Mission
Statement
To preserve, share and promote the Japanese and Japanese-American culture
and heritage, and provide for the needs and interests of the Japanese-American
community through education and instruction.
The Venice Japanese Community Center (VJCC) has served the Venice area community for more than 75 years. Founded in 1921, to aid and support the small but growing Japanese farming community, the VJCC has become a permanent gathering place for its members. After World War II, this site served as a relocation center for the Japanese Americans returning from internment camps. Now it is a focal point for Japanese American culture.
As the community has grown, so has the center. The center began by offering Judo and Japanese language classes. Today, more than 30 clubs, classes and activities reflect the diverse interests of its members in both the Japanese and American cultures, ranging from traditional arts, such as calligraphy, flower arranging, and martial arts to contemporary activities including basketball, volleyball and line dancing. The Community Center also provides hot lunches for the seniors, supports a Boy Scout Troop, and serves as an election polling place.
The heart of our Community Center is its membership. Each member has a special and vital role. The center draws its strength from its members and is not just for children and seniors, but for the entire family. The Venice Japanese Community Center invites you to become a member to help pass on the values and heritage of your generation to the next, and perhaps learn something about yourself in the process.
To Preserve Japanese American Culture
Traditional Japanese arts
form a strong foundation for the Community Center. The spectrum of arts
includes the fine and classical arts of calligraphy (Shodo), ink painting
(Sumi-e), flower arrangement (Ikebana); dwarfed trees (Bonsai); the musical
arts of stringed instruments (Koto and Shamisen); classical singing (Shigin),
and classical dance (Odori). Martial Arts are also represented with weekly
classes in Aikido, Iaido, Judo, Karate, and Kendo.
To Share Japanese American Culture
Not limited to the arts, Japanese
and American cultures are unified in their common goal of sound morals
and values. The concerns of proper conduct and respect toward others are
embodied in the foundation of the Japanese Language School, Boy Scout
Troop 764, Senior Nutrition program (provides hot lunches for Seniors),
Pioneer Project (creates a bridge between the generations), and the Venice
Youth Council (supports organized sports for children).
To Promote Japanese American Culture
Celebrations throughout the year are open to the community. Shinnenkai and Keiro Kai celebrate the New Year and our Senior members. Traditional arts are displayed and demonstrated at the mid-year VJCC Festival, where Miss Western L.A. is selected to participate in the Miss Nisei Week competition during the Nisei Week Festival. The Center's own Taiko group, Koshin, provides resounding performances at many of our celebrations. The VJCC Community News has been published monthly for over 25 years, and keeps the community informed of its many activities.
To Provide for the Needs of Our Community
The activities that the VJCC
provides for the community reflect the diverse interests and needs of
the members (see the listing below).
Classes & Activities
Updated 1/26/07
CLASSES
CLUBS and AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
DANCE
MARTIAL ARTS
MUSIC
PROGRAMS
SPORTS and PHYSICAL FITNESS
SCHOOLS