San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place/Event: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California

Address: 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco

Description:

Founded in 1973, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) is a 17,500 square foot, two-story multi-use facility located in San Francisco's Japantown. The JCCCNC offers a multitude of cultural, educational, recreational and social programs for participants of all ages. The JCCCNC also provides affordable office and meeting space to numerous community-based organizations, activities and events.

History:

Beginning in the 1970s, the JCCCNC raised over $1 million through public and private contributions, and individual giving. 1n 1982, a $3 million capital campaign led by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein and Yori Wada began. Construction on the first phase of the building was completed in 1986, providing much needed facility space for emerging nonprofit organizations including Kimochi, Inc., Japanese Community Youth Council, Nihonmachi Legal Outreach, Nobiru-kai Newcomer Services and Japantown Arts and Media. During U.S./Japan trade tensions of the early 1990s, JCCCNC arranged a meeting between a community delegation and Japanese business and government leaders to discuss Japanese Americans’ role in international relations. As a result of its successes, the Emperor and Empress of Japan included a visit to the JCCCNC on their historic 1994 tour of the U.S.1996. Subsequently, the JCCCNC has helped lead many local, statewide, national and international initiatives to sustain Japanese American communities including citizen ambassador exchanges to Japan, the national Nikkei 2000 conference on Japanese American issues, and California state legislation protecting the three remaining historic Japantowns.

Significance:

Cultural, Historical, Social

Recognition of Significance:

2004 Foreign Minister’s Commendation in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship for remarkable contributions to the promotion of the US-Japan friendship

Sources:

Chris Hirano – JCCCNC - Director of Community & Corporate Development

Other Comments:

http://www.jcccnc.org

San Francisco's Japantown has survived for over 100 years, enduring the injustice of internment, the razing of redevelopment, and gentrification during a booming real estate market. The resiliency of our community inspires us to forge ahead and build for the future, while preserving what we have. The JCCCNC is committed to staying involved in issues affecting our neighborhood's future. We encourage responsible development that preserves the unique elements of our cultural identity. As a neighborhood center that serves many various constituencies, we will also collaborate on projects that meet the diverse needs of residents and workers in Japantown.

Prepared By: Chris Hirano & Darryl Abantao Date Prepared: 12/16/04