Japanese Non-Profit Organizations in Pacoima, CA

Under the leadership and foresight of Tom Imai and other Nisei, the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Citizens League was established in 1942 and "reactivated" after World War II. During the 1960s, our chapter, under Robert Moriguchi, worked with other civil rights organizations in the Valley on issues of fair housing and human relations. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, San Fernando Valley JACL Board Members such as Nancy Gohata, Tak Yamamoto, Phil Shigekuni and Paul Tsuneishi actively worked on organizing the first Manzanar Pilgrimages and advocated tirelessly for Redress and Reparations. Since the 1990s, the Board offered programming dedicated to the changing demographics of the Japanese American community as well as LGBT rights in Asian American communities and beyond. Today, the Valley chapter and its board members continue to educate the public about the Japanese American experience and fight for social justice issues including, but not limited to, immigration reform, marriage equality, the protection of civil liberties, challenging hate speech, and youth empowerment. The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.

Rooted in the Pacoima, California community, the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center stands as a vital non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Japanese heritage while celebrating the Japanese American experience. Recognized as a tax-exempt entity by the IRS, this community-centered organization operates on the foundational belief that cultural preservation and community connection are essential to thriving neighborhoods. The center's mission reflects a deep commitment to education and engagement, creating spaces where families and individuals can explore Japanese language, traditions, and history together. In Pacoima, the organization serves as more than just a facility—it functions as a bridge connecting generations through meaningful cultural experiences and educational opportunities. The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center embodies the values of community care, cultural contribution, and children's engagement, recognizing that strong communities are built on shared heritage and mutual support. By hosting events, offering educational programming, and facilitating cultural activities, the center nurtures both individual growth and collective community identity. For residents throughout the San Fernando Valley seeking authentic connections to Japanese culture and a welcoming community space, the organization provides an inclusive environment where cultural pride and community belonging flourish together.