What an incredible evening under the autumn moon!
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Otsukimi — お月見, our annual Japanese moon-viewing festival honoring tradition, community, and cultural exchange.
This year’s event was brought to life through the collective spirit of our community, partners, performers, artists, students, and volunteers. We are deeply grateful.
Experience the unifying power of music as three incredible bands bring two nations together!
Music is truly the universal language.
Join us for a free International Friendship Concert featuring performances by:
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron Band
U.S. Navy Band Southwest
Kearny Mesa Concert Band
Come early and enjoy a pre-concert taiko performance at 6:30 PM!
This special evening of friendship and music celebrates the enduring ties between Japan and the United States, and the communities that make these partnerships thrive. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to enjoy world-class musicians sharing the stage in San Diego.
📅 Wednesday, October 15, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Pre-concert taiko at 6:30 PM)
📍 Madison High School, Clairemont, San Diego
💲 Free & Open to the Public
Join us at the University of San Diego for Voices of Peace, a heartfelt gathering celebrating the International Day of Peace.
Enjoy inspiring talks, music, and performances that remind us of our collective power to create a more peaceful world. Together, we honor those who work for understanding and harmony across cultures.
📅 Sunday, September 21st, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 University of San Diego – Kroc School of Peace Studies
Free and open to the public.
Click here for more details and to register.
Video Message
A moving message from Hiroshima survivor Mike Kawamura, sharing his firsthand story and heartfelt call for compassion.
Panel Discussion with Peace Leaders
Dr. Akiko Mikamo – Psychologist, Author, Founder of SD-WISH, Global Peace Advocate
Dean Darren Kew – Dean, Kroc School of Peace Studies, USD
Dr. May Farid – Assistant Professor, Kroc School of Peace Studies, USD
Peace Crane Workshop
A hands-on activity where participants fold cranes in solidarity with survivors and communities around the world.
Live Performance
Shakuhachi musician Mary Lu Brandwein will perform throughout the workshop, providing a meditative soundscape.
Traditional Japanese Tea Service
Offered by the San Diego Urasenke (Blair Whitaker, Dr. Lisa Sochi Baird, Mary Demeo, and others), extending hospitality and reflection during the afternoon.
Featuring Dr. Makiko Hirata
🗓️ Friday, December 5, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)
📍 Paper Moon Event Space – 1241 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Join us for a powerful evening of music and reflection as the San Diego–Yokohama Sister City Society, in partnership with SD-WISH and the Trees for Peace program, presents Resonance: A Concert for Peace featuring acclaimed pianist Dr. Makiko Hirata.
Dr. Hirata, known as “Dr. Pianist,” is the granddaughter of a Hiroshima survivor and a global advocate for the role of music in trauma healing. Her performance will be both intimate and inspiring, inviting audiences to reflect on the living legacy of peace, the power of memory, and the role of culture in bridging divides.
This concert coincides with the morning’s Trees for Peace ceremony at Crown Point Junior Music Academy, where students and community members will present a living sapling grown from a hibakujumoku—a tree that survived the 1945 Hiroshima bombing. The evening event continues that story through music.
This is a free community concert. Seating is limited.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW
We are currently seeking event volunteers, photographers, and event sponsors.
Contact us at: info@sdyscs.org
The San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society is proud to announce a special series of performances by the Mission Bay High School Jazz Preservationists, one of the premier youth jazz ensembles from San Diego, California.
As part of the cultural exchange between sister cities San Diego and Yokohama, these talented student musicians will be performing at multiple locations across Yokohama this March.
📅 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
🎤 March 28 (Fri), 2025 – Yokohama City Hall Atrium
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Yokohama City Hall, 1F Atrium (6-50-10 Honcho, Naka-ku)
🎤 March 28 (Fri), 2025 – Certe 1st Floor Terrace
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Certe Building (3-33 Masagocho, Naka-ku)
🎤 March 29 (Sat), 2025 – Sankeien Garden
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Old Tomyoji Main Hall (58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku)
These performances celebrate over 65 years of friendship between San Diego and Yokohama, which became official Sister Cities in 1957. Come enjoy the soulful sounds of youth jazz and experience the energy of this cross-cultural exchange!
🎉 Join Us for Taiko 4.0 — A Community Celebration of Rhythm, Culture, and Connection! 🥁
📅 Sunday, March 30 | 12:00–5:00 PM
📍 International Cottages, Balboa Park
🎟️ Free and Open to the Public
Naruwan Taiko is proud to celebrate cultural harmony and community spirit at Taiko 4.0 — an afternoon of heart-pounding taiko drumming, joyful connection, and vibrant cultural exchange.
This special gathering, hosted in collaboration with Naruwan Taiko, the House of China, and the extended San Diego taiko family, will feature:
✨ High-energy taiko performances from local groups
🎶 An open jam session — all taiko players are welcome to join in!
🧺 A family-friendly picnic atmosphere — bring lawn chairs and blankets
🎂 A special birthday celebration for our community leader and taiko ambassador, Diana Wu
Whether you’re a seasoned taiko performer or simply want to enjoy the music and festivities, this is a perfect way to connect with our sister cities community through the powerful rhythms of Japanese drumming.
