JACCC in the News: Cultural Conversations and Community Connections

JACCC continues to serve as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and community support in Little Tokyo. Recent media coverage highlights the center's diverse programming that spans generations and artistic disciplines.

X-Change Series Launches with Renowned Author

On April 22, JACCC launched its new X-Change series, featuring conversations with today's most thought-provoking minds. As reported by the Rafu Shimpo, the inaugural event began with a ceremonial cleansing arrow shot by JACCC Master Artist in Residence Hirokazu Kosaka in the center garden, accompanied by guest violinist Vijay Gupta. The evening continued with host Paul Holdengräber engaging acclaimed author Pico Iyer in conversation, setting a powerful tone for this new intellectual series.

Ukulele Program Enriches Seniors' Lives

Enterprise Bank & Trust's Community Impact report featured JACCC's "Ukuleles for Little Tokyo" program, highlighting how these free, bilingual English-Japanese music classes specifically serve local older adults. The program celebrates the ukulele's cultural significance while fostering joy and connection across generations, with seniors occasionally joined by preschool children.

Participant Yoko Isobe shared, "Remembering the good old days and playing and singing together with everyone, I can forget many things and feel happy." The program exemplifies JACCC's commitment to supporting Little Tokyo's seniors, especially those from Low to Moderate Income (LMI) backgrounds in this California-designated Disadvantaged Community.

JACCC President and CEO Patricia Wyatt emphasized the center's historical significance: "Second-generation Japanese Americans rebuilt our community for the first generation, and these individuals come through our campus every day. Here, people can interact as a community in a process, rather than only observing, and share in the beauty of our culture and how it intersects with other cultures in L.A."

This community-focused approach has attracted partners like Enterprise's Community Bank President John Murillo, who now serves on the JACCC Board of Directors. The bank provides monetary support for JACCC's programming, theater, gallery, and other initiatives.

Through diverse offerings like X-Change and Ukuleles for Little Tokyo, JACCC continues its mission of cultural preservation and community enrichment in the heart of Little Tokyo.