310-324-6611
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  • 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

The bridge: GVJCI heritage center

Picture

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. 
​We welcome any input, feedback, and future program ideas.  For more information, call the JCI Office (310) 324-6611.

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.




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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