language and culture through songs, stories, games, and arts and crafts. It is organized in large measure as a parent-run cooperative, and parents are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions and to participate on various committees and projects.

The program is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers with three sessions that last approximately 12 weeks each, and a summer session of approximately four weeks duration.

Monday's program is for anyone under 5 years of age with a focus on Japanese language and culture through stories, pictures, and games. Wednesday's program is for children age 3 to 5 that follows a more formal classroom style with a focus on hiragana, a Japanese alphabet.

Tampopo (Children under 5 years of age) Mondays 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Tampopo Big Kids (3 years to 5 years) Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to noon.

For additional information email: tampopo@jasc-chicago.org, or call the JASC at 773.275.0097 and leave your name and number. Sensei (teacher) Naomi Negi will call you back as soon as possible.

Kodomo Matsuri (Children's Festival)
1st Saturday in December
No admission fee
 
Part of JASC's annual Holiday Delight, Kodomo Matsuri features crafts, activities, and entertainment. Santa Claus makes his pre-Christmas visit to JASC. There are Japanese and other arts and crafts, shopping, and food for adults and children alike. The festival is geared to children aged 2-10 years old. All children need to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or other responsible adult.
 
Traditional Japanese Festivals
Five traditional Japanese festivals are observed at JASC's Adult Day Services program with refreshments, decorations and entertainment. The public is invited to attend.
 
Oshogatsu, or New Year's celebration, is generally celebrated at the end of January. Girl's Day (Hinamatsuri) is observed in March with the display of the Hinamatsuri dolls. Tango no Sekku or Boy's Day is held in May. The Star Festival (Tanabata) is observed in July, and the Moon Festival (Otsukimi) is held in October.
 
If you are interested in attending any of these festivals, please call the JASC at 773.275.0097 to confirm the date and time of the event, and to make reservations. There is no charge.