OUR MISSION
The Nichi Bei Foundation is an educational and charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the Japanese American community connected, informed and empowered — primarily through a community newspaper — Nichi Bei News — as well as educational programming.
An Innovative Nonprofit Organization
The Nichi Bei Foundation is an innovative nonprofit educational organization, rising out of the ashes of a community-serving media legacy dating back to 1899 to launch the first nonprofit ethnic community newspaper of its kind in the country. It strives to be the glue that holds the community together, helping to preserve Japanese culture while shedding light on community issues and documenting the community’s history for generations to come.
Through its nonprofit publication, Nichi Bei News, the Nichi Bei Foundation has helped to launch such innovative publications such as:
- Japanese Culture and Cherry Blossom Festivals Guide. The only annual guide to Japanese culture in the country, this special publication highlights Japanese cultural centers and springtime festivals throughout the country. In an effort to preserve Japanese culture, special features on cultural arts as well as extensive class listings are included.
- Obon and Summer Festivals Guide. The only annual guide to Japanese summer festivals throughout the country.
- Japanese American Community Resource Guide. Featuring maps and historic walking tours of the last three remaining Japantowns, a directory of community-based nonprofit organizations in California, a Japanese Language School Directory, historical destinations, a guide to community centers and senior centers, and cultural arts class listings.
- San Francisco Japantown Map and Directory. The most comprehensive map and bilingual directory of Japantown.
“The work done by the (Nichi Bei) Foundation, not only through its stalwart newspaper, but also through the enlightened and dedicated sponsorship of a dizzying array of activities, renders it arguably the extant Nikkei institution that makes the single greatest contribution to the maintenance and enrichment of the history, society, and culture of the Japanese American community.”
— Art Hansen, director emeritus of the California State University, Fullerton Japanese American Oral History Project and former senior historian, Japanese American National Museum
Support the Nichi Bei Foundation
Help us keep the Japanese American community connected, informed and empowered by supporting the Nichi Bei Foundation.
- Become a member and enjoy the benefits, including a subscription to the Nichi Bei News
- Donate today on behalf of yourself or a loved one
- Learn about other ways to give to the Nichi Bei Foundation
Educational Programs
The Nichi Bei Foundation has evolved to create groundbreaking educational programs that shed light on the Japanese American experience:
Films of Remembrance
An annual showcase of films commemorating Films of the signing of Executive Order 9066, Remembrance which led to the forced removal and incarceration of some 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry into American concentration camps during World War Il.
Nikkei Angel Island Pilgrimage
A bi-annual community pilgrimage to the former Angel Island Immigration Station, where up to 85,000 persons of Japanese descent landed at the end of their journey across the Pacific from 1910 to 1940.
Wakamatsu Pilgrimage
A bi-annual community pilgrimage to the site of the first sizable settlement of Japanese in America, the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony established in 1869, in present-day Placerville, Calif.
Atomic Bomb Commemoration
Commemorate the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WWII, the first nuclear destruction of a civilian population in the world, and hear the urgent message for peace by the hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors.
Community Events
Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival
The Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival showcases soy and tofu vendors, Asian American entertainment, a Tofu Dessert Competition and family-fun activities.
Nichi Bei Day of Giving
The Nichi Bei Day of Giving is an opportunity for you to continue to support our community’s pandemic recovery, maintain and expand the Nichi Bei staff capacity, and create reserve funding for unexpected needs.
Nichi Bei Day with the A’s
An annual fundraiser held in conjunction with the Oakland Athletics baseball team.
Nichi Bei Night with the Kings
An annual fundraising held in conjunction with the Sacramento Kings basketball team.
Learn more about the historical roots of the Nichi Bei Foundation on the Our History page.