Japanese Cultural & Community Center of WA ワ州日本文化会館

10/11/2026

The Hosekibako Japanese Resale Shop is seeking donations of cooking tools, lacquerware, and holiday-themed items, such as shimekazari. Donations of textile items such as wallets, furoshiki, tenugui, and bags/purses would be greatly appreciated as well. Share treasures you’re no longer using and give them a new home for the holidays!

No appointment necessary for donations made during regular store hours, between 10 AM - 3 PM every Thursday through Sunday.

Please call (206)568-7114 during the JCCCW’s business hours,10 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday, if you would like to make a donation outside of regular store hours.

Please contact [email protected] or call (206)940-5123 during store hours for any questions about donating.

Visit our website for more information: www.jcccw.org/hosekibako

10/10/2026

Are you interested in helping out with Bunka no Hi this year? We’re looking for passionate helpers to assist with setting up for the event on Saturday, October 31st and with the main event on Sunday, November 1st, too. Help us share Sam Goto’s philosophy as shared in the book Seattle Samurai! Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with setting up displays, help with activities and demonstrations, and of course, cleaning up after everything’s all done. We hope to see you there!

Learn more about being a volunteer & sign up on our website: www.jcccw.org/volunteer

Questions about volunteering? Send an email to [email protected].

ボランティア活動にご興味がありますか？ボランティアの皆さんには展示の案内、出演者の助手など、様々な活動のお手伝いをお願いしたいと思います。前日（10月31日）にはイベント会場設営などの準備もありますので、ぜひご協力をお願いいたします。

ご質問などは[email protected]へご連絡ください。

10/09/2026

Let’s take a look at two regional specialties of Hyogo Prefecture, both from the town of Izushi in Toyooka City.

The first is Izushi ware, a type of porcelain known for its pure white finish. Produced for almost 250 years, Izushi ware has been designated a traditional craft by the Japanese government. A notable feature of the production process are the engravings that are chiseled into the piece before being fired.

The second specialty is Izushi soba (buckwheat noodles) and the unique way they are served. A single portion for one person consists of five small plates of soba served on Izushi ware, which are enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from bonito and kelp.

Hosekibako has a collection of Izushi ware featuring beautifully engraved patterns and inscriptions that read “Izushi Soba” and the name of different soba shops, which add a delightful touch! Originally crafted for soba shops located in Izushi, they can be used for more than serving soba, so if you like the designs, come pick up a set! All proceeds from the store help fund free cultural events and programs at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW).

兵庫県の豊岡市出石町（とよおかし いずしちょう）には有名な特産品が二つあります。一つは全く濁りのない純白の磁器として知られる出石焼で250年近くにわたって焼かれ続け、経産省指定の伝統工芸品に指定されています。
もう一つは出石そばで、小皿に盛り、小皿5枚分を一人前として、それをカツオと昆布のだしと共に出すという独特の提供の仕方で知られています。そして伝統的に出石そばは出石焼の器に盛って出されます。
その本格的な出石そば店用の食器が宝石箱に揃いました。小皿、徳利、そばちょこなどがあり、おそばを出す以外にも便利に使えますし、「出石そば」とか店名が書かれていたりするところも楽しいです。ご来店の際はぜひ手に取ってご覧ください。宝石箱でお買い物をしていただいた収益は当会館の無料の催し物などに活用されます。

✅ Hosekibako’s In-Person Store
Thurs - Sun | 10 AM - 3 PM

✅ Shop Online
https://www.jcccw.org/hosekibako-online

10/08/2026

Bunka no Hi is back again on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 11 AM to 5 PM!

Come and experience Culture Day at the JCCCW and learn about local Japanese American cartoonist Sam Goto (1933 - 2017) and the samurai code that inspired his art and philosophy. Sam was the artist behind the Seattle Tomodachi comic strip that ran in the North American Post between 2012 and 2017. Inspired by his daughter, Kelly Goto’s book Seattle Samurai, you will have the opportunity to explore an exhibit that dives into the values that inspired Sam!

