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Nima-kai

Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) @GVJCI

OUR MISSION私達の使命 ​A space to engage, share, and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture.日系の経験と文化に関わり、共有し、受け入れる空間 OUR VISION私たちのビジョン The GVJCI envisions a vibrant network and a welcoming space for all persons interested in Japanese heritage and culture where history and tradition are honored, people are inspired to create action and change, and cultural pride and respect for all humanity are promoted.ガーデナバレーJCIは歴史と伝統が尊重され、日本文化と伝統に興味のある全ての人々のために活気に満ちたネットワークと親しみやすい空間を理想としており、そして歴史と伝統が讃えられ、人々が行動と変化を起こすよう鼓舞され、全人類に対する文化的誇りと尊敬が促進されることを理想としています。   Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center providing various classes, services and programs for seniors, non-senior adults and youth in the South Bay of Los Angeles County for over 50 years.  Our mission is to create a space to engage, share, and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture. We are a hidden gem located on the border of the cities of Gardena and Torrance, and the beautiful Southern California beach cities.​​ガーデナバレーJCIは50年以上に渡って住宅、多種のクラス、サービス、シニアから子供達までいろいろな年齢の方々のためのプログラムをサポートする非営利団体です。私達の使命は日系コミュニティのニーズに応えることです。教育、文化、社会プログラムを通して、日本文化そして日系社会の文化を分かち合うことです。私たちはガーデナ市とトーランス市、そして南カリフォルニアの美しいビーチ街との境界に位置する隠れた名所です。

Gardena, California, United States of America Nima since 2010 last login 4 months ago
@kirk_hora

I am a 4th Generation Nikkeijin. Interested and want to know my Japanese family history.

Philippines Nima since 2024 last login 1 year ago
@Linko

Linda has written a few articles for Discover Nikkei relating her and her best friend's experiences as the daughters of Japanese mothers who emigrated from Japan to the U.S. in the aftermath of World War II, as the brides of their U.S. soldier fathers from the American South. Linda Cooper is a communications consultant and freelance writer with more than 30 years of experience as a public relations practitioner, U.S. Senate press secretary and journalist. She holds a BA in journalism and political science from Mississippi University for Women.

Tennessee, United States of America Nima since 2015 last login 1+ years ago
@momiji

California, United States of America Nima since 2009 last login 1+ years ago

Nima of the Month

Learn about some of our favorite Nima and what they like about Discover Nikkei.

Manuel Okata @ManuelOkata

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Manuel Okata was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He studied visual arts at the Benny Moré Arts Academy and the Cuban University of the Arts in Havana, where he graduated from the Scenic Design program in 2020. Since he was a child, his family was always very connected to the Nikkei community. In 2017, Manuel had the honor of meeting the former prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, which sparked him to take on a more active role in the community. In 2019, he traveled to Japan to study Japanese language and culture through the MEXT program, and had the opportunity to reconnect with several family members.

Manuel became a Discover Nikkei volunteer in 2024. He has lent his illustration and graphic design skills to our site and our social media accounts, including creating an Oshogatsu illustration for our email newsletter and Instagram and revamping our Nikkei Uncovered poetry column logo. We are so grateful for Manuel’s creative contributions to making our site a more vibrant and colorful place, and we’re excited to share more of his work in the coming months!

How did you learn about Discover Nikkei and why did you decide to become a volunteer?

After returning from Japan, I continued my activities within the Comité Gestor of the Japanese colony in Cuba, in charge of areas related to education and culture, alongside Susana Oye. Through her, I learned about the project called Discover Nikkei. A year ago I arrived in the United States, and I wanted to find a way to stay connected with the Nikkei community here, which is why I decided to offer myself as a volunteer and collaborator with Discover Nikkei through illustration and design. I hope in the future to remain connected and connect further with all the Nikkei here and around the world.

How do you connect to your Nikkei identity?

I think I connect with my Nikkei identity through my day-today, even in my projects. It’s part of who I am and I feel proud. In my work, I try to fuse my cultural roots, like I myself am: a mix of various nationalities and identities.

Meet more Nima of the Month

Are you a Nima*?

Nima are members of Discover Nikkei’s global community called Nima-kai. Create an account and share your personal and community stories, events, and more related to the Nikkei experience. Connect with Nima around the world!
*The term “Nima” comes from combining Nikkei and nakama (Japanese for “colleagues”, or “fellows”, or “circle”).
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Discover Nikkei Updates

DISCOVER NIKKEI PROGRAM
July 12 • Burnaby, British Columbia
Join us for a book talk, reception, and panel discussion on Japanese Canadian history. The panel discussion will also be live-streamed via Zoom!
NIKKEI CHRONICLES #14
Nikkei Family 2: Remembering Roots, Leaving Legacies
Baachan, grandpa, tía, irmão… what does Nikkei family mean to you? Submit your story!
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