OUR MISSION私達の使命 ​A space to engage, share, and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture.日系の経験と文化に関わり、共有し、受け入れる空間 OUR VISION私たちのビジョン The GVJCI envisions a vibrant network and a welcoming space for all persons interested in Japanese heritage and culture where history and tradition are honored, people are inspired to create action and change, and cultural pride and respect for all humanity are promoted.ガーデナバレーJCIは歴史と伝統が尊重され、日本文化と伝統に興味のある全ての人々のために活気に満ちたネットワークと親しみやすい空間を理想としており、そして歴史と伝統が讃えられ、人々が行動と変化を起こすよう鼓舞され、全人類に対する文化的誇りと尊敬が促進されることを理想としています。   Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center providing various classes, services and programs for seniors, non-senior adults and youth in the South Bay of Los Angeles County for over 50 years.  Our mission is to create a space to engage, share, and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture. We are a hidden gem located on the border of the cities of Gardena and Torrance, and the beautiful Southern California beach cities.​​ガーデナバレーJCIは50年以上に渡って住宅、多種のクラス、サービス、シニアから子供達までいろいろな年齢の方々のためのプログラムをサポートする非営利団体です。私達の使命は日系コミュニティのニーズに応えることです。教育、文化、社会プログラムを通して、日本文化そして日系社会の文化を分かち合うことです。私たちはガーデナ市とトーランス市、そして南カリフォルニアの美しいビーチ街との境界に位置する隠れた名所です。

I’m a Yonsei, occasional artist and writer, and full-time Digital Program Manager at the Japanese American National Museum. I was born in Los Angeles and have lived in Southern California almost my entire life. I am fluent in English, can understand about 80% of conversational Japanese, and don’t know any Spanish or Portuguese (although after having worked on Discover Nikkei for so long, would like to learn someday). I love working in Little Tokyo and living in Gardena. Both areas give me wonderful access to Japanese/Nikkei food, community, and culture. I bowl in a Nikkei league once a week, and spend my free time eating, sleeping, playing on my phone and computer, rooting for the Dodgers, watching TV and reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. I love working on Discover Nikkei and learning about so many different Nikkei experiences around the world!