Let’s celebrate together — with music, friendship, and cultural pride!
📢 Weather permitting. Be sure to bring sun protection and your taiko spirit!
Japanese Traditional Shamisen and Minyo Performance with Anju Madoka
San Diego, CA – Experience the enchanting sounds of traditional Japanese music as internationally acclaimed shamisen player and minyo (folk song) singer Anju Madoka brings her SOCAL Tour 2025 to San Diego!
Join us for a free live performance on Saturday, March 8th, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the La Jolla Riford Public Library. This unique event is cosponsored by the San Diego Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Japan through music.
Anju Madoka is an internationally recognized musician known for her masterful shamisen performances and captivating renditions of traditional Japanese folk songs (minyo). Her music blends centuries-old traditions with a modern touch, creating a mesmerizing experience for audiences worldwide.
📅 Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Location: La Jolla Riford Public Library
💲 Admission: FREE
For more information about Anju Madoka, visit her official website: anju-madoka.com
Follow her on Instagram: @anjumadoka
This event is part of Anju Madoka’s Southern California Tour 2025 (March 6 – March 17), bringing the magic of Japanese traditional music to communities across the region.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the artistry of Anju Madoka live in San Diego!
For inquiries, media coverage, or additional details, please contact: mitsuo.tomita@gmail.com
The Japanese Student Association at San Diego State University will be holding its 3rd annual Spring Festival!
In addition to Japanese food and games, you can also enjoy traditional performances such as Japanese dance, koto and taiko drums.
Anyone can participate, so we look forward to seeing you there!
Details will also be posted on Instagram @sdsujsa, so please check it out!
Tuesday, March 11 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
San Diego State University Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
6075 Aztec Circle Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
Sat, Feb 22
Lincoln High School
Join USA Sumo at one of the largest sumo events of the year. Featuring top sumo talent from around the United States.
Feb 22, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113, USA
Join us for SoCal Sumo Open 2025, the largest sumo event in California. This groundbreaking event, organized by Honu Sumo Club in collaboration with the Maximum Effort Foundation, showcases the best of sumo wrestling, inviting athletes of all sizes and skill levels. Celebrate the strength, skill, and spirit of sumo with us as we bring together a diverse array of competitors in one of the most anticipated events in the sport’s American journey.
Register to compete here: Athlete Registration
Want to watch the action? Buy tickets at Eventbrite here: 2025 SoCal Sumo Open
– Location: Lincoln High School, San Diego, California
– Hosted by: Honu Sumo Club in collaboration with the Maximum Effort Foundation
– Sanctioned by United States Sumo Federation
Competition Divisions:
– Men’s divisions:
Featherweight: up to 77 kg (- 169.76 lbs)
Lightweight: up to 85 kg (~ 187 lbs)
Middleweight: up to 100 kg (~ 220 lbs)
Light Heavy: up to 115 kg (~ 254 lbs)
Heavyweight: over 115 kg (254 lbs +)
Open-Weight: unrestricted
– Women’s divisions:
Lightweight: up to 65 kg (~ 143 lbs)
Middleweight: up to 73 kg (~ 161 lbs)
Light Heavy: up to 80 kg (~ 176 lbs)
Heavyweight: over 80 kg (176 lbs +)
Open-Weight: unrestricted
**For Jr. Division Age Details**
Participants shall be boys/girls born between 2007 (18 years old in 2025) and 2012 (13 years old in 2025) and who are registered to the Sumo Federation of each participating country.
– Female Juniors divisions:
Lightweight: Under 60 kg
Middleweight: 60 kg and over and under 75 kg
Heavyweight: 75 kg and over
– Male Juniors divisions:
Lightweight: Under 80 kg
Middleweight: 80 kg and over and under 100 Kg
Heavyweight: 100 kg and over
– Kids Division: Brackets will be determined based on age and size to ensure fair and competitive matches.
– Masters Division: A first in SoCal Open history, for male adults over 40, potentially divided into 5-year age brackets depending on participant numbers
Schedule Highlights:
– Weigh-Ins and Open Mat Sessions:
Held at Honu BJJ HQ, 4310 Orange Ave., San Diego, CA
– Weigh-Ins:
February 20 and 21, multiple sessions
– Open Mat:
February 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
– Tournament Day:
February 22, 2025, at Abraham Lincoln High School Gym
– Athlete Check-In & Rules Meeting:
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
– Competition Schedule:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
8:00a – 8:30a ATHLETE CHECK IN & RULES MEETING ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL GYM 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. Any athlete that fails to arrive by 8:30am will be disqualified from competing.
9:00a – 5:00p SoCal Sumo Open ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL GYM 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
February 15-16, 2025
San Diego Central Library, 300 Park Blvd.,
San Diego, California 92101, USA
A FREE Forum for teachers, librarians, storytellers and all Kamishibai Fans!
The World Kamishibai Forum will bring together and celebrate the diversity of Kamishibai performance styles from around the world. Librarians, teachers and storytellers will have the opportunity to learn from internationally recognized Kamishibai experts. The 2 days will encompass “How to” workshops and lots of Kamishibai storytelling and presentations.
Join us and experience how Kamishibai inspires and teaches children to love storytelling and literature.
Click here for more information or to register to attend.
