jcccnc / about / history

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

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

$3 million capital campaign led by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein and Yori Wada begins.

1986

Construction on the first phase of the building completed. Provides 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. JCCCNC 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.

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1994

Emperor and Empress of Japan historic tour of the U.S. includes visit to the JCCCNC.

1995

Great Hanshin Earthquake strikes Osaka-Kobe area of Japan. JCCCNC raises over $600,000 in direct relief funds for victims of the tragedy.

1996

Henri & Tomoye Takahashi Foundation’s gift of $500,000 leads Ownership Fund campaign to retire JCCCNC’s mortgage.

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 & 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).

Norman Mineta speaks at the Nikkei 2000 conference, hosted by the JCCCNC

2000

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

Publish book, "Generations: A Japanese American Community Portrait".

2002

Japanese American Sports Hall of Fame inaugurated honoring five individuals at Pacific Bell Park.

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