In 2010, Japantown will be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Kanrin Maru to San Francisco, the first official Japanese ship to land on American soil. The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Kanrin Maru celebrates not only the event itself, but the 150 years of history between the United States and Japan and the roots of the Japanese American community.

Click on the logo to view these events held in Japantown throughout the year.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 14th and 15th in San Francisco's Japantown, the Nihonmachi Street Fair will take to the streets again for another exciting weekend.

Celebrating the diverse Asian and Pacific American communities in the Bay Area. The Street Fair is about the diversity in our communities and the common bonds we share. Come and learn about the issues facing the Asian/Pacific Americans today and meet the people behind the nonprofit organizations that provide vital services to our communities.

It's a community grassroots event where you'll find young and old volunteering side by side in hopes to inspire others to give back to their communities. Encouraging the young, appreciating the elders, and acknowledging those who continue to support this vital event.

As we celebrate the 37th year, the Nihonmachi Street Fair moves forward with solidarity with those community organizations, whose spirit and determination and dreams to build lives of peace and good will are what drive this festival and why it continues to persevere.

SANSEI LIVE!  An evening of live music, dancing, food and great fun – all to benefit Kimochi, Inc.  Proceeds support Kimochi's programs and services that help our Bay Area elderly live with dignity and independence.

Since 1971, Kimochi has provided services, including preparing and delivering nutritious lunches to seniors, providing transportation services, residential and respite care, adult social day care, and social services that 3,000+ Bay Area Seniors and their families rely on. Your attendance and support of Sansei Live! will help Kimochi provide these important independent living programs.  It's going to be a gala evening that will benefit many Bay Area seniors.

Celebrate the holidays with Kimochi and end the year on a high note by shopping at Kimochi's Silver Bells Arts & Crafts Faire on Sunday, December 11, 2010, from 10AM-4PM, in The Event Center at St. Mary's Cathedral, 1111 Gough St. (at Geary Blvd.), walking distance to/from  San Francisco's Japantown. You'll find plenty of unique and budget-friendly items, including jewelry, apparel, bags, frames, magnets, stationery, ornaments, artwork, candles, soaps, cards, keychains, ceramics, scarves, hats, and lots more! Many of items are inspired by Asian/Pacific Island designs. Best of all, a percentage of every purchase you make will help support Kimochi's programs and services for seniors! Can you think of a better way to feel good as you shop?

Growing in popularity, Silver Bells has been described as a wonderful, fun, festive holiday event with a great community feel. Where else can you find FREE Admission, FREE Raffle Tickets earned while you shop, and FREE Kimochi Shuttle Service to/from Japantown (pick up/drop off at Peace Plaza, Post/Buchanan Sts.) No doubt you'll leave with great gifts, fun stocking stuffers, and some warm Kimochi spirit!

For more information, please call Kimochi, Inc. at (415) 931-2294 or visit www.kimochi-inc.org. Note: Not all vendors accept credit/debit cards.