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We need your input! We are planning our final social event for December, and we're looking to our members to decide the main event! Vote below for your preference, and majority vote wins!

We have three exciting events in October that you don't want to miss! You can learn more and RSVP on our events page! Spooky Cookie Decorating Class October 2 | 6 pm - 9 pm Tsubaki Heights Community Room Come learn some fun royal icing techniques and go home with 3 cute, spooky cookies! Cost to attend is $5. Mt. Ogusu Hike October 16 | 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Meet at Parking Lot near Mt. Ogusu We will meet at the parking lot and start the hike from there. This is a beginner friendly hike with stairs. Fake Sushi Magnet Class October 29 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am Sakura Heights Community Center This well-loved event is back! Join us in making 3 fake sushi magnets. The cost is $35/person. Learn more and RSVP for the events on our Events page ! We can't wait to see you there!

The board has been working hard behind the scenes to get the 2025-2026 OSAY year underway! While we all have different roles to play, we're happy to help in any way we can to get you connected to OSAY! Read our bios on the about page!

We need your input! Help us get an idea of which cultural events you might be interested in attending during this membership year. We have included ballpark prices per person if we know them, but prices may vary depending on number in attendance and exchange rate at the time. You can choose as many options as you'd like!

Join us this September for three exciting social events. You can learn more and RSVP on our events page! Coffee Brunch September 3 | 9:30 am - 11:30am 18 Halsey (Main Base) Join us for coffee and breakfast as we get to know each other! This is a great way to meet new friends and get connected. This free event is open to members and prospective members. No kids, please, but babies in arms are always welcome! Mt. Takatori Hike September 17 | 9:15 am -12:00 pm Meet at Mutsurra Station Let's get moving! Meet at Matsurra station for this beginner friendly hike. All skill levels are welcome. Welcome Party September 27 | 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Officer's Club This event is open to members and prospective members. Join us for food, drinks, prizes, and more! Free for members, and $10 for prospective members with a chance to win a free OSAY membership! Learn more and RSVP for the events on our Events page ! We can't wait to see you there!

Our Japanese fake food event was a big hit last year. We would love to organize another event on 10/29 if we have enough people to sign up for it. The event would cost $35 p/p. Let us know if you’d be interested in attending below!

Hey OSAY! We have quite the surprise ending in store for you for our end of season celebration, and trust us, it's something you definitely won't want to miss! This event promises to be a memorable occasion filled with excitement and unexpected twists that will leave you talking about it long after the night has ended. The anticipation is building, and we can't wait to share this special moment with all of you! RSVP Here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/end-of-season-celebration?fbclid=IwY2xjawKI1aFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFqU0RuUFAyUVVCZ0NkUHR0AR5iAFMzj1wT-7U_JyOipzpq2a2xfdLAgyNuQb3MMpvncKpHNqBFUi8-z1LfVA_aem_5mM4hRNCe7QZj85tvaJJ7A

