JCYC Sponsors JAYA’s 2nd Convention in Japantown

The JAYA Executive Board (front) and convention attendees.

On January 18, the Japanese American Youth Alliance (JAYA) held its second convention at KOHO Creative Hub in San Francisco Japantown. Founded in 2023, JAYA’s mission is to collaborate with young Nikkei organizations, educate each other on Japanese/Japanese American culture and history, and empower young leaders in the northern California community and beyond. JCYC has been with JAYA since its inception and looks forward to continuing to partner on future events.

Attendees representing over 20 organizations enjoyed a day packed with programming including a walking tour of Japantown, games, and group discussions. Members from groups such as Berkeley NSU, UC Davis JASS, San Francisco State NSU, and more spent time connecting over their cultural identities and visions for their respective communities.

JAYA brings to life a long-held vision of JCYC, transforming years of aspiration into reality. “Erika Tamura and I have envisioned a coalition of the various Bay Area Japanese and Japanese American-focused collegiate and high school groups together for about two decades now. We are proud of the foundation JAYA has created and look forward to continuing to support the group moving forward,” says JCYC Director of Programs, Ryan Kimura.

JAYA and JCYC are thrilled to deepen their partnership and explore new opportunities to strengthen and uplift the community. This April, JAYA hopes to bring together members for the Manzanar Pilgrimage.

To learn more about JAYA, visit their Instagram here or email them at norcaljaya@gmail.com. To learn more about JCYC’s Youth Development programs, click here.