Japanese Businesses & Organizations in Oakland, CA
Explore Japanese businesses and organizations in Oakland, CA serving your community. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community services owned by or dedicated to serving the Japanese community. Connect with establishments that understand your cultural values and provide services in your language.
Representing the Government of Japan in San Francisco, CA, the Consulate-General maintains a distinguished legacy as the oldest Japanese government establishment in the United States, having commenced operations on August 25, 1870. The consulate opened its doors even before Japan's formal embassy was established, reflecting the historical importance of the San Francisco Bay Area to Japanese-American relations. Today, the consulate continues this tradition of service by supporting the Japanese community across Northern and Central California and Nevada through consular assistance, cultural exchange programs, and diplomatic representation. The office serves as a cultural bridge, hosting educational initiatives, language programs, and community events that foster understanding between Japan and the United States. Beyond administrative functions, the San Francisco consulate engages in public diplomacy through its cultural center, which organizes lectures, exhibitions, and international exchange activities. The institution remains deeply committed to supporting Japanese residents, visiting nationals, and those interested in Japanese culture and education. With nearly 155 years of continuous service to the Bay Area and surrounding regions, the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco represents an enduring commitment to strengthening bonds between the Japanese government and the communities it serves.
The San Francisco Japantown Foundation’s mission is to support cultural, community and educational activities for San Francisco Japantown. Its vision is to preserve and honor Japantown’s history by fostering and providing funding for activities that reflect the Japanese American heritage, and to engage Japanese of all generations and all experiences.
The Foundation was formed in December 2006 through generous endowments by Kintetsu Enterprises of America, Jack Hirose, Hats and Amey Aizawa, Union Bank, and Minami Tamaki LLP. Since 2007, the Foundation has provided more than $700,000 in funding to the community.
The Foundation identifies, and supports assets (historic, social, cultural, economic, and artistic) that benefit the Japantown community. It also advocates for entrepreneurial and creative programs that serve Japantown’s residents, visitors, businesses, congregations, community and cultural organizations by mobilizing and encouraging new contributions, and by facilitating innovative investments and initiatives.
The Foundation invests in Japantown as a geographic and cultural anchor for diverse and changing Japanese American, Japanese, and broader communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Acting as a resource to bring new philanthropic funding to the Japantown community as a whole, the Foundation partners with businesses and corporations by serving as their repository of contributions to the Japantown community. The Foundation also supports and encourages ways to introduce and re-introduce Japanese and Japanese Americans to Japantown organizations and institutions.
Established in July 1971, Kimochi, Inc. or Kimochi Kai as it was largely known in the early days, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit senior service agency based in San Francisco’s historic Japantown neighborhood. The word “kimochi” means “feelings” in Japanese. For our organization, “feelings” for our elders - respect, gratitude, and love - are expressed through services that enable each generation to age with dignity, pride, support, independence and friendship.
It all started when Sansei (third generation Japanese Americans) began helping the Issei (first generation Japanese Americans) in San Francisco Japantown. These Sansei realized that because of language and cultural barriers, the Issei were not able to utilize mainstream services. They helped seniors by providing them with information and assistance in applying for government and health benefits and offered transportation services and walking escorts to make sure seniors could leave and return safely to their homes. This younger generation’s commitment to the Issei’s care and well-being inspired the formation of Kimochi, Inc. as a multi-service senior service organization.
Organizers, participants, and volunteers would gather at Kimochi Lounge, Kimochi’s first site at 1581 Webster St., on the Webster St. Bridge. The Lounge was where Issei’s could rest, relax, get the latest news in the community, meet friends, and have tea. It still operates as a Kimochi site today. As the Lounge’s popularity grew, it was clear more space was needed to expand and breathe. Committed to remaining in San Francisco’s Japantown, one of only three Japantowns in the United States, staff and volunteers were willing to work in places that were not ideal, as long as it meant keeping Kimochi’s mission alive.
Over the years, Kimochi has been quick to identify the needs of the senior population and obtained funding for new programs - nutrition, transportation, social services. In 1974, Kimochi applied for a grant and was awarded funding from the California Department on Aging to implement a Japanese hot meals program for seniors.
