We invite you to join us at our 4th Annual GVJCI Izakaya! A culinary event fundraiser featuring specialty small bites, beverages and live music, with an izakaya vibe.
Stop by happy hour style and stay for a little while, or throughout the evening and enjoy delicious food by Chefs Atsushi Takatsuki & Kaori Takatsuki from Painters Tape and Chef Mike Inouye, GVJCI Japanese cooking programs teacher, drinks including a special sake tasting, Sapporo Premium Beer, and Japanese City Pop music! Friday, April 25, 2025
5:00pm - 9:00pm GVJCI Nisei Veterans Memorial Hall General Ticket: $60/person Includes entry, food & dessert set menu, 2 drinks, sake tasting, and a special gift! NEW! Young Adult Ticket: $45/person Includes all General Ticket benefits. Ages 21-25. VIP Ticket: $75/person Includes all General Ticket benefits plus access to a top-shelf sake tasting experience! Limited quantities are available, so don’t wait to secure your spot! This is a 21+ event, and we encourage you to get your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic evening. |
Small Bites menu prepared by Chefs Atsushi Takatsuki & Kaori Takatsuki and Chef Mike Inouye.
|
Menu
Sato Shoyu Potato Mochi (Vegan)
Daikon Steak with Miso (Vegan)
Deep Fried Mochiko Chicken
Grilled Ochazuke with vegan option
Crispy Cabbage Salad with vegan option
Steak with Yuzu Kosho
And Dessert! King's Hawaiian Paradise & Dobash Cakes
Sato Shoyu Potato Mochi (Vegan)
Daikon Steak with Miso (Vegan)
Deep Fried Mochiko Chicken
Grilled Ochazuke with vegan option
Crispy Cabbage Salad with vegan option
Steak with Yuzu Kosho
And Dessert! King's Hawaiian Paradise & Dobash Cakes
Sake Tastings Hosted by
Uka Sake Handcrafted in Japan with California Organic Rice The rice used to make Uka sake is grown at Koda Farms® in California’s San Joaquin Valley. In 1928, Keisaburo Koda, an immigrant from Ogawa, Fukushima, Japan, founded the farm. At this same location, Keisaburo’s third generation descendants endeavor to continue the 90+ year history of growing high quality rice. During the tenure of the second generation, Koda Farms®’ rice breeder created the uniquely shaped medium grain Japonica rice variety, KR55, packaged under the Koda Farms®’ brand, Kokuho Rose®, whose literal translation is “country’s treasure.” During its 60+ year life, Kokuho Rose® has garnered a reputation for excellence among rice connoisseurs for its pleasing appearance, tantalizing aroma, and slightly sweet floral flavor. In 2019, experiments began to craft Koda Farms®’ organic rice into sake. Unexpectedly, the results from brewing Kokuho Rose®, a non-traditional variety for brewing sake, yielded impressive outcomes, and culminated with the introduction of Uka Black Label, Uka Dry, and Uka Sparkling Sake. Mutual Trading Company
Taste a variety of Sake from various regions in Japan, comparing different flavor profiles. Discover pairing possibilities beyond Japanese foods: at home along with stir fry, pizza, or to just sip ‘n chill. Test your Sake knowledge with a fun game. |
Music by DJ Shi Shi featuring Japanese City Pop

Craig Ishii, also known as DJ SHI SHI, has held many different positions in the Japanese American community over the years - community DJ is his latest. He also runs Yo! Camp and its parent 501(c)3 nonprofit, Yo! Media with a group of pretty cool people.
City Pop is considered a subgenre of Japanese pop music that flourished in the late-1970s into the 1980s, alongside Japan's economic boom. It is known for having a range of western influences, such as funk, R&B, disco, soft rock, boogie, etc. There has been a recent resurgence in popularity, including an international online following. For a sneak peak into the genre of City Pop, check out some of these hits: "Plastic Love" by Mariya Takeuchi, "Sparkle" by Tatsuro Yamashita, and "Windy Summer" by Anri.
City Pop is considered a subgenre of Japanese pop music that flourished in the late-1970s into the 1980s, alongside Japan's economic boom. It is known for having a range of western influences, such as funk, R&B, disco, soft rock, boogie, etc. There has been a recent resurgence in popularity, including an international online following. For a sneak peak into the genre of City Pop, check out some of these hits: "Plastic Love" by Mariya Takeuchi, "Sparkle" by Tatsuro Yamashita, and "Windy Summer" by Anri.
RAFFLE with fabulous prizes!
- Dodger tickets (4) Tue. May 20th vs Diamondbacks at 7:10pm Reserve Section and includes Preferred Parking in Lot B.
- Petersen Automotive Museum, 4 general admission tickets including a self guided tour of the Vault, and complimentary parking.
- Cherrystones Gift Cards