by Kurt Tokita, Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW)
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones doing well in these challenging times.
At JCCCW or “J”, we’re observing local, state and federal guidelines for the health and safety of everyone during this pandemic while continuing to drive to fulfill our mission: to promote and preserve Japanese and Japanese American culture and history.
Prior to the pandemic, we did this through a variety of programs including our Japanese Language School, free cultural events for the public, the Northwest Nikkei Museum, Hosekibako: A Japanese Resale Store, senior and cultural enrichment activities, Nikkei Library, our Kintsugi Garden, and as part of the Japanese Remembrance Trail.
As the “J” volunteers and staff have moved to mostly remote work, we continue to work together to use technology to keep us connected. We are proud to announce that our Japanese Language School, as well as the Hosekibako Resale Store have adapted quickly to provide services online at www.jcccw.org/hosekibako-online, and we’ve stepped up communications via E-newsletter and social media to keep our members and supporters connected. JCCCW has recently created and made available a virtual tour of our museum at www.jcccw.org/virtual-tour, including several exhibits as well as the history and legacy of the buildings themselves.
We are still raising funds to pay for the installation of an elevator, renovation of the second-floor breezeway and address long overdue maintenance and repairs. We need your help to get us through the next several months until we can host our rescheduled fundraiser, the Tomodachi Gala on October 31st.
To learn more about our mission and activities and how you can help us continue to fulfill it, go to jcccw.org or donate by sending a check payable to: Nikkei Heritage Association of Washington (NHAW) and address it to: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW), 1414 South Weller St., Seattle, WA 98144.
Thank you for your consideration and we hope to be back open soon! Until then, Ganbarimasho! We can do this!
