The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) of the Monterey Peninsula presents the JACL Hall Centennial Celebration on Saturday, May 2, 9:45am-3pm and 7pm-9pm, marking a century of cultural heritage, resilience, and community connection. This event is free and all are welcome!

Daytime Activities

Enjoy a day of Japanese cultural activities for all ages from 10am-3pm, featuring cultural performances, demonstrations, and presentations highlighting Japanese arts and heritage including taiko drumming, traditional dance, koto music, martial arts, bonsai, and ikebana (flower arranging). Guests are also invited to explore the Heritage Museum at JACL Hall, 10am-3pm, free of charge.

Evening Swing Dance Party

After a break at 3pm, the festivities will continue at the JACL Hall 7pm-9pm with a 1930s-1950s swing dance with live music by Moon Glow Jazz Band and dancers from Cannery Row Jump, who will teach attendees dances from the period.

Event Schedule

9:45am: Taiko Drumming, Shinsho Mugen Daiko

10am: Welcome by Arlington La Mica (JACL Chapter President) & dignitaries

10:30am: Japanese School of the JACL Monterey Peninsula performs Arigato no Hana & Ookina Kabu

11am: Tim Thomas (JACL Board member, Historian, Curator of the Heritage Museum)

11:15am: Nihon Buyo, Traditional Dance Demonstration

11:30am: Traditional Koto Music, Michael Hattori

12pm: Monterey Bonsai Club

12:30pm: Lunch break

1pm: Ikebana International Monterey Bay, Chapter #231

1:30pm: Martial Arts Demonstration, Salinas Kendo Dojo

2pm: Martial Arts Demonstration, Shorinji Kempo Monterey

2:30pm-3pm: Taiko Drumming, Shinsho Mugen Daiko

7pm-9pm: Swing Dancing featuring Moon Glow Jazz Band with Cannery Row Jump Dance Group

Photo of Monterey JACL in 4th of July parade (c. 1937) provided by JACL of the Monterey Peninsula.