JCCNC NEWS

Thanks to the generous support of JCCNC members and member companies, we are able to sponsor two Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) participants each year. The NCI program, created more than twenty years ago, stands as one of the most consistent cross-regional efforts to connect the three remaining Japantowns in San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. At its heart, the program is both a bridge and a seedbed. It helps young people build lasting personal and professional relationships across Japantowns, and it offers them the tools, mentorship, and lived experiences needed to grow into the community’s next generation of volunteers, organizers, and leaders.

Over the years, NCI has quietly shaped the leadership landscape of these communities. Alumni have returned not only as volunteers but also as board members, program staff, and executive directors of nonprofit organizations devoted to preserving culture, protecting civil rights, and sustaining the social fabric of Japantown. Their ongoing contributions speak to the program’s long-term impact and the collective commitment behind it.

This year, we were proud to sponsor two exceptional interns: Mila Bekele from the San Jose cohort, placed with the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj), and Tyler Jimenez from the San Francisco cohort, placed with the Nichi Bei Foundation. Their reflections offer a window into what the NCI experience provides at both a personal and community level.

For Mila, her time at JAMsj revealed the museum as a living ecosystem rather than a static institution. She learned how history is preserved not simply through archives and exhibits, but through people who actively choose to keep memories alive. Families sharing stories, volunteers cataloging artifacts, and docents guiding visitors all contribute to a cycle of remembrance that keeps the past accessible and meaningful. Mila observed how each exhibit is shaped by intentional care and how the process of protecting history becomes an act of community-building in itself. She also gained a deeper understanding of the long-standing efforts by Japanese Americans to confront the legacy of wartime incarceration. From legal advocacy to community activism, she saw how leaders across generations have used remembrance as a tool to resist injustice and protect the rights of others. The experience strengthened her sense of belonging in the city where she grew up and inspired her to continue volunteering with JAMsj and other community organizations.

Tyler’s placement with the Nichi Bei Foundation gave him an inside look at how community media can strengthen cultural identity and ensure visibility for underrepresented voices. Through hands-on work ranging from social media production to advertising outreach, he saw how storytelling, journalism, and cultural events help weave a narrative that keeps a community both informed and connected. One of the most impactful moments of his internship was attending the “Changing Perspectives on Japanese Incarceration” conference. There, he listened to key figures such as Barbara Takei and Chizu Omori discuss the continuing relevance of incarceration history, the importance of remembrance, and the role of activism in ensuring such injustices are neither forgotten nor repeated. These conversations deepened his understanding of the intergenerational trauma experienced by Japanese Americans and the resilience that continues to define the community.

Tyler also contributed to the planning of the 2025 Soy & Tofu Festival, helping prepare for a celebration that blends food, culture, education, and community pride. As a media intern, he covered “Nichi Bei Day with the Giants,” where he received press credentials and documented the event. Being on the field and witnessing prominent Japanese baseball players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto brought the day’s cultural significance sharply into focus. Experiences like these strengthened his writing, organizational skills, and confidence while reinforcing his commitment to staying engaged with the community in the years to come.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mila and Tyler for their thoughtful contributions and to the JCCNC community for making this program possible. Their experiences show how investments in youth leadership continue to shape and sustain Japantown, ensuring its history, culture, and community spirit remain vibrant for generations ahead.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7360330993523716096

From left: Michael, Tyler, Mila, and JCCNC Executive Director Hora

Mila Bekele from the San Jose cohort

Tyler Jimenez from the San Francisco cohort