Welcome to the heart of the Calgary Kotobuki Society. We are dedicated to providing a rich variety of recreational, social, cultural, and educational activities designed specifically to foster active living, lifelong learning, and deep community connection for seniors aged 60 and older.
Operating Schedule
To help our members and their families plan ahead, our programs follow a structured seasonal schedule:
- Active Months: Our operational year runs from September through June.
- Weekly Gatherings: Programs are held every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Monthly Rotation: Specific activities and guest speakers are scheduled on a regular basis throughout each month to ensure a diverse and engaging experience.
- Summer Break: The Society is closed during July and August for a summer recess.
Program Categories & Activities
Our programming is carefully curated to balance physical movement, cognitive exercise, and cultural preservation. Activities generally fall into the following core categories:
1. Traditional Japanese Arts & Culture
Preserving heritage and sharing artistic expertise is a vital pillar of our community.
Japanese Calligraphy (Shuji): Learning brush stroke techniques and mindfulness through traditional kanji writing.
Japanese Crafts: Hands-on workshops focusing on delicate paper arts, and heritage crafting.
Japanese Folk Dance (Odori): Gentle choreographies celebrating traditional festivals and regional movements.
2. Health, Fitness & Movement
Keeping our members physically active and mobile is essential for long-term wellness.
- Tai-Chi: Smooth, slow-motion martial arts movements focused on balance, flexibility, and stress reduction.
- Line Dancing: Structured, low-impact dance routines that serve as a fantastic cardiovascular workout.
- Video Exercise: Specialized senior fitness routines aiming to improve core strength and flexibility.
3. Cognitive Games & Language
Stimulating mental activity and facilitating communication across cultures.
- Active Seniors Exercise: Cognitive Brain Activities combined with physical exercises
- Traditional & Modern Games: Regular set up for Mah Jong, and various board/card games.
- Language Exchanges: Group sessions offering both Conversational English and Conversational Japanese to bridge cultural gaps and enhance memory.
4. Social Engagement & Community Outings
Combating social isolation by encouraging joy, music, and exploration.
Karaoke: A beloved community favorite for musical expression and social entertainment.
- Community Outings: Organized group excursions to local Calgary attractions, restaurants, and seasonal events.
- Guest Speakers: Informative presentations covering senior wellness, charities and non-profits in our community, legal presentations, and financial safety.