Who are our members?
Americans of Japanese heritage
Japanese immigrants
Japanese citizens living in the U.S.
Americans interested in Japan
What are our goals?
To create a caring Japanese-American community in which Japanese people new to Fort Wayne can feel comfortable.
Provide opportunity for Americans of Japanese heritage to learn about and appreciate Japanese culture.
To share Japanese culture with those not of Japanese ancestry.
Provide a positive influence for Japanese-American relations.
Provide opportunity for Americans of Japanese heritage to learn about and appreciate Japanese culture.
To share Japanese culture with those not of Japanese ancestry.
Provide a positive influence for Japanese-American relations.
What are some of our programs?
With the help of the Fort Wayne Sister Cities Takaoka Committee and IPFW, we continually support the development of a Japanese Saturday School which provides ESL for Japanese citizens and Japanese Language classes for non-Japanese speaking people
Co-sponsoring the annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Hosting the Japan table and arranging for Japanese art and culture displays and/or performances at the City of Fort Wayne’s International Festivals
A summer and winter party celebrating Japanese culture and providing fun events for our members’ enjoyment
A quarterly e-mail newsletter, kawara-ban, to provide information on events and opportunities of interest to our members, program updates, and Japanese community news (VIEW NEWSLETTER)
Co-sponsoring the annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Hosting the Japan table and arranging for Japanese art and culture displays and/or performances at the City of Fort Wayne’s International Festivals
A summer and winter party celebrating Japanese culture and providing fun events for our members’ enjoyment
A quarterly e-mail newsletter, kawara-ban, to provide information on events and opportunities of interest to our members, program updates, and Japanese community news (VIEW NEWSLETTER)
What is our history?
The Japanese American Association of Indiana (JAAI) was formed in 1986 in response to a tragic car accident involving a Japanese exchange student. The student’s non-English-speaking parents came to Fort Wayne and stayed for many months. The Japanese American community came together to assist the family, to help each other as a Japanese-American community and to encourage cross-cultural understanding.
How are we organized?
Officers: The JAAI is an unofficial organization. Each year at least three people are elected at the Winter Party to be the Association’s Co-Chairmen. They plan the Summer and Winter parties for the following year and coordinate members to carry out the Association’s programs.
We do not officially collect dues, but members pay a fee towards expenses of the Summer Party and the Winter Party (determined by event but usually about $10). Other donations are welcome. This money pays for postage for mailings, program expenses, and flowers or cards to families at special occasions (such as weddings, funerals, birth of children, etc.)
We do not officially collect dues, but members pay a fee towards expenses of the Summer Party and the Winter Party (determined by event but usually about $10). Other donations are welcome. This money pays for postage for mailings, program expenses, and flowers or cards to families at special occasions (such as weddings, funerals, birth of children, etc.)
We Invite You to Join Us!
For Japanese speakers, please contact Toyoharu Tamura (260-426-5568)
For English speakers, please contact Michele Yamanaka (260-424-5070)
Winter Party
More Coming Soon...
Upcoming JAAI Events
Check back frequently for updates!
New Year Celebration 2007
New Year Celebration 2008
Summer Party
JAAI Quarterly Newsletter