In 1983, Kimochi completed the Kimochi Home building project at 1531 Sutter St. and opened its doors for residential/respite care for 20 seniors and adult social day care for 40 seniors. In 2012, Kimochi purchased a site in San Mateo to provide services and support for seniors and families outside of San Francisco. In 2016, following extensive renovations, Kimochi San Mateo received its licensing approval to open as a non-ambulatory Residential Care Facility for the elderly. In 2017, we were awarded funds from the JA Community Foundation to provide home delivered meals to seniors in San Mateo County.
Today, Kimochi occupies five sites - four in San Francisco and one in San Mateo.
The mission of Kimochi, Inc. is to provide a continuum of culturally-sensitive programs and services to all seniors and their families to preserve their dignity and independence, with a focus on the Japanese American and Japanese speaking community.
Founded in 1905, the Japan Society of Northern California works to advance U.S. – Japan collaboration and understanding in a global context. The Society offers an array of programs and networking opportunities for people and organizations in the Bay Area with a strong interest in Japan. It is the place to go for U.S. – Japan insights, opportunities, collaboration, and networking.
The Society offers unique programs that draw on the diversity of our region, its importance and an exemplar of innovation and economic growth, and our historic ties to Japan, across fields including business, technology, and the arts.
Our speaker events, symposia and conferences, social events, school education programs and language lessons provide our members opportunities for networking, learning, enrichment and engagement. Through our activities, members can meet and collaborate with industry, academic, and government leaders shaping the Japan – U.S. relationship and the world at large.
Founded in 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The JACL champions issues affecting the Japanese American and Asian Pacific American communities and advocates for the civil and human rights of all Americans. The San Francisco Chapter has a storied history as one of the earliest to be formed and has been the home chapter to many national JACL leaders.
The JACL-NCWNP sponsors educational programs for its members and the public. Programs have focused on such topics as hate crimes, which taught our members how to work with their local police departments to combat hate violence; on homophobia in the Japanese American community, which served as an opportunity to open a dialogue and break down the stereotypes and fear that keep us apart; and on the Nisei resisters of conscience, which featured both veterans and resisters sharing their stories in an effort to bring a healing to our community.
The NCWNP District sponsors activities that remember and honor our elders as well as those that nurture our youth. Each year in May, we co-sponsor Memorial Day services with VFW Nisei Post #9879 and the Military Intelligence Service Association of Northern California. It is a time to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who served their country in uniform.
NCWNP involves itself in efforts to ensure the future viability and vitality of San Francisco’s Japantown. The NCWNP District was involved in the campaign which successfully led to the returning of the Japanese YWCA to the community’s ownership.
Since its establishment in 1893, Hokka Nichi Bei Kai has been the cornerstone of Japanese American community life in Northern California, making it the oldest Japanese American community organization in the Bay Area. Located in San Francisco, CA, this organization represents over 130 years of continuous dedication to promoting understanding, cultural preservation, and meaningful connections between Japanese Americans and the broader community.
Formed in 2000 through the strategic merger of Nichi Bei Kai (The Japanese American Association) and The Japanese Speaking Society of America, Hokka Nichi Bei Kai carries forward a rich organizational heritage while serving contemporary community needs. The association's core mission centers on three fundamental purposes: promoting the Japanese language and cultural programs, providing facilities and resources for Japanese cultural activities, and nurturing goodwill between the people of the United States and Japan.
What sets this organization apart is its deep commitment to cultural understanding as a pathway to community harmony. For over a century, Hokka Nichi Bei Kai has worked tirelessly to help resolve challenges faced by the Japanese American community while fostering appreciation for Japanese culture among all residents of the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization believes that understanding Japanese culture—or "Bunka"—enriches both individuals and the broader community. Through long-term initiatives like documenting Japanese American history in Northern California and establishing the Bunka Hall of Fame, the association ensures that cultural knowledge and community connections endure for future generations. Hokka Nichi Bei Kai stands as a vital bridge between cultures and a trusted advocate for the Japanese American community.