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a display of traditional Japanese swords and armor (kids will even be able to try on a replica set!), learn the game of Go, watch tea ceremony demonstrations and other fun activities and displays. Watch talks by Kelly Goto about creating the book that honors her father’s legacy and also manga artist Arisa Nakamura, Sam’s successor in the North American Post. Witness a Muso Shinden-ryu style Iaido sword demonstration, dramatic readings by the Omoide Project, and live calligraphy writing.

The Seattle Samurai exhibit and the presentations will be bilingual in English and Japanese.

Tokara, Kozmo Kitchen, and Koto Jelly Coffee will all be at the event for those who want to buy a Japanese treat or drink (while supplies last).

Free access provided by 4Culture.

Check out the Bunka no Hi page on our website: www.jcccw.org/bunka-no-hi
More details, including the event schedule are coming soon!

今年の「文化の日」は11月1日（日）に午前11時から午後5時まで開催します！

今回は、シアトル地域で活動した日系アメリカ人のマンガ家、サム・ゴトウさん(1933 - 2017)の人生と作品に焦点を当てます。サムさんは2012年から2017年まで北米報知紙に「シアトルともだち」というマンガを連載し、日系人の体験を紹介していました。サムさんの娘さんであるケリー・ゴトウさんが、受賞作である著書「シアトル・サムライ」にまとめられた内容をもとに、マンガを含めて日英両語での展示を行い、ケリーさん自身による講演も日本語訳付きで行われます。

またサムさんのマンガの背景となった日系人の歴史や、サムさんが武士道や日本の価値観を生き方の指針としていたことから、居合道の実演やよろいかぶとの展示など武士の文化も紹介します。さらに、北米報知紙でサムさんのあとを引き継いでマンガを連載中の中村有理沙さんのお話とマンガ作成の実演もあります。

他に囲碁体験、書道や茶道の実演、工作、食べ物の販売（こずも食堂、トカラ、コト・ジェリー・コーヒー）もあり、子供から大人まで楽しめるイベントです。4Cultureのご支援により、どなたでも入場無料でお越しになれますので、当会館ウェブサイトの更新情報をごらんになり、ぜひご来場ください！

10/07/2026

Seattle Zen Dojo is holding an introductory series of three classes for people who want to learn how to meditate. Through a focus on using Zen principles, the class is designed to help you learn how to use breath, posture, and frame of mind to create clarity and calmness.

These in-person classes will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 17th, and the 24th from 8 AM to 11:30 AM at the JCCCW.

Visit the link below for more information or to reserve a spot.

✅ Class Information:

We will focus on using Zen principles to help you learn how to use breath, posture, and frame of mind to create clarity and calmness through exercises and meditation.

10/02/2026

As the air cools and the nights get longer after summer, many Japanese people choose to open a book and enjoy autumn reading. In fact, it is so common that there is even a phrase for it: “Dokusho no Aki”!

The concept is said to have its roots in a poem written by the Tang dynasty Chinese poet Han Yu (768-824 CE), which described the experience of reading by lamplight on an autumn night. Famed modern Japanese author Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) referenced the poem in a novel, which popularized the concept of autumn reading.

Japan also has “Dokusho Shukan” or “Reading Week” between October 27th and November 9th. During this time, people are encouraged to visit libraries and bookstores, and, of course, to enjoy reading books!

At Hosekibako, you can find a trove of books about many topics - written in both English and Japanese. All proceeds from the store go toward supporting the JCCCW’s free events, including Bunka no Hi coming up on Sunday, November 1st!

秋になって涼しくなり、夜が長くなると読書にぴったりの時季になります。「読書の秋」と言われる所以（ゆえん）は、中国の唐時代の詩人、韓愈（かんゆ、768～824）が「秋の夜は灯りをともして読書をするのに最適だ」と詠んだ漢詩を、夏目漱石が小説「三四郎」の中で引用して広めたためと言われています。

秋の日本には読書週間もあります。毎年11月3日の文化の日を中心として10月27日から11月9日に行われ、図書館や書店、学校などで読書に親しむための各種催し物が開かれますが、その始まりは終戦間もない1947年、出版社や書店、図書館が協力し、「読書の力によって、平和な文化国家を創ろう」 という決意のもと、本に関する講演会や展示会を開いたことでした。

