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Contacts

P.O. Box 122842
San Diego CA 92112-2842

info@sdyscs.org

+1 760 444 4164

Category: Events

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NewsEvents

SoCal Open

SoCal Open

The SoCal Open is happening February 14, 2026. Grab a friend, bring your energy, and be part of one of Southern California’s most exciting cultural events.

Of course, there will be live sumo, but that’s just the beginning. Enjoy a full lineup of cultural demonstrations, performances, vendors, and community showcases. This is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration.

🎟 Spectator Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/socal-sumo-open-2026-californias-biggest-sumo-throwdown-tickets-1972843012558?aff=oddtdtcreator

🥋 Athlete Registration (Smoothcomp):
https://smoothcomp.com/en/event/27194

Come experience it. Compete in it. Or simply enjoy the culture.

See you in Vista.

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NewsEvents

Otaku Smash Matsuri

Otsukimi 2025 – Thank You! 🌕✨

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.

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NewsEvents

OTSUKIMI 2025

Otsukimi 2025 – Thank You! 🌕✨

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.

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NewsEvents

International Friendship Concert

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

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NewsEvents

Voices of Peace

Voices of Peace

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.

Program Highlights

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.

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NewsEvents

Resonance: A Concert for Peace

Resonance: A Concert for Peace

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

A Musical Tribute to Peace, Memory, and Resilience

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.

Admission

This is a free community concert. Seating is limited.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Hosted by:

  • SD-WISH (San Diego–Worldwide Initiative to Safeguard Humanity)
  • San Diego–Yokohama Sister City Society (SDYSCS)

Want to help?

We are currently seeking event volunteers, photographers, and event sponsors.
Contact us at: info@sdyscs.org

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Events

Mission Bay High School Jazz Band Performs Live in Yokohama!

Mission Bay High School Jazz Band Performs Live in Yokohama! 🇺🇸🇯🇵

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!

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Events

Taiko 4.0

🎉 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!

 

Anju-Madoka
Events

Japanese Traditional Shamisen & Minyo Performance – Anju Madoka

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.

About the Artist

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.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Location: La Jolla Riford Public Library
💲 Admission: FREE

Why You Should Attend

  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of authentic Japanese music
  • Learn about the history and cultural significance of the shamisen and minyo
  • Engage with a renowned artist in an intimate setting
  • Enjoy a family-friendly event that welcomes all ages

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

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NewsEvents

SDSU JSA Matsuri

3rd annual Spring Festival!

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!

Time & Location

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