JAF Annual Report 2024

Dear friends,

As we reflect on the year just past, we can’t help but feel an overwhelming gratitude for everyone in the Japanese Arts Foundation community. The dedication and commitment of our board, staff, volunteers, and donors allowed us to not just cope, but adapt and improve during a tumultuous time. 

We’re proud of what we accomplished this year, with your support:

  • Held our third annual fundraising gala.

  • Held the second annual Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony welcoming over 700 visitors.

  • Our annual free programs in the Garden of the Phoenix hosted over 3,000 visitors.

  • Offered both in person and virtual learning opportunities, which thereby expanded our community to a global audience and met them exactly where they were. 

Donors & Grantors

This year’s tremendous growth would be impossible without the support of our donors and grantors. We wish to extend the warmest appreciation for these outstanding supporters of our work and community!

Collaborative Partners and Supporters:

Events and Programs

We take great pride in the unique and diverse events and programs we bring to Chicagoland. We strive to imagine new and innovative ways to bridge Japanese art, history, and culture in the community. Every year these programs expand not only in number, but also geographically across the city. 

Here is a glimpse at just some of the programs we hosted this year, and where we went!

Albany Park : 

  • Women Center Stage : Japanese Performance Artists in Conversation

Jackson Park / Hyde Park (Garden of the Phoenix):

  • Kodomo no Hi

  • Hanami 

  • Bon Odori dance courses at the Hyde Park Arts Center

  • Toro Nagashi

  • Tsukimi

Lakeview:

  • BitBash

  • Ikebana Walk

  • Sip and Fold at Konbini & Kanpai 

  • Music Box Theatre Godzilla Film Fest

Oldtown : 

  • Hand on Tsuzumi - guest artist Umeya Takane at Kamehachi

Logan Square:

  • Film Screening Events at Logan Theatre

  • Godzilla association for Women, Thems, and non-Femmes

Festivals + Art and Culture Conventions:

  • Anime Central

  • Anime Magic

  • C2E2

  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Preconcert Exhibition 

  • Lakeview Festival of the Arts

Our Volunteers

Our work could not thrive without the generous support of our robust volunteer community! This year, we had the support of over 100 volunteers that gave their time and talents to JAF events and programs. We are proud to note that the majority of our volunteers are those who have attended our events and enjoyed them so much they wanted to be more involved in the work we do! We are extremely grateful for the hard work and passion our volunteers bring to the Japanese Arts Foundation community.

What do our volunteers typically do? Volunteer responsibilities typically include setting up for classes and events, helping out with promotion and outreach, and assisting with tabling and providing information about Japanese arts to the public.

"Working with the JAF has been such an incredible experience. I always feel well prepared and welcome volunteering at their many diverse events, even if it’s something I’ve never done before." -Nicole Labrie