| | | | | | Conversation over Cookies Free for members! If you're a member, just log in to enable the free ticket option. $5 for non-members Want to practice Japanese with real native speakers? Come join us for Conversation Over Cookies (COC), hosted on one Saturday every month! Regularly entertaining between 10 and 20 guests, this monthly conversation event allows everyone to practice their language skills, no matter what their skill level.  Each table will have at least one native Japanese speaker, and groups are split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Bring a dessert or snack to share, and a water bottle to keep your talking muscles hydrated~~ (aka your lips and throat). All levels of speakers are welcome! We are looking for friendly Japanese-speaking helpers to join our conversation session with Japanese language learners at the event. If you enjoy chatting in Japanese and supporting learners in a relaxed, welcoming environment, we would love to have you join us! If you are interested, please contact Ayumi or email ayumiohishi@gmail.com in advance. This event usually takes place at the CreateSpace at Library 21c (1175 Chapel Hills Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920) Click here for a map. No meeting in March April 4th (Saturday), 1:30pm to 3:00pm, CreateSpace at Library 21c
Click here to register. May 2, Saturday, 1:30pm to 3:00pm, CreateSpace at Library 21c
Click here to register. June 6 (Saturday), 1:30 to 3:00pm, CreateSpace at Library 21c
Click here to register. See the Events page on our website for details. https://japanamerica.org/Events | | | | | Mini-Sakura Festival Our friend and sponsor, Rainy Day Anime (2350 S. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO), is hosting this event. Map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/pqsQ3tRkR6P6TefZ9 18 Apr 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
For details, see the Event Page. Call for Volunteers We are looking for awesome people, good with kids, to help run some activities. (crafting experience is good but not required) Do you bake? We will be having a charity bake sale and are looking for homemade treats that have Japanese flavors and/or aesthetics. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please email rizzo@rainydayanime.com Will Feature: Giveaways!!! (While Supplies Last) Local Artists An Activity Tent (weather permitting) Photo Ops Bake Sale for JASSC So come dressed in your favorite cosplay or Japanese fashion and join us at this free, family friendly event! | | | | | | | 2026 Children's Day Volunteer Interest Form Children's Day is coming up on May 9th. We hope you can join us as a volunteer for this fun event! Please click here to fill out the form | | | | | 2026 Amache Pilgrimage Event Trip Are you interested in joining a bus trip from Colorado Springs to Amache on May 16th for the pilgrimage? Please fill out our survey so we can determine interest. If we get enough people, we will arrange to charter a bus. The 2026 Annual Amache Pilgrimage will take place May 15-18, with the core 1-day event on Saturday, 5/16/26. The annual Amache Pilgrimage in Granada honors Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII. Participants include former incarcerees, descendants, community members, and partner organizations. The program features a memorial service, educational presentations, and site tours, supporting preservation efforts and public understanding of this history. For additional information, detailed schedules and options to attend the full pilgrimage weekend activities, see their website. | | | Help Us Arrange Homestays Would you like to be involved when visitors arrive from Japan? Most commonly we are arranging homestays with local families for middle school students from our sister city, Fujiyoshida, Japan. It's a fun event! We are looking for someone to be the Homestay Committee Chair. Respond to info@japanamerica.org | | | | | Do you love social media, storytelling, or creating engaging content? We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help grow our online community! Join our Social Media Team and help us share the vibrant culture, events, and experiences of the Japan America Society of Southern Colorado on Facebook and Instagram, and even help us start a TikTok. No experience required, just creativity, enthusiasm, and a desire to help our community grow. Interested? Contact adriana@japanamerica.org | | | JASSC Board Meeting All members are invited to attend our board meetings, which are usually held monthly on a Monday evening. We alternate between in-person and virtual meetings. Please contact any board member or email info@japanamerica.org for details. The usual format is social time from 6-6:30pm where we catch up with each other. Member guests are welcome to join the discussions. From 6:30-7:30pm is the business meeting. Our next meeting is Monday, March 16th. Location: Pikes Peak Library District - Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, USA View map | | | | | Kusudama Display at 21c Library Throughout March Beautiful Kusudama decorations created by Janis Couey and JASSC members at last year's workshop are now on display at the 21C Library for the entire month of March. We invite you to stop by and enjoy these intricate paper art pieces that showcase the creativity and care of our community. The display can be found in the showcase on the basement level, located by the main staircases. We hope you will take a moment to visit and appreciate this lovely celebration of Japanese craft and collaboration. *You are welcome to take a piece home after the display ends in March. Contact info@japanamerica.org | | | | | Stephen Harano Makes Generous Donation for Children's Day We are pleased to share that Stephen Harano, owner of Harano’s Elite TradeWorks, has made a generous $500 donation in support of our 2026 Children’s Day Festival. His contribution strengthens our ability to create a joyful, culturally rich celebration for families across our community. We are deeply grateful for his support and commitment to JASSC’s mission. Thank you for your continued dedication and involvement. Warm regards, JASSC Short Bio — Harano’s Elite Tradeworks Harano’s Elite Tradeworks is a family-owned, community-focused business based in Colorado Springs, founded by retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Stephen Harano, a 5th generation Japanese American (Go-sei). Built on the principle of “Built on Skill; Driven by Trust,” the company offers a diverse range of professional and creative services including custom laser engraving, vinyl and craft design, automotive repair services, financial education and planning, mobile nail services, web development, notary services, and more. What began as a passion for craftsmanship and service has grown into a multi-discipline trade business dedicated to supporting local families, small businesses, and community organizations. Harano’s Elite Tradeworks is especially proud to give back through event sponsorships, charitable contributions, and youth-focused initiatives that promote creativity, education, and cultural connection. Connection to the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado (JASSC) Stephen Harano’s connection to the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado is both professional and deeply personal. During his U.S. Navy career, he built lasting partnerships with members of both the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), fostering mutual respect, cultural exchange, and allied cooperation. These relationships extended beyond uniformed service, developing into lifelong friendships rooted in shared values, traditions, and community. Through Harano’s Elite Tradeworks, Stephen and his family remain committed to strengthening those cultural ties by supporting organizations like JASSC that celebrate Japanese heritage, education, and U.S.–Japan friendship. Sponsoring Children’s Day is especially meaningful, as it reflects a shared investment in youth, cultural appreciation, and the next generation of global citizens. https://haranoselite.trade/ | | | New Members Welcome to our new members. We hope to meet you at our events! January June Wigglesworth, student Amir Amini, family February Jeffrey Lipnick, individual Douglas Hiatt, Angie Tollar-Hiatt, Sandy Gee, Tokiko Weber - tomodachi Ella-Jane Riley, family | | |
.png)
)%20(1).png)
