Japan Society of Northern California

10/08/2026

🇯🇵⚖️ Here Come Japan’s Lawyers!

Join us October 30, 12–5 PM for a special symposium exploring the opportunities and challenges facing Japanese law firms in California.

🎤 Attorneys from three Japanese law firms will share their insights—and one of our Board Members will participate as a Discussant! Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn, connect, and network.

Go to "UCSF Law, Here Come Japan’s Lawyers" for more info!

10/07/2026

Newsletter | Live Music, Japan Night, and Movie Screenings ✨ - https://mailchi.mp/usajapan.org/october-2026-newsletter-5118852

10/05/2026

🚀 Digital Garage is hosting two exciting events during SF Tech Week!
🤖 Zero Day: Physical AI + Security — Seed Pitch & Live Demo
📅 Mon, Oct 5 | 12:00–3:30 PM
Kick off SF Tech Week with seed pitches, live demos, and candid conversations about what’s actually fundable in Physical AI and Security.
🌟 More Info: https://partiful.com/e/V3dzumUhXBJNj8b9rAdS?

🤝 Find Your Co-Founder: Tech x Business Shuffle
📅 Thu, Oct 8 | 6:00 PM
A founder-only evening bringing together people from Tech, Business, Product, and Design for meaningful conversations, idea-sharing, and potential co-founder connections.
🌟 More info: https://partiful.com/e/2TMRYknqcfRBU6GCWPOZ?

📍 Come connect, exchange ideas, and make the most of SF Tech Week!

10/02/2026

✨ October Events Calendar ✨

Fall is here, and October is packed with exciting opportunities to experience Japanese culture, music, technology, and U.S.–Japan connections across the Bay Area! 🇯🇵🇺🇸🍁

🏮 21st Annual Millbrae Japanese Culture Festival | Sunday, October 4
Celebrate Japanese culture with live entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for the whole family!

🏆 40th Award of Honor Gala | Thursday, October 8
Join us for an evening celebrating U.S.–Japan friendship, collaboration, and community.

🌊 Japan’s Hidden Coastal Treasures | Monday, October 12
Discover Japan’s beautiful coastal landscapes and hidden natural treasures through the eyes of a naturalist.

💡 Japan Night Reception During SEMICON West | Wednesday, October 14
Connect with Japan’s semiconductor and technology community and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

🎼 SOLD OUT! Joe Hisaishi Conducts the San Francisco Symphony | Thursday, October 22
Experience the unforgettable music of legendary Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi with the San Francisco Symphony.

🎹 Kotaro Fukuma, Piano | Tuesday, October 27
Enjoy an evening of beautiful piano music featuring works by Japanese and international composers.

🎬 The Cinema of Masaki Kobayashi at BAMPFA | Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 22
Explore the work of acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Masaki Kobayashi in this special film series.

🍁 From festivals and film to music, technology, and cultural exchange, there’s plenty to discover this October!
Which event are you looking forward to? 👀✨

10/02/2026

🎉 The Gala Silent Auction is OPEN to everyone!

Can't make it to the Gala? Want to get a head start on bidding? You can browse and bid on exciting items like 🍶 premium sake, 🍷 fine w**e, 🏛 local museum memberships, and more.

100% of auction proceeds support JSNC and help us continue bringing Japanese cultural programming to the Bay Area — much of it free and open to the public.

❤ Bid now: https://events.handbid.com/lp/40th-award-of-honor-gala/items

09/23/2026

🎶 Kotaro Fukuma, Piano: Flagship Series | 10/27 in Mountain View - https://mailchi.mp/usajapan.org/kotaro-fukuma-piano-flagship

09/16/2026

Ready to make Japanese part of your journey? 🇯🇵✨

Whatever your reason for learning, we’re here to help you turn your goals into real progress. Learn with us and discover how private Japanese tutoring can fit into your life.

📚 Your goals. Your pace. Your Japanese journey.

👉 Ready to get started? Learn more and sign up for private Japanese tutoring: https://www.usajapan.org/japanese-language-classes/private-japanese-tutoring/

09/15/2026

Do you know someone who is thinking about applying to the JET Program? Or maybe that person is YOU?

US JET Alumni Association is hosting a free virtual JET Info Session on Sept 24, 2026 which will include:
- Application Tips: A JET Program Coordinator will discuss the application process and what makes a strong application.
- Firsthand Experiences: Hear from a panel of JET alumni who will share their personal experiences living and working in Japan on JET.
- Q&A Session: Ask your questions and get real-time answers.

All registrants will receive a link to the recording, so please register even if you can't join for the live event!
Register here: https://www.usjetaa.org/news/jet-info-session-sept-2026

Thinking about applying to the JET Program? Start here.

If you're curious if JET is right for you, then join our JET Program Virtual Info Session for an inside look at what it’s really like to live and work in Japan.

Hear firsthand from JET alumni, get application advice from a JET Program Coordinator, and bring your questions for a live Q&A.

Register to receive the Zoom link and recording.

This event is part of the NEXT JET Program, connecting aspiring JETs with JET alumni and current participants.

👉 Take the next step toward Japan and join us!
https://usjetaa.wildapricot.org/event-6789196
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09/15/2026

🚀 This weekend in Tokyo: Japan’s Next Wave of Silicon Valley Innovation Forum
We had an inspiring conversation on the future of AI, robotics, and technology in Japan, featuring perspectives from HACARUS, Sakana AI, and MUJIN.

The discussion highlighted Japan’s growing innovation ecosystem and exciting opportunities to connect Japanese companies with Silicon Valley and global markets. 🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸

Thank you to our speakers, partners, and everyone who joined us!

09/14/2026

Meet our 2026 Award of Honor Gala Honorees, four individuals and organizations whose visions and efforts continue to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship.

🏆 Award of Honor: Sandisk and David Goeckeler
🌎 World Visionary Award: Netflix and Greg Peters
🎬 Cultural Ambassador Award: TOHO CO., LTD. and Hiro Matsuoka
🌟 Lifetime Achievement Award: Kathleen Kimura, MBE

The U.S.-Japan relationship is built one connection at a time. Celebrate our incredible awardees — and help Japan Society carry that work forward through the programs that connect Northern California and Japan.

📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
📍 Grand Hyatt at SFO
🎟 https://events.handbid.com/lp/40th-award-of-honor-gala/sponsorships