Discover how Japanese aesthetics invites us not merely to observe, but to participate. Through gardens, architecture, ink painting, Noh theatre, and the quiet thresholds of traditional homes, this presentation explores concepts such as yugen (the power of the unseen), ma (meaningful space), and michiyuki (the experience of moving through space). From anime genius Hayao Miyazaki’s imaginative worlds to centuries-old ink paintings, stepping-stone paths, shōji screens, and the changing light on mud walls, we will consider how Japanese design slows the mind, softens boundaries between self and surroundings, and turns the viewer into an active co-creator. This visual journey offers both inspiration and practical insight into creating richer, more mindful experiences of place.

The Japan America Society of San Diego invites you to join us for a look into one entrepreneur's mission to save Japan's disappearing rural heritage.

In 2016, while cycling Japan's coastal routes, Australian/Kiwi entrepreneur Terrie Lloyd began noticing traditional homes disappearing under creepers, slowly collapsing into the landscape. Japan's aging population had outpaced its need for housing, and the wooden houses left behind in "inconvenient" locations were the earliest sign. Too remote, too old, too easy to walk away from. Terrie saw a cultural gap in it: in New Zealand a seaside or countryside home is a prized asset, while in Japan it is more often a burden. Akiya 2.0 was born from that gap.

The company landbanks clusters of traditional homes in villages hit hardest by depopulation. Places like Amazaki, on Omishima Island in Ehime Prefecture, where fewer than 15 of roughly 30 houses are still inhabited and only two hold a family under the age of 80.

Join us as Terrie talks about akiya and about giving Amazaki a new purpose as a rest stop along the Shimanami Kaido, one of Japan's most beloved cycling routes.

One rule at Kampai Connections: walk up to anyone, introduce yourself, raise your glass, and say kampai, .

Kampai Connections is here again and we're doing the next one this Sunday at Beshock Ramen in East Village: ramen, drinks, and a couple of hours to meet people.

Date: Sunday, August 9
Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
Place: Beshock Ramen, East Village: 1288 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101

No RSVP — come whenever, stay as long as you like.

We're not providing food, but Beshock's kitchen and bar are open the whole time, so come hungry and order what you want.

Hope to see you Sunday. 

Thursday, July 30, 2026 · 5:00–6:00 PM PDT (San Diego)

Friday, July 31, 2026 9:00–10:00 aM JST (Japan)

Live on Zoom Free · Register on Luma

Event Details:

Most visitors to Japan never leave the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka triangle, so they never see the places where modern Japan was actually built. In just over four decades during the Meiji Period (1868–1912), a closed feudal society reinvented itself as an industrial power, and much of it happened in Kyushu.

Join Vicki L. Beyer, a travel writer and law professor who has explored all 47 of Japan's prefectures with a special eye for where history and place intersect. Vicki will take us on a journey across the island of Kyushu on a route that threads together various aspects of Japan's incredible modernization, including energy production, transportation, manufacturing, and education. She will introduce the coal mines, shipyards, steelworks, and grand port towns of the Meiji era, from the haunting ruins of "Battleship Island" to the garden estate where one visionary lord lit the fuse of Japan's transformation.

Date and Time: July 22nd, 7 PM
Place: Buddhist Temple of San Diego: 2929 Market Street, San Diego, California 92102

Bon Odori Practice with the Buddhist Temple of San Diego

Join the Japan America Society of San Diego on July 22nd as we come together with the Buddhist Temple of San Diego for a Bon Odori practice session! Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance performed during Obon, honoring the spirits of ancestors and celebrating community and togetherness.

This is a wonderful opportunity for JASSD members and friends to learn the steps, connect with the local Japanese Buddhist community, and prepare for the festival season ahead. No dance experience necessary. All are welcome to come learn, move, and celebrate together!

​What happens when Japanese culture meets San Diego craft beer? You get an afternoon worth raising a glass to 🍺🇯🇵.

​Join the Japan America Society of San Diego at Embolden Brewery for a one-of-a-kind cultural mashup, featuring a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, craft beer tasting, and a World Cup watch party, all wrapped in great company and good conversation.

​We'll be sipping from Embolden's exciting Shogun Brand, a collection of east-meets-west recipes born of an unexpected collaboration with Matcha Cafe Maiko. It's the perfect pour for an event all about bridging cultures and building community.

​Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a soccer fan, or just looking to connect with something new, there's a seat waiting for you.

This event will delve into the complex and rapidly shifting landscape of food production, distribution, and consumption, with a special focus on the pivotal role of Japan and Japanese companies in the U.S. and Mexico.