Amigurumi
Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed figures that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
6PM
New class dates TBD. Please check back for updates.
Cost: $15 members $25 non-members
To RSVP or for more information, contact Tony Tang at ttang@esgvjcc.org.
Bonsai
Bonsai is a Japanese art form using trees grown in containers. The purposes of bonsai are primarily contemplation (for the viewer) and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity (for the grower). Bonsai practice focuses on long-term cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a container.
2nd Monday/Month
10AM-1PM ESGVJCC Patio
$10/Month
For more information, please contact Aki Kamimura at (626) 222-1843 or akikamimura1230@gmail.com.
ESGVJCC Karaoke Club
The ESGVJCC Karaoke Club is comprised of adults who love to sing both Japanese and English songs. It is a very casual atmosphere where members can choose songs from a list of over 1,000 songs.
3rd Saturday
New class dates TBD. Please check back for updates.
7PM Location TBD
$10/year
For more information, please contact Aki Kamimura at (626) 222-1843 or akikamimura1230@gmail.com.
Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature. Learn both traditional and modern Japanese Ikebana with Instructor Wendy Lai from the Ohara School of Ikebana.
Every first Friday of the month
9AM Dining Room
$30/class for ESGVJCC Members
$40/class for Non-Members
Class fee includes flower materials, but students must bring their own 10”-12” round flat container, a 3”x4” kenzon, and garden cutters. With advance notice, you can also purchase these items from Wendy!
Please contact Office Manager Jordan Pomeroy at jpomeroy@esgvjcc.org to RSVP for a class. RSVP is required!
Introduction to Tea Ceremony
Join us and learn about Japanese tea ceremony! The workshop is led by Mari Robinson, who has 35 years of experience in the Urasenke School of Tea. In this one-time workshop*, experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and learn how to properly whisk and drink matcha.
New class dates TBD. Please check back for updates.
Cost: $5 All materials included *Same material will be covered every month
To RSVP please call the ESGVJCC Office at (626) 960-2566 or contact Pearl Omiya, Executive Director.
Kishin Daiko (Japanese drumming)
Since the group’s establishment at the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center in June of 1981,Kishin Daiko has continued to entertain, educate and enlighten audiences with the dynamic, powerful and heart stopping sounds of taiko (Japanese drumming).
Practice:
Mondays in the ESGVJCC Gym
Beginner Adult Class | 6:30PM-7:30PM
Intermediate to Advanced Adult Class | 7:30PM-9:30PM
Website:
https://www.kishindaiko.com
Contact: For performance requests or class information, email contact@kishindaiko.com or call (909) 393-9499.
Koto
Koto is the art of Japanese Harp. The koto is one of the most popular traditional instruments in Japan.
For more information please email, Melissa Kozono, Programs Director, Youth Services at mkozono@esgvjcc.org.
Cost:
$20/month for ESGVJCC Members
$30 for Non-members
Odori
Nihon Buyo Lessons at the ESGVJCC!
Group: Bando Ryu Kyo no Kai
Instructor: Bando Hirohichiro
Cost:
ESGVJCC Members
up to 8 years old: $25/month + $10/month kai dues for 20 minute lesson
8-18 years old: $35/month + $10/month kai dues for 30 minute lesson
18 years and older: $60/month + $10/month kai dues for 30 minute lesson
65 years and older: $50/month + $10/month kai dues for 30 minute lesson
Non-Members
up to 8 years old: $30/month + $10/month kai dues for 20 minute lesson
8-18 years old: $40/month + $10/month kai dues for 30 minute lesson
18 years and older: $70/month + $10/month kai dues for 30 minute lesson
65 years and older: $60/month + $10/month kai dues for 30 minute lesson
For more information please email, Melissa Kozono, Programs Director, Youth Services at mkozono@esgvjcc.org.
Virtual Bon Odori
Virtual Bon Odori class schedule: TBD
ESGVJCC Member Price for 1 Class – $10 and
3 Classes – $25.
Non-Member Price is 1 Class – $15 and 3 Classes – $40.Virtual Bon Odori FlyerDownload
For more information please email, Melissa Kozono, Programs Director, Youth Services at mkozono@esgvjcc.org.
Virtual Nihon Buyo
Instructor: Bandō Hirohichirō
Every Saturday
10-10:20 am 5-7 yr
11-11:20 am. 8-10 yr
12-12:20 pm. 11-13 yr
1-1:20 pm. 14-15 yr
2-2:30 pm 16 and up
First class is FREE!
Price is $5/class for ages 5-15 years old and $8/class for 16 years and older.
Families will need a Zoom account and a space to hold okeiko (enough space to move around without hitting furniture).
Yukata is recommended but not necessary. Must wear socks and comfortable clothing if you don’t have yukata.
Sensei will send a Youtube clip at the beginning of the week to watch and learn the general steps. Then meet via Zoom and hold okeiko.
For more information please email, Melissa Kozono, Programs Director, Youth Services at mkozono@esgvjcc.org.
Samurai Film Screenings
Join us as we explore the world of the samurai of ancient Japan!
Introduction and historical points of interests presented by the Film Series Host.
Admission is free.
Upcoming Screenings:

Gokinzo Yaburi: Sado no Kinzan o Nerae (Samurai Gold Thieves: Raid on Sado Island) (1983)
Sunday, February 25 at 1PM in the Sugimoto Family Social Hall and online via Zoom for ESGVJCC Members
Please RSVP by Thursday, February 22
Kichibei left his turbulent life as a shogunate spy to become a humble priest. But, called upon to investigate Gold Magistrate Okubo, he’ll learn that Okubo’s not just skimming off half the gold of Sado Island’s mines and brutalizing and murdering the helpless peasants of Sado, but Okubo’s also trading stolen gold for enough men and weapons to overthrow the shogun himself. Kichibei and a handful of skilled agents recruited from the underworld, will infiltrate Sado Island and take on Okubo’s ruthless squad of killers in a furious, blood-soaked conclusion. Who will return alive?
If you would like to attend in person or virtually through Zoom, please contact Office Manager, Jordan Pomeroy at jpomeroy@esgvjcc.org. Due to the limited capacity of the ESGVJCC’s Zoom account, joining the film screening virtually through Zoom is only available to ESGVJCC Members.
West Covina Yukari-Kai Kime Komi Doll Class
Kimekomi is the Japanese art of doll making. Our purpose is to leave the legacy of the tradition of “Love” & “Culture” of human life to the future through the making of beautiful dolls.
2nd Wednesday of the month
9AM to 11:30AM
Classrooms 3 & 4
$40/year
Contact:
ESGVJCC Office at (626) 960-2566