The Monthly Newsletter

A Japantown community organization needs help with improving their digital presence. If you have any experience with web/website development and would love to help, please reach out to Steven at stevensm90@gmail.com by March 13. The project needs will be scoped ahead of time.

Your contributions will help create a tangible impact!

Nakayoshi wants to build a network of people who are willing and able to donate their unique skills for the Japantown community! 

Why do we want to do this?

We've found that members of Nakayoshi, as well as those in the wider Japantown community, have an extensive variety of skill sets--whether it's art, graphic design, fundraising, grant writing, copy editing, project management, web development, etc. We'd like to gather together willing volunteers and help direct them to opportunities in the Japantown community that best suit the needs. 

How does this work and what is the time commitment? 

Nakayoshi will help connect the need and the resources, and provide the introductions accordingly. From there, expectations will be established to identify the scoped work. Volunteers are expected to complete the work as agreed upon. 

What can I get out of it?

If you're just starting off in your career, joining the network is a good way to develop your skills that will have a tangible effect in the community. Even if you are well established in your career, volunteers can develop new relationships and understanding of the Japantown community!

During our last campaign, the San Francisco Japantown Foundation raised $214,700.00 to help Japantown organizations avert a major crisis and continue their vital services. But the tragic pandemic events of 2020 have taken their toll. Japantown has survived and has now transitioned from a state of crisis to one of recovery.

Therefore, we have created the San Francisco Japantown Foundation COVID-19 Recovery Fund to provide financial support to the nonprofits that work tirelessly to provide services to the community, and promote the continuation of Japanese culture and traditions.

The Foundation will match up to $100,000 of funds. Every dollar donated will be used against this 1:1 match. All donors will be listed on our website.

Program Dates: June 13th – August 5th
Online Application for All Regions: https://tinyurl.com/nci2022
Application Due: Sunday, April 3rd, 2022

The Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) Program is a statewide initiative, which allows college students to support the work of community organizations while increasing their understanding of contemporary issues affecting Japanese Americans. Coordinated by JCYC in Northern California, the Japantown Community Congress of San Jose and Kizuna in Southern California, the program supports the development of the next generation of community leaders.

The program consists of an eight-week summer internship where interns are placed at organizations such as the Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Northern California, National Japanese American Historical Society, Go For Broke National Education Center and the Little Tokyo Service Center. One day of each week is reserved for the interns to visit Japanese American organizations to meet with community leaders and expand their knowledge of emerging issues and existing services and resources.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/SAswLyad3N2hgKfBA

The Japanese American Museum in San Jose (JAMsj) is in need of volunteers for the Nikkei Treasures Parking Lot Sale and their booth at Nikkei Matsuri.

The Nikkei Treasures Parking Lot Sale is a big fundraiser for JAMsj and helps to keep our doors open.  It is a good opportunity to see old friends as well as meeting other JAMsj Volunteers.

The JAMsj Booth at Nikkei Matsuri is an informational booth at the festival where we can talk to visitors about the museum, direct the visitors to the Museum and Parking Lot Sale.  In addition, Judge Johnny Gogo has allowed us to display the 48 Star Flag signed by Interment Camp incarcerees that he will be donating to the Museum.

The Buddhist Church of Oakland (BCO) is hosting a bento fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds from the bento sales will benefit the Oakland Nippongo Gakuen Japanese Language School.

We ask for your support in helping the Gakuen address the financial impacts that COVID has created. The Board of the Gakuen is dedicated to ensuring that our Japanese language program is sustainable and will continue as an integral part of the programs offered at the Buddhist Church of Oakland. We have a long legacy and we are committed to carrying that legacy forward into the future.

Click here to place an order. You can also donate via PayPal.