Classes

Sakura Kai Classes are offered to Sakura Kai members in conjunction with  the West Contra Costa County Adult Learning Program. 

Classes are held on the
first and third Saturdays of every month 

Over the summer, classes are held via Zoom,
with certain classes in-person at various locations

During the school year, classes are held in person at
Alvarado School: 5625 Sutter Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
(the 2024-25 session started on September 21, 2024)

2024-25 Class Offerings   [日本語]

Blood Pressure Reading | May Doi | 1st Saturdays |

Blood pressure reading and counseling on first Saturdays each month.

Choral Singing | Emiko Katsumoto | 3rd Saturdays | 9:30-10:30 am

Group singing on third Saturdays only

Iroiro / Japanese Style Mahjong | Kaz Nakahara & Ellen Inada | 1st/3rd Saturdays | 10:45-11:45am

Boardroom games and number, language, or art activities for English speakers first and third Saturdays.

Japanese Calligraphy | Toshi Kuwabara | 1st Saturdays | 10:45-11:45 am

Brushes, ink and paper are supplied for students to practice Japanese calligraphy strokes—class meets only first Saturdays

Mobile Devices | Koko Baker (Japanese), Susana Wani, Vicki Chin, Suzie Price | 

1st/3rd Saturdays | 9:30-10:30am

Instruction on iPad, smart phones, and computers as needed first and third Saturdays.

Karaoke | Nancy Sakamoto | 1st Saturdays | 10:45-11:45 am

Use of DVDS or sheet music to sing Japanese folk songs first Saturdays only.

Tai Chi | P. Lin | 1st/3rd Saturdays | 9:30-10:30 am

Physical exercise and stretches through gentle movements taught first and third Saturdays.

Taiko | Susan Nishizaka, Ruth Ichinaga, & Carolyn Hayashida | 1st/3rd Saturdays | 

8:30-9:30 am and 10:45-11:45 am

Deposit for Taiko and stand. Group performs at various community programs. Class meets first and third Saturdays.

Sakura Kai Taiko members are a spirited group of active seniors who enjoy the Japanese art of drumming. The typical one-hour class session starts with warm-up stretching exercises followed by drills to practice the four principles of taiko: Ki (energy), Kata (movements), Attitude, and Musical Technique. We have a small repertoire of songs that we perform for local events and are always striving for improvement. New members are welcome to join our group and enjoy creative expression on a taiko drum! 

Ukulele | Alan Maeda | 1st/3rd Saturdays | 9:30-10:30 am

Ukulele instructions on individually owned ukuleles first and third Saturdays on-line and in person simultaneously (hybrid class).

Yoga | Jayma Brown| 3rd Saturdays | 10:45-11:45 am

Sit down and stretch yoga for strength and flexibility taught first and third Saturdays.

Special Programs | Marjorie Fujioka

Outside groups perform, speakers on topics of interest, special projects and field trips on scheduled dates

COVID-19 Protocols for In-Person Classes    [日本語]

COVID-19 Protocols for In-Person Classes


See current guidance from Contra Costa County Health Services for current WCCUSD notification procedures. 


When you may have a respiratory virus...‎

Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.*


All WCCUSD COVID policies and protocols are in alignment with CDPH guidelines.

Class-Specific Content