Each year in January, the SF Japantown Foundation Board sponsors their Osechi Ryori event to bring in the new year. Celebrating the start of a new year is considered one of the most important celebrations in Japanese culture. Very popular and award-winning restaurants provide the authentic Japanese New Year dishes for our guests to enjoy and appreciate, and at the same time, the Foundation raises funds for nonprofit organizations who work tirelessly to offer their services, classes, and cultural performances to the community.

Because of our concern for the safety and health of our guests and sponsors, the Board will regrettably cancel their 2021 event.

In its place, we are announcing a new, virtual fundraiser that will allow us to continue this much needed annual grants program for organizations that are undoubtedly experiencing extra hardship under the pandemic.

Since its inception, the annual Osechi Ryori fundraiser has raised over $1M for organizations such as the Japantown Task Force, Japanese Community Youth Council, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. We hope to continue this success online for organizations that may need this assistance now more than ever.

The fundraising drive is being held through GoFundMe. The Japantown Foundation will match dollar for dollar any contributions made up to $100,000. The campaign will be active until August 31, 2020, and is in conjunction with the Heart of Jtown Resiliency Fund. You can follow our progress on Facebook and Twitter.