Japanese American Citizens League of the Monterey Peninsula Announces an Exciting Schedule of Cultur

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Hall, located at 424 Adams Street in Monterey will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a Japanese American Citizens League Hall of the Monterey Peninsula’s Centennial Celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026 marking a century of cultural heritage, resilience, and community connection.

The JACL Hall Centennial Celebration will feature a day of Japanese cultural activities from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Lunch is on your own, but attendees can feel free to bring a lunch and eat at the Hall where they will have some drinks and snacks. After a break at 3:00 pm, the festivities will continue at the JACL Hall from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm with a 1930’s-1950’s style swing dance in the evening with dancers from Cannery Row Jump and live music by Moon Glow Jazz Band.

This day-long and evening celebration features a dynamic lineup of cultural performances, demonstrations, and presentations highlighting Japanese arts and heritage, including taiko drumming, traditional dance, koto music, martial arts, bonsai, and ikebana. The program also includes welcome remarks, historical insights, and opportunities for attendees to enjoy food and explore the Heritage Museum on site at JACL Hall.

Event schedule

(Subject to change – please check the JACL Monterey Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JACLMontereyCA two days before the event for updates):

9:45am – Shinsho Mugen Daiko (outside the JACL Hall)

10am – Welcome by Arlington La Mica – JACL Chapter President

Welcome by dignitaries who are present

10:30am – Japanese School of the JACL Monterey Peninsula

11am – Tim Thomas,- JACL Board member, Historian, Curator of the Heritage Museum

11:15am – Nihon Buyo - Traditional Japanese Dance – Nathan Grijalva

11:30am – Koto – Michael Hattori

12pm – Monterey Bonsai Club

12:30pm – Lunch on your own. Snacks and drinks available

1pm – Ikebana International Monterey Bay Chapter #231

1:30pm Salinas Kendo Dojo

2pm – Shorinji Kempo Monterey

2:30pm – Shinsho Mugen Daiko

7-9pm Swing Dance – Moon Glow Jazz Band with Cannery Row Jump (plus they will teach people the dances)

The event is free and open to the public, welcoming the community to take part in this historic milestone.

“This Centennial celebration honors not only the JACL Hall, but the generations of families and community members whose dedication has preserved this important cultural landmark,” said Tim Thomas, JACL Board Member and Heritage Museum Curator. “Through a full day of performances, demonstrations, and presentations celebrating Japanese arts and traditions, we’re proud to share this rich cultural heritage and invite everyone to join us in commemorating 100 years of community.”

This event is possible thanks to generous grants from the City of Monterey and JACL National.

Additional details about the anniversary celebration will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, go to www.jaclmonterey.org. Phone: 831.648.8830 or email: info@jaclmonterey.org.

JACL Hall History

Originally opened in 1926 as the Japanese Association Hall, the historic building stands as a testament to the early Japanese American community in Monterey. Many of the original families were drawn to the region by the abalone industry, and it was through their hard work and success that funds were raised to construct the Hall. Prior to World War II, Japanese Americans operated many of the businesses along Old Fisherman’s Wharf, including abalone canneries and fish markets, playing a vital role in the area’s economic and cultural development.

In the lead-up to the centennial, the JACL has hosted a series of commemorative events highlighting its rich history. Festivities began on July 26, 2025, with the “All Things Abalone: Monterey Abalone Festival,” honoring the industry that first brought Japanese families to the Peninsula. On November 22, 2025, the organization recreated the historic 1925 picnic held for Japan’s Royal Prince and Princess Asaka during their visit to Monterey—a visit that included a $100 donation toward the Hall’s original building fund. In 2026, the celebration continues with a monthly Japanese film festival featuring a different film each month.

For more information, go to www.jaclmonterey.org