A pril in Japan: Cherry Blossom Magic  April in Japan is pure magic! As the cherry blossoms (sakura) reach full bloom, parks and streets transform into dreamy pink landscapes. Hanami (flower viewing) season is in full swing, with families and friends gathering under the blossoms for picnics and celebrations. It’s a beautiful time of renewal, reflection, and enjoying nature’s fleeting beauty. Whether you're strolling through local parks or joining a hanami event, don’t miss the chance to soak in this unforgettable season! Open Board Positions The majority of our current board will be moving this summer and we would like to fill the open positions by this May to ensure a great start to the new OSAY year.  If you are interested in filling any of these roles or have any questions about the duties or time commitment involved, please reach out via email at osayokosuka@gmail.com . Yukata Dressing Experience April 9 Get ready for an exciting experience at Pam Kacher's home, where you’ll learn the art of wearing a Japanese yukata perfectly and have your photo taken in the beautiful garden by our talented member and photographer, Dana Arnold! The amazing Miki Yahagi and Lydia Bunten will be there to guide us in dressing up in yukata. They'll also bring a fantastic collection of antiques and yukata available for purchase during the event. They accept USD, Yen, or PayPal, so you can shop with ease! Miki suggests layering your outfit with a tank top and capri leggings or shorts under the yukata. Don’t forget to wear sandals and style your long hair up for the occasion! If possible, please carpool to this exciting event! RSVP HERE https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/yukata-dressing Sake Tasting April 18, Ikego April 19, Main Base Session One: Ikego Base  Nikko Community Room  1830-2100 Session Two: Main Base Sakura Community Room 1700-1930 Are you overwhelmed by the endless options of sake in the aisle, not sure which one to pick? Do you find yourself choosing based on the prettiest label? If you're nodding along, you're not alone, and it's time for an exciting sake education adventure! Great news! We've brought in a professional sake brewer to share insider secrets and let us sample a variety of sake, including one from her very own brewery! This promises to be a fun and informative event, perfect for helping you make the best choice when faced with countless options at the store. We'll kick things off with an exciting introduction to the brewing process of sake! We'll then dive into discovering the various types and savoring each one. Plus, every sake will be perfectly paired with a delicious food match. It's going to be a fun and mouthwatering experience! The experience welcomes spouses and will last around 2.5 hours. Be ready to call a taxi or take the train if you reside off base. RSVP HERE https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/sake-tasting Book Clubs Main Base RSVP https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/main-base-book-club-8 Ikego RSVP https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/ikego-book-club-9 Letter from the President Hello OSAY! My name is Bri Ichull, and I’m so excited to be apart of this exciting organization! I’m a proud mom of two amazing children and have been married to my wonderful spouse for almost 9 years. Life has been a beautiful whirlwind, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have a passion for all things beauty whether it's skincare, makeup, or just finding the little joys in everyday life. We’ve been living in Japan for the past 8 months, and I absolutely love it here! The culture, food, and peaceful lifestyle have been such a refreshing change. I’m really looking forward to finishing this term strong and diving into the next one with just as much motivation. I’m also excited to work with our new treasurer, Mollie.  I’m really looking forward to finishing this term strong and diving into the next one with just as much motivation. Excited to connect and grow with all of you! Please volunteer to serve on the 2025-2026 board!   Kindly,  Bri Ichull We Need You! OSAY is a non-profit organization run exclusively by a board of volunteers. Please consider volunteering your time with us! Send OSAY a message for more information! Check out all of the current OSAY Board Member Bios here:   https://www.osayokosuka.com/post/meet-our-2024-2025-osay-board OSAY continues to welcome new members all year!   Membership form:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqYiAGTiwOGB4YwOEcvV70wCiAQqgB1z0NVIlR_m_fpdrXOw/viewform Pay (Late-Bird!) dues: https://www.osayokosuka.com/plans-pricing Please complete your membership and join our   2024-2025 membership  group to be kept up to date on what's to come! OSAY 2024-2025 Membership Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/839791488077555/

