Thank You To Our Sponsors!
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute has an annual fundraiser, a two-day matsuri held at the end of June every year. Beginning at noon on both Saturday and Sunday, the GVJCI Matsuri has much to offer by way of food, games, entertainment, and cultural demonstrations. Organizations and individuals who use the GVJCI facilities throughout the year support the GVJCI by running the game and food booths. The delicious food dishes include udon, somen, chicken teriyaki, yakisoba, imagawayaki, chili hot dogs and rice, tamales, spam musubi, lau lau, shaved ice, and Okinawan andagi. In addition, supporting nurseries and generously donate beautiful plants for the plant booth.
Outdoor stage entertainment showcases the many classes and programs held at the GVJCI such as line dancing, ukulele, and taiko as well as guest performances such as hula, Japanese dance, youth community bands, and more. In addition to live entertainment, game booths provide even more entertainment for all with games ranging from basketball to pachinko and much more.
Downstairs in the Main Hall are the martial arts demonstrations and White Elephant and Craft Sale. The martial arts dojos that utilize the GVJCI facilities on a weekly basis provide breathtaking demonstrations, which include judo, kendo, naginata, shorinji kempo, and shotokan karate. The White Elephant and Craft Sale has many treasures waiting to be found at bargain prices.
On the second floor of the GVJCI Hall Building, a themed Library known as The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center complete with a tokonoma display decorates the hallway. There are hands-on activities and arts and crafts, and the Japanese Language School display.
Bingo starts at 4 pm on Saturday and 3 pm on Sunday with cash prizes. Additionally, there are prize drawings throughout both days of the Matsuri with donated prizes from local businesses and individual supporters. Some prizes include restaurant meals, jewelry, electronics and movie tickets. Winners need not be present to win.
The GVJCI Office and supporting organizations pre-sell Matsuri coupon books. Each book costs ten dollars and includes ten individual one dollar scrip that are redeemable at all Matsuri booths, as well as stubs that can be turned in for the raffle drawings.
Outdoor stage entertainment showcases the many classes and programs held at the GVJCI such as line dancing, ukulele, and taiko as well as guest performances such as hula, Japanese dance, youth community bands, and more. In addition to live entertainment, game booths provide even more entertainment for all with games ranging from basketball to pachinko and much more.
Downstairs in the Main Hall are the martial arts demonstrations and White Elephant and Craft Sale. The martial arts dojos that utilize the GVJCI facilities on a weekly basis provide breathtaking demonstrations, which include judo, kendo, naginata, shorinji kempo, and shotokan karate. The White Elephant and Craft Sale has many treasures waiting to be found at bargain prices.
On the second floor of the GVJCI Hall Building, a themed Library known as The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center complete with a tokonoma display decorates the hallway. There are hands-on activities and arts and crafts, and the Japanese Language School display.
Bingo starts at 4 pm on Saturday and 3 pm on Sunday with cash prizes. Additionally, there are prize drawings throughout both days of the Matsuri with donated prizes from local businesses and individual supporters. Some prizes include restaurant meals, jewelry, electronics and movie tickets. Winners need not be present to win.
The GVJCI Office and supporting organizations pre-sell Matsuri coupon books. Each book costs ten dollars and includes ten individual one dollar scrip that are redeemable at all Matsuri booths, as well as stubs that can be turned in for the raffle drawings.