Community
Throughout the year, NYLIPA hosts traditional Japanese seasonal events that connect students and families to living culture. These gatherings are the heart of our community.
Annual Calendar
Our beloved annual Sports Day brings the entire NYLIPA community together for a day of outdoor games, relay races, and friendly competition. Modeled after the traditional Japanese school sports festival, Undōkai is one of our most anticipated events of the year. Families pack lunches, students compete in team events, and everyone goes home tired and happy.
The Cultural Festival is NYLIPA's showcase event — a full afternoon of student performances, art exhibitions, and cultural demonstrations. Students present work from their language and culture classes, perform skits and songs in Japanese, and display calligraphy and origami pieces. The event is open to the wider Japanese-American community.
Welcoming the New Year with the ancient tradition of mochi pounding. Families gather to pound steamed rice into fresh mochi using traditional wooden mallets and a stone mortar. The event always draws a crowd, and fresh mochi — served with kinako, red bean paste, or soy sauce — disappears quickly. A joyful end to the school year.
Bean-throwing and demon-chasing mark the arrival of spring in the Japanese tradition. NYLIPA celebrates Setsubun with a lively mame-maki ceremony where students toss roasted soybeans to drive away misfortune and invite good luck. The event includes storytelling, mask-making, and the reading of traditional Setsubun stories.
Girls' Day, or the Doll Festival, is a cherished Japanese tradition celebrated each March 3rd. NYLIPA hosts a Hinamatsuri gathering where students learn the history of the hina doll display, enjoy chirashizushi and amazake, and participate in traditional craft activities. Students are invited to bring their family's hina ningyo to share.
Children's Day, celebrated on May 5th, honors the strength and happiness of all children. NYLIPA marks Kodomo no Hi with koinobori (carp streamer) crafting, kendo demonstrations, and traditional kashiwa mochi. It's a day to celebrate our students and the families who support their journey.
For Parents
Raising bilingual children is rewarding — and challenging. NYLIPA hosts regular workshops throughout the year to support parents with practical tools, research-based strategies, and community discussion.
Workshop topics vary each season and are shaped by the needs of our parent community. Past workshops have covered heritage language development, navigating identity in bicultural families, supporting homework in two languages, and connecting with resources in Japan.
Practical strategies for maintaining Japanese in everyday home life — from choosing books and media to creating consistent language routines.
Supporting children who navigate between Japanese and American identities — building confidence, pride, and a strong sense of self.
Resources, pen pal programs, and summer exchange opportunities to keep children connected to life and culture in Japan.
Get Involved
NYLIPA is entirely volunteer-run. Every event, every class, every community gathering depends on parents and community members who give their time. We welcome volunteers at all levels of commitment.
Help set up, run, and clean up at our annual community events. No specific skills required — just enthusiasm and a few hours of your time.
Support our teachers during Saturday classes by helping students with activities, managing materials, and providing one-on-one support.
Help guide the organization's direction as a member of the NYLIPA Board of Directors. Board members meet monthly and contribute to strategic decisions.
Share a skill or traditional art form with our students. We welcome instructors for calligraphy, origami, cooking, music, martial arts, and more.
We welcome all volunteers — NYLIPA members and non-members alike. If you have a skill, time, or passion you'd like to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us to Volunteer