Founded in 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. A membership-driven national organization whose mission is to promote and uphold human and civil rights, and to promote and preserve the cultural heritage and values of Japanese Americans.



Latest
- The Personal Value of Connecting to the PastI think about myself as a child growing up in the 80s and 90s, and how meaningful Miyo Iwakoshi’s story would have been to me then.
- Learning from Past Historical Mistakes: The Legacy of Executive Order 9066On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced removal and internment of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast during World War II.
- Day of Remembrance 2023Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org Matthew Weisbly, Education & Communications […]
Looking for Volunteers
Portland JACL is an entirely volunteer run organization and we could always use more help. Just a couple of hours a month could support our mission of community, culture and civil rights. Looking for help with:
- Web & Social Media
- Newsletter
- Development
- Membership
- Events
We also have committees for advocacy, finance, and the newsletter, which all members are welcome to join. Meetings take place virtually.
Volunteering with Portland JACL is a great way to give back or to get engaged with the local Nikkei community. Email us at contact@pdxjacl.org or fill out our volunteer interest form. ありがとうThank you!


2022 Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the Japanese Community and Henjyoji Art Award recipients!
Reserve your spot for the 76th annual JA Graduation Banquet April 30 at 1pm at the Monarch Hotel. Email Scholarships@pdxjacl.org.
Oregon Nisei Veterans World War II Memorial Highway.
Help celebrate our Oregon Nisei Veterans as Highway 35, the 41-mile scenic roadway from the Columbia River to Mt. Hood, is dedicated as the Oregon Nisei Veterans World War II Memorial Highway.
Funds for the highway signs and educational material about the historical importance of the Nisei Veterans of World War II must be privately raised.
