“Join us for the 12th Annual Sports Day hosted by the Tucson Japanese School! We welcome everyone in the Tucson community to experience this energetic, traditional Japanese event. Whether you want to participate in the games, volunteer, or just come to watch and cheer, we would love to have you.

【Event Details】
• Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm (Lunch and social hour to follow until 2:00 pm)
• Location: Field of International School of Tucson (1701 E Seneca St, Tucson, AZ 85719)

【How you can join us】
Guest Participants
Children aged 0 to 18 and their families are welcome to sign up as guest competitors. The entry fee is $10 per family.
Volunteers
We are looking for university students studying Japanese language or culture to help support the event. Volunteering is free and a great way to connect with the local community!
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
Cheering & Spectators
Everyone is welcome to come and cheer for the participants. No registration or fee is required just to watch.
【Bento Lunch Orders】
Enjoy a delicious bento box from Restaurant Ikkyu after the games! Options include Karaage Bento or Vegetable Gyoza Bento for $10 each.
Bento orders must be placed and paid for by Friday, November 6, 2026.
Please click the registration link to sign up as a participant or volunteer, and to order your bento lunch.
【Registration】https://forms.gle/BKQszESnQETgBkJf8
【 Bento Order & fee】https://tucsonhosyuko.square.site/
Questions? Email us at tucson.nihongo.hosyuko@gmail.com
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
ツーソン日本語学校の第12回運動会を開催します！地域のみなさまの温かい応援やご参加をお待ちしております。
ゲスト選手（0〜18歳のお子様とご家族）
1家族10ドル。申し込み締め切りは 10月30日（金） です。
大学生ボランティア
日本語や日本文化を学ぶ学生のみなさんのサポート大歓迎です
応援のみの参加も、どなたでも大歓迎です（登録・費用不要）。
一休さんのお弁当（唐揚げ／野菜餃子 各10ドル）
事前予約は 11月6日（金） まで受け付け中です。
詳細・お申し込みは上記のリンクをご覧ください。”

Tōrō Nagashi: Floating Lantern Festival

November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

November 14 same times

In Person Yume Japanese Gardens

Get Tickets

Member Presale Starts Oct. 9

$30 Non-Member / $15 Children
$28 Active Military & Senior (62+)
$25 Member / $10 Member Children

$7 lantern (for sale at the door – recommended one per family)

“As the sun sets and darkness falls, visitors are invited to experience the custom of Tōrō Nagashi, a poignant Japanese tradition in which candle-lit lanterns are set afloat on water, accompanied by prayers for peace and remembrance of those who have passed. This cultural and spiritual practice fosters a profound sense of connection between the living and their departed loved ones.”

Kazuma Sambe was named Pan Asian Man of the year in 2025 by PACA. He teaches ceramics at PCC West in Tucson. He was born in New York State, but is Kibei, educated in Japan. Kazuma has his B.F.A. from U of Az, M.F.A. from ASU. He is married to Junko Sakoi who works for TUSD.

This event has sold out, registration is closed. Info at tucsontaiko.org.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Japanese Study Abroad Fair next week.

Date: Thursday, November 5

Time: 3:30-5 pm

Location: Main Library, Rm112 (ILC), 1500 E.University Blvd. Tucson

“What to Expect:

Peer advice & experience sharing: Hear directly from our students who participated in study abroad programs in Japan (Arizona in Kyoto, Konan, Sophia, UA Tokyo, Internship in Tokyo, etc.) as they share their firsthand experiences and tips for living abroad.

JET program insights: Watch exclusive video letters from recent alumni currently living and teaching in Japan through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program.

Advising & resources: Meet with a study abroad coordinator from the Study Abroad Office to learn about the application process and available scholarship opportunities.

Q&A session: Get your specific questions answered so you can confidently take the next step in your study abroad journey.

Light snacks will be served!

We look forward to helping you start your journey to Japan!”

The Japanese Language Program