Japanese Non-Government Organizations in Colorado

Founded on March 18, 1998, the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado (JASSC) has served as a vital bridge between Colorado Springs, CO and Japan for over two decades. As a nonprofit educational and cultural organization, JASSC is built on the vision of enriching Southern Colorado with endless opportunities to engage with Japanese culture while fostering genuine relationships between local citizens and people from Japan. At its heart, JASSC is a community-driven organization where members connect through shared interests in Japanese language, cuisine, arts, and traditions. The society brings people together through authentic cultural experiences—from traditional celebrations like Mochitsuki and Children's Day to informal gatherings such as Conversation Over Cookies. These events create spaces where newcomers and longtime enthusiasts alike can build friendships, learn together, and celebrate the unique bond between two nations. What sets JASSC apart is its grassroots approach to cultural exchange. The organization is led by a dedicated board of directors and supported by community volunteers who believe in the power of cultural understanding. Through student scholarships, language resources, and sister city connections, JASSC empowers residents of Southern Colorado to develop meaningful relationships with Japanese culture and people. For anyone in the Colorado Springs community seeking authentic cultural engagement and a welcoming group of like-minded individuals, JASSC offers a genuine home for cross-cultural friendship and learning.

Since its establishment in 1938, the Mile High JACL has served the Denver, Colorado community as a steadfast advocate for civil rights and cultural preservation. The organization's roots run deep in Colorado history, particularly through the courageous leadership of Governor Ralph L. Carr, who opposed Japanese American internment camps during World War II and welcomed Japanese Americans to Colorado when they faced persecution elsewhere. The Mile High JACL's founding president, Dr. Shimpei Sakaguchi, set a path of principled leadership that has endured and prospered for over eight decades. Originally established as the Denver JACL before being renamed in the early 1950s, this chapter has consistently supported cultural, educational, and community programs that strengthen the fabric of the greater Denver area. As part of the national Japanese American Citizens League, the Mile High chapter shares a vision of promoting a world that honors diversity through values of fairness, equality, and social justice. The organization works to educate the Denver metro community about Japanese American history while fostering cultural awareness and encouraging participation in community initiatives. Beyond serving the Japanese American community, the Mile High JACL is committed to protecting the civil and human rights of all minority groups facing injustice and bigotry. Today, the Denver-based organization continues its legacy of thoughtful, committed citizenship, working to preserve the heritage of Japanese Americans while advancing the cause of civil rights for all people in Colorado and beyond.