Founded in 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League represents nearly a century of dedicated service to the Japanese American community and broader civil rights movements across the United States. Based in San Francisco, California, the JACL has evolved into a trusted institution that combines historical awareness with contemporary advocacy, honoring the experiences of Japanese American immigrants and their descendants while actively addressing modern injustices. The organization's mission centers on securing civil rights for Japanese Americans and all others victimized by bigotry, while simultaneously preserving the cultural, educational, and social heritage of the Japanese American community. The JACL recognizes its unique responsibility as the longest-standing Asian Pacific American civil rights organization, positioning itself as a voice for communities navigating complex political and demographic changes. The organization embraces an increasingly multicultural membership, including Mixed Race Asian Americans and diverse Asian Pacific Islander communities, while maintaining deep connections to Japanese American immigrant legacy and history. Operating from its San Francisco headquarters, the JACL fosters community through member networks, youth councils, and professional affinity groups that create spaces for shared experience and collective action. The organization's approach reflects a commitment to fairness, equality, and social justice that extends beyond single-issue advocacy to encompass comprehensive community support. By combining historical consciousness with forward-looking vision, the JACL serves as both guardian of Japanese American heritage and active participant in broader movements for civil rights and human dignity.
Founded by and for the Japanese American community, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California stands as a welcoming gathering space in San Francisco, CA where people feel supported, heard, and valued. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization emerged from a deep commitment to creating a second home for community members seeking to carry forward the cultures, traditions, and values of their families while building meaningful connections with others. The Center celebrates the rich diversity of its community, using Japanese heritage and customs as a pathway for recreational, social, and educational enrichment that benefits all who walk through its doors. Rooted in a mission of inclusivity and belonging, JCCCNC has evolved to meet the changing needs of San Francisco's dynamic population, offering programs and services that promote wellness, personal growth, and community connection. The organization's vision extends beyond cultural preservation to fostering mutual understanding and appreciation across different communities—bridging Japanese American heritage with the broader American public and people of Japan. By providing accessible programs, affordable services, and community space, JCCCNC empowers individuals and families to strengthen their cultural identity while building relationships with neighbors and supporting local non-profit organizations. This commitment to community-centered service has made JCCCNC a vital institution in San Francisco's Japantown and beyond.
The JA Community Foundation represents a vital philanthropic resource rooted in Oakland, California, dedicated to uplifting Japanese American and broader Asian American communities across the nation. As a nonprofit private foundation, the organization understands that effective community change requires deep listening, strategic investment, and genuine partnership with the organizations and individuals doing frontline work. The foundation's mission centers on identifying solutions that truly resonate with community needs and values, then providing the resources necessary to bring those solutions to scale. What distinguishes JA Community Foundation is its nuanced understanding of both the Japanese American experience and the interconnected challenges facing the broader Asian American community. The foundation recognizes that sustainable progress requires sustained commitment, which is why it focuses on long-term partnerships and transformational grantmaking rather than one-time funding. Based in Oakland, California, the foundation draws on years of experience and deep community relationships to guide its work. By investing in programs that address the distinct needs, interests, and concerns of Japanese American and Asian American communities, the foundation works toward a future where these communities thrive. The foundation's commitment extends beyond financial support to include collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for policies that advance equity and opportunity for all community members.
Representing the Government of Japan in San Francisco, CA, the Consulate-General maintains a distinguished legacy as the oldest Japanese government establishment in the United States, having commenced operations on August 25, 1870. The consulate opened its doors even before Japan's formal embassy was established, reflecting the historical importance of the San Francisco Bay Area to Japanese-American relations. Today, the consulate continues this tradition of service by supporting the Japanese community across Northern and Central California and Nevada through consular assistance, cultural exchange programs, and diplomatic representation. The office serves as a cultural bridge, hosting educational initiatives, language programs, and community events that foster understanding between Japan and the United States. Beyond administrative functions, the San Francisco consulate engages in public diplomacy through its cultural center, which organizes lectures, exhibitions, and international exchange activities. The institution remains deeply committed to supporting Japanese residents, visiting nationals, and those interested in Japanese culture and education. With nearly 155 years of continuous service to the Bay Area and surrounding regions, the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco represents an enduring commitment to strengthening bonds between the Japanese government and the communities it serves.
