Información

-Mission-
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute serves the needs of the Japanese American community of the South Bay Area through educational, cultural and social programs by:

Providing programs and activities, sensitive and relevant, to the needs of our senior citizens and youth;

Offering use of facilities and support to community organizations which foster the best interests and welfare of the community and

Striving to create an environment for better inter-generational understanding, for perpetuating the ethnic heritage of Americans of Japanese ancestry, and for promoting cultural pride and respect for all humanity.

-Company Overview-
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center providing various classes, programs, services, and facilities to the South Bay area. We also provide affordable housing through the JCI Gardens Apartments, the adjacent senior housing property.

The GVJCI's roots date back to 1912, with the establishment of the Moneta Gakuen, a Japanese language school. In 1967, it was formally incorporated as the Gardena Valley Japanese Language School. Then, in 1968, the corporation changed its name to the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute to incorporate the broader services and functions the organization offered. In 1971, Compton Gakuen, Gardena Gakuen, and Moneta Gakuen merged, opening its doors officially as the GVJCI's Japanese Language School.