San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place: Hokka Nichi Bei Kai - Japanese American Assoc. Northern California

Address: 1759 Sutter St., San Francisco

Description:

Hokka Nichi Bei Kai is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese art and cultural practices in the United States. Each week, members are provided with instruction on Japanese language, history, music, and the arts, such as classical Japanese dance, ikebana (flower arrangement), shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument), cha-no-yu (tea ceremony), and sumi-e (calligraphy). In addition, the program provides a variety of social venues for its members, such as educational tours, picnics, dinner parties, and sports events. Hokka Nichi Bei Kai is based inside a three-story structure; its top floor holds a traditional Japanese tea room (Chashitsu) for cha-no-yu, donated by the city of Kyoto. This tea room is completely authentic; built in Japan, it was disassembled, shipped to America and re-assembled in the NIchi Bei Kai building.

History:

The original Nichi Bei Kai, also known as the Japanese American Association, was officially formed in the late 1800’s as a transitional organization for Japanese immigrants adjusting to life in the United States. Initial programs provided an outlet for Japanese immigrants to practice and celebrate their heritage outside of Japan. In addition, the Nichi Bei Kai oftentimes hosted meetings and events for government officials from both Japan and the U.S., promoting goodwill amongst the two countries. In early 2000, Nichi Bei Kai merged with the Japanese Speaking Society of America (Beikoku Nichigo Kyokai) to form a new organization called Hokka Nichi Bei Kai (Japanese American Association of Northern California).

Significance:

Cultural, Educational, Historical, Social

Recognition of Significance:

Sources:

Steve Doi, President, Board of Directors; Nichi Bei Kai

Other Comments:

Hokka Nichi Bei Kai is especially important because it teaches many traditional Japanese practices that are gradually becoming obsolete in Japan.

Prepared By: Steve Doi & Young Kim Date Prepared: 8/14/04