Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California

The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in San Francisco, California's Japantown. Founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1973, the JCCCNC strives to provide educational, cultural, recreational and social programs that meet the evolving needs of the community.

History of the JCCCNC

• 1971-Mandated by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency’s Nihonmachi Master Plan, construction of a community center in Japantown approved at community meetings. Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) selected as the name of the future facility.

• 1973-The JCCCNC incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Diverse and representative 51-member board of directors focus on creating a structure of governance, securing a site, and planning fundraising activities.

• 1980-Over $1 million raised through grassroots fundraising, public and private contributions, and individual giving.

• 1982-"Vision 80s," the $3 million capital campaign led by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein and Yori Wada begins.

• 1986-Construction on the first phase of the building completed, providing affordable facility space for nonprofit organization and programs including Kimochi, Inc., Japanese Community Youth Council, Nihonmachi Legal Outreach, Nobiru-kai Newcomer Services and Japantown Arts and Media.

• 1988-Phase II Construction (gymnasium/community hall) begins, Paul Osaki is hired as first Program Director and JCCCNC classes/programs begin.

• 1992-During U.S./Japan trade tensions, JCCCNC brings community delegation to meet with Japanese business and government leaders, to help educate about Japanese Americans’ role in international relations.

• 1994-Emperor and Empress of Japan historic tour of the U.S. includes visit to the JCCCNC. Kristi Yamaguchi (1992 Olympic Gold Medalist) Goodwill Tour to Osaka helps strengthen relations and raise awareness in Japan of Japanese American achievements.

• 1995-Great Hanshin earthquake devastates Osaka-Kobe area of Japan and the JCCCNC and communtiy respond raising over $600,000 in direct relief funds for victims of the tragedy.

• 1996-Henri and Tomoye Takahashi provide a personal gift of $500,000 to retire the JCCCNC's mortgage. The JCCCNC continues to receive annual support from The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation for programs and services related to educating, informing and deepening the knowledge of the Japanese-American history with the general public as well as maintaining and creating programs to encourage interest about Japanese history, culture and the arts.

• 1997-Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Osaka and San Francisco, the JCCCNC leads over 300 youth, business, civic and community leaders as ambassadors for exchanges furthering relationships between our two countries.

• 1998-Community development activities lead to greater involvement in neighborhood issues, which will subsequently include preserving YWCA and Japantown Bowl for community use, and providing affordable programs for low-income residents of Golden Gate Apartments.

• 1999-Publish Charting Courses and Shifting Direction for the Japanese American Community, an assessment of demographics, giving and volunteerism in the Japanese American community in partnership with the Japanese American Consortium of Community Related Organizations (JACCRO).

• 2000-The JCCCNC hosts the Nikkei 2000 Conference, the first national gathering of Japanese Americans to actively discuss the community’s future. Attended by over 500 individuals representing various regions of Nikkei, including Japan and South America.

• 2001-The JCCCNC publishes Generations: A Japanese American Community Portrait. Paul Osaki initiates an effort to pass Senate Bill 307, the first legislation to recognize and provide funds for historical/ cultural awareness of the three remaining Japantowns. From Our Side of the Fence: Growing Up in America's Concentration Camps is produced by the JCCCNC.

• 2002-The Japanese American Sports Hall of Fame (JASHoF) inaugurated honoring five individuals, Ann Kiyomura Hayashi, Tommy Kono, Wat Misaka, Kristi Yamaguchi and Wally Yonamine. The JCCCNC convenes the first Japanese American Cultural Centers Summit and for the 45th Anniversary of the Sister City Relationship brings S.F. 49ers to Osaka.

• 2003-Celebrating 30 years in the community, hosts a free open house to highlight its facility and programs to the general public. The Shinzen Nikkei Youth Goodwill Tour participates in the 60th Anniversary remembrance of the bombing of Hiroshima in Japan.

• 2004-The JCCCNC honors members of the Japanese American media.

• 2005-The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program (CCLPEP) Notice to All: The California Conference on the Internment of Japanese Americans brings together 500 attendees ranging in age from 16 to 94. The JCCCNC coordinated the CA Nisei High School Diploma Project which culminated with a commencement ceremony for 20 Nisei who finally received their diplomas; and at Salute to the Stars honored five entertainers, Mako Iwamatsu, Pat Morita, James Shigeta, Pat Suzuki and George Takei, who opened doors for Asian Americans in the entertainment industry.

• 2006-Was the lead organization for the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of San Francisco's Japantown, presenting the world premiere of the Grateful Crane Ensemble's Nihonmachi: The Place to Be, hosting monthly cultural workshops and the key administrative office for many of the events. Other highlights include: Preserving California Japantowns Symposium, Love Letters, a play, starring and reuniting stars James Shigeta and Nancy Kwan and the 10th Anniversary of the Shinzen Goodwill Program.

• 2007-Leads over 300 ambassadors to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship including youth, their families, culinary experts, city officials and community members and hosted a delegation led by Mayor Seki of Osaka. Receives a grant to coordinate a youth initiated and led project to document family histories. Organized Journey to Tanforan in commemoration of the 65th Anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and, along with PG&E, spearhead a campaign to "Go Green" and install solar paneling on the Center's roof.

• 2008-The JCCCNC celebrates its 35th Anniversary and honors its Executive Director, Paul Osaki for his 20 years of vision and leadership at the JCCCNC. The "Go Green" Solar Kick-off reception was held in February and through the JCCCNC's efforts, S.F. Japantown is designated as a Preserve America Community by the White House. Organizes the first Nikkei Youth Cultural Heritage Program which allows students to better understand their culture and heritage during a one month language and homestay program in Kobe, Japan. Also received a grant from the CCLPEP to coordinate the youth initiated and led Nikkei Family Legacy Project, helping to document family histories using digital media; hires three "Associates" as part of a staff re-organization to create a long-term succession plan.

• 2009-In its efforts to continue to preserve the environment, initiates the "Mottainai - Go Paperless" campaign to encourage users to receive information via email; hosts over 600 at its annual fundraiser Tabemasho (Let's Eat) celebrating 140 years of Japanese food in America; sends 21 youth and their families on the final Shinzen basketball program; and receives a CCLPEP grant to coordinate the Nisei College Diploma Project.

• 2011-The JCCCNC held a fundraising event "We Are One Island" in order to support those affected by the March 13th earthquake in Japan. The event featured many performances such as music, dance and spoken word.

Programs

The JCCCNC offers a large variety of Japanese cultural programs, classes and events, which includes ikebana, odori, taiko, mochi and sushi making, shibori, tougei ceramics, washi-ningyo, and youth development programs such as the Nikkei Youth Cultural Heritage Program.