The San Francisco Japantown Foundation’s mission is to support cultural, community and educational activities for San Francisco Japantown. Its vision is to preserve and honor Japantown’s history by fostering and providing funding for activities that reflect the Japanese American heritage, and to engage Japanese of all generations and all experiences.
The Foundation was formed in December 2006 through generous endowments by Kintetsu Enterprises of America, Jack Hirose, Hats and Amey Aizawa, Union Bank, and Minami Tamaki LLP. Since 2007, the Foundation has provided more than $700,000 in funding to the community.
The Foundation identifies, and supports assets (historic, social, cultural, economic, and artistic) that benefit the Japantown community. It also advocates for entrepreneurial and creative programs that serve Japantown’s residents, visitors, businesses, congregations, community and cultural organizations by mobilizing and encouraging new contributions, and by facilitating innovative investments and initiatives.
The Foundation invests in Japantown as a geographic and cultural anchor for diverse and changing Japanese American, Japanese, and broader communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Acting as a resource to bring new philanthropic funding to the Japantown community as a whole, the Foundation partners with businesses and corporations by serving as their repository of contributions to the Japantown community. The Foundation also supports and encourages ways to introduce and re-introduce Japanese and Japanese Americans to Japantown organizations and institutions.
Established in July 1971, Kimochi, Inc. or Kimochi Kai as it was largely known in the early days, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit senior service agency based in San Francisco’s historic Japantown neighborhood. The word “kimochi” means “feelings” in Japanese. For our organization, “feelings” for our elders - respect, gratitude, and love - are expressed through services that enable each generation to age with dignity, pride, support, independence and friendship.
It all started when Sansei (third generation Japanese Americans) began helping the Issei (first generation Japanese Americans) in San Francisco Japantown. These Sansei realized that because of language and cultural barriers, the Issei were not able to utilize mainstream services. They helped seniors by providing them with information and assistance in applying for government and health benefits and offered transportation services and walking escorts to make sure seniors could leave and return safely to their homes. This younger generation’s commitment to the Issei’s care and well-being inspired the formation of Kimochi, Inc. as a multi-service senior service organization.
Organizers, participants, and volunteers would gather at Kimochi Lounge, Kimochi’s first site at 1581 Webster St., on the Webster St. Bridge. The Lounge was where Issei’s could rest, relax, get the latest news in the community, meet friends, and have tea. It still operates as a Kimochi site today. As the Lounge’s popularity grew, it was clear more space was needed to expand and breathe. Committed to remaining in San Francisco’s Japantown, one of only three Japantowns in the United States, staff and volunteers were willing to work in places that were not ideal, as long as it meant keeping Kimochi’s mission alive.
Over the years, Kimochi has been quick to identify the needs of the senior population and obtained funding for new programs - nutrition, transportation, social services. In 1974, Kimochi applied for a grant and was awarded funding from the California Department on Aging to implement a Japanese hot meals program for seniors.
In 1983, Kimochi completed the Kimochi Home building project at 1531 Sutter St. and opened its doors for residential/respite care for 20 seniors and adult social day care for 40 seniors. In 2012, Kimochi purchased a site in San Mateo to provide services and support for seniors and families outside of San Francisco. In 2016, following extensive renovations, Kimochi San Mateo received its licensing approval to open as a non-ambulatory Residential Care Facility for the elderly. In 2017, we were awarded funds from the JA Community Foundation to provide home delivered meals to seniors in San Mateo County.
Today, Kimochi occupies five sites - four in San Francisco and one in San Mateo.
The mission of Kimochi, Inc. is to provide a continuum of culturally-sensitive programs and services to all seniors and their families to preserve their dignity and independence, with a focus on the Japanese American and Japanese speaking community.