We have several events on the calendar for March. Come check them out! https://www.osayokosuka.com/events Time & Location Mar 04, 2024, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Taura JR station, 1 Chome Tauracho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0075, Japan About the event All those asking for a "real" hike, we heard you! This is a certified leg burner. We will head out right at 9 towards the Plum Grove. There are stairs, steep inclines, and even two rock rope pulls! There are two options for this hike: go to the plum grove then head immediately back to Taura station (about 2 hours) or keep going towards Higashi Zushi and hike through some beautiful bamboo and forest (about 3 hours). I did this hike with my 35 lb toddler on my back and it was a WORKOUT! It is not stroller-friendly and not suitable for younger kids. I don't mean to scare you, just want to give realistic expectations. It is a great hike with wonderful scenery! We can't wait to see you all on the 4th! This family-friendly event is open to members and qualified non-members. Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/taura-plum-grove-hike-1 Time & Location Mar 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Kanazawa Zoological Gardens, Kamariyahigashi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0042, Japan About the event Enjoy a morning roaming through the zoo with friends! Kanazawa Zoological Gardens is small but mighty with four distinct sections: North and South America, Eurasia, Oceania, and Africa. The zoo is located within the Kanazawa Nature Park. Admission is 500 yen per adult and children under elementary school age are free. It is stroller friendly and there are strollers available to rent for 300 yen. Pack some snacks or a lunch as there are several spots to enjoy some food, including a heated indoor space with a cup noodles vending machine!  After the zoo, head to the playground at the bottom of the hill for some fun roller slides! Directions:  From Jimmuji, board the 0923 Airport Express to Kanazawa-Bunko station.  From Yokosuka-chuo, board the 0923 Sengakuji Limited Express to Kanazawa-Bunko station. Head to Bus Stop #1 via the West Exit. The bus leaves Bunko at 0946. Exit at Natsuyama Sakaue. We will arrive at the zoo by 10:00. This kid-friendly event is open to members and qualified non-members. Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/kanazawa-zoological-gardens Time & Location Mar 09, 2024, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM 2 Chome Honcho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0041 About the event Join OSAY for an authentic Japanese cooking class! During this session, we will be led by two Japanese instructors who will teach us [in English] the art of making and enjoying soba and tempura and cooking Menu Soba Tempura -shrimp, eggplant, 2 additional vegetables Tea. Items to bring: Apron, washcloth/dish towel,  pen/paper for notetaking, and a water bottle (personal use). Students will receive recipes translated into English with notes from the instructors. OSAY members are encouraged to park in the 12-hour lot near the Main Gate and to walk to the Community Center. It is located between Main Gate and Coaska Mall. 2 Chome Honcho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0041 Google Map Link to event This event has limited availability and will sell out quickly. This event is only open to members.  Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/japanese-cooking-class Time & Location Mar 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 14 Vandergrift (Main Base) About the event Please join us at 14 Vandergrift (Cherise Menard's House) from 7- 9 p.m. Please feel free to come even if you're a little late or haven't finished (or, ahem, read) the book! We will be wrapping up our meet and greet portion and launching into a discussion of the book starting at 7:30 p.m.  This month we will be reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We will provide a charcuterie board. Please BYOB!    The summary:  Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?  Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.  Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.   Link for purchase:   https://a.co/d/2sfvwP3 Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/main-base-book-club-3 Time & Location Mar 28, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Mount Kobo, 4765 Soya, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-0031, Japan About the event Hike Mount Kobo and view the famous Sakura of Hadano! Starting at the base of Mount Sengen, we'll wind past Koboyama Park and a Fuji observation deck before reaching the summit. There are over 2000 cherry trees along the route and is one of the "100 Famous Flower Spots of Kanagawa." Don't forget to bring a snack to enjoy a traditional Ohanami under the trees! The trail is easy and gradual, but not stroller-friendly. Bring the kids and have them burn off some energy during Spring Break! Carpooling opportunities are available.   This family-friendly hike is open to members and qualified non-members.  Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/sakura-hunting-hike

Time & Location Feb 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Yokohama, Japan, 〒220-0012 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 3-chōme−5−１ MARK IS みなとみらい3階 About the event Come on up to Yokohama and enjoy the indoor playground at Bornelund! Located in the MARK IS mall, it's just steps away from Minatomirai station. Stroller and baby-friendly (there's an area just for kids under 12 months old). Under a year old is 400 yen for the first hour then 200 yen each ten additional minutes. Over a year old is 700 yen for the first 30 minutes then 200 yen each ten additional minutes. Adults are a flat fee of 600 yen. More information can be found at https://kidokid.bornelund.co.jp/  There's a great food court on the 4th floor of MARK IS and we can grab lunch before heading home. Bornelund opens at 10AM.  From Yokosuka-Chuo, catch the 0913 Limited Express to Shinagawa. Transfer at Yokohama station to the Minatomirai Line and exit at Minatomirai station.   From Jimmuji, catch the 0911 airport express and transfer to the Minatomirai Line at Yokohama station.  Bornelund/MARK IS is a 6-minute walk from the Queen's Square exit. This event is open to members and non-members.  Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/bornelund-minatomirai Time & Location Feb 13, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM #41 Sakura Heights About the event Join us in celebrating Galetines with a limited mimosa bar and a potluck brunch! If you can't stay for a chance to win flowers, please at least stop by for some chocolate on OSAY! Open to members and non-members. This event is kid-friendly Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/galetines-open-door-coffee-potluck-brunch Time & Location Feb 15, 2024, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM #63 Nara Heights About the event Celebrate Valentine's with fun conversation, great food, and a signature cocktail all surrounding "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross! This event is a members/ adults only event. Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/ikego-book-club-3 Time & Location Feb 22, 2024, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Taura JR station, 1 Chome Tauracho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-0075, Japan About the event All those asking for a "real" hike, we heard you! This is a certified leg burner. We will head out right at 9 towards the plum grove. There are stairs, steep inclines, and even two rock rope pulls! There are two options for this hike: go to the plum grove then head immediately back to Taura station (about 2 hours) or keep going towards Higashi Zushi and hike through some beautiful bamboo and forest (about 3 hours). I did this hike with my 35 lb toddler on my back and it was a WORKOUT! Not stroller-friendly and not suitable for younger kids. I don't mean to scare you, just want to give realistic expectations. It is a great hike with wonderful scenery! We can't wait to see you all on the 22nd! This family friendly event is open to members and qualified non-members.  https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/taura-plum-grove-hike Time & Location Feb 23, 2024, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Tsubaki Tower About the event Feeling the power of love? Come to Bunco ready to rock out to the best of the best love songs and power ballads from yesteryear! This is a potluck and BYOB event.  Come with your competitive spirit for a chance to win some wonderful prizes! This event is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/power-ballad-bunco