宝石箱で本も販売しているのをご存じですか。日本や日系社会に関する英語の本、日本で出版された本の英訳版、色々なテーマの日本語の本などがあります。読書の秋にぜひ一冊手に取ってご覧ください。皆様が宝石箱でお買い物をして下さった収益は、11月1日に開催される「文化の日」などの無料イベントに役立てられます。

✅ Hosekibako’s In-Person Store
Thurs - Sun | 10 AM - 3 PM

✅ Shop Online
https://www.jcccw.org/hosekibako-online

09/29/2026

Thank you for attending this year’s All Things Japanese Sale (ATJS)!

Held back on August 22nd and 23rd, this year’s sale was a huge success! The line stretched around the block on Saturday morning before we opened. In the end, over 750 guests stopped by over the two days. Combined sales from ATJS, the Director’s Sale, and the Hosekibako Japanese Resale Shop totaled over $12,500! A very big thank you to the people who donated Japanese items throughout the year, all the volunteers who helped us prepare for and help during the event, and of course the shoppers!

Check out some photos below, or view more on our website: https://www.jcccw.org/nikkei-news/2026/8/28/atjs-2026

8月22日、23日に開催されたオールシングス・ジャパニーズ・セールは大盛況となりました！750名の方にお越しいただき、ディレクターズセールと宝石箱を合わせて合計約12,500ドルの売上となりました。年間を通じて日本の物を寄付してくださった方々、ボランティアとしてイベント準備、運営を支援してくださった方々、そして来場してくださった方々に改めて御礼申し上げます。ありがとうございました！

✅ Hosekibako’s In-Person Store
Thurs - Sun | 10 AM - 3 PM

✅ Shop Online
https://www.jcccw.org/hosekibako-online

09/25/2026

Interested in traveling? In Japan, autumn is considered one of the best times to do so!

The phrase “koraku no aki” is used to refer to the autumn season’s suitability for outings. The cool and refreshing air makes it a great time for people in Japan to go on pleasure trips to enjoy the outdoors, visit hot springs, or even just for a picnic.

One thing you may have heard about Japan is its extensive “omiyage” or souvenir culture. It is very common for travelers to pick up a souvenir for family, friends, coworkers, or even just for themselves. Many locations in Japan have a “meibutsu”, or local specialty; something said location is famous for. These range from delicacies to crafts and so much more.

Stop by Hosekibako to pick up your own omiyage, either for yourself or as a gift, with the proceeds directly funding the JCCCW’s free events!

日本では、暑い夏が去って穏やかな気候になると、行楽の秋が始まります。人々は野に山に温泉にと遠出や旅行を楽しみますが、そこで欠かせないのがおみやげ購入です。家族や友人、職場の仲間におみやげを、そして自分にも旅の思い出となる品を買い求める人々のために、日本の観光地には食べ物から工芸品まで様々な商品がずらりと並んでいます。

宝石箱にも、かつておみやげ、または旅の記念品だった置物やこけしなどがたくさん揃っています。たいてい地名が付いていたり、その土地の名物や名所などが描写されていたりします。店頭で、あるいはオンラインでごらんになり、それらの場所に思いを馳せるのも一興ではありませんか。宝石箱でお買い物をしていただいた収益はJCCCWの無料イベントなどに役立てられます。

✅ Hosekibako’s In-Person Store
Thurs - Sun | 10 AM - 3 PM

✅ Shop Online
https://www.jcccw.org/hosekibako-online

09/24/2026

🏮SAVE THE DATE: 9/26 CID NIGHT MARKET

Seattle’s Chinatown-International District Night Market returns for its 19th year on Saturday, September 26!

🛍️This free, all-ages street festival features 100+ vendors, delicious street food, handmade goods, and live performances including lion dances, taiko drumming, and martial arts.

🌕Held in the heart of the CID, the event also celebrates the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, a centuries-old tradition honoring the full harvest moon.

Follow Seattle’s Chinatown-International District for all event updates 👋
Design by ting


Add the event to your calendar at the link below! 👇