Japanese Cultural & Community Center of WA
Japanese Cultural & Community Center of WA Dear Friends and Supporters of the “J”,
Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu! Happy New Year!
As 2024 closes, we extend a heartfelt gratitude for your support of the JCCCW. This year, we celebrated our community’s vibrant heritage and many accomplishments. Highlights include the distinction of receiving the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, honoring the Japanese Community Service’s legacy for over seven decades of cultural bridge-building; the Northwest Nikkei Museum’s receipt of a prestigious Community Accelerator Grant; events such as Kodomo no Hi; and participation in the 
Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival . Also, a successful virtual Tomodachi Gala honoring actor and restaurateurs, Yuji and Angie Okumoto, of Kona Kitchen; and our premier program, the Seattle Japanese Language School, proudly servesing over 350 students with a rapidly growing waitlist are included. The community-run programs, at JCCCW like judo, karate, kempo, aikido, taiko, and tea ceremony to name a few, highlight our community’s deep commitment to Japanese language and cultural learning.
Thank you for your continued support. Here is to more shared success in 2025!
Kurt Tokita
Board of Directors President
- Reinstated in-person youth Japanese Language classes!
- Our online adult classes has surged to an all-time high of 200+ students!
- Interest continues to grow in our adult prep classes for those studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
- The Seattle Rep joined the Omoide writing group in a collaborative performance presenting dramatic readings and original music at “What is Home: Japanese American Stories from Omoide”.
- Our own Northwest Nikkei Museum co-curators Eric and Maddy participated in a panel discussion at Emerald City Comic Con.
- Participated at the Sakura Matsuri (Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival).
- Hosekibako resale shop continues to thrive and our online shopping service continues to grow – all proceeds support the operation of the ”J”.
- Hosted a booth at Hai! Japantown 2023 at the Wing Luke Museum.
- Our community classes (Judo, Karate, taiko, etc.) and events continue to grow and offer unique experiences – come join us!
We are very fortunate to have such a great staff, volunteers and community. Wishing you all a healthy and safe Holiday Season and a big thank you for your continued support!
1414 S Weller St.
Seattle, WA 98144
www.jcccw.org
White River Buddhist Temple
White River Buddhist TempleThe White River Buddhist Temple would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2025!
Some people might be thinking, “You are a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist. Jodo Shinshu Buddhists do not ‘wish.’” It is true that in our tradition of Buddhism, we do not “wish” for anything to gain materialistically. We believe that everything happens because of various causes and conditions. Thus, though we might “wish” for something, we understand that the outcomes we want to happen might or might not happen due to the causes and conditions at that moment.
“So why do you use “wish?” I was born and raised in America where “wish” is a very common word. Ever since I was a child, I hear phrases like, “I wish I bought that last week! It was cheaper!” or “I wish you Happy Holidays!”
“So can you use “wish” in your vocabulary even though you are a Buddhist?” Yes, I think I should continue to use “wish”. “Wish” is important as it can show a person’s feelings, especially in America. Of course, only wishing is not good as action is also important. This is why the White River Buddhist Temple continues to participate in community events in the Auburn area where we can ensure that everyone is able to have a wonderful year.
So once again, we wish everyone a Happy New Year and a wonderful year!
Well wishes,
Rev. Cyndi Yasaki
3625 Auburn Way N, Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 833-1442
