Sonoma County JACL

09/04/2026

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2026 Kakehashi Project Trip Applications Now Available!


This year's Winter Kakehashi Project Trip will run from December 9 to 16, 2026. This year's cohort will comprise 55 participants who will travel to Japan to deepen their understanding of Japan's economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics, and diplomatic policies through people-to-people exchanges. Participants are expected to play an active and important role in the future of U.S.-Japan relations. We will also be accepting applications for six chaperones!

Changes to the Kakehashi Project that were implemented last year will remain in place. Participants of the trip must be between the ages of 18 and 27 years old and of Japanese American ancestry or adopted by a Japanese American family. All participants who attend will be required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including the most recent booster, before trip departure. Due to budget constraints, there will be attendance fee for this year's trip the same as previous years. For more information, or to apply, visit jacl.org/kakehashi or click the buttons below.

Applications will close on Wednesday, September 16th, at 11:59 pm Hawaiian Standard Time.

The JACL Kakehashi Program is coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by funding from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

JACL Kakehashi Project TripJACL Kakehashi Project | Supervisor Information | What to Expect | FAQs2026 Kakehashi Project Applications Are Available Now! Trip Dates: December 9-16, 2026Apply by Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11:59 pm HST! Applicants Apply Here! Chaperones/Supervisors Apply Here! N...

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

BeLongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind
By Phyllis Tajii

Led by the Petaluma Historic Chinatown Park Committee, the Sonoma County JACL along with other community collaborators is proud to help sponsor a meaningful project and its effort to bring diverse community stories and experiences to the forefront; “Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind".

The exhibit will take place September 4 through October 4 at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, located at 20 Fourth St., Petaluma.

Keepsakes from individuals who migrated—whether by choice or out of necessity—will be featured in the exhibit. “Stories We Carry” events will feature community members sharing their personal stories of migration, identity and belonging. A film, workshop and performances are also scheduled

Please visit the website for an up-to-date event schedule:

Join us as the Mayor reads a City proclamation recognizing Belongings: What We Bring, What We Leave Behind. Performances by Danza Azteca, Sonoma County Pomo Dancer, Sonoma County Vietnamese Association Lion Dancers, will bless the exhibit and welcome the community. Be the first to see the exhibit an...

06/01/2026

Deadline Extended to June 5!

Sponsors, Program Book Ads, Exhibit Hall Apps, and Volunteer Interest Form


Join us for the 56th JACL National Convention in
Las Vegas, July 29-August 2

This year's theme is Reigniting Our Purpose and Mission!

There are moments when we must pause, look within, and rediscover what drives us. Our 2026 convention theme, “Reigniting Our Purpose and Mission,” is the spirit that empowers and advances our community forward. It’s about transformational reflection for renewed action and impact.

What to Look Forward to in 2026:

Welcome Reception
Chapter Awards Luncheon
National Council and 2026 National Board Elections
Sayonara Gala
Workshops
Mixers, community events, and other ways to engage!
Register Here!

Image courtesy of Darrell Miho - Miho Visuals
Convention Registration

2026 Convention Registration is Now Open to Everyone! General registration starts at $525 ($375 for students) and will increase again on July 1, 2026. Registration officially closes July 10, 2026. Be sure to register before the deadline because there will be NO ON-SITE registration! Also note that this year, the Sayonara Gala & Chapter Awards Luncheon will be SEPARATE ticketed events from full registration. Gala and luncheon tickets can be purchased alongside or separately from full registration tickets by July 10.

What does full convention registration include?

Full access to 5-day Convention events
Plenaries and workshops
Welcome Reception