JAMsj E-News
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
May 2010 - Vol. 3, Issue 3
In This Issue
JAMsj Grand Opening
JAMsj Fashion Show
Docent Training
JAMsj/Yu-Ai Kai Book Club
Volunteer Opportunities
JAMsj Community Calendar
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
JAMsj Home Page
JAMsj Youth Page



Would you be interested in fulfilling our wish list of needed items for the new Museum? If so, check out our Wish List.
2010 JAMsj Grand Opening
Museum Rendition

After three years of hard work in shoring up finances to meet the challenges of increasing construction costs, the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) proudly announces its long-awaited, much anticipated Grand Opening on Saturday, August 28. 

 

The all-new Museum will be a major attraction in San Jose's historic Japantown, featuring 6400 square feet of interior space; thus,  allowing to significantly expand exhibits and community events.

Our sincere thanks to all of our members, contributors, volunteers and supporters for their hard work, loyalty, and patience with the process.

Watch for details of the grand opening on our web site: www.jamsj.org and other media releases.

 
JAMsj Benefit Fashion Show and Luncheon

JAMsj Fashion Show and Luncheon
"From Kimono to Contemporary"

Featuring designs from renowned
fashion designer, Sachiko Tabata Fitzpatrick

Sachiko Fashions

Fashion Show and Luncheon

May 22, 2010
Yu-Ai Kai Community Senior Services
Center
588 N. Fourth Street,
San Jose, CA 95112


Shopping Days at the Museum
May 22-24, 2010
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
535 N. Fifth Street,
San Jose, CA 95112

"When will there ever be a designer who truly understand my body type, figure flaws and lifestyle needs and can create looks that are classic, fun, interactive, and 'good to go' for day -- evening -- travel and occasions?" Ever experience the boring "off-the rack" choices and ho-hum of fabrics and styles that are too young and trendy or too old and matronly? Come experience the special "personalized fashion experience" that only Sachiko can give you!

 

Designer Eileen "Sachiko" Fitzpatrick creates a dramatic classic style that fits and flatters each figure type. Her design philosophy confronts the many size and proportion challenges that so many women face today. Renowned for her extraordinary lush fabric textures and tones, her presentation array will stun you with its beauty and classic understated elegance.

 

The Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) will host three days of Sachiko fashion sales, commencing with a spectacular Fashion Show and Lunch fundraiser on Saturday, May 22, 11:00 am at Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, 588 North Fourth Street, San Jose. Reservations, due May 17, may be made at Nikkei Traditions, 219 Jackson Street, or by sending your check payment ($25 general; $20 seniors, age 65+) to Aggie Idemoto, 535 North Fifth Street, San Jose, CA  95112. Visa/Mastercard honored.

 

Sachiko also specializes in kimono/obi conversions to modern day ensembles. You are invited to bring your own obis/kimonos in for incorporation and design into Sachiko's current classic array of jackets, vests, dresses, and gowns. This is a wonderful way to commemorate one's heritage and family ancestry!

 

Enjoy three free days of shopping for Sachiko Designs to benefit JAMsj as well as get a first peek at the unique new museum facility at 535 North Fifth Street: Saturday, May 22, 1:00- 5:00 pm; Sunday, May 23, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday, May 24, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. To further enhance your fashion wardrobe, enjoy an accent of creative jewelry by Cynthia Sasaki Designs.


 JAMsj Docent Training

Nihonmachi Market
JAMsj Docent Training

Saturday, August 7 & 14
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Japanese American Museum of San Jose

535 N. Fifth Street,
San Jose, CA 95112



Nihonmachi Monterey Market

JAMsj volunteers have been busy with new and returning exhibits in preparation for our grand opening on August 28. More docents and docent training are essential to the success of the expanded collection.

What is a docent?

Docents are volunteer educators who interpret and communicate our educational message to the public during museum tours. There are no prerequisites to be a JAMsj docent. All we want are dependable and enthusiastic people who are willing to learn.

Why become a docent?

In addition to the satisfaction of providing a valuable community service, you'll receive continuing education with expert instruction, a broad assortment of instructional materials, access to our research library, and special invitations to docent events.

Introduction for prospective docents

Curator Jimi Yamaichi and Education Director Aggie Idemoto will provide docent training for new and experienced docents on Saturday, August 7, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at JAMsj. The session will be repeated the following week, Saturday, August 14, at the same time and place.

The national museum standards for "interpretation" will guide docent development for the sharing of Japanese American art, history, and culture. Because quality exhibits extend beyond photos and captions, docents will learn interactive strategies to enhance the visitor's experience.

Interested in becoming a JAMsj docent?  You can access our web site, www.jamsj.org and complete the volunteer application form. For further information or if you would like to register for docent training, contact Aggie Idemoto at (408) 268-4440 or [email protected].

JAMsj Docents

JAMsj/Yu-Ai Kai Book Club
Farming the Home Place

Farming the Home Place BookJAMsj/Yu-Ai Kai Book Club

Farming the Home Place
Valerie J. Matsumoto

June 4, 2010
1:00 pm
Yu-Ai Kai Community Senior Services Center
588 N. Fourth Street
San Jose, CA 95112



About Professor Valerie J. Matsomoto

Farming the Home Place
is the story of the Japanese American agricultural settlement of Cortez, in California's Central Valley. It documents the persistence of distinctly Japanese cultural practices, family and personal values, and social mores as an integral part of the history of "community" in America. Dr. Matsumoto gives us poignant accounts of life and death within the community. Part of what makes the story of Cortez unique is its history, and,  in particular, its specific ethnic character.

The book club meets the first Friday of every other month and is always open to new members. Selections are chosen collaboratively at the end of each meeting and align with the JAMsj mission -- the celebration of Japanese American art, history, and culture. Books are readily available at San Jose public libraries. If you have questions, please contact Aggie Idemoto at  (408) 268-4440 or [email protected]
Volunteer Opportunities

Photo: volunteers

As we get ready for our grand opening, we will need many more volunteers to help with various activities. Help is desired in many exciting areas:
  • Administrative services
    • Event planning
    • Fund development
    • Marketing communications
    • Mail distribution coordinator
    • Information technology
    • Facility and grounds maintenance
  • Business services
    • Office manager
    • Administrative assistants
    • Data processing/transcribing
    • Retail
    • Finance
  • Educational services
    • Docents for the Museum and Japantown tours
    • Library maintenance
    • Exhibit preparation
  • Human Resources
    • Volunteer coordinator
    • Board secretary
Click here for more information about our exciting opportunities.

Become a part of the JAMsj family as we enter this exciting period! Contact June Honma at [email protected]or the JAMsj office at (408) 294-3138.

Community Calendar
JAMsj Logo

Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj)
535 N. Fifth Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Tel: (408) 294-3138
Email: [email protected]
www.jamsj.org