JCCNC NEWS

Thanks to the generous support of Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) members and member companies, we are able to sponsor two participants in the Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) program each year.

Established more than twenty years ago, NCI is one of the longest-running and most meaningful efforts to connect the three remaining Japantowns in the United States—San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. At its heart, the program serves as both a bridge and a foundation for the future. It gives young people an opportunity to build lasting personal and professional relationships across Japantowns, while providing them with mentorship, hands-on experience, and a deeper understanding of the communities they are part of.

Over the years, NCI has made a lasting contribution to the leadership of our communities. Many alumni have returned to serve not only as volunteers, but also as board members, program staff, and executive directors of nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving Japanese American history and culture, supporting the community, and carrying its legacy forward.

Two recent examples are Ryan Kimura, the new Executive Director of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), and Vanessa Hatakeyama, Executive Director of the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj). Both are NCI alumni. Their continued involvement is a powerful reminder that the relationships and experiences developed through NCI can remain with participants throughout their lives and contribute to the strength and continuity of our communities.

This year, we were proud to sponsor two outstanding interns: Grace Sakauye, from the San Jose cohort, who was placed with JAMsj, and Casey Niwa, from the San Francisco cohort, who was placed with the JCCCNC.

Their reflections provide a glimpse into what the NCI experience means—not only for the interns themselves, but also for the future of our communities.

Grace Sakauye, University of California, Los Angeles — JAMsj

During her internship at JAMsj, Grace had the privilege of meeting and working with community members, community leaders, and local elected officials. Through these conversations, she gained a wealth of knowledge, personal stories, and different perspectives. These experiences also gave her an opportunity to think more deeply about her own identity and her place within the Japanese American community—something that is both personal and, at times, challenging.

Through her involvement, Grace came to appreciate that the remaining Japantowns represent our past, our present, and our future. Their future, however, depends on the next generation taking an active role in carrying their legacy forward.

Although her NCI internship has come to an end, Grace sees this not as the end of her relationship with Japantown, but as the beginning of a continuing commitment. She plans to remain involved as a volunteer at JAMsj, helping ensure that the history and cultural heritage preserved by the museum can reach more people and, ultimately, future generations.

Casey Niwa, University of California, Davis — JCCCNC

Casey, a Chemistry major at UC Davis, was placed at JCCCNC. He was grateful for the opportunity to participate in NCI and, in particular, for the many opportunities it gave him to meet and talk with people he otherwise might never have encountered.

Through these interactions with community members and leaders, Casey developed a much deeper appreciation for the community and for the many people who dedicate their time and energy to supporting it.

During his time at the JCCCNC, he was especially impressed by the way their programs and activities are centered on the needs of the community. One of the lessons that stayed with him was the unique sense of connection that comes from serving the community. As a nonprofit organization, there may not be a monetary incentive for the work, but the relationships, sense of purpose, and connection created through giving back are something that cannot easily be found elsewhere.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Grace and Casey for their thoughtful contributions, and to the JCCNC members and member companies whose generous support makes this program possible.

Their experiences remind us that sustaining Japantown is not simply about preserving the past. It is also about creating opportunities for the next generation to learn, connect, contribute, and eventually take on the responsibility of carrying the community forward.