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

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.

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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 JCCCNCand communtiy respond raising over $600,000 in direct relief funds for victims of the tragedy.

1996

The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable 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 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).

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

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, 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 druing 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 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 the Nisei College Diploma Project.

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