310-324-6611
GVJCI
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • History of GVJCI
    • Board and Staff
    • Employment
    • Internships
    • About the Logo
    • Contact Us/ Map
    • Email List
  • Programs/Classes
    • ESL Class >
      • About the Class
      • Meet the Teachers
      • Register
    • Seniors >
      • Tomo No Kai
      • Bento Program
      • Senior Tech Classes
    • Youth >
      • TANOSHII Fun Camp >
        • Camper Registration
        • Testimonials
        • Camp Supporters
        • Activities
        • FAQ
        • Counselor Registration
      • GVJCI Scholarship
      • MAC
      • Boy Scout Troop 683
      • Boy Scout Troop 719
    • Sports >
      • Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
      • Sansei Baseball League
      • South Bay F.O.R Junior Sports Association
      • South Bay Youth Basketball
    • Arts/Music/Dance >
      • Bando Hidesomi
      • Hawaiian Music Class
      • Meito Calligraphy
      • Mel's Ukulele Picking
      • Taiko
    • Health and Wellness >
      • Donation Reiki Clinic
      • Kokoro Yoga
    • Martial Arts >
      • Gardena JCI Kendo
      • Gardena Judo Club
      • Gardena Kendo
      • Gardena Naginata
      • Shotokan Karate
      • Shorinji Kempo
      • Kyudo Renmei
    • The Bridge: GVJCI Heritage Center >
      • Book Club
    • Japanese Language School
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Past Program Resources
    • GVJCI Matsuri
  • How to Help
    • Donate
    • Giving Tuesday
    • Volunteer
    • Vehicle Donation
  • Resources
    • Weekly Calendar of Classes
    • Quarterly Newsletter
    • Rentals
  • GVJCI Blog
    • Blog Terms of Use
    • Want to write for us?
  • Home
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • History of GVJCI
    • Board and Staff
    • Employment
    • Internships
    • About the Logo
    • Contact Us/ Map
    • Email List
  • Programs/Classes
    • ESL Class >
      • About the Class
      • Meet the Teachers
      • Register
    • Seniors >
      • Tomo No Kai
      • Bento Program
      • Senior Tech Classes
    • Youth >
      • TANOSHII Fun Camp >
        • Camper Registration
        • Testimonials
        • Camp Supporters
        • Activities
        • FAQ
        • Counselor Registration
      • GVJCI Scholarship
      • MAC
      • Boy Scout Troop 683
      • Boy Scout Troop 719
    • Sports >
      • Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
      • Sansei Baseball League
      • South Bay F.O.R Junior Sports Association
      • South Bay Youth Basketball
    • Arts/Music/Dance >
      • Bando Hidesomi
      • Hawaiian Music Class
      • Meito Calligraphy
      • Mel's Ukulele Picking
      • Taiko
    • Health and Wellness >
      • Donation Reiki Clinic
      • Kokoro Yoga
    • Martial Arts >
      • Gardena JCI Kendo
      • Gardena Judo Club
      • Gardena Kendo
      • Gardena Naginata
      • Shotokan Karate
      • Shorinji Kempo
      • Kyudo Renmei
    • The Bridge: GVJCI Heritage Center >
      • Book Club
    • Japanese Language School
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Past Program Resources
    • GVJCI Matsuri
  • How to Help
    • Donate
    • Giving Tuesday
    • Volunteer
    • Vehicle Donation
  • Resources
    • Weekly Calendar of Classes
    • Quarterly Newsletter
    • Rentals
  • GVJCI Blog
    • Blog Terms of Use
    • Want to write for us?
  • Home

History of the Gardena Valley JCI

The GVJCI has early beginnings that date back to 1912 when it was founded as the Moneta Gakuen, a Japanese language school.  Having survived through World War II, it was formally established as the Gardena Valley Japanese Language School in 1967.  Then in 1968, the name was changed to the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute to incorporate the broader services and function of the organization. 

Picture

The majority of our weekday daytime programs are dedicated to the seniors in the community.  An average of 200 seniors participate everyday in a wide variety of activities which include arts and crafts, physical fitness, recreational games, dance, music and educational and health classes. The GVJCI administers a bento (Japanese box lunch) program providing close to 50 bentos for 60 to over 100 seniors each weekday catered by Island Eats Cafe.  All of these programs seek to meet the needs of every senior participant, from the seasoned elderly to newly retired seniors looking for stimulating, vigorous activities.  The GVJCI is very grateful for this large group of seniors as the majority of our volunteer base comes from this active and vital support group.

As both a cultural and community center for all ages, the GVJCI sponsors and houses many community activities ranging from martial arts to youth sports to local Scouting programs.  Throughout the week, various martial arts dojos utilize the space provided by the GVJCI.  On Saturdays, the GVJCI Japanese Language School holds classes for both children and adults who are looking to learn the Japanese language in a fun environment with cultural activities.  During the summer, the GVJCI, in conjunction with the South Bay chapter of the Japanese American Citizen’s League, puts on a week-long youth fun camp known as TANOSHII Fun Camp during which elementary school kids learn about their Japanese American heritage and values through hands-on activities, cultural demonstrations, and lessons from cultural and community leaders.
Picture

Come and visit!

GVJCI's Mission and Vision

Our mission is to create a space to engage, share, and embrace the Nikkei experience and culture.

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.




​

Contact Us

 1964 W. 162nd St., Gardena, CA, 90247  |     (310) 324-6611    |      info@jci-gardena.org
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM