Classes

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

Classes are currently held on the
first and third Saturdays of every month in person at:
5625 Sutter Ave, Richmond, CA 94804

2023-24 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

Group singing on third Saturdays only

Iroiro | Kaz Nakahara & Ellen Inada | 1st/3rd Saturdays

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

Japanese Calligraphy | Toshi Kuwabara | 1st Saturdays

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

Japanese Class | Takako Hayakawa | 1st/3rd Saturdays

Beginner Class: learn greetings, everyday words and short sentences, students gradually progress to basic grammar and Hiragana writing. 

Advanced Beginner: learn more complex sentence patterns, carry on simple conversations with more vocabulary, exposed to Japanese culture, traditional and current.  

first and third Saturdays.

Mobile Devices (Japanese) | Koko Baker | 1st/3rd Sat

Mobile Devices (English) | Susana Wani & Vicki Chin | 1st/3rd Sat

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

Karaoke | Nancy Sakamoto | 1st Saturdays

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

Tai Chi | Lim | 1st/3rd Saturdays

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

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

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! 

Ukelele | Alan Maeda | 1st/3rd Saturdays

Ukulele instructions on individually owned ukuleles first and third Saturdays on line and in person simultaneously.

Yoga | Angela Urata | 3rd Saturdays

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

Special Programs | Yasuyo Floyd, Takako Hayakawa, or 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. 


For ALL exposures: Can return to site and school activities immediately if non-symptomatic. Test is not mandatory, but strongly recommended on days 3-5 regardless of vaccination status.


Positive Staff/Student - 5 day minimum isolation (regardless of vax status or prior infection), if symptoms are resolved or improving, and no fever for 24 hours can return to site/work next day. Must remain masked for 10 days around others even after clearing isolation. If symptomatic/fever not improving, isolate 10 full days. Negative tests are no longer required to end isolation as of 3/14.


*No test required to end isolation updated 3/14/23 per CDPH and local. Isolation ends based on symptoms and not negative tests.


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

Class-Specific Content