About the event Please join us at #61 Sakura Heights (Katherine Wessbecher's house). This month's books are Japanese historical fiction that takes place in the Tokugawa Period (1600-1868): Flame in the Mist & Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh. We will be providing a Japanese themed grazing board please bring your favorite/ most exotic beverage to our Chuhai &/or Japanese non-alcoholic beverage (Pacari Sweat, Cherry Juice, Milk Tea, etc) tasting. The summary:  From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn , comes a sweeping, action-packed YA adventure set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan where Mulan meets Throne of Glass . The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.      Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she's within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she's appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she's ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires. Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/main-base-book-club-2 About the event Please join us for a self guided tour at World Porter Illuminations in Yokohama. At the 1F train road side gate, a light and sound show expressing geometric patterns is held once every 30 minutes, beginning at 4:30PM. "Yokohama World Porters Kis Road side front gate, Ferris wheel side gate, Bashamichi gate. In the facility, a symbolic tree of about 7.6 meters with stars wearing aurora color fell from the sky" This will be outside the museum/building only Sign up here: https://www.osayokosuka.com/event-details/illuminations-at-world-porters

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to embark on a journey that combines spirituality, cultural exploration, and a touch of luck? Well, the women of OSAY recently had the chance to experience just that on their Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. Join us as we delve into the magical adventure they embarked upon, collecting stamps and ema boards along the way. As our journey began, we gained insights into the Japanese tradition of praying to the Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods). With each god embodying different realms of fortune, from wealth to education and happiness, it is no wonder that this pilgrimage has gained popularity among seekers of good fortune.  The Power of 七福神: Meaning "Seven Lucky Gods" in Japanese, 七福神 holds deep cultural significance. It combines the number 7, symbolizing luck, with 福 (fuku) meaning "luck" or "good fortune" and 神 (jin) meaning "divine" or "god." These gods have been revered in Japanese society for centuries, reflecting the people's eagerness for prosperity and blessings. Our first stop was the serene Shobo-In temple. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, we immersed ourselves in the tranquil atmosphere while offering prayers to Daikoku, the god of wealth and commerce, and Ebisu, the god of fishermen and luck in business. Following the trail, we ventured to the enchanting Kanazawa Ward of Yokohama. Meandering through its streets, we discovered hidden gems like the local bakery, where we treated ourselves to scrumptious delights, indulging in the flavors of the region. A delightful lunch by the lake at Shomyoji Temple provided the perfect setting for us to refuel our bodies and spirits. Here, we had an opportunity to sit and relax after a long morning of urban hiking.  As our pilgrimage came to a close, we were captivated by the beauty and aura of the Seto Shrine. This sacred place, dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, granted us moments of reflection and peace. We cast our final prayers, humbled by the blessings received throughout the day. The women of OSAY returned from their Kanazawa Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage with hearts full of gratitude, spirits rejuvenated, and a newfound appreciation for the power of faith and tradition. This captivating journey allowed them to connect with the divine and the rich cultural heritage of Japan. It served as a reminder that in our pursuit of luck and fortune, it is the experiences we share and the bonds we create that truly enrich our lives. So, why not embark on your own pilgrimage, seeking blessings, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan's traditions? May the Seven Lucky Gods guide you towards a prosperous and blessed future. Many thanks to Hillary Sticker and our cultural guide Miki for organizing this wonderful outing.