310-324-6611
GVJCI
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    • Japanese Language School >
      • JLS Graduates
    • The Bridge: GVJCI Heritage Center
    • Day Of Remembrance >
      • DOR 2023
    • Meditation & More Class
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    • TANOSHII Fun Camp >
      • Camper Registration
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      • Testimonials
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      • Activities
      • FAQ
    • Past Events
  • Organizations
    • Bando Hidesomi
    • Boy Scout Troop 683
    • Boy Scout Troop 719
    • Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
    • Gardena JCI Kendo
    • Gardena Judo Club
    • Gardena Kendo
    • Gardena Naginata
    • Hawaiian Music Class
    • Kyudo Renmei
    • LA Men's Glee Club
    • Meito Calligraphy
    • Sansei Baseball League
    • South Bay F.O.R Junior Sports Association
    • South Bay Youth Basketball
    • Taiko
  • Support Us
    • Become a Friend of the GVJCI
    • 2023 GVJCI Raffle Drawing
    • Become a Bento Buddy
    • Donate Your Car
    • Shop on Amazon
    • Purchase a 2023 Calendar Ad
    • Volunteer
  • Reserve our Facilities
  • Donate
  • Seniors
    • Bento Program
    • Smartphone/Tablet Class
    • TNK Classes
    • Tomo Cafe | 友カフェ
  • Events/Programs
    • Upcoming Events
    • Japanese Language School >
      • JLS Graduates
    • The Bridge: GVJCI Heritage Center
    • Day Of Remembrance >
      • DOR 2023
    • Meditation & More Class
    • GVJCI Scholarship
    • TANOSHII Fun Camp >
      • Camper Registration
      • Counselor Registration
      • Testimonials
      • Camp Supporters
      • Activities
      • FAQ
    • Past Events
  • Organizations
    • Bando Hidesomi
    • Boy Scout Troop 683
    • Boy Scout Troop 719
    • Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
    • Gardena JCI Kendo
    • Gardena Judo Club
    • Gardena Kendo
    • Gardena Naginata
    • Hawaiian Music Class
    • Kyudo Renmei
    • LA Men's Glee Club
    • Meito Calligraphy
    • Sansei Baseball League
    • South Bay F.O.R Junior Sports Association
    • South Bay Youth Basketball
    • Taiko
  • Support Us
    • Become a Friend of the GVJCI
    • 2023 GVJCI Raffle Drawing
    • Become a Bento Buddy
    • Donate Your Car
    • Shop on Amazon
    • Purchase a 2023 Calendar Ad
    • Volunteer
  • Reserve our Facilities
  • Donate

The bridge: GVJCI heritage center

HISTORY

In 2008, a group of volunteers envisioned a center where people could bridge the generations and bridge their understanding and knowledge of the Japanese American cultural heritage so that its legacy would continue into the future.  This was the beginning of “The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center” at the GVJCI.
The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center is located on the 2nd floor of the GVJCI Hall building, where there is an extensive library of books on Japanese and Japanese American literature, culture and history, in both English and Japanese.  Another feature is the Bridge’s tokonoma display of various historical, cultural, or community interest themed artifacts. The Bridge's public programs further explore topics of culture, history, identity, creative writing, crafts, and much more.
The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center is young, but has already presented many past projects, with future ones in store.


The Bridge is run by volunteers, and donations help support the cultural, historical, and educational programs hosted by the Bridge.  With a minimum donation of $1.00, interested individuals can become “Friends of the Bridge” and borrow books from the Bridge library collection.  Members who join at the $5.00 level will receive a Bridge tote bag, and at the $10.00 level, members receive a Bridge t-shirt.

Some Past Programs Include

  • Book events, featuring notable Japanese American authors
  • Japanese American Veterans program for youth
  • Symposium on the history of the Kurata Ranch
  • “Healthier Lifestyle” workshop
  • College application essay-writing preparation workshop
  • GVJCI Carnival book sale
  • Japanese American baseball past and present
  • Japanese traditional arts workshops
  • Bon-odori classes
  • Day of Remebrance events

How To Become a "Friend of the Bridge"

Come to our office or email us at info@jci-gardena.org! We have forms available for you to fill out. 
With a minimum donation of $1, you are a Friend of the Bridge! Please hand us your form and donation to our office or the wooden box at the back of the hallway upstairs. 

Come and visit!

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Contact Us

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