This Mindful Monday, I’m still carrying the energy of the recent San Francisco Sakura Festival with me.

Being there as a member of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and as a JET alumna felt especially meaningful. The weather was glorious, the crowds were enormous, and the atmosphere was joyful in that very particular way that only community festivals seem to create. Everywhere you looked, there were cherry blossoms, smiles, music, parades, and people showing up for something bigger than themselves.

What struck me most was how many volunteer groups were involved. From early setup to guiding crowds to keeping things moving smoothly, so much of the festival rested on people quietly giving their time and attention. That kind of volunteering is a form of mindfulness in action. You are present, focused, and connected to the people around you, not thinking about what comes next, but fully engaged in what is happening right now.

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In Midnight in Broad Daylight, Pamela Rotner Sakamoto paints a powerful portrait of the Fukuhara family, illustrating their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship and discrimination during World War II. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found in family bonds and the enduring spirit of those who face adversity.

A few weeks ago my husband and I signed up as volunteers for a local Japanese Cemetery Cleanup Day (Organized by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California), so last Saturday we headed out to Colma (south of San Francisco on the peninsula) for a half day of work and connection.

This weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Itsukushima Maru, a Japan Coast Guard ship visiting San Francisco, where I met some inspiring young cadets who live and study aboard for four years.

I love giving back, so we’ve signed up as volunteers for a local Japanese Cemetery Cleanup Day (Organized by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California).