Japantown Immersive 2023

Community Event

In Person

Date: May 20, 2023

Time: 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

As part of our continued 50th Anniversary celebration we’re bringing back Japantown Immersive! This year’s theme is focused on the stories and histories of Japantown. What will you discover about our wonderful community?

When: Saturday, May 20 4:30 - 8:30PM
Where: San Jose Japantown (Event kick off at 4:30PM at 5th & Jackson)
Cost: FREE

Enjoy the many activities and performances hosted by our Japantown community!

• 4:30PM & 8:00PM EPIC taiko performances from San Jose Taiko. You’ve never seen an SJT performance in Japantown like this!

• 5:15PM Lotus Preschool Taiko Performance!

• 5:30, 6:00, 6:30PM “Japantown Returnings”: immersive play performances by Wesley United Methodist Church about eras of Japantown

• 7:15PM Intro to Bon Odori by Reiko Iwanaga and the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

• Activations happening throughout the event:

  • Learn Hanafuda (Japanese poker game) hosted by Silicon Valley Japanese American Citizens League

  • Learn Fantan (a counting game) hosted by Robert Ragsac and FANHS (Filipino American National Historical Society - Santa Clara Valley)

  • Document your favorite Japantown story about you and/or your family at Story Station in the Issei Memorial Building, hosted by San Jose Taiko.

  • Create and play taiko at San Jose Taiko’s interactive station!

  • Get dressed up at Kimono Photo Booth hosted by Nichi Bei Bussan and Kimono Club

  • Augmented Reality stations by Hidden Histories of San Jose Japantown

  • Japantown history scavenger Hunt hosted by Zonkey’s

  • Check out Zonkey’s homage to Cook’s Appliance at their storefront

  • Take a selfie by some vintage cars from the 1950’s hosted by Headliners

  • Japantown history kids coloring station hosted by SV JACL

  • Visit Roy’s Station and check out some classic Japantown memorabilia.

  • Participate and win prizes such as commemorative pins from Kogura Company or special Hank’s Rod & Reel stickers by Headliners

Hungry? Order ahead from any of our amazing Japantown dining establishments on/near Jackson Street.

Hope to see you there!

JAMsj Updated Dec. 7, 2024